Unveiling the Epitome of Luxury: A Sneak Peek Inside the World's Most Opulent Airport Transit Hotel

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Require assistance in locating the hotel within Doha's airport? Simply spot the 23-foot-tall teddy bear sculpted from bronze, and make a right turn at the Hermes store.

Passengers in transit through Qatar's capital, Hamad International Airport, have two options. They can either participate in a complimentary tour of the city's renowned attractions, such as Souq Waqif and the Golden Masjid. Alternatively, they can choose to reserve a room at the Oryx hotel, owned by Qatar Airlines, which is conveniently situated near the C, D, and E gates.

Located in a prestigious airport and consistently holding its position at the pinnacle of the annual Skytrax list, this opulent hotel undeniably stands out as one of the most extravagant transit accommodations worldwide.

The presence of the oryx, a type of antelope endemic to the Middle East, as the Qatar Airways logo has resulted in its widespread usage at the airport, occasionally causing confusion. For instance, the Oryx lounge is situated on the second floor, just below the Oryx hotel on the third floor. This setup necessitates the employment of a staff member in the hotel lobby whose role is to assist lost travelers.

Passengers will be required to present their passport and boarding pass during the check-in process. In Doha, the airport operates as a "quiet airport," meaning that there are no verbal announcements made regarding boarding gates. Instead, passengers are expected to utilize screens or mobile applications to determine their designated area. Additionally, passengers staying at the hotel will need to pay a higher fee of approximately US$450 per stay, which is notably more expensive than the average nightly accommodation in Doha. The front desk staff at the hotel are known for their efficiency and helpfulness. Given that the hotel caters exclusively to transit passengers, the reception team diligently verifies passengers' itineraries and offers wake-up calls to ensure that they are awake in time for their next flight.

Badr Mohammed Al Meer, the chief operating officer for Hamad International Airport, states that the airport operates round the clock, seven days a week, ensuring consistency across all passenger touchpoints.

Pooling wisdom

The Oryx hotel is the sole accommodation option located within the airport, making it a convenient choice for travelers with brief layovers (as per airport regulations, transit stays cannot exceed 24 hours). Additionally, visitors can explore the amenities of the hotel even without reserving a room.

For a fee of 175 riyals ($48) per person, travelers can access the "vitality center" at the Oryx for a maximum duration of four hours (prices accurate as of May 2023).

The wellness-focused zone, situated on the floor above the accommodations, offers a variety of amenities including a squash court, golf simulator, spa, hydrotherapy pools, and hot tubs along with a swimming pool, all geared towards promoting optimal well-being.

The impressive 25-meter (82-feet) long pool appears to be delicately enclosed within a glass showcase.

Lounge chairs line the side of the Oryx Hotel's lap pool.

Elevating the ambiance, the airport boasts striking silver geometric designs that seamlessly extend to the pool area. The glistening blue water of the pool beautifully contrasts against the lattice formation of the metal walls and ceiling, accentuating the play of light.

At Qatar's public beaches, certain dress codes may be enforced; however, at the privately-owned hotel, guests are free to wear western swimwear. Additionally, indulging in poolside cocktails is allowed as alcohol is permitted on the premises.

While the hotel operates round the clock, the vitality center has a scheduled closure from 2-6 a.m. Hotel guests have complimentary access to these facilities, but spa treatments are subject to separate charges.

Specially catered to travelers, the treatments include a soothing foot massage to relieve fatigue and a rejuvenating facial that combats skin dryness caused by recycled airplane air.

The hotel, crafted in the form of two colossal swords.

Due to Doha's significant role as a major international connecting point, there are guests who repeatedly choose the Oryx for their visits.

One such guest is Jane Jones, a travel agent from Canada, who recently enjoyed a 12-hour layover at the Oryx, making use of their sleeping facilities and taking a swim. This visit marked her second time at the Oryx; on her previous visit, she had a shorter layover and decided to avail a pass for the pool and gym.

Jones, who was heading towards Thailand for a vacation in January, exclaimed that the hotel's amenities were of excellent quality. She mentioned, "The convenience was especially noteworthy, and I was pleasantly taken aback by the superior standards of the room."

She expressed her enthusiasm for the speedy complimentary Wi-Fi, which allowed her to complete some tasks prior to her departure, as well as the diverse range of choices available in the gym, including both weight training and cardio exercises.

"I would absolutely repeat the experience," she remarks.

In the room

There are 100 rooms at the hotel, all spread out along one floor.

With an average annual footfall of 40 million, Hamad International Airport witnesses a significant requirement for rooms at the Oryx. It is strongly advised to book in advance. Individuals who undergo changes in their plans or experience last-minute cancellations can join the lengthy queue at the reception area in hopes of securing a room, whereas those who have pre-booked can effortlessly skip ahead and check in.

Some rooms at the Oryx look into the airport.

Amer Sweidan

The rooms at Oryx are bright and spacious, exuding an atmosphere of elegance. The walls feature a minimalist cream-colored backdrop with occasional vibrant accents of red or gold. The bed linens and towels are immaculately white, adding a touch of freshness. The overall design scheme seamlessly blends together to create a sense of airiness.

There are four primary room options available: superior rooms (featuring a single king-sized bed), deluxe rooms (equipped with one king-sized bed and one twin bed), family rooms (consisting of three beds), and executive suites (offering a spacious layout with one king-sized bed). Additionally, there is a luxurious presidential suite, complete with a private lounge and powder room. The rooms are furnished with amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Each room is equipped with a kettle for making coffee and tea, along with two complimentary water bottles. You can also enjoy a spacious rainforest shower, perfect for rejuvenating yourself between flights. Additionally, the room offers all the usual hotel amenities such as clothes hangers, an iron, a hair dryer, bathrobes, and slippers. In the bathroom, you will find built-in shampoo dispensers and disposable toothbrushes, eliminating the need to take anything out of your own suitcase for freshening up.

The power points available in the rooms are universal and there are additional USB ports for convenience. However, despite the light and spacious ambiance in both the rooms and common areas, there is one aspect that feels a bit overwhelming - the window coverings.

The Oryx bedrooms offer a pitch-black environment, even in the presence of Doha's radiant sunshine, catering to individuals in dire need of quality sleep. Resting peacefully during the night or even in the afternoon becomes a truly indulgent experience.