- Introduction: Around The World With Dad
- Review: Etihad First Class Boeing 787 (IAD-AUH)
- Review: Etihad First Class Lounge Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)
- Review: Qatar Airways Boeing 737 MAX First Class (AUH-DOH)
- Review: Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, Qatar
- Review: Katara Hills Doha, A Hilton LXR Property
- Review: St. Regis Doha Marsa Arabia Island, Qatar
- Review: Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge Doha Airport (DOH)
- Review: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Business Lounge Doha Airport (DOH)
- Review: Qatar Airways Platinum & Gold Lounge North Doha Airport (DOH)
- Review: Qatar Airways Platinum & Gold Lounge South Doha Airport (DOH)
- Review: Qatar Airways First Class Airbus A380 (DOH-PER)
- Review: Ritz-Carlton Perth, Australia
- Review: Virgin Australia Lounge Perth Airport (PER)
- Review: Virgin Australia Business Class Boeing 737 (PER-SYD)
- Review: Holiday Inn Express Sydney Airport (SYD)
- Review: Qantas First Lounge Sydney Airport (SYD)
- Review: Qantas First Class Airbus A380 (SYD-LAX)
After a few nights in Doha, my dad and I continued our round the world journey by flying Qatar Airways’ Airbus A380 first class to Perth. We spent lots of time at Doha Hamad Airport so that I could review several lounges plus the airport expansion.
In a previous post I reviewed the Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge, and in this post I wanted to review the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Business Lounge North, which is is Qatar Airways’ newest lounge. It complements the existing Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge South, which was previously the carrier’s primary business class lounge.
Qatar Airways’ new business class lounge is spectacular, among the best in the world. Perhaps what’s most exciting is that it nearly doubles business class lounge capacity, which comes in handy over peak periods. Even beyond that, this is such a gorgeous lounge, with great design, unique amenities, and fun views.
I also love how while both Al Mourjan Lounges are exceptional, they’re very different, and each have pros and cons. I’m not sure I actually like one lounge more than the other. With that out of the way, let’s get into the review.
In this post:
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha location
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Lounge is located in the airport’s north terminal expansion, near the airport’s tropical garden. For better or worse, this lounge is basically hidden, and you probably won’t stumble upon it unless you’re specifically looking for it. I could see that being a good thing, because I’m confident this lounge will never get as many visitors as the Al Mourjan Lounge South, which is in the middle of the terminal.
To find the Al Mourjan Garden Business Lounge, just follow the signage in the direction of the C, D, and E gates. When you’re in the center of the terminal, this is behind the airport’s famous teddy bear.
You’ll have to go quite a ways from there, and you can either take the airport’s train system one stop, or you can walk. If you’re easily able to walk I’d recommend doing that, because it’s probably faster, given the moving sidewalks.
When you’re at the far train station (or just walk far enough in the terminal), you’ll see a large circular area. Just keep walking straight, and you’ll then see signage for the Al Mourjan Garden Lounge.
Even then, the entrance is sort of hidden. You can enter the lounge via the sets of elevators behind a Louis Vuitton store. There’s no Qatar Airways branding, so the whole thing is kind of strange.
If you find yourself in The Orchard (the indoor tropical garden), you’ve walked too far.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha hours & crowding
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Lounge never closes, as it’s open 24/7, reflecting that Qatar Airways has flights all hours of the day and night.
I think it’s worth mentioning that Doha is a heavily banked hub, which is to say that there are typically a huge number of flights that arrive and depart around the same time. This is intended to minimize travel time for passengers, and maximize aircraft utilization.
As a result, the airport is basically deserted for around 18 hours per day, and then it gets slammed for brief periods. In general, you can expect that peak periods will be around 5:30PM until 7:30PM, 11PM until 1AM, and 5:30AM until 7:30AM. There’s a bit of variation there, but your experience will be very different if you’re visiting at 12PM vs. 12AM.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha entry requirements
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Business Lounge is open to Qatar Airways and other oneworld business class passengers. There are some things to be aware of, though:
- The Al Mourjan Lounge isn’t open to oneworld elite members (including oneworld Emerald and oneworld Sapphire members), but rather they’re directed to inferior lounges intended specifically for elite members
- The Al Mourjan Lounge isn’t available to Qatar Airways business class passengers who upgraded, or who are traveling on “Lite” fares, which is Qatar Airways’ “basic” business class offering (you need to be traveling on an Elite, Comfort, or Classic ticket — award tickets are eligible for lounge access, regardless of which airline they’re issued by)
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha layout & seating
Qatar Airways’ new Al Mourjan Garden Lounge is 7,390 square meters (~79,500 square feet), and can accommodate up to 707 guests at a time. This makes it a bit smaller than the other Al Mourjan Lounge, but it’s still massive.
