After a wonderful Qsuites flight I decided to check out the Al Safwa First Class lounge at Doha airport. Normally, this airport lounge is reserved for First Class passengers only. But I learned that you can pay a little bit of money to enjoy up to six hours of luxury. Here’s how I did it and what amazing experiences are waiting for you.
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How much does the Al Safwa First Class Lounge cost?
Because the A380 that Qatar flies has a limited number of seats, they sell access to the lounge to their Business Class passengers. Who can blame them for making a little extra money on an underutilized asset?
I don’t remember the exact cost, but it is approximately $60 USD to enjoy six hours in the Al Safwa First Class Lounge.
Read: How I booked the Qatar Qsuites using American Airline miles
Al Safwa First Class Lounge review
As you can see, the lounge was very quiet with very few people around. This is the exact opposite of what Qatar’s Business Class lounges at Doha airport are like.
There was a nice little children’s area with toys, games (traditional and video games) and a tv, of course
There were some Qatari artifacts behind glass windows as decorative pieces.
Plenty of seating everywhere. Again, no crowd at all. I saw maybe 2 guests the entire time I was in here. It felt as if I had the entire lounge to myself. Such a huge contrast to Priority Pass, Centurion Lounges, and Admirals Club lounges in the United States.
There was even a games room with a foosball table.
Read: My experience flying the Qatar Qsuites
Taking a nap at the Al Safwa First Class Lounge
I wanted to take a short nap, so I asked for a private room. There are a handful of these sleeping rooms that can be booked. A spa is also available, but I did not try it out.
The suite comes equipped with a bathroom and shower. After a long flight and a short nap, it was so refreshing to take a shower and change my clothes.
Food options at the Al Safwa First Class Lounge
After a good nap and shower, I was hungry! I decided to leave the suite and get some dinner. The Al Safwa First Class Lounge dining room is at the other end of the lounge. As I walked from one end of the lounge to another, I did not see a single person that wasn’t a staff member.
I begin with some delicious soup
Followed by some sort of spicy peppered shrimps for an appetizer.
And finally, very delicious and succulent Lamp Chops. These were some of the best chops I’ve had anywhere! Lamb is a common delicacy in the Middle East, so this was one of their specialties.
To finish things off, dessert, because why not? I am on vacation after all!
The souffle was as delicious as it was pretty. You have to love it when a chef turns a meal into a work of art.
The Bald Thoughts
Normally, the Al Safwa First Class Lounge is reserved exclusively for First Class passengers. As a Business Class passenger, it was well worth the $60 to experience six hours in luxury at the Al Safwa First Class lounge. I highly recommend it and will definitely do this again the next time I fly through Doha. The nap, the shower, and the food were all superb.
How does this compare to Qatar’s Business lounge? What are you getting extra for the $69 USD up charge? (It’s $69, not $60 according to what I’ve read elsewhere).
You may very well be right as I couldn’t remember the exact amount except that it was $60 something.
It’s much quieter and less crowded than business lounge, food quality is superior, the spa is great from what I saw (didn’t use any services and had phone in room) and the private room for naps and shower. Plus the design is just awesome
I was there in march and there is a huge difference in service, food, facilities, alcohol. they have Spa, actual rooms to sleep in, 4hrs only. Just by the fact that they serve $160 bottles of champagne at the bar should tell you something
Andy, I agree. Business Class is wonderful, but the service at international First Class lounges is a whole ‘nother level. After reading Shabbir’s review, it makes me want to book a First Class trip to go get pampered and spoiled.
Thanks for this review! Do you — or any of your readers — know what the menu is like for breakfast?
Thanks
I personally don’t as I haven’t done a layover in the morning hours
Was this on an award ticket? With AA miles?
Yes, Shabbir redeemed AA miles for his one-way flight to the Maldives via Doha. Check out his Qatar Qsuites review for all of those details.
Beautiful review. Thanks.
Means a lot coming from a celebrity!
Thanks, Matt. Keep up the great reviews and news on your site as well.