For future readers of this thread, I want to provide some insight on our recent first-timer 10 hour layover in Doha. After reading several FT threads on the topic, Mrs Spicoli and I decided to venture into the City.

We flew AA JFK DOH connecting to QR DOH MLE. Our layover was from 5:00 pm until 3:00 am. We decided to get a hotel room near the Souq Waqif (Doubletree for $70!) so we could catch a few hours sleep and easily store our carry-on luggage. From arrival gate, thru security and immigration, to hotel and to the Souq, it took less then 1.5 hours. We spent about 2.5 hours wandering thru the Souq and Corniche, which was awesome! Then back to the hotel for a cocktail and snack on their rooftop bar, and then a quick nap (total time at hotel 3.5 hours). We arrived back at the airport slightly more than 2 hours prior to departure. Security/immigration was quick and we had 1 hour in the lounge (Al Maha) and wandered around the airport prior to boarding.

I’d encourage anyone with a similar layover to not be hesitant to leave the airport. It was all super easy and really a fun adventure!