THE LOUNGE
I was flying from Sydney to London Heathrow with a four-hour transit at Hamad International Airport. There are two Qatar Business Lounges in the Airport. I chose the Al Mourjan Business Garden Lounge in the North Terminal, near the tropical garden, which I reached via a short tram journey. It is slightly hidden from view so I kept a close eye on signs and found the lounge just before the open garden area near Gate C 50-65.
I took the lift to the first floor where I received a warm reception at the desk even though it was 4.30am. I was told I would be collected for my next connection, which was reassuring as the airport is vast.
THE FACILITIES
I didn’t need to use the work stations so took a gentle stroll around the massive 10,000 square metre space. Fortunately it was not full to its capacity of up to 1,000 passengers at this time of the morning but at peak times between 5am-10am and 10pm-4.30am the duty officer told me the lounge gets extremely busy. It’s open 24 hours a day.
I ventured to the relaxed seating area to the left of the entrance where there’s a gallery overlooking the orchard set beneath a huge dome. It was still dark so there was no natural light but lighting was excellent and the atmosphere very relaxed.
My first stop was in the luxurious shower rooms where I indulged in Diptyque amenities. I spotted the new Dior Spa available for an extra charge. There is also a small gym and a family and games room.
Wandering back towards the main reception the Louis Vuitton Lounge cannot fail to catch the eye with its vibrant colours and elegant design with feathered birds strung from the ceiling.
DINING
The dining lounge that was slowly coming to life with chefs galore and a huge array of hot and cold breakfast treats.
Guests can choose to eat at small tables or on bench seating and there is a choice of self service or table service with a full menu that can be scanned at your seat.
The Lounge Supervisor walked around the buffet with me pointing out the hot Indian and Arabic dishes alongside fresh fruit and yoghurts. Colourful pots of spices adorned the buffet area and a huge silver pot of dates did not miss my glance.
My visit coincided with the end of Ramadan and a new menu had been created for Eid.
THE SERVICE
The Qatar staff could not have been more attentive and respectful. I was treated like a VIP and was welcomed off the plane by a uniformed member of staff holding a sign with my name and whizzed to the Business Lounge on a small golf buggy in five minutes. Getting back to the plane took far longer as we had to switch terminals and I was very glad of the buggy which took at least 10 minutes to get me to the departure gate through hoards of people. I was told in advance exactly when to be at the reception desk for my return flight and transportation, which was around 90 minutes before departure.
THE VERDICT
I left refreshed, cared for and ready for the next leg of my journey. I regretted not being able to take up the offer of a ‘Discover Doha’ tour. These are free to all passengers with a transit time of six hours and provide a three-hour guided tour of the city. Passengers can book the tour in advance online or upon arrival at the airport, subject to availability. Maybe next time?
By Jo Austin
