- Introduction: AAround The World Using AAdvantage Miles
- Review: Cathay Pacific Lounge San Francisco Airport
- Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 777 San Francisco To Hong Kong
- Review: Cathay Pacific Arrivals Lounge Hong Kong Airport
- Review: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Grand Suite
- Review: Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong Airport
- Review: Cathay Pacific Business Class A330 Hong Kong To Kuala Lumpur
- Review: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
- Review: Malaysia Airlines First Class Lounge Kuala Lumpur Airport
- Review: Malaysia Airlines Business Class 737 Kuala Lumpur To Bali
- Review: St. Regis Bali Pool Suite
- Review: St. Regis Bali Lagoon Villa
- Review: St. Regis Bali Restaurants & Activities
- Review: Premier Lounge Bali Denpasar Airport
- Review: Qatar Airways Business Class 777 Bali To Doha
- Review: St. Regis Doha
- Review: Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge Doha Airport
- Review: Qatar Airways First Class 777 Doha To Abu Dhabi
- Review: Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
- Review: Rosewood Abu Dhabi
- Interlude: 30 Hours In Abu Dhabi
- Review: Etihad US Pre-Clearance Lounge Abu Dhabi Airport
- Review: Etihad First Class A380 Abu Dhabi To New York
- Review: Le Parker Meridien New York
I was so excited to finally visit Qatar Airways’ Al Safwa First Class Lounge, given how delayed the opening was. The lounge finally opened in mid-October. I’ve reviewed the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge in the past, which was the lounge that Qatar Airways was using for their first & business class passengers before the Al Safwa Lounge opened.
The drive from the St. Regis to the airport took about 30 minutes. Architecturally the airport is stunning even from the outside. I had the taxi driver drop me off at the first & business class check-in area, which is the first part of the terminal as you pull up.
Hamad International Airport Doha exterior
Once inside there were Qatar Airways staff to point people either left towards the Al Mourjan business class check-in or right towards the Al Safwa first class check-in.
Hamad International Airport Doha check-in
Keep in mind that what Qatar Airways categorizes as first class is sort of backwards. They consider the forward cabin on their short-haul flights within the Gulf to be first class, while those same seats on a longer flight are marketed as business class. So the Al Safwa first class facilities are for those traveling in the forward cabin within Gulf countries, or otherwise their longhaul first class passengers (which are extremely limited, as Qatar Airways is getting to the point where they only have first class on the A380).
Hamad International Airport Doha check-in
The check-in facility is extremely impressive, as it consists exclusively of private sit-down check-in desks. So you can have a seat in a partitioned off area as you’re being checked in, or if you’re waiting for someone there are dozens of seats you can plop down on.
Qatar Airways first class check-in Doha
Qatar Airways first class check-in Doha
Past that is a dedicated immigration channel, where there was one agent working. Unfortunately my immigration experience took especially long, for reasons I described in a past post.
Qatar Airways first class check-in Doha
Qatar Airways premium immigration queue
Once past immigration is a security checkpoint, where there was also no queue. It was a painless experience. I was impressed that just past that was an escalator which led directly into the Al Safwa Lounge — you don’t even have to enter the terminal, which is convenient.
At the entrance the agent scanned my first class boarding pass to Abu Dhabi, and pointed me left towards the lounge.
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge reception desk
The lounge is stunningly minimalist. It’s roughly the same size as the Al Mourjan Lounge, but is clearly intended to service a lot fewer passengers. So it’s pretty obvious they have more space than they know what to do with.
As you enter there’s a super long hallway. I think the only way to describe it is as uninvitingly gorgeous. On one hand I love the design, on the other hand the lack of anything decorative makes it so sterile and devoid of character.
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge entryway
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge entryway
Even the display on the right side as you walk into the lounge has nothing on it (I’m not sure if that’s intentional or not).
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge sterile entryway
After walking down a long hallway you’re in the center of the lounge, which is in a sort of triangular shape.
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge seating
The centerpiece of the lounge is a huge water fixture — there’s a shallow “pond” in a display piece, and then a tube with water flowing down it from the ceiling.
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge water display
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge water display
On one side is tons of seating arranged in a similar fashion to the Al Mourjan Lounge. The seats are comfortable, though they’re arranged so symmetrically that it’s a rather uninviting setup, in my opinion.
