In the article below, I review Al Maha Airport Lounge located at Hamad International Airport.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCESSING THE LOUNGE
- Being ushered from the gate to the lounge (and then back to the gate)
- Fast track processing through security
- Priority entry at the gate (for the next flight)
- Exceptional service from the multinational staff members
- Shower facilities (not all airport lounges offer this)
REVIEW OF AL MAHA LOUNGE IN DOHA
Travelling with Qatar Airways, I spent a short time between flights in the Al Maha Airport Lounge in Doha.
I arrived in Doha on Qatar Airways flight QR 1378, from Johannesburg on 9 October. On exiting the aircraft I was met by a Qatar Airways passenger service representative, who escorted me through to the lounge.
Having the lounge access means that one can skip the queue and use the priority lane when proceeding through security, while being accompanied by a passenger service representative.
I was in the hands of a delightful staff member from Tunisia, who intended coming to Qatar for only a year or two but now eight years later, was still on the job, and loving life in Qatar.
On arrival at the lounge, I was asked to present my boarding pass and passport at the reception desk. The airline representative invited me to make my way into the lounge. She said she would return to accompany me to the gate for my next flight in an hour and a half.
The Al Maha lounge is a welcoming space with natural light flowing through large windows. However, it is not possible to see aircraft or the apron from the lounge itself.
A CALMING SPACE
There lounge is laid out in an L-shape, with plenty of seating. There was a variety of comfortable leather seats including sofas, tub chairs and wing back chairs. Most seats have side tables located next to them – for beverages, meals, laptops or other items. High speed internet connectivity was available throughout my stay in the lounge.
Having come off an overnight flight, I felt a little tired and wanted to freshen up. Shower facilities are available for lounge guests. I was requested by the washroom attendants to wait a few minutes while other guests were using the showers. There were two showers in the male washroom. A few minutes later, and after a thorough cleaning, I was allowed to use the shower.
The attendant provided me with a towel and I was invited to make use of the amenities in the shower. This included, bodywash, conditioner and lotion.
After a refreshing shower, I made my way back to the lounge, where I started with a coffee and some pastries from the self-service buffet station. Refreshed, I enjoyed my caffeine fix and a pan au chocolat. After that, I headed back to the cold breakfast station to help myself to some fresh fruit and yogurt.
I then went over to the hot-breakfast station, to inspect what was available. One of the chefs was present, checking on the food quantities and presentation. He explained what was on offer. There were various options for different dietary requirements.
I opted for a cheese omelette topped with chives. This was accompanied with a mango juice from the beverage station, which offers water, juices, sodas, hot and cold beverages.
While enjoying the breakfast, I noticed the number of staff members on duty, including chefs, waitrons, cleaners and lounge service representatives. A member of staff from Zimbabwe made sure that the used cutlery and crockery was swiftly cleared from the table.
A REFRESHING STOP
After what seemed like minutes (but was actually an hour and a half), I was reminded to that I would be escorted to my next flight. I picked up my cabin baggage and proceeded to the reception desk where the passenger representative who had brought me to the Al Maha Lounge was waiting for me.
A short walk away from the lounge, we arrived at the gate where I was to take my next flight. Again, I was able to make use of the priority lane when entering the gate. Having lounge access means that you are provided with priority access and do not have to join the line for economy class passengers, even if flying in economy class.
Note : Al Maha Lounge is a lounge operated by Qatar Airways.
It is accessible to passengers with certain memberships (lounge, loyalty, bank or credit card programmes), business class passengers on flights with other airlines (excluding Qatar Airways, whose Qsuite passengers make use of specially designated lounges) and any passenger who wishes to spend time in the lounge, but is required to pay for entry.
The lounge is open 24 hours a day and can be accessed for up to 6 hours per entry.
ALSO READ: Flight Review: Qatar Airways, Johannesburg to Doha in Economy Class
