New DOH lounges for status-holders

[andye]

Saw this on headforpoints.
Looks like the lounge offerings for OW status-holders has been revamped.
Never went into the old Gold/Platinum lounges but looks like the Al-Mourjan is going to be less crowded.
Article seems to suggest that QR Plat flying J won't get you into Al-safwa any more but I'm not sure if that's certain

Qatar Airways opens new lounges in Doha for BA status members

Qatar Airways has announced the addition of three new lounges at Hamad International Airport in Doha. British Airways Gold and Silver members can get access.

www.headforpoints.com

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks; they'll come in handy for the World Cup traffic!!. But I'm not sure its all correct :

It is a new strategy for Qatar Airways, which up until a year or two ago was happy to allow status passengers without a business class ticket into its main ‘Al Mourjan’ business class lounge at Doha. It then moved to the unbundling of some business class fares which no longer included lounge access of any sort, and began sending status travellers in Economy to the very average Oryx lounge.

I don't think that was ever the case was it? Status, but non-J or F pax couldn't get into the Al Safwa or Al Mourjan lounges, and were always sent to separate, rather dodgy 'First' and 'Business' lounges, weren't they? I remember my very first time at DOH as a OW Emerald on a J ticket, I was confused about the lounges and somehow ended up in the 'First' lounge, very unimpressed! Thankfully I asked at the desk and was directed to Al Mourjan Can't see those lounges mentioned - maybe two of them have just been upgraded to the new Plat and Gold lounges (which would be the equivalents of what they were before).

Yes, found a post on the lounge situation in 2015 here

QR J in Doha - which lounge

I'm surprised they get enough bums on seats in and out of PER. I've flown out of PER three times on QR recently and each flight J was absolutely packed. It's not a bad way to connect to Europe or NA from PER. In fact for one of my flights, I actually flew out of SYD to PER on QF purely to...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

and 2019

Qatar Economy Class - The Very Good and the Slightly Annoying.

We flew Qatar Melbourne to Stockholm last year, then Venice back to Melbourne. What was very good was that Qatar's total return price was less than other major carriers were charging just for the first leg to Stockholm alone. So choosing Qatar was a no-brainer, and their service was excellent. I...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[Pushka]

Thanks; they'll come in handy for the World Cup traffic!!. But I'm not sure its all correct :



I don't think that was ever the case was it? Status, but non-J or F pax couldn't get into the Al Safwa or Al Mourjan lounges, but were always sent to separate, rather dodgy 'First' and 'Business' lounges, weren't they? I remember my very first time at DOH as a OW Emerald on a J ticket, I was confused about the lounges and somehow ended up in the 'First' lounge, very unimpressed! Thankfully I asked at the desk and was directed to Al Mourjan Can't see those lounges mentioned - maybe two of them have just been upgraded to the new Plat and Gold lounges (which would be the equivalents of what they were before).

Yes, found a post on the lounge situation in 2015 here

QR J in Doha - which lounge

I'm surprised they get enough bums on seats in and out of PER. I've flown out of PER three times on QR recently and each flight J was absolutely packed. It's not a bad way to connect to Europe or NA from PER. In fact for one of my flights, I actually flew out of SYD to PER on QF purely to...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

and 2019

Qatar Economy Class - The Very Good and the Slightly Annoying.

We flew Qatar Melbourne to Stockholm last year, then Venice back to Melbourne. What was very good was that Qatar's total return price was less than other major carriers were charging just for the first leg to Stockholm alone. So choosing Qatar was a no-brainer, and their service was excellent. I...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

When covid struck lounges were closed and OW status people were sent to Al Mourjan lounge. When we were there in May this year the lounge was packed as a result. If you left a seat to go to get a drink or bathroom people would ask if the seat was free despite bags etc being placed on it. We didn't even bother with getting a meal there. I believe WP Qatar were accommodated in the first class lounge regardless of their ticket. So this is a good thing and well overdue.

 

[andye]

Agree it's not a new thing but pretty sure they were letting non-QR status Y into Al-Mourjan when other lounges were closed due to Covid

 

[RooFlyer]

Sure, Covid changed the rules.

 

[Guvner]

From Executive Traveller:

Open to Qatar Airways Privilege Club Platinum members and Oneworld Emerald card holders (including Qantas Platinums), the Qatar Airways Platinum Lounge South – located at Hamad International Airport’s Concourse A – can treat up to 140 passengers with à la carte and buffet dining, showers, a quiet area, and a prayer room.

The Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South – also found at Concourse A – is accessible to Qatar Airways Privilege Club Gold members and their Oneworld Sapphire equivalents (such as Qantas Gold): this 85-seat lounge includes family seating, a bar, a dining area and buffet, along with showers.

The Qatar Airways Silver Lounge South – which many travellers may have already visited since it first opened in March, and is located at Concourse B – is the go-to for Qatar Airways Privilege Club Silver members, although not Oneworld Ruby card-holders (such as Qantas Silver). This lounge accommodates up to 195 passengers with a family area and a quiet area, buffet dining and baggage storage facilities.

Qatar Airways unveils three Doha frequent flyer lounges

These fresh lounges for frequent flyers will make that transit at Doha a lot more pleasant.

www.executivetraveller.com

Article seems to suggest that QR Plat flying J won't get you into Al-safwa any more but I'm not sure if that's certain

From the QR website:

In our Al Safwa First Lounge, our one and only priority is you – our distinguished guest. Every inch, every feature, and every facet is specially designed to create the most luxurious lounge experience ever imagined. Our focus is on perfecting every moment with meticulous detail so that you can enjoy a seamless journey from start to departure.

In addition to First Class passengers, Privilege Club Platinum members travelling Business Class with Qatar Airways can now access Al Safwa First Class Lounge with up to two guest passes.

Al Majourn: Qatar Airways First Class and Business Class (Elite, Comfort & Classic) and oneworld First Class and Business Class passengers can access this lounge at no additional cost, while Business Class (Lite) and Economy Class passengers throughout the network can purchase lounge access online.

 

[motef]

So if I am an OWE and traveling on QR in J would you recommend Platinum Lounge South or Al Majourn?

 

[Princess Fiona]

So if I am an OWE and traveling on QR in J would you recommend Platinum Lounge South or Al Majourn?

Al Mourjan will be better than a Status lounge

 

[Port Power]

From Executive Traveller:

Open to Qatar Airways Privilege Club Platinum members and Oneworld Emerald card holders (including Qantas Platinums), the Qatar Airways Platinum Lounge South – located at Hamad International Airport’s Concourse A – can treat up to 140 passengers with à la carte and buffet dining, showers, a quiet area, and a prayer room.

The Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South – also found at Concourse A – is accessible to Qatar Airways Privilege Club Gold members and their Oneworld Sapphire equivalents (such as Qantas Gold): this 85-seat lounge includes family seating, a bar, a dining area and buffet, along with showers.

The Qatar Airways Silver Lounge South – which many travellers may have already visited since it first opened in March, and is located at Concourse B – is the go-to for Qatar Airways Privilege Club Silver members, although not Oneworld Ruby card-holders (such as Qantas Silver). This lounge accommodates up to 195 passengers with a family area and a quiet area, buffet dining and baggage storage facilities.

Qatar Airways unveils three Doha frequent flyer lounges

These fresh lounges for frequent flyers will make that transit at Doha a lot more pleasant.

www.executivetraveller.com

From the QR website:

In our Al Safwa First Lounge, our one and only priority is you – our distinguished guest. Every inch, every feature, and every facet is specially designed to create the most luxurious lounge experience ever imagined. Our focus is on perfecting every moment with meticulous detail so that you can enjoy a seamless journey from start to departure.

In addition to First Class passengers, Privilege Club Platinum members travelling Business Class with Qatar Airways can now access Al Safwa First Class Lounge with up to two guest passes.

Al Majourn: Qatar Airways First Class and Business Class (Elite, Comfort & Classic) and oneworld First Class and Business Class passengers can access this lounge at no additional cost, while Business Class (Lite) and Economy Class passengers throughout the network can purchase lounge access online.

I have been into the Al Mourjan lounge in the past flying QR in J. No status in those days. However, in October I am flying QR through Doha in J but am now Oneworld Emerald. I was hoping to go into the Al Safwa lounge with that pairing, which I had believed was permitted. Now it all seems different again! Unless someone goes through earlier than October 8, I will find out for myself.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I have been into the Al Mourjan lounge in the past flying QR in J. No status in those days. However, in October I am flying QR through Doha in J but am now Oneworld Emerald. I was hoping to go into the Al Safwa lounge with that pairing, which I had believed was permitted. Now it all seems different again! Unless someone goes through earlier than October 8, I will find out for myself.