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge seating
On another side around the centerpiece were about a dozen comfortable leather chairs with ottomans. They’re intended to give you a private place to rest, though I found it sort of odd that they all faced a “U” shaped barrier. Personally I’d rather have a barrier behind me rather than in front of me.
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge private seating
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge private seating
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge private seating
Behind those private chairs were some more leather chairs on a carpet.
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge seating
The other side of the lounge had even more seating, which was a bit more artistic. The chairs were more comfortable than they looked.
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge seating
And then on the other side were another eight seats which seemed sort of random. I never thought it could be a negative, but this lounge almost has too much space. So much space that it’s awkwardly minimalist in terms of the furnishings.
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge seating
Past those chairs was an “open air” section of the lounge, in the sense that it wasn’t “inside” the lounge, but rather shared a ceiling with the rest of the terminal. That area probably featured the most inviting seating, and was the part of the lounge which was most densely furnished.
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge “terrace” seating
Qatar Airways First Class Lounge “terrace” seating
As an introvert I do sort of love these chairs which face a wall and have back support so high that you can’t see anyone.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge seating
Outside there was a small drink station with soft drinks, water, and coffee.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge self serve drink station
Back inside the lounge and across from the water fixture was the main restaurant, which was large. As you might notice based on the above pictures, this lounge doesn’t seem to get especially full, which was perhaps most evident in the restaurant.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge restaurant
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge restaurant
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge bar
I was the only guest, and I’d say the restaurant was quite decently staffed. 😉
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge staffing
Within a minute of sitting down at a table I was offered a drink and the menu, which read as follows:
As you might expect, I had a glass of Krug, and shortly after being served it I was offered a cold towel, a bread basket with a choice of four accompaniments, and an amuse bouche.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge meal — amuse bouche
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge meal — amuse bouche
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge meal — bread basket
For the starter I selected the cheese sambusak, which was tasty.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge meal — cheese sambusak
For the main course I had the salmon, which was also quite good.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge meal — grilled salmon steak
Then for dessert I had the chocolate mousse cake, which was spectacular.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge meal — chocolate mousse cake
The service was extremely attentive (like, almost uncomfortably so), and the food was good, even restaurant quality. I wouldn’t say the food was especially gourmet, though, and in my opinion isn’t to the level of what you’d get in the Air France First Class Lounge Paris, Qantas First Class Lounge Sydney, or Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Hong Kong.
The lounge also has a second dining area, which is more conducive to just having a snack. The seating is equally nice, and they also have a high-top table you can sit at, but the food selection is different.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge snack area
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge snack area
Rather than there being a bar, this section has a sushi bar, salad buffet, and a sandwich station where you can order a custom made sandwich.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge sushi spread
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge salad buffet
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge custom made sandwiches
Later on shortly before my flight I had a pressed chicken sandwich, which was really tasty. I think they do a great job of offering two different dining experiences — I love how one restaurant is a la carte, while the other lets you point and choose what you want, and then they’ll serve it to you.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge grilled chicken sandwich
The lounge also has a dessert room closer to the entrance. As someone with a sweet tooth, that’s something I can get behind. 😉
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge dessert room
I’ll let the pictures of the sweets speak for themselves. Given how empty this lounge was, though, I really wondered how often anyone ate anything here. Presumably it was all fresh, though I can’t even begin to imagine how much of it goes to waste.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge dessert room
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge dessert room
Near the dessert room was a TV room, which was well done. It was dark and featured a huge TV with good sound quality. I hate when lounges just have TVs in the main lounge area as I find it takes away from the ambiance, so I appreciate that they have a proper TV room here.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge TV room
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge TV room
There’s also a business center with a handful of impressive workstations. The desks have iMacs and feature comfy rolling chairs.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge business center
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge business center
In the center of the business center is a display with newspapers and magazines.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge newspapers & magazines
There’s also a small duty free shop in the lounge, which didn’t seem to get much traffic.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge duty free shop
In terms of other impressive features of the lounge, there are some nap rooms you can use. Some of the nap rooms even have two beds. Each nap room also has a TV, chair, desk, as well as a private shower and toilet inside it.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge nap room
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge nap room
There seemed to be a good number of nap rooms and the bedding on them was great. Funny enough I think the nap rooms might just be nicer than the rooms at The Airport Hotel. So the next time I have a long layover in Doha I might just elect to spend the night in these nap rooms rather than paying for a hotel.
