Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge

Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge – Doha (DOH)

Despite its name, the Qatar Airways Silver/Business Class Lounge at Doha’s Hamad airport is not a true business class lounge. The club welcomes oneworld Sapphire customers traveling in Economy, as well as pay-in guests.

The Silver/Business Class lounge basically exists to honor the spirit of oneworld rules—per which Emerald and Sapphire customers receive lounge access—while segregating Economy passengers away from premium customers. Passengers ticketed in Business Class are invited to use the vastly superior Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge, while oneworld Emerald Emerald guests receive access to the adjacent (and quieter) First Class lounge.

To reach the Qatar Airways Silver/Business Class Lounge, take the escalator on the left side of the Teddy Bear, and make a left in the lobby.

Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge DOH design

The Silver/Business Class Lounge was conceived as an oasis above the bustling concourse. Located on a mezzanine overlooking the Teddy Bear—Doha airport’s most recognizable landmark—the club incorporates several tranquil design features such as a living wall, dim lighting, a water feature, and plush carpeting in the seating area. With clean lines and an alliance of metal and Earth tones, the décor is modern while conservative, and stays clear off the golden hues and clichés that are sometimes associated with Middle Eastern airlines.

Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge – Doha (DOH)

The open floor plan boasts a variety of seating options including traditional lounge chairs with side consoles, egg-shaped chairs, and dining tables. While hardly ubiquitous, power outlets can be found in the ground, along the walls, and in side consoles.

However, the facility is woefully inadequate for a global hub of the scale of Doha airport. The serene living wall and water feature do little to compensate for chronic crowding and constant traffic. Despite the staff’s best intentions, seats are scarce at peak times, and power outlets are in high demand. Also, the layout offers little privacy and noise buffering, and the lounge does not receive any daylight.

It’s not like Qatar’s flagship airport lacks real estate—the Al Mourjan and Al Safwa lounges for Qatar Airways’ premium customers are some of the largest airline clubs in the world. Simply, oneworld partner airlines are second-class citizens at an airport that is dominated and run by the home carrier Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge DOH amenities

Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge – Doha (DOH)

The Silver/Business Class Lounge at Doha’s Hamad airport, operated by Qatar Airways on behalf of oneworld carriers, features a complete array of amenities.

Guests will find a selection of snacks stocked and replenished 24 hours a day, as well as mini-sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries, and sweets. What would pass for a decent spread at a contract lounge feels limited for an international business class lounge: there are no hot entrees of any kind. The menu also has its idiosyncrasies, with a full selection of pastries at 11pm which would be much more adequate at breakfast time.

Evian bottled water, soda, and espresso are available for self-service. While there is no alcohol on display, guests can order beer or wine from any of the ubiquitous servers. Note that alcohol is not available during Ramadan, including in the evenings.

Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge – Doha (DOH)

In light of Doha airport’s around-the-clock flight schedule, the Business Class Lounge incorporates a large nap room with a dozen recliners. The quarters are hardly luxurious—the room is nominally isolated from the main seating area, and the day beds don’t lie flat. But the space provides just enough privacy that it is a welcome haven for weary travelers.

Families will find two dedicated spaces with couches, a TV, and space for children to stretch out. There are no doors, though, and expect the rooms to be in high demand.

Adults will find a smoking room, which is unfortunately so poorly isolated that the smell of smoke emanates through the entire club.

The well-appointed bathrooms are constantly staffed and refreshed, and come with several changing rooms and shower rooms.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available through the airport’s network, as the lounge does not provide a dedicated access point. The connection process is a bit cumbersome and requires positive authentication through an SMS message or a Qatar Airways flight confirmation number. There are no other notable business amenities otherwise, and overall the lounge provides little space to work comfortably.

Other amenities include a prayer room and a selection of newspapers.

Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge DOH bottom line

The Silver/Business Class Lounge at Doha airport for oneworld carriers fails to impress. The space possesses some appeal, with its understated tones, appealing living wall, and relaxing water feature. However, the lounge is chronically severely overcrowded, and most seats lack power outlets.

Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge – Doha (DOH)

In terms of amenities, the Business Class Lounge offers a sampler of Qatar Airways’ higher-end offerings, including a family room, day beds, and showers. But the amenities miss the mark for a premium international lounge. The family rooms are bound to be occupied, the day beds are in a tight and hardly secluded space, and the food and beverage offering is severely lacking. Worse, the smell of the smoking room permeates the entire club.

oneworld Emerald customers enjoy slightly more space and privacy at the First Class lounge next door, while Business Class passengers departing on a oneworld flight should visit the flagship Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge.

Note that passengers flying to the US should leave the club early in order to go through additional security screening at their gate.