Nov 5, 2015, 11:11 am
Last edit by: CPH-Flyer
READ BEFORE COMMENTING IF YOU ARE NEW,
Hamad International Airport (HIA) offers passengers a number of different lounges.
This thread, is specifically for the Al Safwa First Class Lounge. Information on the other Lounge options at HIA, can be found here.
Does Al Safwa have a web page?
Yes: http://www.qatarairways.com/global/e...-al-safwa.page
Dining Menu
https://www.qatarairways.com/content...-dining-en.pdf
Where can I find Al Safwa Lounge?
The Lounge is located on Level 3 of the airport.
Can I use the Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge?
Access is based on your underlying fare bucket. This means that upgraded tickets, maybe except upgrades with QPoints (see post 2735), are not granted access.
Access is thus restricted to Qatar Airways First Class, and OneWorld First Class passengers :
- either holding a First Class boarding pass* for their next flight
- or holding a First Class boarding pass from their previous flight.
Additionally, Privilege Club platinum club travelling on any business-class fare are welcomed into the lounge. This is a facility introduced recently and one that could just as easily disappear.
- Guests are not permitted.
* Operational Upgrades to First do not give access. Upgrades with Qpoints may do give acces (see post 2735 - Sept 2022)
Arrival access on mid and long haul? (eg. coming from LHR in F)
YES
Ex. CAI-DOH-HEL
Arrival access regional F? (eg. coming from CAI in F)
Yes.
Caveat, if your underlying J fare is P, then the no lounge access for business light kicks in. And there is no access.
Privilege Club Platinum members are currently allowed in the lounge when travelling on any QR business-class fare: that could change. Other Oneworld Emerald members are directed to the Platinum lounge(s) when travelling in any class, and the Al Mourjan lounge when travelling on relevant business-class fares. Yup, it gets complicated.
What does the lounge look like?
Reports on the Lounge, can be found here and here. Photographs of the lounge, can be found here.
Is there a Spa?
Yes, there is a full Spa, but you will have to pay for treatments. A full list of treatments available can be found here
What about the sleeping rooms?
Stargold in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28199729-post1177.html suggests that access to sleeping rooms is as follows:
'* No reservations allowed - always first-come first-served
* Only available if the remaining time until the flight departure is more than 4 hours
* Passengers are allowed maximum six hours' usage - for any further usage, a fee of QAR 450 is payable for a second block of six hours.
* No F&B of any kind except bottled water in the sleeping rooms.'
What changes can I expect during Ramadan?
Ramadan affects QR and you in many ways so please look at ramadan to see how you are affected.
Updated: 19/11/2023
Hamad International Airport (HIA) offers passengers a number of different lounges.
This thread, is specifically for the Al Safwa First Class Lounge. Information on the other Lounge options at HIA, can be found here.
Does Al Safwa have a web page?
Yes: http://www.qatarairways.com/global/e...-al-safwa.page
Dining Menu
https://www.qatarairways.com/content...-dining-en.pdf
Where can I find Al Safwa Lounge?
The Lounge is located on Level 3 of the airport.
Can I use the Qatar Airways Al Safwa Lounge?
Access is based on your underlying fare bucket. This means that upgraded tickets, maybe except upgrades with QPoints (see post 2735), are not granted access.
Access is thus restricted to Qatar Airways First Class, and OneWorld First Class passengers :
- either holding a First Class boarding pass* for their next flight
- or holding a First Class boarding pass from their previous flight.
Additionally, Privilege Club platinum club travelling on any business-class fare are welcomed into the lounge. This is a facility introduced recently and one that could just as easily disappear.
- Guests are not permitted.
* Operational Upgrades to First do not give access. Upgrades with Qpoints may do give acces (see post 2735 - Sept 2022)
Arrival access on mid and long haul? (eg. coming from LHR in F)
YES
Ex. CAI-DOH-HEL
Arrival access regional F? (eg. coming from CAI in F)
Yes.
Caveat, if your underlying J fare is P, then the no lounge access for business light kicks in. And there is no access.