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge nap room bathroom
Now this is where the lounge gets really illogical. The lounge also has a spa, which is located back towards the entrance, off the long hallway. The spa has showers, a hot tub, and spa treatments. Except you have to pay for all those… including showers!
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge spa
Below is the spa menu (sorry for the picture quality, but the only menu they had was on the iPad, so this was the best I could do). For what it’s worth, the conversion rate between USD and QAR is roughly 1 USD per 3.65 QAR.
I asked how much it would be just to use the hot tub. 200QAR, amazingly enough, or ~55USD. $55 to soak in a hot tub? Really???
Qatar Airways Lounge Doha spa hot tub
I asked how much it would cost to shower in the spa. Also 200QAR. Again, $55 to shower, really? This was so backwards. You can get a day room with two beds, a desk, TV, and shower for free, but if you want to use the only other showers in the lounge, you’d have to pay to use them. That seems silly, since you’d think they wouldn’t want to force people to “waste” a day room just to shower.
I figured I’d book a 30 minute foot massage, which cost 340QAR, which is almost $100. That’s insane for a 30 minute foot massage, but at that point it seemed worth spending the extra 140QAR to get a foot massage, compared to just the cost of using a hot tub.
On the plus side, service in the spa was super attentive, almost too much so. I also got the sense that I was the first customer they had that day… or in a week… or since the lounge opened.
Qatar Airways Lounge Doha spa service
Qatar Airways Lounge Doha spa towel, bathrobe, slippers, etc.
The spa had a nice relaxation room, though for me the first stop was the hot tub, where I soaked for about 30 minutes.
Qatar Airways Lounge Doha spa relaxation room
The hot tub was in a room with a private shower and toilet.
Qatar Airways Lounge Doha spa toilet
Qatar Airways Lounge Doha spa shower
After that I headed into a private treatment room, where the Balinese masseuse was waiting for me. While the price of the treatment was ridiculous, it was also an incredible treatment. By far the best and most intense 30 minute foot massage I’ve ever had. The guy had magic hands.
Qatar Airways Lounge Doha spa treatment room
On the way out of the spa he showed me some of the other treatment rooms, which looked quite impressive as well.
Qatar Airways Lounge Doha spa treatment room
Qatar Airways Lounge Doha spa treatment room
Qatar Airways Lounge Doha spa treatment room
After an enjoyable time in the Al Safwa Lounge, I headed to my departure gate at around 7:15PM, for my 8:15PM departure. While you can access some gates directly through the lounge, mine wasn’t one of them.
I took the escalator down into the terminal, as it let out in the center part of the terminal, exactly opposite the Al Mourjan Lounge (and across from the seven million dollar teddy bear).
Leaving the Al Safwa Lounge Doha
Walking to gate Hamad International Airport
I was departing from gate E4, which was about a 10 minute walk away. The gate was at the far end of the concourse.
Walking to gate Hamad International Airport
Walking to gate Hamad International Airport
Walking to gate Hamad International Airport
My boarding pass was scanned as I entered the partitioned off gate area, and within a few minutes boarding was announced, starting with first class.
Walking to gate Hamad International Airport
Departure gate Hamad International Airport
The gate area was fairly full, though not packed given that the flight was operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.
Departure gate Hamad International Airport
777 taking me to Abu Dhabi
Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge Doha bottom line
All things considered the Al Safwa Lounge is extremely impressive. But I’m sort of conflicted about it, and keep going back and forth as to whether it’s one of my favorite first class lounges in the world. I’ve had friends message me when they visited the lounge for the first time, and the initial reaction has almost consistently been “OMG this is possibly the best first class lounge in the world.” But the exuberance tends to diminish pretty quickly.
Architecturally the lounge is stunning, even if it’s extremely minimalist. In terms of design I’d say it’s in the same league as the Qantas First Class Lounge Sydney and Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Hong Kong.
The food in the lounge is great, though perhaps not quite to the level of some other top lounges.
