Getting in is difficult, but there's a trick: Here's how to enjoy Qatar's first class lounge in Doha

Recently I was lucky enough to pass again for the Al Safwa, Qatar Airways' first class lounge. In Doha and I must say that it is, by detachment, one of the best in the world. Definitely superior to the Emirates lounge in Dubai, better than the British Airways Concorde Room in London and is playing with Cathay Pacific's The Pier Hong Kong, only La Premiere remains a step above mainly because of its exclusivity.

Access rules in the Al Safwa lounge in Doha.

Qatar together with British Airways is, within the oneWorld alliance, the airline that has the most restrictive rules when it comes to first class lounge access. Actually, it is also the one that penalizes those with Emerald status, the highest in oneWorld, against business travelers. In Doha those who have a business ticket have access to the two Al Mourjan, while those with a oneWorld card have to make do with the Gold and Platinum lounges, unless you hold status in the Privilege Club, the home program.

If we add to this the very few routes operated by QR with planes offering the First Class cabin everything becomes even more complicated. The requirements then are:

• Flying First Class Qatar Airways
• Purchase admission for 600 Qatari riyals (approximately $ 165) if traveling on a business class ticket
• Travel in business class at non lite fare and be Privilege Club Platinum

Qatar classifies its business cabin on flights to neighboring countries in the Middle East (for example: the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Jordan) as "first class," which means that these passengers also have access to the Al Safwa First Lounge.

Since still for a few weeks QR will fly from Italy with first class could be a Good reason to know in detail what it offers and how to access it When you are in transit, because it is important to know that you can get in even when you are transiting on a Qatar flight or other oneWorld carrier, as long as one of the two routes is in first class with Qatar. In this case you have no stay limit, while in contrast there is a 6h limit, although I doubt they will come after you.

What the Al Safwa lounge in Doha offers

Obviously there is a widespread and detailed review of my visit, but to sum up, guests can wait for their flight in immaculate surroundings, superior even to what would be logical to expect in a 5-star luxury hotel. Huge spaces and total relaxation.

Open kitchen (almost h24) dining room overlooking the runway and service on par with a renowned restaurant.

Here menu and wine list from my early January visit. Breakfast served from 5 to 10:30 a.m, All day dining from 11 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. the following day. Wine list constantly changing, perhaps only the menu does not have many seasons.

I love the business area, as if it were a coworking space, there are offices available for guests, with iMacs, power outlets, and meeting tables for guests to work undisturbed and without disturbing anyone.

You can relax in the spa with treatments for a fee, or with a relaxing soak in the hot tub.

If you are traveling with children there is the dedicated area, which also includes a restaurant area with an adjoining buffet.

The treat, if you have a long layover, are the bedrooms. You can use them for free, and there are singles as well as doubles and twins.

Everything is in the room, let's just say a window is missing. overlooking the runway. Of course, there is also a full bathroom. The maximum stay is 6 hours, but it is enough to relax and spend nothing while sleeping comfortably in a bed.

Does it make sense to spend 160$ to enter this lounge?

Entering the lounge at La Premiere, in addition to certain requirements, also requires paying 850€. Emirates is about this amount, but does not offer a comparable service (although massages are free). Having said that, I say. in which case it might make sense to pay for lounge access.

If you have a long layover, say above 5 hours and you want to eat better than you do in QR's business lounges, you want to relax in the free rooms then yes, you might agree. In all other cases, the Al Mourijans are more than fine.

• privilege club