20 hrs in Hamad International Airport - Doha, Qatar
Doha may not be on everyone’s bucket list, however given it
is a major stop over destination these days, particularly if you fly Qatar Airlines or any
of the multitude of airlines that go through Doha, you may find yourself transiting here, rather than the previously popular stopover destination of Dubai.
Doha opened its second international airport, in 2014 to cater for the burgeoning travel demand at the time and in preparation for the World Cup Soccer in 2022. They are also hosting World Expo 2023.
Designed by the global architecture firm HOK, Hamad International Airport has been named Skytrax’sWorld Best Airport (Passenger Choice) in 2021 and 2022, ending Singapore’s Changi Airport's previous 7 year reign.
Boasting 2 runways and (currently) 5 concourses, and no end
of shops and restaurants, including Harrods, it is not surprising to learn you can actually book
to do a tour of the airport to see the extensive art collection that is on display.
You can read about the art of Hamad International Airport here.
Once inside the airport you will experience luxury, space and stunning (and I mean stunning) architectural features. No less than 8 water features, a garden (very similar to Singapore’s Garden by the Sea) and multiple green walls adorn the mega-space, high ceilings and expansive concourses give a sense of grandeur, while designer touches and beautiful art installations create an environment far beyond most airport conventions.
Of course all this grandeur can be exhausting, so if you are like me and at an age where the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair isn’t really doing it for you, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at the airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security as there is a transit hotel and sleep cabins offering both short-term and overnight rates. The Sleep n’ Fly Lounge offers a range of options but it is advised to book them in advance. The staff are multi-lingual and most importantly, they will ensure you are woken up in plenty of time for your next flight.
The even have a “Lounge Lite” option serving refreshments for an affordable simplified lounge –like experience, however please note for cultural reasons, there is no alcohol, but food can be BYO with this option.
A few nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles, but you will need to pass through immigration/security to access those.
A few nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles, but you will need to pass through immigration/security to access those.
The other more luxurious option is the 100 room Oryx Airport Hotel on site which can be booked for a minimum of 5 hrs maximum of 24hrs and Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre and day spa, including a 25 m indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy tubs, squash courts, golf simulator. Non hotel guests can access these facilities for a fee. Email spareception@oryxairporthotel.com
Stay connected to friends and family, update your social media accounts or surf the internet courtesy of the airport’s free WiFi. Connect to the “HIAQatar Complimentary WiFi” network. If you didn’t bring your computer, the airport offers free Mac computers for surfing the net; kiosks are located throughout airport.
As you can imagine, the airport spotlessly clean and the amenities are readily found.
If you feel unwell or injure yourself, there are two 24-hour medical centres: one in the Arrivals Hall, before Passport Control and another in the Departures Hall, Check-in Area.A pharmacy is available in the retail area between Concourse A and B. Hours: unknown.
Most people don't choose to have a long layover, but given we felt we might not be back this way again anytime soon, we chose to extend our layover, and you might be very surprised at what you can cram into several hours.
We opted to extend our time between flights to enable us to fit in a half day tour and, as a budding travel writer and lover of all things lux, a visit to the famous lounges. We chose a layover of 20 hrs which was plenty of time to fit in a trip, a shop, a cruise around the airport to see the amazing art displays, a visit to multiple lounges and a rest before resuming our flight to Munich.
Transit tours range from 1- 4 hrs. Potentially, depending on your layover time- you could fit in 2 tours to make the most of your time here.
We took the Discover Doha Transit Tour, a 3 hour city tour, which highlighted what a contrast of cultures exists in this incredible city. Doha is not a do-it-yourself tourist city - so the tour was well worth it to get a great overview of this city of contrasts. I recommend doing this after lunch if your layover allows, as things really don't get started in Doha until late morning.
All tours include English / multi-lingual speaking guides and your transfer to and from the airport.
You can read more about the transit tours here.
Note that in Qatar your shoulders and knees are expected to be covered in public. That goes for men and women. Pack a headscarf if visiting mosques and public displays of affection are seen as inappropriate. It is also inappropriate to film or photograph Muslim women.
