Terminal 1, Hamad International Airport, Doha

Introduction

This is my review of the Qatar Airways Platinum/Gold Lounge North, which was formerly the Al Mourjan Business.

This is a new Lounge, which was opened in November 2022, ostensibly for the World Cup. The North area of Doha’s Hamad International Airport is brand new, and really worth a visit!

My trip was to this lounge was because I was departing from Doha back to London, and my gate was up at C-Gates, in the northern area.

You’ll note some of the branding from the pictures still as Al Mourjan – but it is no longer called that!

Opening Hours

As far as I can make out this lounge is open 24 hours a day.

Entry Conditions

Technically, this is a Business Class Lounge, and therefore for travelers traveling in Business Class.

Accordingly, traveling on a OneWorld carrier in First or Business Class you have access.

There are two small catches to this…… Firstly, if you are on a Qatar Airways Business Class Lite fare, you do not have lounge access – but you can pay. Secondly, if you are a OneWorld Emerald or Sapphire status holder, you do not get access unless flying First or Business – again you can either pay, or use the Platinum Lounge.

I have to say that I am not sure this is Qatar Airways’ best move, especially as on the face of it Business Lite doesn’t appear to be cheaper – or if it is, it’s because the other fares are substantially more expensive.

How to Get There

Once through Security, you’ll need to either take a walk to C-Gates, or use the tram.

Follow the signs to “The Garden” or “The Orchard”, and then signs to the Gold/Platinum Lounge.

Here you’ll find some escalators, and at the top of those you’ll find the entrance.

If those directions are bad……then I’m sorry! It’s quite difficult to explain where it is!

Layout

This is another fantastic lounge by Qatar Airways, with so many places to find and explore!

For general seating, there is a variety of casual and lounge seating – which overlook the concourse of the airport. Sadly, this lounge does not overlook The Garden – but the Al Mourjan lounge does, the biggest in the world!

There are two restaurant areas, one ‘either side’.

There is an area for sleeping or relaxing – although unlike the Platinum Lounge, this was a little ‘open to the elements’, and potentially not that quiet.

There is a TV area, for watching sport, or the news.

Should you need it, there is also a Smoking Room, Nanny’s Room and Parent’s Room – I didn’t feel it appropriate to explore these!

The only thing that I believe is missing (and could do with some thought), is a working area. The Al Mourjan South has a fantastic ‘office’, where as this didn’t appear to have anywhere to work – unless I missed it!

Food and Drink

Drinks

Across the lounge, there are multiple bars, offering beers, wines, champagne, spirits and a barista service.

Alternatively, using the QR code on the table allows a ‘waitered’ drinks service to come to you.

Food

There are three different methods of grabbing something to eat in the Al Mourjan Lounge.

The first is the ‘old fashioned’ self-service way – which had a series of curries, rice, bread, cheese and deserts.

Another way is to use the ‘deli’ counters, which offer salads, toasties, etc.

The third way is to use the a la carte menu which is available from QR codes on the tables. Sadly, having been rather full from breakfast, and knowing I was going to indulge on the next flight, I didn’t order anything – but the menu looks great!

Wifi

The Wifi worked for me, and was fairly good during my visit, I was getting around 35mps up and down.

Showers

I am not sure how many showers are available, but there were quite a few. Of course, in Qatar Airways style, these were of excellent quality and had some great products in them.

Conclusion

I have an enormous amount of respect for Qatar Airways – they always seem to ‘smash it out of the park’ when it comes to both hard and soft products – and this lounge was no exception.

It’s great lounge (although could do with a working area) – and I look forward to returning – and seeing the new lounges when they’re finished!