The Doha Lounge

Let’s start with how to get to the lounge. This is usually sort of complicated in airports, but not at Doha. They gave everyone color-coded boarding passes. There is no way to be lost in the Qatar airport as you are carrying a boarding card that let’s all the helpers around (and there are zillions) direct you to the right place. These colors even indicate whether or not you are on a short transfer so you can get priority security check in if necessary. Prior to landing, there is an instructional video on the different terminals and how to navigate them.

Walking into the lounge felt like walking into an exclusive club. I felt like I needed a map or a tour before choosing a place to sit down so I could make an optimal decision. I did a quick walk around before settling in a spot and saw all sorts of people in various phases of being pampered or resting. The sleeping chairs were so nice- window facing around the perimeter of the room and surrounded by plants so there is privacy but you’re not sleeping in a weird dark enclosed room with strangers.  There was a game room with PS3s and a nursery for children; prayer rooms and a cloak room. And most of all free internet without stupid passwords!

Boy did I wish I was hungry. I had just been fed on my last flight so unfortunately wasn’t up for trying out all the different beautiful restaurants in the lounge (and me turning down free food is so rare!). I wasn’t totally sure of the protocol but flagged someone down and got a pot of tea to keep me awake until my next flight. So I got at least 50 cents worth of the benefits of being there. 

I'd like to say I will stop raving about Gulf Carriers but I'm taking Emirates for my return flight so I can't promise anything.