Long transit in Doha

[luxury-lizard]

We arrive in Doha around midnight and depart the following day at 8PM - we are travelling on an award ticket (issued by AA) MAD-DOH (J) - DOH-SYD (F). I tried to request a transit hotel via the QR website but it does not work (won't let me complete the nationality field) so cannot be submitted. I rang Qatar and the agent told me it's up to AA to provide a hotel, somehow I don't think so but the agent was very unhelpful so I gave up. Now this overnighter is a result of a schedule change on the part of Qatar.

Not sure what to do - I presume just book our own hotel - so the question is what would be a good suggestion location wise (5*) and how does one transfer from the airport to/from the hotel (e.g. do taxis accept credit cards, I'm presuming there's a VOA at no charge (but I guess I better double check that).

Thanks for any tips.

 

[RooFlyer]

Check which hotels QR were offering as transit, (but you can’t get) and see if they would suit you because I think they would still offer you a free bus transit from the airport.

This used to be the case when QR ran the Oryx Rotana, not far from the airport, but I think that’s been sold to Hyatt now. Hyatt Regency Oryx now. might suit you in any case.

The islamic museum in Doha is worth a visit.


QR offers a personalised arrival experience. I forget what it’s called, but like many of the Middle East countries they can make it pretty easy for a fee.

 

[luxury-lizard]

Thanks for that - I just re-checked with QR re free transit hotel - and no dice unless it's QR issued ticket. But thanks I'll check the Oryz (and other) hotels - just wondered if anyone had a recommendation and info on transfers/taxis (I read in one post (some/all?) taxis only take cash which we won't have - I presume the VOA fee is payable by CC - I was surprised it costs about $A42pp - the costs of this overnighter is adding up.

 

[RooFlyer]

After Doha hosted the World Cup, I reckon you won't find much out of the ordinary transport wise.

Taxi | Hamad International Airport

‘Karwa’ taxis offer a convenient and flexible way travel to and from Hamad International Airport. Our Taxi Pavilion makes it easy to hire and board your taxi. Arriving passengers can board a taxi at the Taxi Pavilion located to the left end of the Arrivals hall. Follow the ‘Taxi’ sign at the...

dohahamadairport.com

The Arrivals service is Al Maha

Al Maha Services | Hamad International Airport

Welcome to carefree travel, with Al Maha Services. Designed with your time and comfort in mind, our personalized meet-and-greet service aims to ensure a comfortable and speedy experience when arriving, departing, or transferring through Hamad International Airport.

dohahamadairport.com

 

[clifford]

I presume you're saying that you have a 20 hour layover.

You could always avail yourself of the sleep rooms in the al Safwa lounge, which are basically similar to a hotel room. Plus all the other offerings of that lounge. And you'd save yourself a few bob too (if that's important).

I know they're only supposed to be assigned for 6 hours at a time, but under the circumstances QR could be quite flexible (they were when I missed my connecting flight due to late arrival). These rooms are seldom fully occupied IME.

 

[luxury-lizard]

Essentially we just want something that is hassle free and relaxing. I don't fancy waiting in a long line for a VOA at midnight but would like a good night's sleep and somewhere to while away a few hours before returning to the QF F lounge.

 

[Longtoo]

@luxury-lizard Australian passport holders can enter Qatar on their visa waiver program. I travelled to Doha in March last year and did not pay the visa fee. However, I had to pay for 1 month of health insurance, the airline told me it was compulsory.

Later this year, i will take Mrs Longtoo to Europe via Doha. we will have about 12 h in transit and i plan to take her to the city for a quick tour. i am hopeful that we will be qualified for the transit visa, meaning it is free and i do not have to pay for the useless health insurance. if you or anyone have done this, i would appreciate your experience.

The metro is a good option to the city. It is cheap, convenient and comfortable. Admittedly, last time, I only used the metro from my hotel to get round on a day off. I have not started from the airport but the system is modern and just like any other good metro systems.

 

[burmans]

Metro is great but not all places are close the metro (eg the Islamic Art museum which is great and I’d highly recommend). Not really that far a walk but in midday heat not something I’m keen to repeat, Ubers are very reasonably priced!

 

[Longtoo]

@burmans is correct about the mid day heat in Doha. I would not get out until after 4 pm. The Museum of Islamic Art opens until 7 pm, it has a beautiful garden and a great view to Doha skyline. There is a metro stop for the MIA.

 

[OZDUCK]

I agree the Museum of Islamic Art is great but I don't know what this heat is you talk about. Walking back to our hotel from the museum we had to take our shoes and socks off because the rain water was nearly knee deep in places.

 

[Longtoo]

I agree the Museum of Islamic Art is great but I don't know what this heat is you talk about. Walking back to our hotel from the museum we had to take our shoes and socks off because the rain water was nearly knee deep in places.

It is extremely rare to have rain in Qatar. You was very lucky! i was in Doha in March 2023. Nobody would be walking under the sun during the day. late night the Souq Waqif was packed with people, family, very vibrant.

 

[OZDUCK]

It is extremely rare to have rain in Qatar. You was very lucky! i was in Doha in March 2023. Nobody would be walking under the sun during the day. late night the Souq Waqif was packed with people, family, very vibrant.

Everyone kept saying that while we were there. We were talking to the hotel staff when we got back and they had to do the same as us - the roads were jammed solid. My apologies for a bit of thread hijacking but some proof. This is the footpath on the Corniche Promenade after the drains backed up.