Article - Why I disliked Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge
#16
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SAN, MIA, GOT
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 348
I thought I was going crazy thinking just that!
Recently the shower attendant (while inspecting the shower) asked me where I was from and bla bla bla. "Thinking to myself I am too tired for small talk, please leave"
Then he asked if I need anything else? Just a dental kit, I replied.
Then he said: I have hairgel and deodorant, you need? It woke me up for a second and I asked if these were new lounge amenities?
- No I bring them myself from outside, he said
So this guy is selling amenities now?
Recently the shower attendant (while inspecting the shower) asked me where I was from and bla bla bla. "Thinking to myself I am too tired for small talk, please leave"
Then he asked if I need anything else? Just a dental kit, I replied.
Then he said: I have hairgel and deodorant, you need? It woke me up for a second and I asked if these were new lounge amenities?
- No I bring them myself from outside, he said
So this guy is selling amenities now?
#17
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: QR Platinum
Posts: 19
I agree with the author. Not only do I find Al Mourjan disappointing in itself but it bears no comparison with the old Premium Terminal, which was my favourite transfer point in the whole world. Furthermore, in the PT we had separate security and separate boarding -- and both were very civilized -- whereas in the new airport the security checkpoints and boarding procedures we have to go through are at best unpleasant if not borderline bedlam.
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 16,965
The attendant first inspected the room to ensure that it was ready while I waited. He then asked if I wanted a dental kit (I did), and asked if there were enough towels for me. Yes, it was very slightly awkward, as it was apparent that he wanted a tip; but what a change from AA's "No, those are the towels you get" to "Do you have enough towels or would you like more, sir?"
I don't know what this guy's agenda is, but it was pretty obvious (at least to me) that he has one.
I don't know what this guy's agenda is, but it was pretty obvious (at least to me) that he has one.
OK, OK: human nature being what it is, I'm sure he's discovered some passengers will give him generous amounts of money for putting a little more effort into what he is employed to do. A bit like the waiter in my Austin hotel breakfast room, who follows me round the buffet trying to help me select items
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,655
So the total lack of ventilation isn't a problem for you? It appears that you are in the minority on this.
So it's just like a hotel lobby except that it has several separate options for eating. And it has showers with attendants. And magazines and newspapers. And relaxing rooms where one can catch a nap. Yup, just like a hotel lobby.
Perhaps QR's goal was to offer different eating options and comfortable chairs and showers, etc., etc., etc., so that the lounge would satisfy a wide variety of travelers' needs. The fact that you didn't feel like eating doesn't mean that others feel the same way or that food options shouldn't be provided.
Perhaps QR's goal was to offer different eating options and comfortable chairs and showers, etc., etc., etc., so that the lounge would satisfy a wide variety of travelers' needs. The fact that you didn't feel like eating doesn't mean that others feel the same way or that food options shouldn't be provided.
#20
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Doha, Qatar
Programs: Qatar Airways Privilege Club Platinum; Accor Le Club Platinum
Posts: 1,074
Well, not over enthusiastic that the person felt the need to tip five euro to the shower attendant. They are paid a salary to provide a service. Hard stop!
#21
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Programs: BA Gold, Mucci
Posts: 2,057
Perhaps QR's goal was to offer different eating options and comfortable chairs and showers, etc., etc., etc., so that the lounge would satisfy a wide variety of travelers' needs. The fact that you didn't feel like eating doesn't mean that others feel the same way or that food options shouldn't be provided.
#22
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Knoteetingham
Programs: EY Gold, QF WP
Posts: 311
Not much to recommend that article - reads as if it was written just to have a point of difference and attract a few more clicks. Which is important in the blogosphere of course.
Attendants are expected by the majority of the demographic using the lounge and QR would be a laughing stock if they didn't have them. Primarily to keep things clean and tidy, flushed and mopped/scrubbed.
Personally what I am looking for in a lounge is to get away from the airport rush. Most of us spend enough time on planes that we don't need to see them from the lounge window as well.
Attendants are expected by the majority of the demographic using the lounge and QR would be a laughing stock if they didn't have them. Primarily to keep things clean and tidy, flushed and mopped/scrubbed.
Personally what I am looking for in a lounge is to get away from the airport rush. Most of us spend enough time on planes that we don't need to see them from the lounge window as well.
#23
Join Date: May 2014
Location: BRU
Programs: BA GGL, TK E (*G), ITA exec
Posts: 4,023
Yes, absolutely correct - just like a hotel lobby. A lobby tends to have the hotel bar and restaurant accessible directly or up some stairs. Sometimes there are spa facilities including showers that are off the lobby. It is not dissimilar at all, you know. I am glad you agree ^
#24
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Central Europe
Programs: DL GM, TK Elite+, ITA Executive, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Silver, Accor Plat
Posts: 196
I found the shower attendants to be slightly annoying with the repeated "anything else you need?" - question, as pointed out by others before. The ventilation also is indeed a problem - although in fairness, I must say that I rarely come across really well ventilated shower rooms in lounges.
The one thing I really do not like about AM is the toilet attendants - on more than one occassion, they insisted on operating the soap dispenser bottle for me and giving me hand towels while attempting small talk (the "where are you from?" variety). Might be that this is the level of service expected in Qatar, but it feels so "me master, you slave" - cant stand that.
The one thing I really do not like about AM is the toilet attendants - on more than one occassion, they insisted on operating the soap dispenser bottle for me and giving me hand towels while attempting small talk (the "where are you from?" variety). Might be that this is the level of service expected in Qatar, but it feels so "me master, you slave" - cant stand that.
#25
Join Date: May 2003
Location: TLL
Programs: OZ Diamond, BA Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador, HH Gold
Posts: 4,404
Overall, I love the lounge, my only two quibbles:
1) I find you often have to walk a long way to get to the restroom (due to the design of the middle seating area and fountain).
2) I would really just like some wine/champagne options out with the the coffee/water stations, rather than having to go to one of the restaurants to ask for a glass.
1) I find you often have to walk a long way to get to the restroom (due to the design of the middle seating area and fountain).
2) I would really just like some wine/champagne options out with the the coffee/water stations, rather than having to go to one of the restaurants to ask for a glass.
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 16,965
I still don't understand what the OP's got against hotel lobbies.
Come to that I haven't seen hotel lobbies with coffee stations, sandwich bars, showers and rest areas. I've probably lived far too quiet a life.
Though on hotel lobbies I've noticed many have become more Spartan, less comfortable for, well, lounging. The IC in Mexico City has a reception area characterised by severity and discomfort: perhaps to funnel you into the bar attached.
Come to that I haven't seen hotel lobbies with coffee stations, sandwich bars, showers and rest areas. I've probably lived far too quiet a life.
Though on hotel lobbies I've noticed many have become more Spartan, less comfortable for, well, lounging. The IC in Mexico City has a reception area characterised by severity and discomfort: perhaps to funnel you into the bar attached.
#28
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,624
#29
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: PIT-SCE-AOO-PHL-NYC-WAS
Programs: free agent
Posts: 1,032
When i read the article, and i was like i'm glad that i am not alone who feel little creeped out by shower attendants. Yeah, similar experiences during my long layover in lounge. I had to show him "point out of door" gesture to get him leaving, so I can do my business.
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 16,965
The spreading can be very thin, perhaps odd bits of change for lavatory attendants if you'e so minded; notes where there is real service elsewhere (or maybe special assistance of some kind...).
Inevitably $5 tips for nothing at all have something of a corrupting influence, raising expectations of foreigners' largesse, encouraging behaviour aims to trigger it. Perhaps blame this for over attentive helpers, rather than the attendants bthemselves: they're slaves to human nature