The lounge is one level above the concourse, so when you enter, you’ll see a customer service desk, and then you can either go left, right, or straight ahead.
Straight ahead you’ll find the Louis Vuitton Lounge, which I’ll talk more about in a bit. If you walk into the lounge and turn right, you’ll find hundreds of seats. While there are some seats designed for relaxing, I’d say this side of the lounge is generally more for those who are looking to grab something to eat.
You’ll first see several seating arrangements for lounging. I love the design of this lounge, and in particular how high the ceilings are, and that the lounge opens up into the terminal. I loved the natural light during my daytime visit, as that’s something that’s lacking in the other Al Mourjan Lounge (of course most travelers are transiting at night, so that’s a moot point).
The next part of the lounge has most of the dining options. There’s a bar with a couple of dozen high-top seats, some individual dining tables, and also some communal tables.
There are so many seating options, and then when you go beyond that, you’ll find even more seating. The back area of the lounge is almost a hybrid dining and lounging space. There’s another bar, and then there are more proper tables with booths and chairs, though they don’t have the tables set, as you’d find in the main dining area.
That covers the right side of the lounge. Now let’s take a look at the lounge if you enter and turn left. Visually this is probably the prettier side of the lounge.
This part of the lounge has a water feature along the center, with seats along the outer edge of that.
There’s a huge variety of other seating options, ranging from couches, to chairs for lounging, to semi-private seats with partitions, to shared workspaces. I’ll let the pictures of the seating speak mostly for themselves.
There’s another bar and smaller buffet on this side of the lounge, though otherwise there’s not as much variety as on the other side.
I appreciated that there were lots of charging ports at all seats, including wireless charging at some seats. The above covers the main part of the lounge, though I’ll talk more about the individual amenities below.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha food & drinks
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Lounge has an extensive selection of food and drinks, with both a la carte and buffet options. You can find the lounge’s main menu and drink list here, and the lounge’s deli menu here.
As you can see, the a la carte food selection includes everything from a variety of fresh sandwiches, to salads, to beef, to fish, to pasta, to desserts. There’s also a substantial drink selection, with Laurent-Perrier Brut being the house champagne option. That’s the same champagne served in the Al Safwa First Lounge, so I’m not sure if that reflects positively on the Al Mourjan Lounge, or negatively on the Al Safwa Lounge (or probably both!).
The lounge’s main buffet is located inside the entrance and to the right. During my morning visit, the selection included everything from pastries and bagels, to cold cuts, to fresh fruit, to cereal, to a handful of hot options.
There were also a few types of juice, soft drinks, water, wine, and a coffee machine.
The various bars throughout the lounge all have some food on display, which you can order. This includes everything from quiche, to sandwiches, to cheese and fruit plates, and more.
There are also several drinks stations throughout the lounge, so you’re never too far from a glass of champagne.
While there are several self-serve coffee machines throughout the lounge, I’d highly recommend going to one of the bars to get a barista made coffee. I’m so happy to see that Qatar Airways has finally introduced proper coffee at its lounges, as this isn’t available in the other Al Mourjan Lounge.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha nap rooms
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Lounge has 24 nap rooms, located inside the entrance of the lounge and to the left. These are available to guests on a first come, first served basis, and there’s a desk where inventory is managed.
It’s nice that each nap room is private, and then each room has either one or two loungers. There’s a blanket (the same you’ll find onboard in business class), though there aren’t any pillows. Each room also has a stool, plus a couple of bottles of water.
Personally I wouldn’t be able to nap in these seats (I’m a terrible sleeper, unless conditions are perfect), but I’d still enjoy just having somewhere to relax for a bit and get cozy.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha showers & restrooms
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Lounge has a couple of sets of bathrooms, which stay meticulously clean. As is the case onboard, they feature Diptyque products.
