Introduction

I exit the airbridge directly into the transit area of Doha Hamad International Airport. Originally, I should have continued on from Doha to Dubai at 19h15. However, with the inbound from Paris delayed by over four hours, I’ve been rebooked to the next flight to Dubai at 00h55.

Seeing as I actually have an appointment in Dubai the next day at 09h00, I figure I might as well book a room at the Oryx Doha Airport Hotel, which is airside, in the hope of getting some proper rest.

Location

Finding the lounge is not quite so straightforward, though. Mainly, because the signeage at Doha airport leaves a lot to be desired. Basically, if you’re standing with the big yellow teddy with a headache behind you, the elevators are to the right of the Louis Vuitton shop. But it’s not at all well marked. The hotel lobby is located on the third floor.

The Room

All the rooms at the hotel face toward the inside of the terminal building. Some rooms overlook the central plaza. Mine overlooks the C pier and the indoor monorail.

The room is nicely furnished for an airport hotel and very clean. To be honest, I’m not sure how busy the hotel gets, because my room shows hardly any signs of wear and tear.

The window blinds are very good at keeping out the light from the terminal. But the room is quite noisy. Somewhere in the terminal a little kid is screaming its little lungs out and grating on my nerves with it.

The room has a nice big washroom with a walk-in shower. The cosmetics are by Rituals.

Conclusion

I rather liked the Oryx Hotel. I think as far as airside airport hotels are concerned, you really can’t complain. The room was clean and well maintained. The hotel also has a pool and a gym, but I’m not sure there’s a restaurant. My only complaint is that none of the rooms have an outside view, preferably of the ramp. I think that would be really something!