Qatar World Cup fans are accustomed to desert accommodations

Doha, Qatar (CNN) – With fans arriving in Qatar, it is understandable that they are on vacation mode while they wait world Cup In the desert.

But where is the best option to stay in a country that is geographically located on a peninsula smaller than Connecticut and is the smallest World Cup host in history?

The scramble for housing is likely to worsen Qatar It will entertain nearly 1.5 million fans during the month-long tournament, which begins on November 20.

Jimmy and Kennis Leung were among the first fans to arrive at Fan Village Cabins Free Zone, one of the largest sites available to World Cup fans, and they checked in Thursday.

“They built this in a desert,” Jamie told CNN Sport, as he checked out his residence, and was impressed.

“Staying in a hotel or AirBnB in Doha is very expensive, so this was a great option,” he added.

The Free Zone Fan Village is about a 20-minute metro ride from central Doha, but right now it feels like you’re stepping into a dystopian world.

There is very little in town – one or two construction sites and a major road – so the staff quickly direct you to reception, which is a 10-minute walk away via a large car park.

Countless rows of portable booths, arranged in various colors and painted in alphabetical order, stretch far away, with vast gazebos containing hundreds of empty tables and chairs.

Basketball courts, outdoor gyms and huge screen TVs are spread throughout the complex where fans can play and relax.

When CNN visited the venue on Friday, there were only a few fans hanging around, but it is expected that there will be more during the tournament.

“Hup Holland Hup” (“Go Holland Go”)… The Leungs are from Hong Kong and have come to watch Holland at the World Cup.

Navigation also proves a bit problematic: Leungs admits to getting lost in the endless makeshift paths that connect the village. However, there are electric scooters to get around on and the staff will take you to your door in a golf cart.

The Leungs work in the media and have flown in from Hong Kong to watch their favorite team, the Netherlands, at Qatar 2022.

“It’s very quiet now, but there are food options and the rooms are nice, just a little small,” adds Kennis.

While fans like Leungs struggled to find a place to stay in Qatar on Friday, they received news that FIFA had diverted course by stressing out. No alcohol will be sold in the eight stadiums that will host the 64 matches of the tournament.

“eco farm”

For those fans on a budget who can’t afford what hotels have to offer, eight villas offer “casual cabin-style” camping options.

However, some World Cup visitors were less than impressed with what was on offer.

“There are plenty of cabins and enclosures and there’s a big screen where we can all watch the games together but the accommodations are, well… what can I say?” Chinese Fei Bing, who is here to watch more than 30 World Cup matches, told CNN Sport.

“This is the best option we can afford. It is so expensive in Doha that we cannot expect more from the place.”

Nights in Fan Village cabins in the Free Zone start at $207 per night, according to Qatar’s official World Cup accommodation agency, but cheaper options can be found in Caravan City, for as little as $114 per night.

And if you feel like camping under the stars, a tent at Creek Village is available for $423 per night.

If you’re not on a tight budget, a cabin that describes itself as an “eco ranch” will give you a more luxurious option for $1,023 per night, while lodging on a cruise will run you as low as $179.

Cabin container comes with beds and air conditioning.

It is expected that many fans will remain in the neighboring countries of Qatar, and move in and out of the Gulf country to attend the matches.

Qatar Airways announced in May that it had partnered with regional airlines to offer an additional 160 daily “competitively priced” round-trip flights that will carry fans from Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat and Riyadh.

There will be no baggage check facilities in order to expedite transfers and dedicated shuttle services will be provided to take fans from the airport to the stadiums.

It will also be possible to drive from cities such as Riyadh, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, all less than seven hours away.

Winter is warm

Those who come to Doha will have to deal with the heat.

The tournament was moved to the winter months due to the scorching summer temperatures: the average high in Doha in the second half of November was around 28 °C (82 °F), much better than in July, when the World Cup was held. We usually conclude, as the average high temperature on those dates is around 42°C (106°F).

Even in winter, heat takes energy if you’re coming from a colder climate. Walk too much, too fast and you’ll soon find yourself drenched in sweat and in need of hydration.

Shade is king and the tournament staff, who are located all over Doha, are quick to advise you to stay out of direct sunlight.

The heat tends to subside a bit, though not by much, in the afternoons, though the nights are damp and sticky.

Fortunately, Doha is fully air-conditioned inside the stadiums and the white-walled architecture will also help deflect some of the intensity of the heat.

With only two days left until the first match, the nation is finalizing its plans as it prepares for the World Cup like no other.

Amy Woodyatt and Ewen McSweeney contributed to this report.