Business Class Luxury in a Lush Garden: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge North in Doha
by Krish Patel
Qatar Airways is consistently ranked as having the world’s best Business Class experience. Of course, this is all thanks to their industry-leading Qsuites. Additionally, the airline is known for having the world’s best Business Class Lounges at its hub in Doha. Qatar has two Al Mourjan Business Lounges, which may be convenient depending on where your flight is departing from. A recent Business Class flight itinerary from New York to Ahmedabad via Doha gave me the perfect opportunity to visit the Al Mourjan Lounge North (by the Orchid Garden) for the first time.
Qatar Al Mourjan Lounge Location and Access
The Al Mourjan Lounge North is located in the north part of Hamad International Airport’s terminal. If you find yourself in the central hall with the iconic teddy bear, follow the signage towards the C, D, and E gates. In order to reach the north section of the airport, you’ll need to take the airport train or simply walk.
Once you’ve walked enough or taken the train to the farthest stop, you’ll notice a large area of the terminal complete with a circular ceiling. Simply follow the signage for the Al Mourjan Lounge and you should come across a set of elevators that takes you up to the space.
The Al Mourjan Lounge is accessible to Business Class passengers flying Qatar Airways and other OneWorld airlines. While this is a OneWorld Business Class Lounge, the access policies are a bit stricter than some other lounges. For instance, Emerald and Sapphire members can’t gain access to the Al Mourjan Lounge, nor can upgraded Qatar Airways Business Class passengers or Business “Lite” customers. “Lite” is Qatar’s basic Business Class offering that is more affordable, but doesn’t include complimentary lounge access.
Qatar Al Mourjan Lounge Seating, Layout, Amenities, and Ambiance
The space is incredibly massive for a Business Class Lounge, measuring at 79,500 square feet. After taking the elevator, you’ll come across the customer service desk, which is backed by the Qatar Airways logo printed on the wall. Straight ahead of the customer service desk is the Louis Vuitton Lounge.
Interestingly, the Louis Vuitton Lounge is the first time an airline has collaborated with a fashion company for an airport lounge. It's basically a restaurant within the Al Mourjan Lounge and includes a bar and paid menu. The Louis Vuitton bar and lounge is accessible to invite-only VIP members.
Comfortable seating can be found throughout the lounge, with several seats designed for eating and working to the right of the Louis Vuitton Lounge. Each of the seats is very plush and adopts either a brown or cream color palette. Near most of the furniture options is side table space, built into which are charging outlets. The side lamps and mix of carpeted and wooden flooring add for a nice, cozy touch.
Found within one of the seating areas along the right end of the airport lounge is the smoking room. It includes several lounge chairs and is essentially a dedicated space where travelers are allowed to smoke.
Much of the seating lining the edge of the lounge overlooks the Orchid Garden below, giving off a sense of peace and tranquility. I love the overall spacious atmosphere of the lounge, consisting of high ceilings and an open layout. During the day, the glass panels above the garden provide plenty of natural light. Furniture options throughout the space include plush couches, armchairs, restaurant-style tables, and comfortable lounge chairs.
To the left of the Louis Vuitton Lounge is some more comfortable seating that’s also visually appealing. Some of the seats feature small partitions that give an excellent sense of space and privacy. What really makes the left side of the Al Mourjan Lounge stand out compared to the right side is the stunning water feature, with plush lounge chairs surrounding its outer edge.
Also found along the left side of the lounge are many of the facilities. These include bathrooms, shower suites, a games room, family room, and sleeping quarters. The games room features video game consoles and a pool table, which are primarily designed for older kids and teens. Travelers looking to rest will surely appreciate the nap rooms that come with a blanket (which are exactly the same ones you’ll get onboard).
I love the showers in the Al Mourjan Lounge. Generally, airport showers are one of my favorite lounge amenities since they make it possible to freshen up during a long day of travel. The water temperature and pressure in the shower were both perfect, and you’re provided with luxurious rose-scented Diptyque skincare products. Note that the showers in the Al Mourjan Lounge North are slightly smaller than those in the main South Lounge.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to explore all of the amenities in depth during my transit. The lounge features a gym with treadmills, exercise bikes, and weights. You’ll also find two spas, both of which offer paid treatments. One of the spa facilities is made in partnership with luxury brand Dior.
Qatar Al Mourjan Lounge Food and Drink
When it comes to in-lounge dining, I’ve never seen a Business Class lounge with a selection as extensive as the Al Mourjan Lounge in Doha. In the Business lounge, you’ll find both sit-down á la carte dining and a buffet. There are plenty of dining areas in the lounge, each with a ton of seating. I found many of the dining tables to be occupied and it can become more difficult to find a seat during peak hours.
If you’re looking to dine á la carte, there are several options on the menu. Items include pasta, fish, curry, and salad, only to name a few. It’s even possible to order fresh sushi, with a selection of several vegetarian rolls. With sushi being one of my favorite dishes, I couldn’t resist getting a couple of hand-made rolls. You’ll find a selection of sushi and charcuterie options at the several bars found throughout the lounge.
In the lounge is one main buffet selection, with several cold dishes, hot entrees, and desserts to choose from. There is also a fridge containing soft drinks and juices. Assorted condiments you can help yourself to are found at the buffet station as well.
In terms of drinks, all of them come at no additional cost. Qatar serves barista-quality coffee in the lounge, as well as Laurent-Perrier Brut champagne. Of course, there are also mocktails, including the airline’s signature lemon mint. Those looking for a hot tea will be very delighted by the TWG tea selection in the lounge.
Overall Thoughts
Qatar’s Al Mourjan Lounge by the Garden is a spectacular space to relax before taking off. Its relaxing environment with tropical garden views and endless seating make this a lounge you should bookmark for your next Business Class transit through Doha. I absolutely love the amenities and dining in this lounge. Every small little detail has been carefully thought through to create the perfect lounge experience for passengers. Whether you have a short layover with time to just take a shower or a longer transit that allows you to sit down at the dining area, you’re going to forget that you’re in a busy airport.