Long stopover in DOH - tips for hotels

[Tlee]

Is there a consensus over the superiority of stopover options provided by QR: STPC or Discover Qatar?
Have upcoming award flights with the 13-hour layover at Qater (6AM - 7 PM). QR said my booking is eligible for paid transit accommodation (USD 100).

Will be travelling solo. Never been out of the DOH airport before. I wonder which option will be a better choice (in general). I noted that STPC package includes the meal allowance of USD $48 but I don't have the freedom to pick the hotel for my layover.

 

[serfty]

Thirteen daylight hours I would not consider any paid option.

Do you have lounge access?

Your profile indicates Sapphire, so there would be at least lounge access at DOH.

Any other comment / advice would depend on your route and booking class.

 

[Tlee]

My first segment is Business Class (BNE-DOH) and second one is First Class (DOH-MCT). I read somewhere that I would be eligible to use Al Safwa lounge, which has sleeping rooms. (I also have Priority Pass if that makes any differences)

Should I do the tours instead? (Not sure how tired I would be after the first leg and I don't think I'm interested in going through the shops at DOH)

 

[jase05]

My first segment is Business Class (BNE-DOH) and second one is First Class (DOH-MCT). I read somewhere that I would be eligible to use Al Safwa lounge, which has sleeping rooms. (I also have Priority Pass if that makes any differences)

Should I do the tours instead? (Not sure how tired I would be after the first leg and I don't think I'm interested in going through the shops at DOH)

Yes, you would have access to the Al Safwa and they do have sleep rooms. It’s no guarantee you will get a sleep room though as they are often occupied.
If you get a good sleep on the first leg and arrive fresh then I’d consider doing a tour if it’s of interest. You can then head back to the lounge, have a shower or jacuzzi and then order a meal

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Yes, you would have access to the Al Safwa and they do have sleep rooms. It’s no guarantee you will get a sleep room though as they are often occupied.
If you get a good sleep on the first leg and arrive fresh then I’d consider doing a tour if it’s of interest. You can then head back to the lounge, have a shower or jacuzzi and then order a meal

Agree.

Arrive, spend half a day doing a tour, return and relax.

13 hours you’d be climbing the walls bored stuck in the lounge.

 

[jase05]

Agree.

Arrive, spend half a day doing a tour, return and relax.

13 hours you’d be climbing the walls bored stuck in the lounge.

Yep, we’ve been to the Al Safwa many times and although it’s a nice enough place I think 4-5hrs tops unless you nab a sleep room and need some kip.
I have no trouble sleeping on the flight though so normally feel ok.
Take one of the tours or both Uber and Karwa are cheap and head into town. Most museums etc open around 9am but plenty cafes are open either 24hrs or 5am. The metro starts around 5am too I’m pretty sure. Although the Souk stalls normally start opening up around 10am the cafes and restaurants there can start opening around 7-8am.
Personally I’d head into town, visit a museum or two and definitely head to Souk Waqif for a wander to take in the sights and do some shopping for gifts. Easily spend 6-7hrs doing this then head back to the airport, straight up to Al Safwa and grab a shower and/or jacuzzi then sit down in the meal area and order a meal and a few drinks and all of a sudden it will be time to go