A Peek Inside Qatar Airways’ Premium Arrival Lounge in Doha
On June 17, 2023, Aaron Wong found himself with a 20-hour layover in Doha, a deliberate plan to explore the newly unveiled Al Mourjan Garden Lounge. His journey began at the Immigration Lounge, a dedicated space for Qatar Airways First and Business Class passengers. This simple lounge, equipped with reading materials and a buffet counter of fruits, yoghurt, muffins, and assorted drinks, serves as a brief stopover before the main event.
The Arrival Lounge
The Qatar Airways Premium Arrivals Lounge, open 24 hours a day, is a sanctuary for First and Business Class passengers arriving on a Qatar Airways flight. The lounge is located on the second floor, accessible via an elevator after scanning your boarding pass.
Despite Qatar Airways’ global reach, the Arrivals Lounge sees light usage due to the majority of passengers being in transit. Wong found himself alone in the lounge for the majority of his stay, enjoying the solitude amidst the signature purple sofas and blue/red armchairs.
Facilities
The lounge features a quiet area with three rest pods, each equipped with a television set. A communal television area is also available, though it remains off when not in use.
The dining area, with its three-seater tables and additional seating along the wall, leads to a passageway to the business centre. This space offers a refreshing view of the main arrivals concourse, natural light, and some greenery.
The business centre is equipped with a communal work desk with iMac desktops, four semi-private workstations, and two meeting rooms with presentation facilities. A smoking room is also available, albeit uncomfortably close to the dining area.
Catering
Despite Qatar Airways’ reputation for not skimping on catering, the food in the Arrivals Lounge was underwhelming. The spread consisted predominantly of cold items, with only two hot options. No alcohol is served in the lounge, aligning with its purpose to help passengers hit the ground running.
Connectivity and Amenities
The lounge’s Wi-Fi network boasts impressive speeds, likely due to the low occupancy. Power outlets and wireless charging pads are conveniently located in the sitting area. The lounge also features spotless male and female toilets, as well as six shower rooms equipped with Diptyque bath amenities.
A Valuable Amenity with Room for Improvement
The Qatar Airways Premium Arrivals Lounge offers almost everything needed for a refreshing layover, except a satisfying meal. Despite the excellent showers, quiet areas, and well-equipped business centre, the lack of a better selection of food and beverages was a letdown. However, the existence of such an amenity is commendable, and it would be a welcome addition to other airlines’ offerings.