The nap rooms are the best of any lounge in the world, so they get huge kudos for that.
The spa is quite nice, though I think they’re really missing the mark by not offering complimentary treatments. The issue is that most people don’t have 60 minutes for a massage before a flight (whether paid or free), so I think they should focus more on short treatments. And for short treatments it just seems to make more sense to offer complimentary treatments. It’s what most other airlines do, and there’s a reason for that.
So all things considered, where do I rank this lounge and overall ground experience? I’d say slightly below the Air France First Class Lounge Paris, Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Hong Kong, Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt, Qantas First Class Lounge Sydney, and Thai Airways First Class Lounge Bangkok. So it’s definitely in the top 10, though not quite in the top five.
If they stopped charging for showers aside from the nap rooms and offered complimentary spa treatments, I think it would deserve a spot in the top five best airline lounges in the world.
What do you make of the Al Safwa First Class Lounge Doha?
Lucky hi sorry I missed you in Doha. I am in the Qatar Paris Premium lounge and no problem getting access with a Qantas Reward ticket.
They handed me the invitation with my boarding pass.
Now next test is in Doha i will confirm latest cost of Safwa access
Did anyone manage to get confirmation on connecting flight eligibility; I'm flying LHR - DOH in J then DOH to KWI in F, then the same in reverse on way back. So on way in, I guess yes (as onward flight is F) but on return can I access with my same-day F boarding pass to DOH ? No F on my LHR leg...
hi,
i have a nine hour layover next month. lhr- doh mus. flying first. can i prebook a nap room?
thanks in advance.
hello,
can you pre book a nap room? i have a 9 hour layover. flying first
Worth noting - there are actually two first class lounges with the same name.
You can purchase a first class lounge pass, however the access you purchase is not to the lounge in this review. There is a second lounge that is more similar to the business class basic one - that is the only one you have access to.
The lounge in this review is only accessible through actually having a first class ticket.
Found that out the hard way!
In July my wife and I flew Barcelona Doha to Melbourne in First so we loved our experience in their amazing lounge at Doha. There are more staff than guests in this lounge. The flight was delayed 10 hours due to technical issues ie the water pump that services the loos was broken. So we deplaned after 2 hours on the ground...Back in the lounge after deplaning we had a great meal and then we...
In July my wife and I flew Barcelona Doha to Melbourne in First so we loved our experience in their amazing lounge at Doha. There are more staff than guests in this lounge. The flight was delayed 10 hours due to technical issues ie the water pump that services the loos was broken. So we deplaned after 2 hours on the ground...Back in the lounge after deplaning we had a great meal and then we were offered overnight accomodation in the lounge !!! They have 10 bedrooms with full ensuite bathrooms as part of their wellness centre .. They are a very welcome free gift!!, They woke us up at 7 am for breakfast and we departed at 930 am... well worth it. Thank you Qatar you will see us again.
We are going to book Qatar Airways (Economic) KUL - CMN, with long layover at Doha, for our Autumn holidays, do we need to book nap room in advance, how much is the cost?
Im currently in the lounge and im not quite sure that i like it more tham the business class one. Its massive and cavernous and morr private than b class lounge but im looking at a pretty average buffet. Lots of wasted space. Ala carte food excellent though and loads of lovely staff. One point to notice is that even if you pay to upgrade no lounge access.
Hello Lucky,
sitting in Al Safwa right now. I was allowed to use the Spa shower for free yesterday, so they changed at least this issue.
Greetings from Doha.
Disappointing Qatar Airways flight from DOH to LAX flight this past wk. A Biz Cl passenger insisted on keeping all 4 window shades up. I was seated on opposite side. Couldn't see my screen due to white glare. Older couple in middle seats complained to QR FAs that they couldn't sleep (on 15hr flight). FAs told us that they asked Pax to put the shades down and Pax refused therefore there's nothing they could do....
Disappointing Qatar Airways flight from DOH to LAX flight this past wk. A Biz Cl passenger insisted on keeping all 4 window shades up. I was seated on opposite side. Couldn't see my screen due to white glare. Older couple in middle seats complained to QR FAs that they couldn't sleep (on 15hr flight). FAs told us that they asked Pax to put the shades down and Pax refused therefore there's nothing they could do. In contrast, I thot of Lufthansa whereby if they told the Pax to put shades down, that's where the shades would be. LH FAs are in charge as are most US Airline FAs. Qatar FAs are not. Lowered my confidence in Qatar Airways.