Privilege Club Platinum members are currently allowed in the lounge when travelling on any QR business-class fare: that could change. Other Oneworld Emerald members are directed to the Platinum lounge(s) when travelling in any class, and the Al Mourjan lounge when travelling on relevant business-class fares. Yup, it gets complicated.
What does the lounge look like?
Reports on the Lounge, can be found here and here. Photographs of the lounge, can be found here.
Is there a Spa?
Yes, there is a full Spa, but you will have to pay for treatments. A full list of treatments available can be found here
What about the sleeping rooms?
Stargold in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28199729-post1177.html suggests that access to sleeping rooms is as follows:
'* No reservations allowed - always first-come first-served
* Only available if the remaining time until the flight departure is more than 4 hours
* Passengers are allowed maximum six hours' usage - for any further usage, a fee of QAR 450 is payable for a second block of six hours.
* No F&B of any kind except bottled water in the sleeping rooms.'
What changes can I expect during Ramadan?
Ramadan affects QR and you in many ways so please look at ramadan to see how you are affected.
Updated: 19/11/2023
QR Al Safwa First Class Lounge
May 2, 2022, 5:55 am
#2551
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: South Africa
Programs: QR PC Platinum
Posts: 412
May 2, 2022, 7:44 am
#2553
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 413
https://www.qatarairways.com/en/loun...wa-lounge.html
In addition to First Class passengers, Privilege Club Platinum members travelling Business Class with Qatar Airways can now access Al Safwa First Class Lounge with up to two guest passes.
May 2, 2022, 8:03 am
#2554
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 235
I've had 2 yes, and 2 no from different agents. I've quoted that exact sentence from the website to them, but they come back with some vague stuff about fare buckets etc...Why is this so hard lol? It doesn't matter now as i certainly wont be upgrading without Qsuite (the flight is tomorrow), however it would be nice to know for future...I'd love to get into Al Safwa before my platinum expires.
May 2, 2022, 10:29 pm
#2558
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Vienna, Austria
Posts: 710
May 3, 2022, 12:57 am
#2559
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Vienna, Austria
Posts: 710
So I enjoyed my first time at AS (paid business class ticket then purchased the lounge access on MMB). Here are some things in case people who are interested in going and haven’t yet.
I actually arrived around 11 pm and left at around 8 am. So that’s 9 hours…no one came to kick me out after the 6 hour limit
So from the start, it took like 10-15 mins for the workers at the reception to figure out that I had purchased access. You would think once you purchase it online in advance, they can just scan your boarding pass and it would show up. But at first the man actually tried to redirect me to AM even though I mentioned downstairs I had purchased access. He then took like 15 min doing idk what on the computer and then let me in. Weird.
At 11 pm all the sleep rooms were taken. I came back at around 130 am and there were rooms available. The person there said I could basically keep the room until my boarding time around 8 am. I think perhaps this is the reason why I wasn’t kicked out after 6 hours of entering the lounge…it would be awkward for them to come knock on my room to tell me times up, especially after the guy at the spa said I could keep it til boarding time
So before I got the room (when it was unavailable) I asked for a shower which was available then headed to have a late dinner at the restaurant after. I do think it’s strange how some of the showers don’t have a private toilet like the AM ones do. My colleague also got a shower and his did have a toilet.
Food was good. The menu just changed although they didn’t have the Rare champagne 2006 listed, they had GD 06. Service is good although it’s worth mentioning for people who are picky, don’t expect 5 start restaurant waiting service. As in the staff would come and instead of serving things on your right side they would stretch their arm across the table to serve things. Also they aren’t so knowledgeable with the wine list, after my glass of champagne I wanted to switch to a white wine and when I ordered the waiter thought the wine I wanted was the same champagne I was already having
But overall I loved my stay especially since k stayed longer than I thought…and even during peak time around 11 pm - 12 am…the lounge is soooo quiet. The only thing that gets taken are the sleeping rooms. Also there was hardly anyone at the dining area. It’s definitely worth the price over going to the noisy chaos at AM.
