The Golden Tulip - a blossoming hotel

The Golden Tulip hotel, located on the Corniche, is a hotel that deserves more attention. Faced with stiff competition from neighboring, and more established brands, The Golden Tulip certainly has its work cut out for it. We were recently invited for an overnight stay to find out what the hotel has to offer.

Right off the bat, the hotel offers the friendliest and most attentive staff you’re likely to encounter from the moment you arrive at the lobby. Their welcoming and refreshing lemon water is literally placed in your hands upon check-in, making you feel like you’re the only guest in town. This is a huge plus.

 The rooms are where the real charm lay, as Golden Tulip offers the most spacious rooms around. The executive suite I was staying in boasted enough space to make it feel as though I had a second room attached. With two bathrooms, a changing room, a couch and an office desk, there really was no reason for me to ever leave the room, but alas, I wanted to experience the rest of the hotel.

 The hotel’s meeting rooms are ideal for conferences and seminars, and much like the rooms, the space available is certainly unmatched for a hotel of the Golden Tulip’s size.

Amenities such as the gym and pool continue the aforementioned theme, with the added bonus of a spectacular view of the Corniche thrown in for good measure. Both offer enough privacy for you to get your sweat (or off) on at your own convenience.

 For dining, the hotel has two offerings, the Restretto café located in the lobby, and the first-floor restaurant, Symphony. It was my second-time dining in the Symphony restaurant; my first experience set the bar VERY high, and I was concerned that my next meal would disappoint. However, this was not the case as the French chef’s class shines through with each and every dish that is prepared. I cannot state this clear enough, the Symphony’s food is world class. And don’t leave without at least trying their Um Ali. It is the best I’ve had in thus far in my 3 years in Qatar. 

A comfortable bed and morning breakfast buffet meant my stay was over far too quickly, but one would feel that is exactly what the Golden Tulip excels in – a refreshing short stay.

Like any hotel there are always issues which we, as a guest, find and the real test of the hotel service is how they deal with those. The Golden Tulip staff is to be commended, as any query I had was dealt with immediately and communication was swift and transparent. Not just that, but their friendly manner and genuine warmth from each and every staff member was appreciated. It is those small things which turn a pleasant stay into a memorable one.