It's worth adding that if you're using the lounge during Ramadan, no alcohol is served. This is in contrast to Emirates who continue to serve, and Etihad who serve in the evening.
Thanks Saara - you're right - I found the reference on Bill Violas website thanks to your comment. It was commissioned in 2014. In my opinion it's worth going to Doha just to see this! But why have they hidden it away? Only visitors to the first class lounge are likely to see it! It's not actually in the lounge but on a wall outside above a stairwell.
I believe the "desert walkers" art installation is The Crossroads by Bill Viola.
Great review lucky!
I just booked a super cheap ticket with Qatar from Cairo to Madrid and will get to try the First Class lounge. I was worried I would have to book the airport hotel as I have a long layover, but after reading your review - I'm going to take advantage of the sleep areas! ;)
What surprises me is that you're complaining about the 200QAR charges in the lounge. These lounges are typically for highly affluent 1st class guests already paying a small fortune for their tickets, and so these prices would rather seem like a pittance to them. In my view the charges are probably meant to keep the facilities in top notch condition by keeping complimentary guests away haha. If you're going to review these absurdly expensive lounges...
What surprises me is that you're complaining about the 200QAR charges in the lounge. These lounges are typically for highly affluent 1st class guests already paying a small fortune for their tickets, and so these prices would rather seem like a pittance to them. In my view the charges are probably meant to keep the facilities in top notch condition by keeping complimentary guests away haha. If you're going to review these absurdly expensive lounges that come with equally nauseating seat prices then you need to think like someone who's actually paying the full ticket price ;)
Does anyone know the artist responsible for the 'desert walkers' art installation you can see as you take the elevator to the Al Safwa lounge at Doha? It is absolutely incredible - a 'video', approx. 25 metres wide (possibly more) of a large group of people, of all races, religions and ages walking alone, towards and away from the front of the screen, across a desert landscape. As they move away from you the images...
Does anyone know the artist responsible for the 'desert walkers' art installation you can see as you take the elevator to the Al Safwa lounge at Doha? It is absolutely incredible - a 'video', approx. 25 metres wide (possibly more) of a large group of people, of all races, religions and ages walking alone, towards and away from the front of the screen, across a desert landscape. As they move away from you the images are blurred by the tremendous heat haze. . I was mesmerized. I can find nothing on Google..
Just visited the Al Salfa lounge ahead of F DOH-DXB. Totally awesome and now looks less sterile with the cabinets occupied by museum pieces.
Al Salfa is restricted to departing Qatar F pax. Qatar tend to have separate lounges for access based on travelling class and OW status. Not surprisingly, the OW status based lounges offer fewer amenities and are less impressive. If travelling Qatar you should be aware of this or could end up...
Just visited the Al Salfa lounge ahead of F DOH-DXB. Totally awesome and now looks less sterile with the cabinets occupied by museum pieces.
Al Salfa is restricted to departing Qatar F pax. Qatar tend to have separate lounges for access based on travelling class and OW status. Not surprisingly, the OW status based lounges offer fewer amenities and are less impressive. If travelling Qatar you should be aware of this or could end up in a lesser quality lounge even though it has Qatar logo outside.
We have a Doha scale 1:55 hours(CDG-DOH-BKK) Will we have time to visit Al-Safwa lounge? Thank you
hey Lucky -- i'm flying a330-200 on First from DXB to DOH and then business from DOH-BKK via 388. Can I stop by the al safwa lounge since i'm arriving to DOH on First?
Hey Lucky so if you're flying "first" (business on the 777s) like doha-cairo, doha-amman, etc you get access to first class lounge?
Just read my post... bad grammar and spelling!
Meant to read "I also hold a One World Emerald (BA Exec Gold) card."
I think this allows access to Al Safwa but not sure if this is still the case.
Hi - great review - thank you.
I use this transit a few weeks ago from Edinburgh to Delhi but had no time to try any of this out. I do however head to JNB on Sunday from Edinburgh and on one of the legs have around 7 hours layover. How do I go about booking the 'nap room'? I am travelling on Business (all legs)... don't think there is a First product (def...
