Fans visiting the country could rub shoulders with some of the two dozen teams staying within 10km of each other
Boutique accommodations, universities, and luxury hotels await the 32 World Cup teams heading to Qatar to compete in one of the world's largest sporting events next month.
Twenty-four of these teams will be staying within 10km of Doha, providing fans with the opportunity to do some serious star spotting.
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Qatar, Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel. Photo: The Torch Hospitality |
New hotels have been opening under a soft-launch phase to prepare for the arrival of some of the most expensive footballers on the planet with tastes to match.
While each base camp reserved for national teams may differ, the one thing they have in common is five-star luxury served alongside some of the best training grounds possible.
Each team will have access to their own World Cup training facilities close to their hotel - referred to as each nation’s Team Base Camp (TBC) according to the organizing committee.
Each nation was given a variety of hotel options, with a first come, first served rule in effect if more than one country wanted the same venue.
Of the 32 teams, 24 will be staying close to Doha, while eight others, including England, Germany, Belgium, and Portugal, have preferred to stay further away from the frenzy of the center.
Group by group, these are the hotels that national teams will be calling home next month.
GROUP - A
Qatar - Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel
This opulent hotel backs onto the green spaces of the Aspire Park, and could easily be mistaken for a French chateau or country estate in middle England.
The property is fitting as an escape for the hosts to prepare in sumptuous surroundings with 139 rooms, a fully equipped gym, outdoor and indoor pools, and a spa.
Netherlands - St Regis, Doha
The classy Dutch will have to live up to their billing as one of the World Cup’s dark horses with an impressive recent run of form.
Their hotel matches the class of the Dutch teams of the past, with 335 rooms and an Olympic-sized swimming pool in which players can relax weary legs.
A new steakhouse, the Astor Grill, opened recently, while a huge selection of restaurants can be found at the nearby Al Gassar Resort.
Senegal – Duhail Handball Sports Hall
Less salubrious surroundings await Senegal, who have been allocated a sports hall from which to make their World Cup preparations.
The Duhail Handball Sports Hall opened in 2014 ahead of the World Men’s Handball championships a year later.
The Olympic standard venue sits alongside the adjacent Al Tarfa and Duhail districts.
Ecuador – Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha
‘La Tri’ will be staying close to Hamad International Airport at the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha for the duration of their stay in the tournament.
The hotel is home to a variety of dining options, with Chinese restaurant Chi’Zen and Spanish-themed The Cellar sure to be popular choices for team staff.
The hotel has 400 rooms, 12 suits, a jacuzzi, a gym, and an outdoor pool.
GROUP - B
England – Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar
This hotel by Tivoli sits next to the souq in Al Wakrah, around a 25-minute journey from the center of Doha.
Manager Gareth Southgate and the English FA took the decision to base the squad further out of Doha, to focus on the challenge ahead.
This boutique hotel has all the Arabic flair you would expect with stunning sea views and an all-day Mediterranean-style restaurant - Jarnen.
Iran – AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton
With direct access to the Mall of Qatar, this hotel is the perfect spot for players who may want to pick up souvenirs during their stay in Doha.
It also has an outdoor pool and gym to keep the squad in top condition for the difficult games ahead.
USA – Marsa Malaz Kempinski
The American national team will be based in the heart of The Pearl - Qatar, a man-made island home to a long list of luxury hotels.
The Kempinski hotel the likes of US and Chelsea star Christian Pulisic will call home for the World Cup has a number of high-end restaurants, including Spanish eatery El Faro, Toro Toro, and a sports bar.
Wales – Delta Hotels City Center Doha
The Dragons will be staying at one of the new hotels in Doha that is due to open this month.
Located in the heart of West Bay, close to the cruise ships where many supporters will be staying, the 32-storey hotel is likely to be a popular venue for fans with a number of food and beverage outlets.
GROUP - C
Argentina – Qatar University Hostel 1
One of the tournament favorites, Argentina, will be staying in more modest surroundings when compared to their tournament rivals.
The Qatar University campus in Education City may not offer all the tourist trappings of West Bay and The Pearl, but a quieter base could be just the preparation Lionel Messi and co may need to secure their third FIFA World Cup.
Poland – Ezdan Palace Hotel
Robert Lewandowski and his teammates will be staying at this Andalusian-themed luxury hotel in Al Duhail South.
A huge leisure pool or hotel spa will be the perfect spot to unwind and prepare for games as the Poles aim to qualify from the group stage for the first time since 1982.
Saudi Arabia – Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort
Another team looking for quieter surroundings is Qatar’s neighbor Saudi Arabia.
Staying 45 minutes outside of Doha at the Murwab Resort, players will enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the 58 private villas within the hotel grounds.
Mexico – Simaisma, a Murwab Resort
The tournament’s second ‘El Tri’, Mexico has also chosen a Murwab Resort as a World Cup base camp.
Slightly closer to Doha at around 25 minutes, the Mexican players will also enjoy the luxury solace of the resort’s 52 villas, complete with a private terrace and pool.
GROUP - D
France – Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
The holders may be beset with their traditional struggles of controversy and discontent in the build-up to the tournament, but France can put all that aside once settled into an oasis of calm at Al Messila by Marriott Bonvoy.
