This Oryx Doha Airport Hotel Review is based on a couple of different stays we've had while transiting Doha Airport, Qatar. There are several good points to this hotel, but also some significant detractors.
Oryx Doha Airport Hotel Location, Reservations and Check-In
The Doha Airport Hotel is located by the main Duty Free Plaza South. Standing in front of the Lamp Bear sculpture by Swiss artist Urs Fischer, go to the right and follow signs to the Airport Hotel. You'll need to take the elevator to the 3rd floor, where the small lobby and reception are located.
While both our stays were overnight, it's possible to reserve the hotel for as few as 5 hours, or for day use between 9am-5pm. Contact reservation@oryxairporthotel.com for details.
Although there wasn't a long wait the two times we arrived, I did see a number of passengers at reception early morning, when we were departing.
The lobby isn't large, with just a few chairs placed in front of reception, so a more relaxing place to work would be a lounger by the pool on the 4th floor.
Oryx Doha Airport Hotel Rooms
For both our stays, we were in a Deluxe Room, which is 462 square feet, although we would have reserved less expensive Superior Rooms (409 square feet) had they been available. There are also Family Rooms for 2 adults and a child that are ~600 square feet, and Executive Suites that are 990 square feet.
Most rooms come with a King bed, so the hotel's lower category rooms aren't as convenient for friends or those traveling together that prefer two separate beds. The mattress is on the firm side, but both times I was tired enough that I still got decent rest.
Our first stay was in a room very far from reception, where the hotel's WiFi didn't work and even the airport WiFi was flaky; my next stay, I insisted on a room very close to reception, 114, for stronger WiFi.
The rooms were mirror images of each other, and in both cases, the bathroom was near the entrance.
I liked that the bathroom had double sinks, convenient if you're traveling with a companion.
There's no bathtub (which could be hard if you have little kids who aren't yet used to showers) but there's a walk-in rain shower:
Bath products are by Rituals, which you'll also find inside Qatar Airways Business Class Lounges.
A complimentary bottle of water and a hot water kettle for tea/instant coffee are provided.
There are slippers provided, and also an iron and ironing board.
Oryx Doha Airport Hotel Pool
If you have time and inclination, the hotel has a swimming pool located on the 4th floor that is open 24 hours a day. It is also open to non-hotel guests for a fee.
There's also a golf simulator and squash court available for a fee, although we didn't try either.
The Verdict
There's no question that the Oryx Doha Airport Hotel is more convenient than most other airport hotels for transit travelers needing some sleep, because it's located airside. It's fantastic to not have to clear general airport security and immigration, and be able to walk directly to your gate (although keep in mind that there is additional security at the gate itself, for travelers to the U.S.) The hotel is quite modern, and there's even a swimming pool to relax in, although we never had the time to use it.
The main problem for our first stay is that we were in a room far from the reception, and WiFi there was abysmal. If you plan to rely on the hotel's WiFi, be sure to request a room near the lobby. During our first stay the wake-up call was also several minutes late. As I'd also set my phone alarm, I was up already, but it's something to be aware of, and as always with hotels, have a backup alarm set up.
The final thing to note is that you definitely pay for the convenience. Even when booking months in advance, the lowest rate is QAR 950 (~$270) for a Superior Room, or QAR 1150 (~$320) for a Deluxe Room, which is somewhat higher than you'd expect given the quality of hotel, but takes into account the convenience of being the only airside hotel option.
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