Long stopover in DOH - tips for hotels

[Ansett Nostalgic]

Have booked an Aunt on a flight from Europe back to Australia which has a 22 hour stopover in DOH. She is a bit scared travelling alone and is currently insisting that she doesn't want to leave the airport so wants to book the transit hotel. My honest opinion is that the transit hotel is overpriced for what it is, and better value and a better experience will be had spending the same money on a hotel outside.

Are there any good 5 star hotels either near the airport or who we could arrange to meet her inside the airport and take her to the hotel to ameliorate her nerves?

 

[VPS]

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha. There’s a free shuttle that runs every 30 minutes from the hotel to the terminal and it takes about 15 minutes. The hotel was fine and I think I paid about $105 in July for the room which included breakfast.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha. There’s a free shuttle that runs every 30 minutes from the hotel to the terminal and it takes about 15 minutes. The hotel was fine and I think I paid about $105 in July for the room which included breakfast.

How does it compare to Oryx Airport Hotel?

 

[VPS]

How does it compare to Oryx Airport Hotel?

I've never stayed at the Oryx Airport Hotel

 

[smiliemonster]

Getting a taxi at Doha airport is quick, cheap and easy. We’ve never encountered a driver that doesn’t speak English and they all take credit cards so no local currency required. We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental a few days ago and the trip was 15mins each way, though of course the time of day will affect this.

Is your aunt flying Qatar? They have a welcome service you can book which will meet her at the gate and escort her through the formalities. To be honest though, if she’s really wary, the transit hotel might be the best option. Agreed, it’s not good value but sometimes convenience and peace of mind matters more.

 

[RooFlyer]

How does it compare to Oryx Airport Hotel?

As you say, the Oryx is overpriced and a bit worn and you wouldn't want to spend a day there. I stayed at the Hyatt years ago and its not as good, but better value for money. The Oryx can be REALLY difficult to find within the often-crowded terminal.

Think about the Meet-and-Assist service. DOH is big and can be very busy, so I'd recommend this either with transit or arrival.

https://www.qatarairways.com/en-au/hia-hamad-international-airport/al-maha-services.html

They may assist further than meet as optional add-ons - chauffer to hotel.

 

[I love to travel]

If you would consider a cheaper option Premier Inn is good

 

[jase05]

We always head into the city but we love the place and with taxis being safe, fast and cheap you are downtown in no time and at one of the many decent hotels.
Your Aunt may feel differently and not willing to take a risk but no way would I stay at an airport hotel for that length of time and I’ve never stayed at the Oryx Airport hotel but it doesn’t look great and is expensive. A taxi and a very nice hotel in town would be cheaper

 

[drron]

We have just stayed at the Oryx Airport hotel and our room didn't appear worn.
Signage is inadequate as it is only when you get close that signs appear. But not a problem as we just asked at the transfer security and knew which direction to take which gets you to where the signs appear.
Yes very expensive but we were flying J on QR so after checking in went to the Al Mourjan lounge which is not far away. I had a few G&Ts and Mrsdron her Sav Blanc then a pretty good dinner. then back to the lounge for breakfast on the way to the gate. All that brings down the relative cost compared to a City hotel.
I was quite happy to pay the high fee for the convenience not only for the lounge but not going through security again.
If no airline status and not fllyng at least in J then not really worth it.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Have booked an Aunt on a flight from Europe back to Australia which has a 22 hour stopover in DOH. She is a bit scared travelling alone and is currently insisting that she doesn't want to leave the airport so wants to book the transit hotel. My honest opinion is that the transit hotel is overpriced for what it is, and better value and a better experience will be had spending the same money on a hotel outside.

Are there any good 5 star hotels either near the airport or who we could arrange to meet her inside the airport and take her to the hotel to ameliorate her nerves?

Not eligible for the Qatar stopover package? (single ticket QR-QR)

 

[jase05]

Not eligible for the Qatar stopover package? (single ticket QR-QR)

That was my thoughts too. Free accommodation and free airport transfers

 

[serfty]

Not eligible for the Qatar stopover package? (single ticket QR-QR)

That was my thoughts too. Free accommodation and free airport transfers

That was my thought. (Transfers are extra from QAR140 each way.)

Thread 'Discover Qatar Stopover offer'

Jan 1, 2025

Has anyone used the Discover Qatar stopover package for QR customers with a transit time between 12-96 hours?

I have an award booking coming up on QR (booked with Alaska miles) with an overnight stop in Doha (more than 12 hours) and it seems to be a pretty good deal. You can choose from a selection of 4-star hotels for QAR103 (approx. AU$46) and 5-star hotels for QAR175 (approx. AU$77).

Any catches to be aware of? Or thoughts on which is the best hotel to choose?

Stopover in Qatar | Discover Qatar

Experience Qatar during your Stopover. Make the most out of your journey with Discover Qatar by turning your transit into a wonderful Stopover in Doha.

www.discoverqatar.qa

• Mattg
• stopovers and transit
• Replies: 40
• Forum: Qatar Airways | Privilege Club

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

Not eligible for the Qatar stopover package? (single ticket QR-QR)

So it works even on awards?

 

[Tiki]

For budget travelers with an overnight stay in DOH, you can get the metro to the Souk Waqif area or anywhere else in Doha with no need for cash. My layover wasn't long enough to leave to airport last time, you really need 12 hours if you want to leave the airport to give you enough time to transfer, check in, settle down and get some sleep. If your layover includes shopping hours roughly 10-13 and 16-22ish, then I would book someplace near the souk and have dinner at Parisa, my favourite Persian restaurant. Most sellers take credit cards, I don't think I have ever had any cash when I transfer through DOH and leave the airport.

 

[serfty]

So it works even on awards?

I don't see a reason why not.

Qatar Airways flight booking PNR (Passenger Name Record) Validation Criteria​

1. The Stopover offer is valid for Qatar Airways and code-share confirmed ticket holders with a minimum transit time of 12 hours in Doha. The Stopover offer is valid for a maximum of two bookings per ticket, one on the outbound, and one on the return sector of your trip, provided that a Qatar Airways, code-share flight is confirmed on each sector.
2. ...

Stopover Terms and Conditions | Discover Qatar

Find more information on our Stopover Terms & Conditions. Discover Qatar will create your ideal stopover or vacation in Qatar.

www.discoverqatar.qa

 

[RooFlyer]

Oryx Airport hotel but it doesn’t look great and is expensive.

It used to be excellent (needed to be, for the price) and I used it in my policy of day-flights only where I can; so my layovers were 8-10 hours. But its now is getting a bit tired and there is one particular wear point in all rooms# that make it an avoid for me from now on. I used to pay 1/2 with Qantas points so it wasn't so outrageous in cash.

The bed is in an island of carpet, with the rest of the room polished boards. Between the carpet and boards is a strip of metal. As the carpet has worn, the edge of the metal is more prominent. Could actually injure if you put your foot on the wrong spot. Last time I put a towel down so I wouldn't cripple myself going to the loo overnight.

That was my thoughts too. Free accommodation and free airport transfers

According to my travel agent, the airport transfers are an extra add-on to the basic package.

 

[jase05]

According to my travel agent, the airport transfers are an extra add-on to the basic package.

There are 2 different programs. There is the Stopover program and the Complimentary Transit Accommodation program.

 

[VPS]

There was a free shuttle bus to the Hyatt where I stayed

 

[VPS]

There are 2 different programs. There is the Stopover program and the Complimentary Transit Accommodation program.
View attachment 474610

They denied my free hotel because I could have left LHR at some ungodly hour in the morning and not had such a long transit so I was happy to pay the $105 not to have to do that