A huge spa across 14,000 square meters will be the perfect spot to rejuvenate, while a walk through the hotel’s indigenous-scented gardens could provide the perfect recovery tonic between games.
Tunisia – Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach
Close to Doha Mall and the DECC metro station, this 278-room hotel will be home to the Tunisian national side during the tournament.
The hotel has a big gym, and spa with a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and outdoor pool.
Australia – New Aspire Academy Athlete Accommodation
Like Argentina and Senegal, Australia has decided to stay in purpose-built accommodations for athletes rather than the glitzy hotels of central Doha.
The more modest surrounding of the Aspire Zone will be the base for Australia for the tournament, but it could be a brief stay as the Socceroos have been drawn into one of the more difficult groups.
Denmark – Retaj Salwa Resort & Spa
The Retaj Salwa Resort lies on the gateway to Qatar on the Salwa Road and is a 30-minute drive into central Doha.
The hotel has 168 rooms and villas, as well as a choice of four restaurants for guests, including the seafood eatery Fishkoza.
GROUP - E
Spain – Qatar University Hostel 2
Like Argentina, the Spain football team will be staying at Qatar University in Education City.
Japan – Radisson Blu Hotel Doha
The Japan team will be staying at one of Doha’s oldest and most well-established hotels.
It offers plenty of places to recharge and unwind with more than 20 restaurants and bars making it a likely hotspot for fans.
Costa Rica – dusitD2 Salwa Doha
Just 20 minutes from Doha city center, the five-start D2 Salwa will be home to Costa Rica during the World Cup.
The hotel has plenty of eateries, including the popular Lemon Garden.
Germany – Zulal Wellness Resort
Like England, Germany has preferred to stay out of town away from the madding crowds.
Zulal opened in November 2021 and is Qatar’s largest wellness resort.
GROUP - F
Belgium – Hilton Salwa Beach Resort
Belgium will be hoping to emerge from another difficult group and make one of the stronger European challenges for the trophy.
A 3.5km private beach at the Hilton Salwa will offer the perfect spot for downtime for players between matches.
Canada – Century Marina Hotel Lusail
Canada could prove to be another surprise hit during the World Cup after an impressive qualifying campaign and will be staying in Qatar’s newest city - Lusail.
The Century Marina is in the heart of the city, a short walk from the National Museum.
Morocco – Wyndham Doha West Bay
With four swimming pools and a location close to central Doha, the second Wyndham hotel in the city will host Morocco.
The hotel has easy access to The Gate Mall and is a little further away from the beach than the city’s other Wyndham hotel.
Croatia – Hilton Doha
Croatia is one of 24 teams staying within close proximity of each other in West Bay.
As the runners-up in Russia 2018, this could be the last hurrah for some of Croatia’s vaunted stars such as Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic.
The hotel is also home to a Trader Vic’s and Shots sports bar so sure to be popular with World Cup fans.
GROUP - G
Brazil – The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
The boys from Brazil are hot favorites to win the 2022 World Cup and for good reason.
The Westin Doha will be their home, probably until the tournament’s latter stages and well into December.
Players can relax and unwind at the hotels stunning outdoor pool or Heavenly Spa.
Cameroon – Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb
Team staff and hotel guests who choose to eat at the Thai restaurant Saffron will be treated to spectacular views.
Players can also unwind at the hotel’s Banyan Tree Spa, catch a film at the nearby Vox cinema, or visit the Quest indoor theme park.
Serbia – Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
This is another new hotel built just in time for the start of the World Cup and the imminent arrival of Serbia.
The Rixos sits on the site of Doha’s first five-star hotel and is an all-inclusive destination for guests.
Switzerland – Le Royal Méridien Doha
This hotel is in Lusail and recently opened its doors in June and is connected to another new venue, the glittering Place Vendome mall which opened in April.
The 377-room hotel is the first from the European-born brand in Qatar and is inspired by the 1960s glamour of the French Riviera.
The hotel is inspired by the country’s pearl diving history, with chandeliers representing mother-of-pearl shells, and coral reef art on the walls of the lobby.
GROUP - H
Portugal – Al Samriya Autograph Collection Hotel
The Qatar World Cup is likely to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance for glory, and he is surrounded by stars in the national team who will be staying at the Al Samriya Autograph Collection Hotel.
This is another new hotel due to open this month with 60 rooms, and 27 villas, and is close to the FBQ Museum.
South Korea – Le Méridien City Centre, Doha
Home to the South Korea Football team the Le Méridien City Center is close to the Delta Hotel where the Welsh will be staying.
Once open, the hotel will have 353 rooms, and six restaurants and bars, including the Mediterranean restaurant KAZA.
Ghana – DoubleTree by Hilton Doha, Al Sadd
The African stars will be staying close to the home of Qatar’s best football team - Al Sadd.
Players staying there can visit the Nashville-inspired bar Broadway Brasserie, the pan-Asian spot Indo-Chin, and the casual bar StrEAT Culture.
Uruguay – Pullman Doha West Bay
The Pullman Doha is yet another new hotel built especially for the World Cup.
It will be home to the Uruguay national team, a side that traditionally punches well above its weight at World Cups.
Also located in West Bay, the 47-storey hotel has 375 hotel rooms, 93 apartments, and a 24-hour gym and a spa.
(Source: The National)
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