I actually arrived around 11 pm and left at around 8 am. So that’s 9 hours…no one came to kick me out after the 6 hour limit
So from the start, it took like 10-15 mins for the workers at the reception to figure out that I had purchased access. You would think once you purchase it online in advance, they can just scan your boarding pass and it would show up. But at first the man actually tried to redirect me to AM even though I mentioned downstairs I had purchased access. He then took like 15 min doing idk what on the computer and then let me in. Weird.
At 11 pm all the sleep rooms were taken. I came back at around 130 am and there were rooms available. The person there said I could basically keep the room until my boarding time around 8 am. I think perhaps this is the reason why I wasn’t kicked out after 6 hours of entering the lounge…it would be awkward for them to come knock on my room to tell me times up, especially after the guy at the spa said I could keep it til boarding time
So before I got the room (when it was unavailable) I asked for a shower which was available then headed to have a late dinner at the restaurant after. I do think it’s strange how some of the showers don’t have a private toilet like the AM ones do. My colleague also got a shower and his did have a toilet.
Food was good. The menu just changed although they didn’t have the Rare champagne 2006 listed, they had GD 06. Service is good although it’s worth mentioning for people who are picky, don’t expect 5 start restaurant waiting service. As in the staff would come and instead of serving things on your right side they would stretch their arm across the table to serve things. Also they aren’t so knowledgeable with the wine list, after my glass of champagne I wanted to switch to a white wine and when I ordered the waiter thought the wine I wanted was the same champagne I was already having
But overall I loved my stay especially since k stayed longer than I thought…and even during peak time around 11 pm - 12 am…the lounge is soooo quiet. The only thing that gets taken are the sleeping rooms. Also there was hardly anyone at the dining area. It’s definitely worth the price over going to the noisy chaos at AM.
May 3, 2022, 5:22 am
#2560
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
Food was good. The menu just changed although they didn’t have the Rare champagne 2006 listed, they had GD 06. Service is good although it’s worth mentioning for people who are picky, don’t expect 5 start restaurant waiting service. As in the staff would come and instead of serving things on your right side they would stretch their arm across the table to serve things. Also they aren’t so knowledgeable with the wine list, after my glass of champagne I wanted to switch to a white wine and when I ordered the waiter thought the wine I wanted was the same champagne I was already having
Folk are paying something over $100 to get in. In return they receive any combination of cocktails, showers, beds, dinner, premium brands of champagne: all delivered in a quite stunning environment. Staff are trained, but maybe not to the most exacting standards: they are nervous because getting things wrong can carry severe repercussions, and they're likely working in a language that is not their mother-tongue.
Let's hope lounge visitors can forgive occasional lapses in service, and misunderstandings taking orders.
May 3, 2022, 5:28 am
#2561
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Vienna, Austria
Posts: 710
It's an airport waiting-room. OK a rather nice version of a waiting-room, but nonetheless a waiting-room
Folk are paying something over $100 to get in. In return they receive any combination of cocktails, showers, beds, dinner, premium brands of champagne: all delivered in a quite stunning environment. Staff are trained, but maybe not to the most exacting standards: they are nervous because getting things wrong can carry severe repercussions, and they're likely working in a language that is not their mother-tongue.
Let's hope lounge visitors can forgive occasional lapses in service, and misunderstandings taking orders.
Folk are paying something over $100 to get in. In return they receive any combination of cocktails, showers, beds, dinner, premium brands of champagne: all delivered in a quite stunning environment. Staff are trained, but maybe not to the most exacting standards: they are nervous because getting things wrong can carry severe repercussions, and they're likely working in a language that is not their mother-tongue.
Let's hope lounge visitors can forgive occasional lapses in service, and misunderstandings taking orders.
Somehow I’m oddly flattered for being the youngest person in the lounge, with all these daddies around lol
May 3, 2022, 8:17 am
#2562
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 19
So I enjoyed my first time at AS (paid business class ticket then purchased the lounge access on MMB). Here are some things in case people who are interested in going and haven’t yet.
