Review: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan The Garden Business Class Lounge

by Anshul
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a large indoor building with trees and people

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Introduction – Al Mourjan The Garden

On a recent layover in Doha, after the lacklustre experience of Qatar Qsuite from Montreal to Doha, I visited Qatar Airways’ new Al Mourjan Business Lounge—The Garden—at Hamad International Airport. Though my next leg to Bangkok was in First Class, the temporary closure of the Al Safwa First Lounge meant I still had access to both the Al Mourjan Business Lounges instead. Since Al Mourjan The Garden Lounge recently opened in April 2023, I was eager to explore its features during my six-hour stay.

a sign on a escalator

Temporary closure of Al Safwa First Lounge – November 2023

Location and Access – Al Mourjan The Garden

Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden is located in the Northern expansion of Hamad International Airport, overlooking the Orchard, a beautiful indoor tropical garden. The lounge is accessible to Qatar Airways and Oneworld First and Business Class passengers at no additional cost. Passengers flying Economy or Business Lite can purchase access.

a large indoor building with trees and people

View of the Orchard from The Garden Lounge

After scanning my boarding pass, I took an elevator up to the lounge’s entrance. The lounge is expansive and divided into two main sections: the East and West Wing. Staff at the reception helped me navigate the layout and offered tips on where to go based on my needs.

people standing in a building

Non-descript elevator acess to The Garden

a reception desk in a building

Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge – The Garden

Seating and Layout – Al Mourjan The Garden

 

The lounge’s seating options are diverse, especially in the West Wing. Traditional sofas, wingback chairs, and workstations are available, catering to different travel needs. The lounge is divided into zones: some areas are quieter and more suitable for resting, while others are more social and lively. One of the standout features is the seating that overlooks the Orchard, a popular spot for many passengers. The West Wing also features a calming water feature, adding to the relaxing atmosphere.

a stone pillar with signs on it

Lounge – West Wing

a large brown chair in a lobby

The Garden – West Wing

a long rectangular table with chairs and tables in a large room

Central water feature – West Wing

a room with chairs and a large screen

Seating overlooking the Orchard – West Wing

a room with chairs and tables

Traditional Sofa seats in the West Wing

a room with couches and tables

More seating – West Wing

a couch and coffee table in a room

Family seating area – West Wing

a chair and a table in a room

Single Wingback Sofas – West Wing

a room with chairs and tables

Workstations – West Wing

Although the lounge was quite busy when I arrived at 7 pm, the staff assured me it would clear out later. Like clockwork, the lounge was almost empty by 8:30 pm. Unfortunately, all the quiet rooms were booked when I inquired, but the showers were available after a short wait.

Food & Drinks – Al Mourjan The Garden

The East and West Wings each offer distinct dining experiences. The East Wing is the primary dining area, featuring hot and cold buffets, à la carte dining, and a sushi station. I sampled dishes like sushi, traditional biryani, and lamb shank from the à la carte menu during my stay. The food was beautifully presented, with elevated cutlery and table setups similar to what you would expect in a fine-dining restaurant.

a large stone pillar with signs on it

Dining and Bar – East Wing

a large brown chair in a lobby

Entrance to the East Wing

a restaurant with tables and chairs

Dining Area – East Wing

a restaurant with tables and chairs

Cafe-style seating – Dining in the East Wing

a man standing at a counter with food on it

Buffet – East Wing

food in bowls on a counter

Buffet – Appetizers and Small Bites

a display of desserts on plates

Buffet Desserts – East Wing

a table with silverware and napkins

A la Carte dining – East Wing

a plate of food on a table

A la Carte dining – Lamb Shank

a plate of sushi with sauce

A la Carte Dining – Sushi

a plate of rice with meat and cilantro

A la Carte dining – Biryani

The West Wing, on the other hand, features lighter fare. A coffee and patisserie bar serves freshly made sandwiches, pastries, fruits, and barista-prepared beverages here. Refreshment stations offer Arabic sweets, teas, and coffees. This wing’s dining options feel more casual but still refined.

a counter in a building

Coffee and Patisserie bar – West Wing

a man in a white hat standing in a large room with a counter

Small bites and beverage station – West Wing

Other Lounge Amenities – Al Mourjan The Garden

The lounge offers several amenities beyond food and seating. The showers in the West Wing felt luxurious, with marble finishes and Diptyque bath products.

a bathroom with a sink and shower

Shower Room

a white and brown bottles with black caps and a white towel on a white surface

Bathroom products by Diptyque

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to use the quiet rooms, as they were fully booked, but these spaces are designed to offer maximum relaxation, and availability is free for the first six hours.

A fitness studio had treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and locker rooms. Spa services include pedicure and manicure stations, neck and shoulder massage chairs, and private treatment rooms for those seeking more pampering during their layover. The playroom offered a wonderful space to wind down for a family or group travelling together.

a pool table in a room

The Playroom

Lastly, The Garden offers direct access to the Louis Vuitton Lounge (LV lounge). This luxurious retreat is located directly above the Louis Vuitton store and is accessible from Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden. Entrance is exclusive to Privilege Club Gold and Platinum members and their guests. The lounge offers an exclusive á la carte menu specially curated by three-star Michelin Chef Yannick Alléno.

a large room with a large white wall and a large green planter

Entrance to Louis Vuitton Lounge

a building with a glass dome

LV Lounge, located above the LV store

Takeaway – Al Mourjan The Garden

The Garden Lounge is superior to the Al Mourjan Business Lounge South. The Garden’s open-concept design, overlooking the lush tropical Orchard, creates a more serene and nature-inspired atmosphere. It feels less like a typical business lounge and more like a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the airport, offering a unique sense of calm.

The Garden perfectly balances comfort and luxury with excellent dining options, wellness amenities, and a spacious layout. Despite the initial crowding during my visit, its facilities make it an ideal spot for premium travellers looking to unwind. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, it’s worth a visit—especially if you can secure one of the coveted seating areas with a view of The Orchard.

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