The Ultimate Guide to Sleeping Areas in Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounges

Would you believe me if I said that I had a the most delightful 20-hour layover in Hamad International Airport, Doha? "Delightful", "layover", and a superlative seldom go together. Yet, the hospitality at the Al Mourjan Business Class lounges made this possible while I was en-route from Heathrow>Doha>Singapore.

In this article, I'll share practical insights on the Al Mourjan Business Lounges by Qatar Airways. Where to rest, eat, shower, and make the most out of your time. I'll also reveal a lesser-known spot to catch a nap. This spot is quiet, spacious, private, and you'll almost always be able to get a spot here!

Introduction

After arriving in Doha at 2:30am, exhaustion was setting in. My journey from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi on Etihad first class apartments was a treat, allowing for plenty of indulgence in meals and service. And after a short 30 minute flight, I was in Doha. Hamad International Airport is huge. It has a monorail within!

In this terminal, you will find The Al Mourjan Business Lounge – South, and the Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden which we will cover in this post. They sound confusingly similar. I'm calling it the Al Mourjan South lounge and Al Mourjan Garden lounge.

Getting There

Al Mourjan Business Lounge – South

Situated on the southern end of the terminal next to Harrods Tea Room, this lounge is accessible via an escalator from the ground floor. It's right next to the giant yellow teddy bear.

Those like me with spatial impairment might appreciate this map.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden

A monorail connects you from the southern end of the terminal in Concourse A to C, where the Al Mourjan Garden lounge is. This takes about 10 minutes.

The entrance is very discreet – there's no signage! You'll find it when you walk past the Oreo kiosk, and towards the elevator by the Louis Vuitton store.

A Deep Dive into the Sleeping Facilities of The Al Mourjan Business Lounge – South

There are three main sleeping areas: the Quiet Area, a few recliners outside the Quiet Area, and a cluster of recliner pods by the lounge entrance. They are often fully occupied. I discovered a FOURTH area that's seldom occupied. It offers the best comfort, privacy, and ambiance.

Quiet Area

The Quiet Area is like a maze, with living rooms set in a cathedral-like space, nestled beneath lofty ceilings and adorned with a glass mural. Each pod in this area can be reserved for up to 6 hours on a first-come-first-served basis at the counter.

True to its name, it’s eerily quiet—so much so that I couldn’t help but imagine how the sound of my snoring would reverberate through the space.

Each pod is equipped with a television and features a couch suitable for individuals up to 6'5" (2 meters) in height.

Recliners outside the Quiet Area

Directly outside the entrance of the Quiet Area, you'll find several recliners. These are available to anyone, and can be occupied for as long as desired.

Recliners by the main entrance

To the right of the lounge entrance, there is a cluster of pods, each featuring a recliner. Interestingly, the pods bear a resemblance to Nespresso machines!

Each pod features a recliner with a reptilian appearance. If you're a side sleeper like me, they may not be the most comfortable option.

The Family Area!

Among the two lounges, this one offers the superior sleeping arrangement. It houses approximately the same number of sleeping pods as the Quiet Area. However, unlike the pods in the Quiet Area, each of the 8-9 pods here is significantly larger, accommodating up to 2 people.

Each pod features a long couch and several single-seater sofas. I’ve seen travelers concoct creative sleeping configurations by linking the sofas, akin to assembling Lego pieces.

The best part? No time limit on your stay. This was my anti-jet lag secret — I had a 7-hour uninterrupted sleep here! It’s more comfy than the Quiet Area. Thanks to the larger pod size, each is well-spaced. This means less noise from neighbors and a feeling of more privacy.

Unwinding in the Napping Areas of The Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden

This lounge offers a single sleeping area, featuring 24 rooms that provide enhanced privacy, akin to mini hotel rooms. The catch? Exceptionally uncomfortable, non-adjustable recliner chairs, leading some reviewers to opt for the floor instead!

Frankly, it’s puzzling why Qatar opted not to include sofas as they did in the other lounge. The sleeping rooms have a 6-hour limit and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Personally, I find the sofas in the Family or Quiet Area of the Al Mourjan South lounge more conducive to rest.

Dining Services at the Al Mourjan Business Lounges

Beyond the nap opportunities, these lounges establish an outstanding culinary standard. Each lounge provides identical a la carte, buffet, and beverage menus, maintaining consistent, high-quality food offerings. I will let the photos do the talking.

Dining Menu

They also had a digital a la carte menu. This was taken on September 2023. Try the French Bloom, a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

Unexpected Discoveries

I was pleasantly surprised by the numerous hidden gems in both Al Mourjan Business lounges:

• Upon request, you can receive ultra-plush and snug blankets, perfect for the sleeping areas.
• The a la carte food matched restaurant quality. Surprisingly, it even surpassed the menu on Q Suites. Yet, dining in the air always adds an extra layer of excitement for me.
• Both lounges feature locker rooms, enabling ease of movement within.
• A gym is located in the Garden Lounge, albeit non-operational in September 2023.

Tips & Tricks

Maximizing Sleep Quality

Optimize your stay in the Al Mourjan Business lounges by bringing earplugs, an eye mask, a change of clothes, and a compact day bag if you plan an extended stay. Request extra blankets from the staff if needed; I used one to line the sofa and another as a blanket.

Timing your visit

Consider avoiding the "superpeak hours" of 2300-0200 and 0600-0800, as termed by Qatar staff. During these times, a la carte dining and availability of sleeping areas and showers experience delays.

Ultra high-speed internet

The lounge boasts extensive wifi coverage that is notably fast. For connections exceeding 200mbps, visit the business center in the Al Mourjan South lounge and inquire with the staff for special login details.

Showers

Expect queues up to 60 minutes during peak hours. If you're pressed for time, register your name as soon as you arrive and enjoy a meal or drink while you wait; the'll call you when your shower is ready.

The Al Mourjan South lounge showers are superior to those in the Garden lounge because it has an attached toilet. It seems Qatar may have opted to exclude toilets in the Garden lounge showers to make room for more stalls.

Regardless, amenities are consistent across both lounges. Staff can provide any missing essentials.

Conclusion

The Al Mourjan Business Class lounges has transformed a typical layover into a delightful escape filled with luxury, comfort, and exceptional culinary experiences.

In the Al Mourjan South lounge, well-designed sleep zones like the Family Area are a game-changer, offering a peaceful refuge. The Garden lounge, while not as comfy for sleeping, compensates with its stunning ambiance.

The surprising array of thoughtful amenities, from cozy blankets to reserved relaxation spots and anticipated gym facilities, are a testament to the thoughtful approach to transit stays. But, remember, timing is key! A bit of strategy around “superpeak hours,” early shower sign-ups, and savvy internet usage can elevate your experience.

So, if you find yourself in Doha’s Hamad International Airport, know that the Al Mourjan lounges are not just a pit stop. They are a pivotal part of your journey, turning layovers into unexpected, enjoyable travel experiences.

Questions? Found another secret spot? Let me know in the comments below!