I actually arrived around 11 pm and left at around 8 am. So that’s 9 hours…no one came to kick me out after the 6 hour limit
So from the start, it took like 10-15 mins for the workers at the reception to figure out that I had purchased access. You would think once you purchase it online in advance, they can just scan your boarding pass and it would show up. But at first the man actually tried to redirect me to AM even though I mentioned downstairs I had purchased access. He then took like 15 min doing idk what on the computer and then let me in. Weird.
At 11 pm all the sleep rooms were taken. I came back at around 130 am and there were rooms available. The person there said I could basically keep the room until my boarding time around 8 am. I think perhaps this is the reason why I wasn’t kicked out after 6 hours of entering the lounge…it would be awkward for them to come knock on my room to tell me times up, especially after the guy at the spa said I could keep it til boarding time
So before I got the room (when it was unavailable) I asked for a shower which was available then headed to have a late dinner at the restaurant after. I do think it’s strange how some of the showers don’t have a private toilet like the AM ones do. My colleague also got a shower and his did have a toilet.
Food was good. The menu just changed although they didn’t have the Rare champagne 2006 listed, they had GD 06. Service is good although it’s worth mentioning for people who are picky, don’t expect 5 start restaurant waiting service. As in the staff would come and instead of serving things on your right side they would stretch their arm across the table to serve things. Also they aren’t so knowledgeable with the wine list, after my glass of champagne I wanted to switch to a white wine and when I ordered the waiter thought the wine I wanted was the same champagne I was already having
But overall I loved my stay especially since k stayed longer than I thought…and even during peak time around 11 pm - 12 am…the lounge is soooo quiet. The only thing that gets taken are the sleeping rooms. Also there was hardly anyone at the dining area. It’s definitely worth the price over going to the noisy chaos at AM.
I actually arrived around 11 pm and left at around 8 am. So that’s 9 hours…no one came to kick me out after the 6 hour limit
So from the start, it took like 10-15 mins for the workers at the reception to figure out that I had purchased access. You would think once you purchase it online in advance, they can just scan your boarding pass and it would show up. But at first the man actually tried to redirect me to AM even though I mentioned downstairs I had purchased access. He then took like 15 min doing idk what on the computer and then let me in. Weird.
At 11 pm all the sleep rooms were taken. I came back at around 130 am and there were rooms available. The person there said I could basically keep the room until my boarding time around 8 am. I think perhaps this is the reason why I wasn’t kicked out after 6 hours of entering the lounge…it would be awkward for them to come knock on my room to tell me times up, especially after the guy at the spa said I could keep it til boarding time
So before I got the room (when it was unavailable) I asked for a shower which was available then headed to have a late dinner at the restaurant after. I do think it’s strange how some of the showers don’t have a private toilet like the AM ones do. My colleague also got a shower and his did have a toilet.
Food was good. The menu just changed although they didn’t have the Rare champagne 2006 listed, they had GD 06. Service is good although it’s worth mentioning for people who are picky, don’t expect 5 start restaurant waiting service. As in the staff would come and instead of serving things on your right side they would stretch their arm across the table to serve things. Also they aren’t so knowledgeable with the wine list, after my glass of champagne I wanted to switch to a white wine and when I ordered the waiter thought the wine I wanted was the same champagne I was already having
But overall I loved my stay especially since k stayed longer than I thought…and even during peak time around 11 pm - 12 am…the lounge is soooo quiet. The only thing that gets taken are the sleeping rooms. Also there was hardly anyone at the dining area. It’s definitely worth the price over going to the noisy chaos at AM.
May 3, 2022, 9:57 am
#2563
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
Programs: Mucci Chevalier de la Brosse a Cheveux Dore, SK *GfL, BA Gold, WY G, HH DIA, IC Plat Amb., Hertz PC
Posts: 3,723
May 3, 2022, 11:20 am
#2564
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
I'm not sure how sustainable that model will be long-term, but unless F-travel recovers, I reckon something will have to give: either the facility and its services will be downgraded towards al Mourjan standards, or entry costs will increase significantly. Either way, maybe you'd best make the most of the current situation while it lasts