Stepping into Hamad International Airport in Doha, you’d never guess there was a storm raging outside. The sleek terminals, tranquil atmosphere, and world-class lounges make it a top-tier airport experience. Fresh off a turbulent flight from Abu Dhabi, I had a solid eight hours to kill, so I did what any travel enthusiast would do—lounge-hop.
Exploring the Newest Addition: The Garden
Opened in time for the 2022 World Cup, Hamad International Airport has continued to expand, with the most impressive addition being “The Garden” in 2023. If you’ve been to Singapore’s Changi Airport, you might get a bit of déjà vu—lush greenery, elegant architecture, and a calming vibe that makes you forget you’re in an airport.
A quick airside train ride connects the new and old sections of the airport, and once you pass through duty-free, you’re greeted by The Garden’s stunning open space. But the real highlight? The Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge at The Garden, which ranks among my top five lounges worldwide. This place is an absolute game-changer, far surpassing Qatar’s other business and even first-class lounges. Picture endless seating, private relaxation rooms, a gorgeous a la carte dining area, and a layout that never feels cramped.
Al Safwa First Class Lounge – Is It Worth the Hype?
Next up, I made my way to the Al Safwa First Class Lounge, accessible to those flying Qatar’s regional First Class (or for $165 if you qualify for paid entry). Inspired by Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, the lounge has a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Depending on the time of day, it’s either a peaceful oasis or a buzzing hub of travelers.
One major perk? The private sleeping rooms—a rare find in busy airports. I managed to snag one and had a much-needed nap before heading to the restaurant. The food? Solid, but not mind-blowing. If you’ve visited other Qatar Airways lounges, you’ll notice that the menu and wine list are pretty much identical. That said, it’s still a fantastic place to unwind before a flight.
A Quick Stop at the Original Al Mourjan Lounge
For comparison, I made a stop at the original Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge. It’s well-equipped with dining options, a bar, and plenty of seating, but it gets insanely crowded. If you have access, The Garden Lounge is definitely the better choice—more space, more peace, and a much nicer overall experience.
Onboard Qatar Airways: A Comfortable Ride
Boarding was well-organized, and I found myself on a 9-year-old Boeing 787-8. Qatar Airways is known for its QSuites, but not every flight gets them. However, their reverse herringbone seats on this aircraft are still very comfortable, with a great balance of open space and storage.
One of the biggest debates among frequent flyers is the fear of being “Qatar’ed”—booking a QSuite and then having an aircraft swap. While this used to be a major issue, the numbers now show that 70% of Qatar’s 777s, A350s, and 787-9s have QSuites, making the odds much better than they were in the past.
Dining at 35,000 Feet
Qatar Airways’ in-flight dining is consistently solid, and this flight was no exception. I kicked things off with their Arabic Mezze, which featured a rotating selection of hummus, labneh, and muhammara. For my main, I went with Qatari spiced chicken machboos—basically a must-order for me whenever it’s on the menu. Rich, flavorful, and always a great choice.
Dessert was a bit of a wild card: chocolate caraway mousse with raspberry crèmeux, vanilla crumble, mango, and berries. Definitely on the indulgent side, but beautifully presented and worth every bite.
Between the lounges, comfortable seat, and great food, Qatar Airways delivered a smooth experience from start to finish. Service was efficient without being overly engaging, which worked just fine for an overnight flight.