Al Maha Lounge Doha

Whether it's long layovers or an early arrival at the airport, there are many reasons to need to kill time. While Hamad International Airport in Doha already offers a wide range of options, the most comfortable choice is undoubtedly one of the airport lounges. On our way to the island paradise of the Maldives, we visited the Al Maha Lounge Doha. Read our lounge review to find out if a visit, and therefore the entrance fee, is worthwhile.

Where is the Al Maha Lounge in Doha?

The Al Maha Lounge Doha is located in Terminal 1 of Hamad International Airport, right next to Duty-Free Plaza South near Gates A and B. Access to the lounge on the second floor is via an escalator to the left of the famous giant teddy bear. During peak times, usually at night, access to the lounge is severely restricted. We waited in line for up to an hour just to ride the escalator upstairs.

Who has access to the Al Maha Lounge Doha?

The lounge is operated by Qatar Airways. Access is complimentary for Qatar Airways Business and First Class passengers, as well as for Qatar Airways Privilege Club Platinum members. Passengers flying with other airlines can also access the lounge for a fee (USD 55 per person, as of 2022), provided they have a valid boarding ticket for the same day. Access is also available with paid lounge memberships such as Priority Pass.

What are the features of the Al Maha Lounge Doha?

The lounge is modern, spacious, and offers a range of useful amenities. The elegantly designed entrance area conveys a sense of tranquility and exclusivity. To the left of the entrance, for example, is a long row of blue armchairs with individual small tables. Through the glass wall, decorated with plants, one has a view into the terminal building. Overall, the furnishings are comfortable, and there is ample seating for both working and relaxing.

The lounge features various workspaces, including individual workstations and conference rooms. There is also a relaxing lounge area with comfortable armchairs, ideal for reading or unwinding. In addition, there are two separate rooms specifically designed for families.

The Al Maha Lounge also features several showers and lockable luggage lockers. The Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, and there are plenty of power outlets for charging devices. The staff was always attentive, clearing away empty plates and glasses. The restrooms were also constantly cleaned.

What food and drinks are available at the Al Maha Lounge Doha?

The Al Maha Lounge at Doha Airport offers an average selection of food and drinks. There is a variety of dishes inspired by Arabic, Asian, and Western cuisine. Everything is freshly prepared, and there is a good mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. During our visit, for example, hummus, quinoa salad, wraps, and sandwiches were available. The only hot dish offered was soup. Presumably due to COVID-19, all the food was still individually wrapped in plastic film or cups.

As for drinks, the selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the lounge was also limited. The choices ranged from various waters and canned soft drinks to tea and coffee from a fully automatic machine. The selection of alcoholic drinks was rather meager in this respect. There was only one white wine, one red wine, and one type of canned beer.

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