Review: LXR Katara Hills – A Hidden Gem in Doha
If you’re planning a trip to Qatar or flying Qatar Airways with a stopover in Doha, LXR Katara Hills is one of the most luxurious—and underrated—ways to experience the city. Part of Hilton’s top-tier LXR Hotels & Resorts brand, this all-villa property combines modern elegance and excellent value when booked with Hilton Honors points or a Free Night Certificate.
In this review, we’ll share what makes the property special, how we booked our stay and what perks to expect as a Hilton Diamond member.
What Is LXR Katara Hills?
LXR Hotels & Resorts is Hilton’s most exclusive brand, featuring ultra-luxury properties in iconic destinations like the Seychelles, Kyoto, and Bali. LXR Katara Hills is one of its newest additions—an all-villa boutique property nestled within Doha’s Katara Cultural Village. The hotel is about 30 minutes from Hamad International Airport (DOH) by taxi or Uber. If you’re flying in on Qatar Airways, this is the perfect spot for spending a stopover.
Unlike traditional luxury hotels, LXR Katara Hills offers just a handful of standalone villas, each with full privacy and sweeping views of the green hills. It feels less like a hotel, and more like your own house.
Hotel Grounds: Inside the Two-Story Villa and Dining at Gymkhana Doha
We stayed in a spacious one-bedroom villa, spread across two floors and over 1,000 square feet. Highlights include the private outdoor pool with views of Katara Hills, the large master bedroom with spa-inspired master bathroom with a soaking tub, and the stylish living and dining areas for working and relaxing.
Lastly, the hotel’s on-site restaurant is Gymkhana Doha, a sibling to the two-Michelin-starred Gymkhana London. Expect upscale Indian cuisine, rich flavors, and a glamorous atmosphere. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth visiting for the food alone.
How to Book LXR Katara Hills, Using Hilton Diamond Member Perks, and Amenities
We used a Hilton Free Night Certificate from the Amex Hilton Aspire Card, which covers any standard room at almost any Hilton property—including luxury LXR hotels. The cash rate is usually over $1,300, making this an incredible redemption value especially if you are laying over in Doha. Alternatively, you can use Hilton Honors points to book a villa for 130,000-140,000 points per night.
As Hilton Diamond members, we also received early check-in, late checkout, and complimentary in-villa breakfast that beat any other Hilton luxury hotels we’ve ever been to. The hotel offers complimentary E-bikes. One downside here is that there is no on-site fitness center. However, you do have your own pool, and they have some weights included in each villa.
Final Thoughts
Is LXR Katara Hills worth it? Yes—especially if you’re using a Free Night Certificate. This is one of the best redemptions in Hilton’s luxury portfolio by far based on its high nightly rates, expansive floor plan in a private oasis, and exceptional dining options for Diamond members. It truly is a Hilton hidden gem out in Doha.