Hi - great review - thank you.
I use this transit a few weeks ago from Edinburgh to Delhi but had no time to try any of this out. I do however head to JNB on Sunday from Edinburgh and on one of the legs have around 7 hours layover. How do I go about booking the 'nap room'? I am travelling on Business (all legs)... don't think there is a First product (def not EDI to DOH anyway)... I am also hold a One World (BA Exec club) card. I was allowed access to Al Safwa the last time but clearly didn't take a look around!
Thanks in advance for the extra info.
1) How I can get access to Al Safwa First Class Lounge, by booking First Saver (A), First Value (P), First Flexi (F) or any three of them?
2)Can I get access to Al Safwa First Class Lounge if I have booked First Class Ticket irrespective of my booking class, but I am not member of Qatar's Privilege Club and also of any Oneworld Airline Members?
Please Lucky reply ASAP as I am still confused about getting access to Al Safwa First Class Lounge
Hi Ben
It was excellent review.
How do you rate Doha, Lucky?
As someone who lives in the UK, Qatar Airlines offers me very competitive prices to the Middle East and Asia along with the ability to earn BAEC points. For some reason I am far more interested in flying with Emirates or Etihad and can only put this down to having no interest in visiting Doha.
What sucks is that there is no First Class even available on the flights I have from DOH next year (DOH - BOS, A350 XWB), so I won't get to use this lounge because there's no first class bookable/upgradable to.
Lucky,
Great review!
Question, flying through Doha in July a couple of times. We are AA Explat, can we use the 1st class lounge while flying in business?
Flying to Sydney on AA in Business, can we use the Quantis 1st class lounge in Sydney?
Or the Quantis lounge at LAX?
I can't figure out the rules...
Thanks for the review, Ben! By the look of the hallway and water feature they have taken inspiration from the MONA art gallery in Hobart, Tasmania.
Quote Ben: "I never thought it could be a negative, but this lounge almost has too much space." - The Emirates F lounge in DXB comes to mind, it's just not a pleasant feeling regardless how great the finishes are or how attentive the service is. I did enjoy Singapore's Private Room or Thai's F lounge way more.
I was there yesterday.... Here are my thoughts:
The lounge is beautiful, modern and minimalistic.
The staff were very attentive.
Food quality was very good except the bread basket as seen in your photo. The bread was stale and it looked like the packaged buns one gets in economy. I mentioned this to the server.
Over-all I would transit thru DOH just to visit the lounge in the future. Definitely a must-experience!
Wow, that's pretty darn upscale and beautiful. It appears that the government-supported business of abusing their employees, persecuting gay brothers and sisters and plundering the resources is a very good business to be in-except if you are a service employee or are gay.
I realize this is a travel blog, but again, I would urge you to stop supporting this junk! You are smarter and better than this. There are many other ways to make money.
I was in the lounge on Dec 29th morning, and for breakfast, the menu selection is significantly worse. For dinner there seem to be massive amounts of food on the menu, while for breakfast all that was available was a few different types of egg dishes (omelet, fried, scrambled, etc). No fancy egg dishes (poached, Benedict, etc). We asked for shakshuker (spicy egg dish with tomatoes, onions, and others), they made it, but it was...
I was in the lounge on Dec 29th morning, and for breakfast, the menu selection is significantly worse. For dinner there seem to be massive amounts of food on the menu, while for breakfast all that was available was a few different types of egg dishes (omelet, fried, scrambled, etc). No fancy egg dishes (poached, Benedict, etc). We asked for shakshuker (spicy egg dish with tomatoes, onions, and others), they made it, but it was really just scrambled eggs. They had pancakes, maybe one or two other dishes, but thats it. Total of 5 ot 6 items. Also, the coffee was quite bad. Anyway, point is that if you are expecting food, don't go for breakfast.
Apparently the reason why their is charges for the spa is because it is not actually run by QR but the Airport Hotel within DOH. Therefore QR have no control over pricing. Just what I heard in Al Mourjan the other day.
You have to pay for shower? They didn't even charge in Al Mourjan, and there is rarely any wait! I think I'd rather be at Al Mourjan rather than Al Safwa :-/
Looks incredibly empty too... I found that rather creepy.
