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Stay in a floating hotel near Doha for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Jan. 23, 2020
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3 min read
ADMARES_floating_hotels_Qetaifan_02
Stay in a floating hotel near Doha for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
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Doha, Qatar, is the host city for the FIFA World Cup 2022 soccer tournament, which is one of the world's most-watched (and most-attended) events. Host cities around the world go on construction frenzies in the years leading up to the World Cup, building everything from infrastructure such as drainage systems and new bridges to housing for the athletes and hotels for the guests who will descend on the city once the tournament starts.

Planners in Doha are taking a novel approach to upping the city's hotel-room capacity, creating a set of 16 floating hotels on Qetaifan Island North, near Doha. Unlike some floating hotels that were actually once oceanliners (we're looking at you, Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai), these accommodations are being newly built.

The project's island home measures about 4.7 million square feet and features seven beaches, which are sure to be attractive to the throngs of visitors expected to attend the event. The hotels will be within walking distance to Lusail International Stadium, the location of the opening and closing games of the World Cup.

(Rendering courtesy of ADMARES)

Each of the four-story hotels will have 101 rooms. The project will have 1,616 rooms in total, along with a restaurant and a lounge car, according to the press release.

The hotels will be built by a company called ADMARES, which calls itself "the world leader in alternative real estate with pioneering construction methods." The award-winning Finnish architecture firm Sigge Architects is responsible for the design. These floating hotels are crafted to have a minimal carbon footprint and will be powered by solar energy.

(Rendering courtesy of ADMARES)

This project could prove to be a trend-setter, as the structures as designed don't require a deep-water harbor. In fact, these hotels can be placed in any location where the water is at least 13 feet deep. We could easily see this concept being replicated in other seaside locations where temporary housing or lodging is needed.

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If you're planning on visiting Doha for the World Cup but would rather stay elsewhere, the city has plenty of points hotels to suit your needs. If you're a Marriott loyalist, you have more than 10 choices, including two Ritz-Carlton properties, a St. Regis, a W and a Luxury Collection hotel. While Marriott has the largest presence, IHG has seven hotels, Hilton six and Hyatt two.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.