The lounge also has shower suites, located inside the entrance to the lounge and to the left. This is the only aspect of the lounge that I don’t like.
Each shower suite features a walk-in shower and a sink. For whatever reason, there are no toilets in the shower suites, unlike in the other Al Mourjan Lounge. On the plus side, the air circulation in the shower suites seems to be better than in the other lounge.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha game & kids room
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Lounge has a few other interesting amenities. There’s a game room, featuring a pool table and a foosball table, presumably intended primarily for older kids and teens.
Then there’s another area intended for younger kids.
There are also a few private family rooms, which are a nice touch. This basically lets you grab a private living room, which is ideal if you have little kids. Each room has a couch, a few chairs, and a TV.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha smoking room
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Lounge has a smoking room inside the entrance and to the right. It’s a pretty dignified space, though when I visited, this room was colder than a freezer. I assume something wasn’t working correctly.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha lockers
For those wishing to store their luggage during their visit, there are some lockers just inside the entrance to the lounge. You can store your bag here for the duration of your stay, so you don’t have to carry it around.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Louis Vuitton Lounge
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Lounge has a first of its kind collaboration, as there’s a lounge within a lounge. Specifically, right when you enter the lounge, you’ll find the Louis Vuitton Lounge. I wrote about this in a separate post, but it’s essentially a restaurant and bar with everything available for purchase.
It’s a unique collaboration, and it could be worth checking out.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha gym
While it’s not open yet, in the coming months we should see the opening of a gym at the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Lounge. I have reason to believe that this will be the best gym you find at any airport lounge, so I’d consider this to be a very exciting development. There aren’t many airport lounges with proper gyms, so this will be a very nice addition.
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha spa
The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Business Lounge will have not one, but two, spas. Neither are open yet, but we can expect them to open in the coming months:
- The generic spa run by Qatar Airways will feature a manicure and pedicure station, as well as neck and shoulder massage chairs, relaxation chairs, treatment rooms, and changing rooms
- The lounge will also have a Dior Spa, though details about this remain limited
You can expect both spas to exclusively feature paid treatments, so there won’t be any complimentary treatments.
Bottom line
Qatar Airways’ new Al Mourjan Garden Lounge is spectacular, and really exciting for passengers. Perhaps most importantly, the expanded lounge capacity will be great regardless of which lounge you visit, since it should help with crowding.
But what I especially love is how different the two Al Mourjan Lounges are. This lounge has a totally different vibe than the other one, and has comfortable seating, great food and drinks, and several unique amenities. I’d say the only downside to the lounge is that the shower suites don’t also have toilets.
So, which Al Mourjan location do I prefer? I’m actually not sure, as I love them both. It’s like asking me if I’d prefer a dirty martini or cappuccino — it all depends! I will say that I suspect the Al Mourjan Garden Lounge will be quieter in the long run, given that it’s more of a trek to get to, and harder to find. That makes it more appealing to me.
What do you make of the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Lounge?
Sorry if it comes out as basic. But flying Qatar Business (both my first) in September and have intentionally taken a 10 hour layover.
Can I use both lounges or once I enter one, I am not allowed entry into the other. And if the former is true, can I shuttle between them multiple times (if need be, just as an option)?
I’m here right now on an 8-hour layover. We started out at the Main Lounge and then left to come to The Garden Lounge. No problem visiting both. We didn’t go back to the Main Lounge, but I asked if we could, and the receptionist said it wouldn’t be a problem.
@Ben. Not apropos this post, but I would love to be able to browse a gallery of the pictures (with captions) from these review posts that feature dozens of pictures. Do you think that might be something you might be able to implement, if there's interest from other readers? (Though Boarding Area's infrastructure would probably not allow for it?)
Nice review..Now to figure out how I can get there!!
"It’s like asking me if I’d prefer a dirty martini or cappuccino"
Regarding the two lounges, I think the better question would be if you prefer your dirty martini with olives or onions.
I'm still baffled as to this Louis Vuitton lounge. It's a lounge within a lounge, where even though you don't pay for anything in the Al Mourjan lounge, you then pay for everything in the LV lounge, because it has an LV logo on it? What is the point? Is it just for influencers?
And the public without lounge access cannot access it? Why, if they want to spend the money?
