When passing through Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar’s capital city, you’ll be taken by the beauty of this travel hub – and its luxurious lounges.
From long layovers to early arrivals, there are plenty of reasons to find yourself with hours to kill at the airport. Luckily, if you have time to spare, the stunning Hamad International Airport lounges in Doha provide plenty of places to enjoy a little R&R.
The commercial operations at the airport officially opened in April 2014, with an inaugural Qatar Airways plane landing. All other airlines migrated operations from the old and outdated Doha airport, called Doha International Airport, soon after. As such, Doha’s flagship destination for flights is modern, spacious, and airy – a distinct change from the experience in most other airports. For passengers who love a little luxury, the numerous available Doha airport lounges are just as large and lovely as the rest of the airport facilities.
Al Safwa First Lounge – exclusivity at its best
Exclusively for guests flying first class on Qatar Airways, the Al Safwa First Lounge is everything a Doha airport lounge should be. Upon entrance, customers can enjoy a large water feature surrounded by cavernous and high-tech quarters full of comfy chairs, spaces for groups, and private gathering areas. The in-lounge restaurant is spacious and well-staffed with a menu boasting plenty of American, Arabic, and Asian dishes with an adjoining room that handles sandwiches and sushi made to order. For guests with a sweet tooth, an additional room exists solely for dessert.
For those more interested in entertainment than upscale eating, the Al Safwa First Lounge doesn’t disappoint. Guests can have access to a large television room with a quality sound system and stadium seating. A business center and a full selection of magazines and newspapers are also available. Those who need a little shut-eye can take advantage of nap rooms, which also come with private restrooms and showers.
Passengers willing to splurge can enjoy spa services at an additional cost, as well as access to a duty-free store.
Al Mourjan Business Lounge – a unique experience
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge is a one-of-a-kind experience, boasting the amenities and appearance of a five-star hotel. Spanning over two and a half acres, this Qatar Airways lounge in Doha offers just about anything for those lucky enough to gain entrance. The lounge is enormous, with plenty of seats for everyone, even at peak times. Numerous private rooms for families and couples are available as well, in addition to private showers to freshen up after spending hours in the air.
The Al Mourjan Business Lounge offers multiple floors of restaurants. The ground floor boasts a la carte and buffet dining in an insulated, quiet environment. The upper floor focuses on upscale Middle Eastern foods, a full bar, and plenty of desserts. For guests who aren’t interested in dining, a game room, children’s nursery, television room, and a business lounge are also available.
Access is permitted for those flying first and business classes on Qatar Airways as well as OneWorld alliance members with the same class of ticket. Economy-class passengers flying with Qatar Airways can also purchase a pass for 450 QAR, which equates to about 120 USD.
Oryx Lounge – a luxurious way to unwind
A Doha business lounge for passengers not traveling on one of Qatar’s preferred airlines or their alliance partners, the Oryx Lounge offers a luxurious way to unwind for those with first and business class tickets on virtually any airline. Access is also permitted for all passengers with an entry fee of 200 QAR, or around 55 USD.
The entry to the lounge is spacious and modern with plenty of comfy seating in a variety of configurations. Guests can also choose to relax in the television area, the business lounge, the game room, or the family room.
Dining tables are available at the back of the lounge, ideal for those who want to partake in the buffet spread. Coffee machines and soft drinks are complimentary, as are select alcoholic beverages. Shower facilities are also available at the Oryx lounge in Doha airport.
Business and First Class Arrivals Lounge
For those passengers lucky enough to hold a first or business class seat on Qatar Airways or other OneWorld Alliance member airlines, a specialized lounge is available directly to the left of immigration. With access before and after your flight, it’s possible to kick back and relax from your first moments at the airport.
The Arrivals Lounge is fashionable and functional, offering access to plenty of room to relax, get caught up on work, or grab a snack. All food and beverage items are buffet-style for easy access or available through a limited a la carte menu with the service staff.
In addition to a business center with computer access, private TV suites, and a smoking room, travelers can also take advantage of a private shower are to clean up pre- or post-flight.
Al Maha Lounge – a great lounge to relax and unwind in
Available to all who book in advance as well as Priority Pass, Diners Club, and Lounge Key members, Al Maha Lounge is a perfect way to relax without requiring a first-class ticket.
Visitors to the Al Maha Lounge can enjoy spacious lounge areas, a complimentary buffet with hot and cold dining items, soft drinks, and house wines and beers, all within a clean, comfortable, and quiet setting. Visitors can watch television, read magazines and newspapers, catch up on work in the business lounge, or even take a shower before getting on the plane.
Unaccompanied Minors Lounge – for the little ones
Traveling alone can be overwhelming for a child, but the Unaccompanied Minors lounge at Doha airport can make the process a little bit easier. Children traveling alone who arrive solo or who have layovers at the airport are escorted to the lounge, and only authorized adult staff are permitted inside. Minors have access to:
- Televisions and video games
- Play areas with puzzles and toys
- Extensive refreshments and snacks
- Amenities, including washrooms
Access to a Doha airport lounge is a great way to make any trip better, providing a dedicated destination with seating, showers, snacks, meals, and drinks while waiting for a flight or enjoying a long layover.
From the wealth of amenities available across the general access lounges to the experience provided by first-class getaways, your trip to any of the Doha Hamad International Airport lounges is guaranteed to be comfortable and relaxing. If you want to travel in luxury when you leave the airport as well, book a Blacklane professional car service to get you where you need to go.