As you are flying in J you will get into Al Mourjan.
OWE does not give you access to Al Safwa

 

[Pushka]

I have been into the Al Mourjan lounge in the past flying QR in J. No status in those days. However, in October I am flying QR through Doha in J but am now Oneworld Emerald. I was hoping to go into the Al Safwa lounge with that pairing, which I had believed was permitted. Now it all seems different again! Unless someone goes through earlier than October 8, I will find out for myself.

We weren't allowed in to AS as two OWE travelling in J, back in May when they were allowing OWE into AM. It only applies to Qatar WP.

 

[Port Power]

We weren't allowed in to AS as two OWE travelling in J, back in May when they were allowing OWE into AM. It only applies to Qatar WP.

As you are flying in J you will get into Al Mourjan.
OWE does not give you access to Al Safwa

Yes, I thought I wasn't going to be allowed into AS, but one can hope. I liked Al Mourjan in those previous visits, and it wasn't too crowded either.

 

[andye]

Don't think OWE (unless QR Plat) has ever had access to Al-Safwa. I think at one stage it was F only

 

[VPS]

Thinking about booking a flight that has a 7 hour stopover in Doha - does anyone know if they have a transit hotel that you don't have to leave the terminal or whether there are any beds in the lounges. Alternatively I could look at spending a couple of days there but it's not high on my to do list

 

[motef]

Thinking about booking a flight that has a 7 hour stopover in Doha - does anyone know if they have a transit hotel that you don't have to leave the terminal or whether there are any beds in the lounges. Alternatively I could look at spending a couple of days there but it's not high on my to do list

The Oryx hotel

 

[RooFlyer]

Thinking about booking a flight that has a 7 hour stopover in Doha - does anyone know if they have a transit hotel that you don't have to leave the terminal or whether there are any beds in the lounges. Alternatively I could look at spending a couple of days there but it's not high on my to do list

The Oryx, but its $$$$ !! RTW to no-where in particular

In can't recall any beds in the Al Mourjan.

Doha worth a day's tour unless you want to go out of the city.

 

[motef]

The Al Mourjan lounge does have a sleeping area

Review: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge at Doha Airport

Al Mourjan Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport is Qatar Airways' flagship business class lounge. Read this review to see what it's like.

knaviation.net

 

[Port Power]

Thinking about booking a flight that has a 7 hour stopover in Doha - does anyone know if they have a transit hotel that you don't have to leave the terminal or whether there are any beds in the lounges. Alternatively I could look at spending a couple of days there but it's not high on my to do list

When I had a 9 hour layover, Qatar included a hotel for the night. Not sure of the minimum layover. However.....the wait for the transfer as well as time taken to drive each way, it may not be worth it. I didn't know about the sleeping area. Rather like Q-suites. I would rather head there next time.

 

[Pushka]

Thinking about booking a flight that has a 7 hour stopover in Doha - does anyone know if they have a transit hotel that you don't have to leave the terminal or whether there are any beds in the lounges. Alternatively I could look at spending a couple of days there but it's not high on my to do list

I’d stroll to the lounge. Do your own timings. Glass of champagne. Book for a shower which are excellent . Relax a bit. Check out the menu upstairs. Have a nap. Check out any duty free. If the flight is late, seems to be the pattern then that period will shrink immediately.

 

[RooFlyer]

The Al Mourjan lounge does have a sleeping area

Review: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge at Doha Airport

Al Mourjan Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport is Qatar Airways' flagship business class lounge. Read this review to see what it's like.

knaviation.net

Never found them but then again, haven't had a long lay-over (except when I stayed in a hotel)

When I had a 9 hour layover, Qatar included a hotel for the night. Not sure of the minimum layover. However.....the wait for the transfer as well as time taken to drive each way, it may not be worth it. I didn't know about the sleeping area. Rather like Q-suites. I would rather head there next time.

The QR hotel during layovers IIRC are quite selective on the flights and times they service. I tried a couple of times (but this 3-5 years ago) but got knocked back, as non qualifying flights. Actually, now that I think of it, the last time I was given a hotel, was after the terminal expansion/reorganisation, the Oryx Rotana (landside) was then a long way away (rather than being close to the arrivals exit), the transfer wait was very long and the hotel was pretty ordinary.