Of course it is also not surprising to know that there are no less than 7 luxury lounges in the airport rivalling the standards of 5 star hotels. Designed by the same architecture firm HOK, the lounges provide a micro city of luxury which are destinations in their own right. They are both airside and landside (i.e. after the baggage reclaim). Many are fee for entry, however if your ticket and status allow, you may have complimentary access included as part of your trip.
All lounges have shower facilities and First and Business
class passengers have dedicated lounges.
We were lucky enough to experience the Al Mourjan Business Lounge.
The Al Mourjan Business Lounge offers a variety of dining areas to suit your taste. Whether you are in the mood for a light snack or a gourmet meal, you can find something to tantalise your tastebuds in the not one - but 2 dining areas - formal upstairs - casual downstairs. Extensive bar offerings and 2 options of french champagne also top it off.
The space is extensive but remains serene. There are designated quiet areas for resting / sleeping while waiting for adjoining flights - however you should note these fill fast and at busy times there are also queues for the showers.
The showers are nice and spacious and they use diptych products. However, I still don't think they can beat the Qantas lounge spa like showers at Changi Airport.
You can read more about the lounges and check your
eligibility or pre-purchase entry here: Hamad
International Airport Lounges.
If you are lucky enough to be a premium traveller, the
journey is made seamless for you with dedicated security lanes, transfer desks and
lounges.
You can read more about the premium traveller experience here.
Special Assistance passengers are also well catered for but please remember to inform your airline in advance if you require personal assistance. This includes extra wide check – in counters for wheelchairs and strollers. Trolleys for luggage are available free of charge. Note luggage lockers are not available except in some of the lounges.Stay connected to friends and family, update your social media accounts or surf the internet courtesy of the airport’s free WiFi. Connect to the “HIAQatar Complimentary WiFi” network. If you didn’t bring your computer, the airport offers free Mac computers for surfing the net; kiosks are located throughout airport.
As you can imagine, the airport spotlessly clean and the amenities are readily found.
If you feel unwell or injure yourself, there are two 24-hour medical centres: one in the Arrivals Hall, before Passport Control and another in the Departures Hall, Check-in Area.A pharmacy is available in the retail area between Concourse A and B. Hours: unknown.
Most people don't choose to have a long layover, but given we felt we might not be back this way again anytime soon, we chose to extend our layover, and you might be very surprised at what you can cram into several hours.
We opted to extend our time between flights to enable us to fit in a half day tour and, as a budding travel writer and lover of all things lux, a visit to the famous lounges. We chose a layover of 20 hrs which was plenty of time to fit in a trip, a shop, a cruise around the airport to see the amazing art displays, a visit to multiple lounges and a rest before resuming our flight to Munich.
Transit tours range from 1- 4 hrs. Potentially, depending on your layover time- you could fit in 2 tours to make the most of your time here.
We took the Discover Doha Transit Tour, a 3 hour city tour, which highlighted what a contrast of cultures exists in this incredible city. Doha is not a do-it-yourself tourist city - so the tour was well worth it to get a great overview of this city of contrasts. I recommend doing this after lunch if your layover allows, as things really don't get started in Doha until late morning.
All tours include English / multi-lingual speaking guides and your transfer to and from the airport.
You can read more about the transit tours here.
Note that in Qatar your shoulders and knees are expected to be covered in public. That goes for men and women. Pack a headscarf if visiting mosques and public displays of affection are seen as inappropriate. It is also inappropriate to film or photograph Muslim women.
Also to note, if you are leaving the airport, as of February 2023, all visitors entering the State of Qatar are required to have health insurance from an authorised vendor and the certificate must be produced at immigrations.You can buy it online at the airport or by visiting the various counters scattered throughout. Read more here.
Of course, if you are opting to stay longer – there are also
numerous tours
available here catering from family trips to luxurious private yachts
and helicopter trips. In Doha, the sky is the limit!
If circumstances allow, extending your layover or doing a one or two night stopover in Doha is worthwhile. Doha offers a diverse cultural experience and a chance to experience food and shopping you might not have otherwise been able to experience. Not to mention, the best lounges and airport in the world!*
