Doha’s Absurdly Expensive Hilton LXR Resorts

There are a seemingly endless number of hotels opening in Qatar. Presumably much of this construction was motivated by Qatar hosting the World Cup, though one has to wonder where exactly the long term demand will come from for these properties.

For example, earlier this year, Hilton had zero luxury hotels in Qatar. By next year (2023), the country will have two Waldorf Astoria and two Hilton LXR properties. In this post I wanted to talk about the two Hilton LXR properties that have recently opened in Qatar, as I think they might just be the two most expensive hotels in Hilton’s portfolio… at least as of now.

I recognize Qatar is an incredibly rich country, though I question where exactly the demand is supposed to come from for this, especially given the price point…

Katara Hills Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Katara Hills Doha just recently opened. The property consists of 15 villas, each featuring a private pool. Entry level rooms are 1,765 square feet (164 square meters). The hotel is located in Katara Cultural Village, described by the hotel as “the most prestigious destination in Qatar.” Specifically, the hotel has been built in the Katara Hills, which seems to be… a manmade grassy hill in Qatar?

Oddly Hilton’s website doesn’t reference anything about restaurants at the hotel, and there aren’t even real pictures of the hotel yet, even though it’s open.

You can find renderings of the hotel below.

Rates at this property start at over $3,000 per night, including in the peak of summer, when it is painfully hot. Unfortunately at the moment none of the accommodations are considered “standard” rooms, so Hilton Honors points redemptions cost roughly one million points per night.

Maysan Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Maysan Doha also just recently opened. As it’s described, the “opulent urban resort” is just 13 kilometers from town, and is “rooted in royal Qatari tradition yet reimagined for modern-day living.” The property “boasts palatial rooms with private pools, 5-star cuisine, bespoke concierge services and immersive local experiences.” Entry level rooms are 785 square feet (73 square meters).

The hotel offers a spa, a cigar lounge, a signature restaurant, and a shisha lounge. Once again, there are no real pictures of the property yet, even though it’s allegedly open.

Rates at this property start at over $2,500 per night, including in the peak of summer. Unfortunately at the moment none of the accommodations are considered “standard” rooms, so Hilton Honors points redemptions cost roughly one million points per night.

Bottom line

Hilton has recently opened two LXR properties in Qatar, which are currently the most expensive properties in the Hilton portfolio, in terms of the rates for base rooms. Both hotels cost $2,500+ per night, which seems outrageous to me.

While I’d gladly stay here (out of curiosity) if standard room points redemptions were available, unfortunately only premium awards are available, so rates are outrageous in both cash and points.

What do you make of these two new LXR properties?