Some of the 60 minute spa treatments cost more than they do in 5 star hotels around the city!
@ Aaron - yes I am aware of that - to use a contract lounge of this caliber is a disgrace.
Very nice lounge but I agree paying for the additional service sets it back. I wonder if they will address this. Great trip report so far!
Um...Qatar doesn't have a lounge in Chicago, they use the KLM/Air France Lounge...
Not a response to the FC lounge, but my inaugural flight Doha-LAX and other flanking flights- super disappointed
Flex QR from Chicago-Doha-Bom, Del-Doha-LAX (Doha- LAX inaugural flight) in business. The family and I have been huge fans of QR business and as One World Emerald, I go out of my way to fly them. That said, these flights and the Doha lounge experience was decidedly subpar. Cost cutting evident across the board. Chicago lounge is...
Not a response to the FC lounge, but my inaugural flight Doha-LAX and other flanking flights- super disappointed
Flex QR from Chicago-Doha-Bom, Del-Doha-LAX (Doha- LAX inaugural flight) in business. The family and I have been huge fans of QR business and as One World Emerald, I go out of my way to fly them. That said, these flights and the Doha lounge experience was decidedly subpar. Cost cutting evident across the board. Chicago lounge is a disgrace. No business lounge (shared or otherwise) should be this awful – restrooms in the main concourse, packaged snacks, horrible wine, no sparking, no bottled water and temperature close to Doha in Summer. ON board – the 777-ER/LR seats feel way past their sell by date – the space is nice, but the seat feels hard and has zero privacy (I used to like them, but Etihad and even AA biz is better). Food choices downgraded – just 2-3 options for lunch, snacks and breakfast – used to be a far more extensive menu. No Laudere deserts from the US. Mountain Spring water (really??). Champagnes downgraded to Drappier and Jaquart (less than half the cost of the Billecart and Tattinger Rose previously offered). No proactive turndown service offered. Pajamas quality has further degraded – S or XL – tank top like fit in one and a sack in the other! Godiva chocolates gone – packaged Valhrohna (sample pack style). Al Mourjan Lounge – Krug until Dec 23rd (in 2015) and on our return flight on Jan 1 (2016) – GONE. No more Krug – only in Al Safwa.
Inaugural flight Doha-LAX – was supposed to be a special flight – NOT. Given a certificate for first flight, an older design Qatar T-shirt (would have been nice to get the Qatar-FC Barcelona Jersey?), and some old connectors for internet modem (yes, can you imagine??). Ran out of food and the F&B even on the first flight was absolutely subpar. The crew was disinterested – one of them telling me that she has been with the company for 9 years and can barely tolerate it. OK – are we becoming United/AA?
I have profusely complimented QR in the past but this time around, they missed the mark completely. I will not spend premium $’s on QR, unless there is a marked improvement.
"It looks much nicer to me than AF First Lounge."
Its a question of style, I suppose. But...AF First lounge has better food, better service, free spa, and they escort you to and from the lounge in style.
Are those iPad-like "terminals" sitting on the side tables actually working? Last year when we had long layover at the business class lounge both directions, 2/3 of the "terminals" were darkened. Those that had displays did not seem to do anything - not even get you to QR's website. I have no clue what those were for if they were not work stations, and not displaying anything, not connected to QR website... I notice in...
Are those iPad-like "terminals" sitting on the side tables actually working? Last year when we had long layover at the business class lounge both directions, 2/3 of the "terminals" were darkened. Those that had displays did not seem to do anything - not even get you to QR's website. I have no clue what those were for if they were not work stations, and not displaying anything, not connected to QR website... I notice in the F lounge you still see such "terminals" but they are far less. And you actually get a business center in the F lounge. I dont remember I see a business center in the J lounge.
Really don't understand why they need to charge extra for first class customers. You are supposedly paying a lot for your ticket (when not flying on miles) so charging for extra services is just plain ridiculous. BTW, unless you have a long layover in Doha why would someone need to spend many hours in a spa before catching a flight? If I am in the city I don't need more than 2 hours to be...
Really don't understand why they need to charge extra for first class customers. You are supposedly paying a lot for your ticket (when not flying on miles) so charging for extra services is just plain ridiculous. BTW, unless you have a long layover in Doha why would someone need to spend many hours in a spa before catching a flight? If I am in the city I don't need more than 2 hours to be in the airport so it would just be a quick trip to the lounge before I get to the plane.
