Terminal 1, Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar (DOH)

Based on Visit: 17 March 2022 (7am)

Introduction

This is my review of my experience in the Qatar Airways Arrivals Lounge at Hamad International Airport, in Doha.

I had arrived in Doha at 7am on my flight from London, and my hotel were intent on charging me if I checked in before 10am. Having slept badly on the way over to Doha (see my flight review for that), I needed a sit down and refresh – and to get a bit of work done.

There are actually two Arrivals Lounges, one at Door 3 and the other at Door 5 (I think!).

I arrived at the Door 5 Lounge, but this seemingly was closed, so the lady telephoned Door 3 Lounge ‘Pre-Checked’ me in, before escorting me the whole 100M to the next lounge. As I explain in my flight reviews of Qatar Airways, this simple gesture demonstrates the pinnacle of the service to be expected from Qatar – no “it’s over there mate” attitude.

The Lounge was so quiet, I was the only person in there!

Entry Conditions

As I understand it if you are flying Business Class on Qatar Airways (or another OneWorld partner) or are a OneWorld Sapphire or Emerald Member, you can access these lounges.

Opening Times

The lounge is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

How to Get There

Very simply, as you leave Customs (via the Green Lane), you will find yourself in the Arrivals Hall, and behind you are the lounges.

Layout

Arriving in the elevators, you face the Reception Desk – then it’s turn right for tables and turn left for the business area.

It would be an understatement to say that this lounge was intended for business travelers. There were at least 8 meeting rooms, a large room of computers, and booths to work in.

There is also ‘traditional’ dining tables too – and some lounge/sleeping areas.

Food and Drink

I’m not 100% sure what the deal with this lounge is, but there was no food on offer – not even any snacks.

Drinks were basic, there was a large coffee machine and some soft drinks – but that was it. I have to admit I was quite surprised by this!

I wasn’t told of any breakfast menu (it was 7am), but there may have been food on offer on request. However, as I was working, the lounge staff frequently as if I wanted a coffee, etc.

Wifi

I did make use of Doha Airport’s Wifi. Whether this is exclusive to travelers in certain classes, or all travelers I couldn’t quite work out. But you can sign on to the Wifi via your Boarding Pass, WhatsApp for Facebook.

For what I needed it for, the Wifi seemed of a good speed, applying my ‘don’t be unreasonable’ rule.

Showers

This is perhaps the most important reason why I went to the Lounge!

The showers were excellent and equipped with Rituals gels, lotions and shampoo.

The shower rooms are designed to a high standard (like anything Qatar Airways does) and felt to a degree ‘luxury’. The shower was hot, never went cold. I was happily refreshed!

Unsurprisingly, as the only one in the Lounge, I didn’t have to wait for the showers!

Conclusion

For what I needed, which was a shower/freshen up and a couple of hours of work – this is a great Lounge, and of course the staff looked after me impeccably.

However, if you’re expecting 5-course meals and a fully stocked bar – you won’t find it here!