@ Chris W -- Correct, it's not open to the public. Not only that, but you actually need Privilege Club Gold or Platinum status in addition to having access to the lounge to visit the Louis Vuitton Lounge. Only time will tell if this concept proves successful.
Bizarre concept. I sense the ego massage will be the most popular Dior spa treatment.
Specifically QR status, or oneworld equivalent?
Transitting through here in September with a 4hr stopover (0440hrs-0845hrs) so not ideal to sample the best of this new lounge.
I would say about 6-8 hours, through breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea would be ideal; next time maybe.
Nonetheless, I'm excited to get to visit!
@Ben ... Which AM lounge is closer to USA gates? thanks
@ CodeAdam10 -- Usually the flights to the US leave from closer to the Al Mourjan Lounge South.
How long are the nap room sessions?
6 hours. Game changing.
Ben, do you know if the nap rooms can be locked, to not be disturbed, and to keep valuables safe, while leaving temporarily to grab some food etc.
Or is it best to leave your bag in the locker?
Locker. No locks on nap rooms.
@ Jeffrey -- Yep, as noted by Origami, they can't be locked, so you can leave your stuff in lockers if you want. Personally I'd feel pretty comfortable leaving my items in a nap room, though, given that the area is staffed, so there aren't just dozens of people walking past all the nap rooms.
Ben - in the entry requirements section you link to your past article on Qatar's business lite fare (https://onemileatatime.com/qatar-airways-basic-business-class/). That older article notes business lite as being the "R" fare class, but I believe that may be a typo (or it changed) as it's the "P" fare class that is business lite and doesn't include lounge access. Just noting as it caused some initial confusion for an upcoming Qatar business flight I'm on before realizing...
Ben - in the entry requirements section you link to your past article on Qatar's business lite fare (https://onemileatatime.com/qatar-airways-basic-business-class/). That older article notes business lite as being the "R" fare class, but I believe that may be a typo (or it changed) as it's the "P" fare class that is business lite and doesn't include lounge access. Just noting as it caused some initial confusion for an upcoming Qatar business flight I'm on before realizing I'm in classic and not lite.
Ps. Why do you need to show pictures of toilets and urinals?
Because people like me like to know what it looks like. I’m always curious whether a bidet is offered and how it looks like so I can prepare beforehand. For me restrooms and showers are one of the most important aspects after a long flight. Everyone has their own things that they find important.
Too confusing trying to find lounges at that airport. Not a favoured stop.
Stumbled into here recently when my flight from Paris disembarked near the new garden (and was confused at first with the new section and thought it was the original location of the big teddy bear and was replaced by garden!)
Not having toilets within the shower suites was a big factor that would make me want the other lounge as when traveling with my 5 year old daughter (mom not traveling) try to look for...
Stumbled into here recently when my flight from Paris disembarked near the new garden (and was confused at first with the new section and thought it was the original location of the big teddy bear and was replaced by garden!)
Not having toilets within the shower suites was a big factor that would make me want the other lounge as when traveling with my 5 year old daughter (mom not traveling) try to look for private bathrooms to take her to rather than a common men's restroom especially in such a partriarical society which this country is!
Ben, do you know if arriving business class passengers can access the lounge?
@ Dan -- You need a connecting flight to access the lounge.
What about the proper ala carte dining menu (https://www.qatarairways.com/content/dam/hia/pdf/al-mourjan-dinning-en.pdf), not just deli sandwiches? Is it available in the new lounge, or limited to the original one?
@ SBS -- Sorry, good catch, forgot to include that. I just updated the post to add that.
only sandwiches for made-to-order food? That's a bummer
@ food -- Sorry, I forgot to include the other menu, so just added that. There is a more substantial selection.
I said it once and I'll say it again.
Any Priority Pass lounge does the job for me: coffee and fruits/biscuits...
what else would you need before a flight?
This lounge does not accept Priority Pass members so it is a hard Pass in my book.
Even though I never tried this lounge, I believe it is way overrated.
LOL come on. I've been to some pretty dire PP lounges. To compare those to a lounge like this would be insulting to QR.
By all means please stay away. The less crowded these real lounges, the better!
The less people that want in to this lounge the better. It will (hopefully) never get as crowded as AM South, but the less people I have to wait behind for a shower or nap room...