So no nap room in AL mourjan but there is in AL safwa. I have a 24 hr layover coming up in doh. Flying j. Is doh worth seeing for 24 hrs. Wonder if I should get their visa.
Hi Lucky. Currently have a Qatar trip in June for:
BKK to DOH in F, then
DOH to VEN in J (2 cabin only)
Will I be able to have access to Al Safwa F class lounge, since my 2nd segment is only in J? Thanks in advance!
I wonder what all those railings in the entry tunnel are for? Maybe to protect some future artwork? Looks strange as it is now . . .
It looks much nicer to me than AF First Lounge.
@Tony : I (female) was in the lounge last Nov and had a quite long tour of the lounge. Yes, there is one shower room inside toilet located within family space/area (not main toilet for the lounge). So one can have a free shower either in quiet/nap room or family area.
I usually take Qatar Boeing 777 for CAI-DOH route, but didn't realize Qatar also operates this for such a short-haul flight (DOH-AUH). lol....
@Tony : I (female) was in the lounge last Nov and had a quite long tour of the lounge. Yes, there is one shower room inside toilet located within family space/area (not main toilet for the lounge). So one can have a free shower either in quiet/nap room or family area.
I usually take Qatar Boeing 777 for CAI-DOH route, but didn't realize Qatar also operates this for such a short-haul flight (DOH-AUH). lol. To get an access to Al Safwa lounge is a bit tricky to me. When I fly to my home country (East Asia) departing Cairo, I guess I can't use it unless I fly F from DOH-BKK first (as I did last time) or F from DOH-AUH/DXB (connecting to East Asia). Then when I fly back to Cairo, what a convenient access.
Great review.
I suppose since we're noodling around the edges of the world's best lounges, you're right. Nothing should be an additional cost. That's just silly.
Also - and I realize you wouldn't have this - a floor plan for the lounge would help, because for a lot of it, it sure looks like they've put super nice furniture in a bunch of weird hallways. Yes, I'd spend time here without debate or...
Great review.
I suppose since we're noodling around the edges of the world's best lounges, you're right. Nothing should be an additional cost. That's just silly.
Also - and I realize you wouldn't have this - a floor plan for the lounge would help, because for a lot of it, it sure looks like they've put super nice furniture in a bunch of weird hallways. Yes, I'd spend time here without debate or complaining, but given it's a whole new airport, and one of their most prestigious spaces, you'd imagine it would be perfect.
Is the hot tub private? Or does a traveler need to bring swimming attire to the lounge? (Maybe I am wrong, but I cannot imagine that communal nudity meets local standards).
@ jfhscott -- I imagine it's private, as I can't imagine a second person would fit in it.
I read somewhere that there are also free showers near the Family rooms.
can someone confirm that (or better show some pictures of them)?
Great review, the lounge looks amazing. Thanks
FWIW I was just in this lounge last week and when I asked for a nap room, I was denied one because my layover was under four hours; however, when I asked if I could take a shower, they let me take one for no charge.
@ Jacob -- That's bizarre, so you need a minimum layover in order to get a nap room? Odd!
but the thai first class lounge only makes it to top 5 because of the free long massage no?
@ franz -- Not just the massage, but also because they escort you gate to gate. They pick you up at your arriving gate and take you to your departing gate. And if you're originating in Bangkok they drive you to the lounge. Along with Air France, it's the most comprehensive gate-to-gate transfer.
Great review! What are the iPad like devices next to some of the seating areas in your photos?
@ Jamie -- They have connecting gate information, airport information, weather information, etc. Not *that* useful, in my opinion.
$100 for a 30 minute foot massage?!?!? In Cambodia you could get a 24 hour foot massage for that price, with free beer and money left over for a generous tip.
I guess they assume if you have the cash for a first class ticket on "the world's 5 star airline' than you wont be phased by spa prices that rival a 5 star hotel.
Great review lucky! I am looking forward to visiting this lounge in a few weeks.
I am doing something similar to you with an overnight layover in Doha. I was wondering how much you paid for you visa at immigration?
Thanks
@ Scott -- Hmmm, I want to say it was ~$20.