Raffles Doha ‘s disappointment in being a true 5-star

This was my most anticipated hotel stay since 2 years ago -I wanted so much to be completely dazzled by this property 🫶🏻 But alas, reality had other plans ☠️ The hardware is indeed amazing - crazy nice architecture and IG-worthy spots everywhere. All the glitz and glitter of this being Middle Eastern property shines through with its extravagance environment ❤️ The Urban Signature Suite at 110SqM was mad space for 1pax with a very cut out design with spaces for everything you need for a vacation - super plush bedroom, lavish bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, impossibly shiny walk-in mini bar, generous chillax living room, and a balcony with sweeping views of the sister property Fairmont + bird’s eye view of the surroundings. ✅ So hardware is definitely good 😶🌫️ But there are serious issues with the software, especially for a Raffles which is supposed to be one of the best hotel in this city. And I say this because of expectations from a Raffles priced at S$600+ a night 🙈 1. Long hairs found on sofa at check in - housekeeping sure left this spot alone from the previous guest. 2. A shower flooded the entire bathroom. 3. Nespresso machine not rinsed out and used pods from previous guest still inside. 4. No opener provided for sparkling water in mini bar and a request for it was not fulfilled for a whole day until I called again. 5. Some movie channels on room control iPad couldn’t work - and I was told that it’s because they are not subscribed to at all (?). Full impressions to be on my blog post but the above annoyances just made it impossible to have a great stay. I mean, some are usability logic which seemed to be absent? 🤦🏻♀️ A true 5-star hotel needs to be better than having form without function or substance - and I’m sad to Raffles Doha failed this time.