How to find accommodation for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
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As a football fan who has taken advantage of my travels to attend matches in different countries (see my accounts in Argentina, in Colombia, in Italy, in Portugal, in Turkey, in Mexico, in Canada), I haven’t had the chance to attend a World Cup yet.
With the idea of attending the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, I signed up for the FIFA lottery that gives the right to buy tickets.
I got the right to buy two tickets for two matches of the French team in the first round. That’s four tickets for a total of 2,400 QAR, which is 615 euros. That’s about 150 euros per seat. It’s a bit pricey for a first round, but why not. It’s a World Cup, it’s the French team.
Before paying to finalize my tickets (I have until June 15 to do so), I want to evaluate the cost of accommodation, which will undoubtedly be the biggest expense.
First challenge: FIFA and the Qatari government have requisitioned all hotels for the duration of the competition. It’s impossible to use the usual platforms (Booking.com, Hotels.com, etc.); you have to go through the official competition website.
So let’s look at the options available to me for a 10-night stay from November 21 to December 1 (from the day before the first match to the day after the second match).
Since Qatar is a small country, I’m not constraining myself by city, betting on the fact that getting around won’t be too difficult.
Airbnb
As a heavy Airbnb user for years, it’s my first instinct.
And it’s a cold shower.
First, there are very few listings available (barely 40 for my dates) and the rates are sky-high. The most “affordable” option is 480 €/night for a simple room in someone’s home with shared bathroom. For my 10 nights, adding platform fees, the total is 4,791 €.
Apartments
The official site offers apartments and villas.
This is the most economical solution.
In euros, that’s 935 €, or 93 € per night, which I find very acceptable.
At that price, don’t expect a premium location. It’s in the middle of nowhere southwest of Al Wakrah City (see link Google Map). In accommodations that were likely created specifically for the World Cup. The site mentions shuttle buses to the metro but no further details. Unless you plan to rent a car, it seems tricky to go with this option without more information on logistics (how to get around for food, to the stadiums, etc.)
For a better location, they offer the “Fan Village”. It specifies that there are several dining options nearby and that the metro is within walking distance.
However, for that, you’ll have to stay in a… container (yes, yes!).
For our dates, that would cost 1,895 euros, or 190 euros per night. It’s absolutely outrageous to sleep in a container, but it seems the most acceptable option for now.
Camping?
The official site indicates that camping options will be offered in the Fan Village. No further details for now.
We really enjoyed sleeping in a tent in the Sahara desert in Morocco. But hey, maybe not for 10 days 😀
Staying on a cruise ship
A sign of accommodation capacity issues, two cruise ships will be docked in the Persian Gulf. These are the MSC Poesia and the MSC World Europa.
Having great memories of our cruise in the Norwegian fjords a few years ago (with an MSC ship!), I’m not against the idea.
I wasn’t against it… until I saw the price 😀
7,263 euros for 10 nights, I’ll pass.
Hotels
The famous hotels requisitioned by FIFA and the government can be booked on the dedicated platform.
Unfortunately, to find out the rates, you have to enter your ticket number (and therefore have already paid for the entries).
But given the price charged for sleeping in a container, I’m not holding my breath on the rates 😀
Staying in Dubai?
Without shame, the organizer suggests staying in Dubai where the hotel offering is unparalleled.
Qatar plans to organize 30 “match day shuttles” for round trips within the day by plane. You stay in Dubai, take a flight to see a match in Qatar, and fly back to sleep in Dubai.
This World Cup is already an ecological nonsense, no need to add to it.
Conclusion
Well, this is not looking good…
If you have any tips, feel free to share them!
I’ve read that groups of French supporters are considering round trips from France for each match, as the budget for staying there is too high… I refuse to consider that option.
For my part, I’m going to look into the studio and container options. Otherwise, I’ll wait for the 2026 World Cup in the three North American countries: Canada, USA, and Mexico.
