lost_in_translation

100% - the best thing about AS is the champagne and often other wines on offer which are of very high quality for a airport lounge (far beyond what you'd get in even CX's F lounges). In almost all other respects though I think I probably prefer The Pier F too.

husseinbadr

Emphatically agree on both points. I flew EK J for the first and only time a couple of months ago, CAI-KHI and back, since QR had stopped re-routing ex-CAI bookings by then. I was completely underwhelmed and couldn't understand what the EK hoopla I'd been hearing for years was about. I found the 2-3-2 J seating on the EK 777s absurd (tight -- reminded me a little of the BA Club World coffins, without the privacy the latter at least give you in window seats). Absolutely hated the DXB transfer: had to walk miles from the far end of the B terminal to the far end of the C terminal, and v.v. on the way back (I have a back problem that makes a walk of more than 10 or 15 minutes a bit of a trial). Nobody much around to help (compared to the numerous staff hanging about at DOH, ready and eager to help), and those I finally did find seemed apathetic and reluctant. While I am not overwhelmed by the Mourjan Lounge at DOH, the lounge I managed to hit at DXB was nothing special either. Transfer at DOH is a breeze by comparison.

p.s. The *only* thing I found where EK had an edge on QR during that trip was the EK lounge at KHI. Otherwise, I badly missed QR & DOH........

orbitmic

Count me among those who also find Al Safwa generally disappointing (though they got on the wrong side of me from the time they advertised fresh squeezed grapefruit juice on the menu that never was! From my few attempts, I have never managed to get one of the sleeping rooms either or would have probably had a better appreciation of the lounge. I also find the food average at best (quality wise, I don't care that much about the choice) and they only managed to make it "stand out" negatively by discontinuing the a la carte in Al Mourjan rather than try to give a true F offering in Al Safwa.

The décor is nice, and I can always find a quiet place or other so it definitely has advantages, but I don't think that the fundamentals are particularly good.

Grace B

I must have been lucky, but in my half a dozen or so visits I've never missed out. Must admit, that's just about the only thing I really like about the lounge.

orbitmic

I'm officially jealous!! I suspect it might have much to do with times of days. Unfortunately, all my visits seem to be at peak time and the flights I am usually on are not the first to arrive in that window either.

Phil the Flyer

Johnnieboy

I think AS really comes into its own with the sleeper rooms (another with a nil rejection rate thus far) and also if you are originating in Doha and can use the dedicated security straight into the lounge. Some of the main areas could be cosier so you feel a little less "on display", but I find the staff very open to having a chat and I usually enjoy the time I'm in there.

I would agree on the added benefits of the free city hotels at the moment though. If I'm not in a hurry and on a very long haul trip, the extended transfer makes the whole journey more relaxing.

orbitmic

Guys, with all of you getting the rooms every time I'm starting to take my own lack of success a bit personally!!!!

I haven't another QR F for a while but will certainly try again next time and hope that my luck finally turns!

SullyofDoha