Somerset or le Mirage?
Hello,
Me and my partner will be going to Doha for a few months. Accomodationwise we can sort of chose between Le Mirage and Somerset Appartments. Which one is better? I suppose, locationwise the Somerset is closer to the Al Jazy tower. But which one has the better internet connection? And which one has the better pool and gym?
Internet connection is the most important issue regarding the accomodation. If the gym in both is not good enough, are there gyms within easy reach of both locations where women can train each day? I'm not sure I'm currently able to pay for a luxurious expat resort, so I'm rather thinking of a modest gym with some cardio machines, free weights and good trainers.
What about supermarkets/minimarkets and restaurants? Are there any within walking distance of both?
Thanks a lot,
SFG
could you also send me some contact details for somerset as i am looking for accomodation in doha also?
thanks
All depends what Le Mirage you are talking about, I spent 2 nights in the Le Mirage Sharq, which is a hotel or more like B&B with very limited breakfast, I would give it 2 stars, I am now in the Le Mirage Executive Residence which is a tower block of suites downtown off Al Diwan street, its not very good at all, probably 3 stars max, the kitchen is 2 electric hobs with some pots and pans, the bathroom leaks, I am situated above the Indian restaurant which gets noisy especially at midnight when they clear away, there is a building site next door and they have been using a JCB with a jackhammer at 6 am!!! The service is fairly good I suppose and there is a gym which is ok but no pool, I am told there is more Le Mirage sites though
don't know what you mean by early but most companies here start at 6 or 7 in the morning.... so the roads are busy early.
http://www.qatarliving.com/node/41367
love, life, laughter
Thanks for all your answers. We're married so no problem there. My company will provide accomodation and a car for us and pay for it. It's just the choice between both apartments we need to make. Commuting should, as far as I heard not be the problem as working hours start very early, before one can really get stuck in traffic jam *rolleyes & yawn* We'll get there in late summer and all through the winter to spring. So hopefully we'll miss the hottest period.
So priority is really:
1. Reliable internet
2. Reliable internet
...
09. Preferably not next to a construction side (noise, dirt)
10. Gym
11. Area: would probably prefer some restaurants and (local) minimarts to huge malls and office blocks. but as we've not been to Qatar yet we don't know what to expect and if such areas exist at all.
SFG, please send me PM and I will give you a contact at Somerset, he can give you good rates. I can send you also more details about it also. I've stayed only for a few nights, but its also a place to consider for long stay. Since they already have the pots, plates, regular housekeeping, indoor pool, gym and the american grill restaurant.
i have experienced living in Somerset and I find it five star. near the main business area of Doha and shopping mall as well. as for the gym, yes for that, and the swimming pool is indoor. there is American Grill there, then the rest, you can just explore within the city. good luck. :)
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"Admit your mistakes...before someone exaggerates the story."
in your question
1--you say your partner. Are you married? If not then be advised that it is illegal for unmarried people to live together here. It is a serious offense.
2- walking. You will not want to walk anywhere here in Qatar. In a months time (or less) it will be hotter than hot here. Plus Doha is not at all walking friendly. People drive on the sidewalk-seriously-and it is just not safe to cross roads at all.
As for where to live. Find out through Google earth where the office is compared to these 2 housing choices. choose the closer one. End of discussion.
I live in Le Mirage Village (villas) and it's one of the best compounds in Qatar. Le Mirage Apartments is anoher branch of it, different is (apartments)it has a really good finishing. It's safe. Good gym but I am not sure about the pool. But I think they should have one there. Internet connection is good (wireless) "I am sorry :D"
Pans, not sure about that, but there was plates, and a tea serving set when we moved in. It's a nice place, hope you like it. I don't know where Somerset is,never been there. But you have to reconsider it too. What I know is Le Mirage is an international residential company, so it's not anything. And there is laundry and small cafeteria, reception and lobby (in case you got bored from home):)
I advise you to move in Le Mirage. :)
Best of Luck
M.S
"Better in time...down just like that"
I don't care so much about alcohol. OK, those will be some tough months but we'll survive ;) Hmm, a good kitchen might be important as we prefer to cook. No 8 pit gas range but just a normal oven and 4 pits. And at least 1-2 pans and two cooking pots in the kitchen. Then we're happy.
no, internet is important as otherwise my better half won't be able to work, would get bored and spend all my hardearned money :D.
i think le mirage is ok abut uoy cant get alcohole in both .