The Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business class lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport is easily one of the best business class lounges in the world. Even despite the current Covid-19 pandemic, Qatar Airways business class lounge is top notch. If one had never been to the lounge prior to the pandemic, one would never know things are different. Operating almost as normal, this lounge is perfect for the Covid world we now live in and remains among the best.
Last time I was able to visit Qatar Airways Al Mourjan lounge was several years ago. Honestly, not a lot has changed. You can see my previous lounge review for context and a more in-depth review. The crowds are mostly gone now, but this expansive lounge still shines. At over 10,000 sq meters (107,600 sq feet), there’s plenty of space for everyone to stay 6 feet apart or more. My partner and I spent nearly 8 hours during a layover in September 2020, after a fabulous flight in the Qsuites from LAX, yet we felt right at home.
Distant Seating
The expansive lounge offers many chairs which are perfect for keeping your distant from other travelers. Most of these blue chairs in the center of the lounge are several feet from the other chairs. Even pre-pandemic, this part of the lounge was designed for privacy and space between travelers. Only a few seats are actually near each other. These of course are good for those traveling together.
Each seat still has tablet which can be utilized to surf the web or see departure times. Attendants walk by often to clean them after travelers depart.
Even beyond the center of the lounge, the lounge chairs have plenty of space between them to make travelers feel comfortable. There are very few family or group sitting areas within the lounge. Nearly everywhere in the main part of the lounge is made up of chairs several feet from other travelers.
The only real difference that I noticed from previous visits was that the wooden beverage carts are now gone from the main section of the lounge. There are still a couple of beverage stations which are high touch point areas. There are signs to remind you to keep you distance and contain mostly single use items. The sparkling water is the odd exception.
Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge Food
Unlike many airlines, Qatar Airways business class lounges are still offering food and beverage services. In actuality, in many ways the service is better today than before as nearly everything is al la carte. On the far side of the lounge is the salad and sandwich area with a full bar. Instead of standing in line for food, servers now bring you food and beverages of your choice to your table.
Each table has a menu of food items and waiters come by often to ensure you have everything you may need.
Main Dining Area
Upstairs, on the 2nd floor of the lounge, opposite of the cafeteria, is the more formal dining room. This area still offers a self-serve buffet, a la carte options, and a buffet where someone will serve you whatever you desire.
The self-serve buffet offers small plates, each one covered in plastic. There is staff nearby to ensure you do not touch anything that you do not take. They will also answer questions about what each item is.
During non-breakfast hours, there is also a sushi bar. I really wish these options were available 24/7 as the food options are better outside of breakfast hours. On my return trip, my connection was at 8am, and unfortunately sushi was not an option.
Opposite of the self-serve area, is another buffet with several food items. Most selections are Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. There’s also some pasta and western options. Do not serve yourself, please let someone help to reduce touch points.
Finally, there is an al la carte menu with several options and a full bread basket. Once again, we opted for the more local options.
There’s a food option for everyone, but more importantly, my favorite part. Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan lounge offers Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne! During our 8 hours, we likely put away 3 or more bottles. Yes, we indulged!
After eating and drinking, if you are still hungry, help yourself to dessert. Like the self-serve area, the desserts are also individually plated. Nothing to fancy or great in my opinion, but the bar and food makes up for where Qatar may be lacking.
Covid Lounge Difference
There really isn’t a lot of changes in the Al Mourjan lounge despite Covid-19. Several hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the lounge, yet otherwise this vast lounge is social distancing heaven. Masks are required when not eating and drinking and all staff have personal protective equipment on which includes masks and gloves. With fewer travelers actually going places right now, this lounge feels empty.
If there is any plus side to the pandemic, more travelers now have access to the Al Mourjan Lounge. Pre-pandemic, OneWorld business class passengers on other airlines did not have access. Emerald and Ruby OneWorld Elites flying Qatar Airways in coach are also not admitted to the Al Mourjan lounge. Qatar Airways exclusive business class lounge is typically reserved for Qatar Airways business class passengers and Qatar’s elites. Now, all OneWorld business class partners can utilize the lounge. OneWorld Elites flying in economy and premium economy are sent to the Oryx Lounge, a decent contract lounge.
Meanwhile, back in the Al Mourjan lounge, every other part of the lounge is still open. The work stations, smoking room, and game rooms are still available. Even the kids area with toys is open. For those with longer hours or want to refresh, showers and sleeping pods/couches are available too.
If you want to feel somewhat normal, but still Covid-19 safe. Qatar Airways is doing a great job and I highly recommend flying them during these uncertain times.