Let's all follow DCS brilliant Life lessons and feed on:
_ bretzels
_ humid peanuts
_ hard as a rock apples
_ Lukewarm Coke
The default coktail menu at Hilton properties Lounges
Showers?... forget about it, you'll shower the next morning,
This actually explains a lot about why DCS is so happy with Hilton, given their clearly low expectations. A stay at a Hampton must be a luxury day out.
A hard pass to something objectively more luxurious that you can’t access anyway on your priority pass? What are you adding to the conversation?
Go home.
“Even though I never tried this lounge, I believe it is way overrated.”
Brilliant…
I must say- most PP lounges are honestly trash in comparison to some airline lounges. There's a few AA and delta lounges I'd prefer any day over PP. With that being said, when you have a 8/10/12 hr lay over.... Coffee/fruits and biscuit aren't cutting it!
Wow, those seats right at the edge overlooking the trees below are spectacular.
My favorite seats in the whole lounge. Wait service there too, so order champagne and sushi and relax over the garden.
You can’t visit the LV lounge unless you have higher tier status with Qatar. Just having a Biz class ticket will not get you in. We were turned away in May, due to only being Silver status even though we were flying Biz class.
You can't visit the "LV" AM North on status, period. Must be on an eligible QR business class ticket.
was there in May.
Loved it. Now I have to find a reason to book another trip on QR ;)
Nice review. I'll be there in October.
"I love the design of this lounge, and in particular how high the ceilings are, and that the lounge opens up into the terminal. "
As with the other lounge, all I've found this does (the opening up to the terminal part) is direct loud sounds from machinery, people, and advertising and light from strobing LED screens into the lounge area, disrupting the possibility of sleep unless you're...
Nice review. I'll be there in October.
"I love the design of this lounge, and in particular how high the ceilings are, and that the lounge opens up into the terminal. "
As with the other lounge, all I've found this does (the opening up to the terminal part) is direct loud sounds from machinery, people, and advertising and light from strobing LED screens into the lounge area, disrupting the possibility of sleep unless you're one of the few that is able to get a pod. I see nothing positive about opening the lounge to a busy airport terminal.
@ Chris -- I hear you, and I agree in theory. But I have to say that even when I returned in the evening (when the terminal was otherwise busy), I heard almost no noise from outside the lounge.
OK, that's good news. In the other lounge I've struggled to get a decent seat. Then again it's much closer to the hub
Beautiful lounge and nice review. Does anyone know if a OW Emerald would have access to this lounge if coming off a flight in J but connecting to a QR flight in Y, with both on the same reservation? I managed to use some AA SWUs for flights to the Seychelles, but the short flight from DOH to SEZ will still be in Y. Thanks in advance!
@ TommyGzzz -- Per the oneworld lounge rules, you should be allowed access. This is a oneworld business class lounge (not an elite lounge, though), and per oneworld's website, this policy should apply:
"Lounge access will be determined on the international long haul ticketed flight (either First of Business Class) regardless of the ticketed class of travel on the international short haul or domestic flight."
Now, that's how it should be, as I understand...
@ TommyGzzz -- Per the oneworld lounge rules, you should be allowed access. This is a oneworld business class lounge (not an elite lounge, though), and per oneworld's website, this policy should apply:
"Lounge access will be determined on the international long haul ticketed flight (either First of Business Class) regardless of the ticketed class of travel on the international short haul or domestic flight."
Now, that's how it should be, as I understand it. But I can't guarantee the person at the entrance to the lounge will have the same interpretation.
Thanks so much!!
There is also a clause from the OneWorld website:
"Qatar Airways' Al Safwa First and Al Mourjan Business lounges in Doha (DOH) and Qatar Airways' Premium Lounges are excluded (in the oneworld lounge access policy)."
Technically, it seems like the right lounge will be "First Class Lounge", which is for OWE members traveling in economy.
However, since you're holding the same ticket and if the lounge agent considers it as a business class ticket (as...
There is also a clause from the OneWorld website:
"Qatar Airways' Al Safwa First and Al Mourjan Business lounges in Doha (DOH) and Qatar Airways' Premium Lounges are excluded (in the oneworld lounge access policy)."
Technically, it seems like the right lounge will be "First Class Lounge", which is for OWE members traveling in economy.
However, since you're holding the same ticket and if the lounge agent considers it as a business class ticket (as your long-haul segment is in J), you might be allowed in.