When I finally landed at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, I was super excited. Why? Because I knew I was about to enter one of the best lounges in the world.
The excitement was built for months after the countless articles and videos I viewed. Sure, a lounge shouldn’t be a highlight of a trip…but this is Qatar Airways we are talking about. This is my Al Safwa First Class Lounge review.
Please note: I loved this so much I have been back 2 more times since my first experience.
Table of Contents
Entering The Al Safwa Lounge
Truthfully, you don’t even need to be in a lounge when you’re at Hamad International Airport in Qatar. It’s one of the best airports in the world, and one I continuously try to be in.
Once you get off your plane you will funnel to the center, to in which you take a picture of the iconic bear like everybody else.
Now economy passengers will roam this mega airport and do whatever they want. Business passengers will head to Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge, which is a spectacle of it’s own. And First Class Passengers will head to the Al Safwa Lounge.
After a long escalator ride, you reach a lavish desk with a very friendly staff….the same process as every lounge in the world. But once I stepped inside, it felt like a museum.
It was spotless and quiet, you could hear a pin drop. An attendant welcomed me to the Al Safwa Lounge and asked if he could get me anything. Judging by his sincerity, I thought he could have got me anything imaginable. But I had a headache…I needed a shower immediately.
Showers
The shower room was incredible. Mine was through one of the massage rooms (I know) and it was a perfect oasis for me to take Tylenol and take a blistering hot shower. There was so much space to just relax in silence.
As much as I enjoy Emirates First Class Lounge…Qatar Airways wins the “shower race”. I felt like a new person after this, and I was ready to explore.
As I walked back out into the Al Safwa Lounge aka Museum…it actually felt like I was in the Louvre. There is so much Qatari History to look at, as well as past and present art. And don’t forget multiple water structures.
I found a secret little hallway with random food presentations that were filled with snacks and drinks. There was a kids room, a quiet room, a game room, and more. At this time, I was absolutely starving, but wanted to make sure I saw everything before I sat down.
Heading back to the restaurant area, you will see a sushi section in the back. You can sit there, the bar, or the main restaurant area. There is ample room no matter where you want to be. Passing through the entry area again, there is a CRAZY infinity fountain and some soft chairs to hangout. This is a great “look at your phone spot”.
The great guy from before was still actively roaming and making sure nobody needed anything. This was such a great experience so far.
Al Safwa Dining
After a rest, it was time to eat. I headed to the “main” dining room and there were plenty of tables and a huge bar. I opted for a table and ordered a a lamb biryani and a coke. This is still one the best biryani’s I’ve had to date. A delicious meal. It’s not required, but I tipped the server despite this being a controversial topic in airport lounges. Nobody expects you to, but it’s a nice gesture.
The alcohol in this lounge is among the best you can find. Yes I would’ve loved some Krug champagne but it would have made my headache much worse unfortunately. So coke and water was the play.
Qatar Airways is a top airline in the world, and their food reflects that on the planes, AND on the ground. I was extremely thankful to be in the Al Safwa First Class Lounge because I’ve always had to use a partner lounge when flying Qatar Airways. Being in ANY lounge is a luxury on its own…but of course some are much much better than the others.
I do not have a picture of the biryani, but here is one of the eggs benedict.
The QSpa & Rooms
We are briefly fast forwarding to my next visit. Because on this visit I stayed in one of the 12 – first come first serve rooms in the “QSpa”.
I had a massive layover, but there was an error which prevented me from visiting Doha for the afternoon. Luckily, there’s no better place to be trapped in the airport.
After visiting the Orchard at Hamad International Airport, I was off the Al Safwa again, but this time…I asked for a room.
The room had a personal bathroom, shower, closest, desk, TV, bed…it had everything you could ever need. It was almost eerily silent. Just a little secret spot at this mega aiport that had ZERO sound. Hopefully if you are reading this, you can see for yourself.
I knocked out for hours in this “hotel” room. If you have a longer layover and access to the Al Safwa…RUN to the QSpa area and try and get a room.
How To Get Access To Al Safwa Lounge
Well it’s simple, have a Qatar First Class flight booked out of Hamad International Airport….just kidding, there are a few other ways.
Privilege Club Platinum members traveling Business Class with Qatar Airways are allowed in, as well as Oneworld First Class passengers.
But there’s also a little “hack”.
Business Class flights on Qatar Airways that are to countries within the Middle East are classified as “First Class”. For example, I had a business class ticket to Cairo, Egypt from Doha…but that is technically “first class”… therefore I had entry to the Al Safwa. Hopefully that makes sense
This is your easiest way into the Al Safwa First Class Lounge. The points redemptions, as well as cash fares to Cairo, Riyadh, Dubai, etc are “reasonable” for normal people.
If you have a business class flight to Bangkok for example, you can also PAY to enter this lounge. You’ll have a great time at Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge, but if you want to splurge, go for it. It costs 600 QAR (about $170) to upgrade, as long as it isn’t too full.
The Best Lounge In The World?
Now this is a very subjective question. Is the Al Safwa the best lounge in the world?
It’s extremely possible. The “private” escalator up the iconic entrance really sets the tone for the stay. For me it’s not even about the food, drinks, or exclusivity. It is the fact it is so visually appealing and straight up peaceful.
Every time I have been inside, it is just peaceful and relaxing…exactly how I want to feel at an airport.
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