DOH Oryx Airport Hotel: visit fitness center over layover
#1
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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DOH Oryx Airport Hotel: visit fitness center over layover
I did some searching, and I apologize if this is covered elsewhere...
I have some flights on QR in business connecting at DOH in January:
DFW-DOH-ADL (3 hour 40 min connection)
ADL-DOH-DFW (3 hour 50 min connection)
According to their website, it is QAR 175 (about US$50) to visit the fitness center.
Provided the incoming flights are on-time (looks like they usually are, if not early), does this look like enough time to visit for a minimum of 30 min workout, then say 20 min to shower and get dressed? Say an hour for all that just to cover myself (of course I'd work out more if I could).
If there is time, I'd also visit the lounge afterwards to get something to eat.
How is security to get back into the the airport proper from the hotel?
From what I've found, I don't have to clear immigration, which saves some time.
Has anyone else done this? What were your thoughts? I'd probably swim (minimal equipment needed), and can just throw a suit, goggles, and cap (if needed) in my backpack, and I'd be set. I'll check to make sure, but I think the fitness center provides towels.
Is there anyplace airside (such as a lounge) where I could leave luggage, without having to deal with it at security? The fitness center has some sort of lockers, but not sure they would be large enough for a roller bag (that is something I'll check on). I'm debating if I'll check a bag and simply carry a backpack with me, or carry on both backpack and roller.
I have some flights on QR in business connecting at DOH in January:
DFW-DOH-ADL (3 hour 40 min connection)
ADL-DOH-DFW (3 hour 50 min connection)
According to their website, it is QAR 175 (about US$50) to visit the fitness center.
Provided the incoming flights are on-time (looks like they usually are, if not early), does this look like enough time to visit for a minimum of 30 min workout, then say 20 min to shower and get dressed? Say an hour for all that just to cover myself (of course I'd work out more if I could).
If there is time, I'd also visit the lounge afterwards to get something to eat.
How is security to get back into the the airport proper from the hotel?
From what I've found, I don't have to clear immigration, which saves some time.
Has anyone else done this? What were your thoughts? I'd probably swim (minimal equipment needed), and can just throw a suit, goggles, and cap (if needed) in my backpack, and I'd be set. I'll check to make sure, but I think the fitness center provides towels.
Is there anyplace airside (such as a lounge) where I could leave luggage, without having to deal with it at security? The fitness center has some sort of lockers, but not sure they would be large enough for a roller bag (that is something I'll check on). I'm debating if I'll check a bag and simply carry a backpack with me, or carry on both backpack and roller.
#2
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,944
aztimm the airport hotel is airside and you do not leave the secure area so there is no security waiting time involved using the hotel facilities.
Since you have J class tickets you will have access to Al Mourjan where there are lockers round to the right of the entrsnce.
Since you have J class tickets you will have access to Al Mourjan where there are lockers round to the right of the entrsnce.
#3
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,495
Has anyone else done this? What were your thoughts? I'd probably swim (minimal equipment needed), and can just throw a suit, goggles, and cap (if needed) in my backpack, and I'd be set. I'll check to make sure, but I think the fitness center provides towels.
Is there anyplace airside (such as a lounge) where I could leave luggage, without having to deal with it at security? The fitness center has some sort of lockers, but not sure they would be large enough for a roller bag (that is something I'll check on). I'm debating if I'll check a bag and simply carry a backpack with me, or carry on both backpack and roller.
Is there anyplace airside (such as a lounge) where I could leave luggage, without having to deal with it at security? The fitness center has some sort of lockers, but not sure they would be large enough for a roller bag (that is something I'll check on). I'm debating if I'll check a bag and simply carry a backpack with me, or carry on both backpack and roller.
#4
Join Date: Apr 2015
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Posts: 5,135
I've done this on layovers a lot shorter than that and think the experience is worth it. When Al Safwa rules were stricter I used to use it as a way to avoid having to visit Al Mourjan at all when flying on routes without F - the pool is typically wonderfully quiet, gym equipment is decent, there will be no wait for a shower and the temperature controls in the showers actually work, too! I've only ever seen one other person using the pool whilst I'm there, most of the time I'd have the entire pool to myself. Slightly surreal experience going for a swim whilst air side.
#5
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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I've done this on layovers a lot shorter than that and think the experience is worth it. When Al Safwa rules were stricter I used to use it as a way to avoid having to visit Al Mourjan at all when flying on routes without F - the pool is typically wonderfully quiet, gym equipment is decent, there will be no wait for a shower and the temperature controls in the showers actually work, too! I've only ever seen one other person using the pool whilst I'm there, most of the time I'd have the entire pool to myself. Slightly surreal experience going for a swim whilst air side.
My connections are about 4:30pm to 8pm, then the next week 4:30am to 8am. It sounds silly, but I like getting in workouts with my Apple Watch (have to keep up that streak! and yes, I know there are ways to do, 'fake,' workouts). My flights are 11-12 hours each, so this would be a great way to break them up, and perhaps tire myself out again so I'll sleep some on the 2nd flight of both sets.
That said, I do actually swim, and so long as the water is a decent temperature, I'll probably just get in a good hour swim, somewhere around 4000m. Then shower off, put on some fresh underclothing, get dressed and be on my way. Much more productive than stuffing my face in the lounge the whole time (I'm sure I'll still do some of that afterwards )
Does the fitness center have water? If I remember, I'll put an empty bottle on my backpack so I have some to sip on during the swim, and I'll definitely need it afterwards.
A friend of mine registered me for a 2500m swim at Portsea (near Melbourne) for that Saturday, so I have to keep in shape.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 935
When I was last there - albeit a couple of years ago now - the water in the pool was way too warm for fitness swimming...must have been at least +30 Centigrades. The gym is really nice though.
#7
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Do they require wearing a cap to swim? If not, it might be a bit tolerable.
Last edited by aztimm; Oct 31, 2019 at 2:09 pm
#10
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Wow, on their website, it clearly says it is a 25m pool, and it kind of looks like one in the picture but hard to tell. Maybe if I have time I'll ask if I can look at it before i pay to use it.,
#11
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#12
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#13
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Godalming, Surrey, UK.
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The ""Running in and around airports" guide I've consulted before has a guide for DOH: https://www.benedelman.org/travel/running/
#14
Join Date: Mar 2003
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Posts: 2,865
Thanks to both. Looks like it's an out and back (if it's the same one). I'll bookmark that site for future reference, some other great ones at airports I visit relatively often. It's slightly out of date but I'd imagine places like Heathrow don't change much
#15