The Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge is nothing short of exceptional. We were lucky enough to experience this lounge after flying Oman Air into Doha, and prior to our departure on Qatar Airways Business Class to Australia.

If you are originating in Doha, you will find a separate First & Business Class drop off area at Hamad International Airport. In here there is a premium check-in desk dedicated to First & Business Class passengers. We didn’t get to experience this as we were transiting through. 

The Al Safwa First Class Lounge is located just a short walk from the Al Mourjan Business Lounge. When you arrive, you’ll find a Qatar Airways representative at the foot of the escalators, waiting to check your pass and take you up to the lounge check-in.

Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge Doha Hours

As all other Qatar Airways Doha Lounges, the Al Safwa First Lounge is open 24/7 to accommodate travellers at all hours of the day. As Qatar Airways has a heavily banked network, there are hours where the airport is packed, and hours where it’s almost deserted. 

We struggle to see how the Al Safwa First Lounge would ever feel crowded, with such extensive space to roam.

Who Can Access The Al Safwa First Lounge?

Anyone that is travelling on a Qatar Airways First Class flight arriving or departing into Doha; along with those flying First Class long haul on an Airbus A380 or Boeing 777; while also those flying regional First Class have access to the Al Safwa First Lounge.

Al Safwa First Lounge access is also catered to those travelling First Class with a oneworld partner, along with Qatar Privilege Club Platinum members.

If you’re really interested in visiting the Al Safwa First Lounge but only on a Business Class ticket, you can purchase a pass for 600 QAR, but the ticket must be issued by Qatar Airways.

Layout & Seating

The most notable thing about this lounge is the sheer size, both ceiling height and lounge square footage. There is A LOT of space here, it almost felt like we were in a museum or an art gallery. The architecture is plain and simple, with a large variety of large but simplistic art and features.

In the centre of the lounge is a large water display, in which the water travels seamlessly down a tube in the middle and creates a ripple effect into the pool. This art feature was a common theme across both the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge and also the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Business Lounge.

The water feature is between the dining area and the rest of the lounge. Around this space you’ll find a number of different seating arrangements. Majority of these lounge areas were empty, with people sitting mainly in the dining area. 

Al Safwa First Lounge Seating Options

The restaurant area is huge, with a bar and a large number of dining tables. The bar had stool seating, while the dining area ran across the windows overlooking the tarmac. You can even watch your food getting prepared, with an open style kitchen on display.

Drink & Food Options

Not only is there the main dining area where you can practically order anything you want, but there is also a buffet station on display in the bistro area. This area is located next to reception. Here you’ll find juice, pastries, fresh sushi, a salad bar and also bread and tapas style bites. 

You’ll also find a few other drink and snack stations scattered throughout the lounge, such as in the family areas. Apart from this, options are quite limited, with Qatar Airways focusing more on delivering requested meals.

What Extras Are Available?

The Business Center

On a work trip? The Al Safwa Doha Lounge offers an extensive business centre, consisting of private offices, desks, computers, printing offerings and conference rooms. There is also a dedicated reception area which is always staffed.

Proper Nap Rooms

A very popular feature of the Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge is the nap rooms. There are proper bedrooms that guests can enjoy at no extra cost. With a dozen bedrooms available, they follow the same principle as the other Doha lounges; first in first served. You can reserve these bedrooms at the spa reception area. 

If a nap room isn’t for you, there is also a lounge area that offers semi-private spaces that you can also reserve. Within each you’ll find a couch and chairs, making it a good place to relax away from the main spaces of the lounge.

A First Class Lounge Spa

The Al Safwa First Lounge offers a proper, fully functioning spa – something that you don’t often see in an airport lounge. You can get anything from massages, to facials, to manicures and pedicures. These treatments aren’t free and are rather expensive, but being within the airport lounge it is expected. 

The space is exceptional and very relaxing. There is a water feature, several private treatment rooms, a jacuzzi and also a relaxation area.

Duty Free, Private Boarding Gate & Media Room

Amongst all other amenities you’ll also find an exclusive Duty-Free area, conveniently located within the lounge. Although you’ll find there won’t be as extensive a choice available, there is still a wide range of options.

An entertainment room is available with a small number of chairs. We found the choice of seating slightly odd for this area. We would prefer to see lounge style chairs or one that offers more comfort or ability to relax.

The Al Safwa First Lounge also had a children’s area and ‘gaming’ room. These rooms were quite bare and simple, we can only assume due to the fact that not many children fly First Class.

Probably one of the most overlooked features is the private boarding gate. Visitors of the lounge can simply pass through security in the lounge and board their flight, without having to leave the lounge and go to a gate. True First Class treatment!

What Are Our Thoughts Of The Al Safwa First Lounge In Doha?

It’s a beautiful lounge with excellent facilities on offer to make your stay feel comfortable. The sheer size of the lounge is impressive along with the food and drink selection available, while staff were attentive and nothing was too much trouble.

If we had to be picky, we’d like to see more comfortable seating available in certain areas outside of the nap and quiet rooms, but this is something we would suggest across all the Doha lounges.

Overall, this lounge was a luxurious experience.

If you’re flying Business Class and have a transit through Doha, why not spend some time in the Qatar Airways Lounges. 

You can read our full review of the Al Mourjan Business Lounge here. 

With Qatar Airways being apart of oneworld alliance, you can fly with them on a round the world trip. Check out our top RTW deals here.

Ready to book? Check out the oneworld RTW airfare page here.