Movenpick Doha redefines staycation with their new brunchcation package

Stressed?! Need a vacation but can’t find the time? Then do like I did and book yourself into the Movenpick Doha for a staycation. Or as they call it, their Brunchcation Package.

Stay in this gorgeous hotel for one night (Thursday night) then have a relaxing morning by the pool before enjoying a sumptuous Friday Buffet Brunch which is included in the price. 

Let me start by stating that this promotion is absolutely outstanding value. For a solo guest (someone staying on their own) it’s QR 399. That’s a bargain. But where it becomes outstanding value and a mega bargain is when there are two or more of you.

The price for 2 adults sharing is just QR 499 including that awesome Friday brunch. And if you take your kids and they are under 12 they get to stay with you and have brunch completely free as well!

So potentially a whole family can chill and have a wonderful weekend break for just QR 499. A family of 4 works out at less than QR 125 each. However, children 12 and over are classed as adults and you will need to book another room for them at the same rate.

The Movenpick Doha was opened in 2001, and is one of the pioneering big five hotels here in Qatar. But don’t let its age concern you. All its facilities are bang up to date with a luxurious feel and superior service that comes with a hotel of such heritage.

After you have checked in on Thursday night you can choose to stay within the hotel and make use of its restaurant, gym, pool, Jacuzzi and other in house facilities.

Or venture out to take in the many attractions in easy walking distance such as Souq Waqif, the Islamic Museum of Art and the MIA Park or eat in one of the many eateries close by, from small cafes to the opulent Orient Pearl Restaurant. Before retiring to your deluxe room for a good night’s sleep.

The type of room you get depends on the number of people staying. As I was on my own I was given a Deluxe King room, and it was pure luxury. So big! And my view over the corniche was outstanding.

When I entered my room, there on the table was a lovely tray of fruit, cakes and even cheese and crackers. The air-conditioning was quiet and efficient, and the curtains are blackout curtains, so the room was completely dark once the lights were off. And I slept like a baby.

When you wake up refreshed in the morning you can choose to take a light breakfast like me and have a croissant with coffee, or you can take a seat in the restaurant for one of the best breakfast buffets in town.

But to be honest that would be a mistake considering your buffet brunch will be starting at 12 noon. Breakfast is not included in the package, but you do get 30% off as part of the promotion.

So the QR 75 breakfast buffet works out at QR 52.5 per person, but like I say with brunch coming along soon there really is no need. The 30% off also covers all food and beverages during your stay, so if you do dine in on Thursday night you get 30% off your bill for that as well.

And they have a superb Seafood Buffet on a Thursday night which normally cost QR 150, but will only cost you QR 105 each. And trust me, it’s a really, really good seafood buffet.

After my breakfast of coffee and croissants, I changed into my swimwear and headed down for a morning by the pool. I ventured into the gym, but decided to spend some time in the steam room instead of doing all that hard work stuff. And before I knew it, it was time to change and get ready for brunch.

Although I have never stayed in the hotel before, I have been to the Seasons restaurant a number of times. And the Movenpick Doha has one of my favourite Friday brunches. It has everything that I like. I’m a roast beef fan, and they cook a really good roast beef which I had with roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy. A really good British roast dinner if you like.

That was followed by a plate of sushi, sashimi and shellfish. Then an excellent chicken biriyani before a having a chocolate crepe with raspberries and coffee ice cream on top prepared for me. I wrapped the meal up with a selection of cheeses and fruit washed down with a nice cup of coffee.

That was my brunch, but there were many other options I could have selected from. Too many to mention, and way too much for me to have sampled everything. But there is something for every taste, and you like me will undoubtedly eat too much.

I seriously didn’t want to drive home. But alas I had work in the morning. So I resisted the temptation to book a second night and made my way home feeling refreshed, relaxed and very full.

Location

Overlooking the Corniche seafront promenade, this refined, contemporary hotel is just a 14-minute walk from the Museum of Islamic Art and 2km from Souq Waqif.

Movenpick Doha's Brunchcation Package was reviewed by Brian Candy, a long-time QL follower. For reservations, please call Movenpick Doha on +974 4429 1111.