On your way through Hamad International Airport in Doha, you have the unique opportunity to turn a layover into a luxury experience at the Oryx Hotel. Rather than waiting around for your next departure, why not explore the city's iconic sights or relish in the comforts of an extravagant airport hotel? The Oryx, owned by Qatar Airlines and nestled right between the C, D, and E gates, truly redefines what a transit hotel can be.
Many travellers struggle to locate the hotel, mainly due to the ubiquitous use of the Oryxn, a native Middle Eastern antelope, logo throughout the airport. An attempt to help lost travellers, the airport employs staff members to guide guests from the Oryx Lounge on the second floor up to the third floor where the hotel is located.
At check-in, passengers must present their passport and boarding pass. As Hamad operates as a 'silent airport', passengers rely on screens and apps for boarding gate updates, with no oral announcements being made. Prepare to fork out upwards of about US$450 for your stay, a stark contrast to the regular rates of other hotels in Doha. However, the highly efficient front desk staff are on hand to ensure smooth transitions, checking and confirming flight details, and helping you make your next flight.
“A 24-hour, seven-days-a-week operation, we strive to provide the best and bespoke experiences for travellers,” remarks Badr Mohammed Al Meer, chief operating officer for the airport. He emphasizes the ambition to provide an unrivalled and luxurious appeal for passengers.
The Oryx offers several amenities without having to book a room. Travellers can pay 175 riyals (around $48) for a four-hour access to the "vitality center". A wellness-focused space, it features a squash court, golf simulator, spa, hydrotherapy pools, and hot tubs.
Canadian travel agent, Jane Jones, often returning to the Oryx during her travels, highlights the convenience and quality of the services on offer. From the free high-speed Wi-Fi that allows for a quick work session before flight to the extensive gym facilities, she vouches for the Oryx as a return destination.
With an annual footfall of around 40 million at Hamad International Airport, the Oryx’s 100 rooms are in high demand, motivating the need for advance booking. Room types range from superior rooms to family options and lavish presidential suites. All are equipped with amenities for a rejuvenating layover, including rainforest showers, kettles, and international power points. Privacy is ensured with thick window coverings, creating an exceptionally dark environment for a peaceful sleep, away from Doha’s sunshine. Truly, a few hours or a night of solid sleep between your journeys may be the ultimate luxury offered by the Oryx Hotel.
