Al Safwa First Class Lounge in Doha - Simply The Best??? Plus Doha to Abu Dhabi in First Class

[@thecosmicyak1370]

Regarding cabin securing, you should try Uzbekistan Airlines sometime. My last flight from Frankfurt-Tashkent had a guy sleeping across the row in the middle on takeoff as the crew actually offered him another pillow after pushback as he was already laid down.

[@MattsPlanet]

99.99% of the time it won't matter, but that one time in a thousand its a disaster! I got some criticism for talking about it on an Egyptair flight - "what do you expect???" Well on an airline in the Star Alliance I expect international standards to be followed... And even on non alliance airlines like Uzbekistan the rules exist for a reason...

[@CallumElsdon]

Enjoyed the video, Matt and certainly gave a feel for the space. Not sure about now, but the paid access to Al Safwa wasn't a pandemic-related measure - I paid for access on a Business booking from SIN-DOH-ARN in October 2019. On an 9-hour layover, the peace and quiet was appreciated when compared to the overcrowding in the Al Mourjan lounge. Look forward to seeing your onward Sri Lankan flights from AUH-CGK!

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers Callum... Interested in whether you thought it was value - its not cheap!!! As I say, I couldn't see anything online about still being able to buy in and I think it used to be advertised on the Qatar site....

[@CallumElsdon]

@@MattsPlanet I was able to get a bed - so for me it was good value considering the high cost of the transit hotel at Doha. Had I not got the bed I would've felt differently... Would I do it again? Only for blog or video content. Having the new Business and Status lounges open should make them much more amenable to visit now!

[@steve-marsh]

That lounge looks incredible! I wonder if it ever gets truly busy or if it's just too posh for such things? Nice service on the flight too considering it's no longer than the average bus journey. And talking of buses - that airport one was hilarious!

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers Steve! I've been there 3 or 4 times now and this visit was probably the busiest I've ever seen it! The whole experience is quite decent... And as buses go, that one is quite special!

[@ukdavepianoman]

Terrific video. The lounge is huge - like an art museum. It looks even bigger than the Emirates lounge at Dubai which is massive. I almost find with huge lounges that I don't where to go or where to sit - I suppose a few visits are required to find favourite spots. I wonder what % of visitors have stumped up the £135. I will be in the Business lounge for the first time soon so looking forward to it....and i want to see the "scary bear" !

[@MattsPlanet]

Have a great time Dave - the bear is an experience for sure!

[@nicholasashaw72]

Just booked into Qatar business class back to UK from Doha and website offers me option to buy entry to Al Safwa lounge at £127 GBP per adult and £64 for a child. Going out in Economy and transiting through Doha, website only allows purchasing entry to Al Maha, Oryx or Al Mourjan lounges - Al Safwa isn't offered.

[@MattsPlanet]

It's a great lounge but I'm not sure its worth £127... And it wouldn't surprise me if they limited paid access to business class travellers only

[@gregepps4710]

Sorry Matt, but the centre of Doha is completely fake, it was built 15 years ago, a shame because what was there before had a real vibe. The place is as dull as dishwater, I'd rather spend an afternoon in Slough!

[@MattsPlanet]

As coincidence would have it, I spent a night in Slough last week! Unscintillating, to say the least!!! I first went to Doha in 2006 which Wikipedia tells me was after the fire and rebuild.... So you may well have a very valid point! I still quite like Doha though and the fact that older Qataris seem to still work in the souq gives it an authenticity Dubai lacks, even if the physical space isn't as old as you might assume...

[@pb456-7]

I *think* you can only pay that price to enter Al Safwa if your original business class ticket includes Al Mourjan business lounge access. Great lounge tho - sadly drinks have been on a steady decline since before the World Cup.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - a few people have commented that there's a qualification requirement to be able to pay to enter!!!

[@hythesailor]

Wow! That's not an airline lounge, it's a bloody cathedral!

[@MattsPlanet]

Give praise to the god of jet fuel....

[@udozorhemeka]

I hope to have first class and first hand experience it’s possible

[@MattsPlanet]

Start hoarding the avios and it will be within reach. Flying business to Doha than on to a Gulf region city will unlock the Al Safwa

[@andrewwmoore1]

I find the lounge cold and too open - a bit like being in an aircraft hanger. Also the seats are not that comfortable

[@MattsPlanet]

I can certainly see your point!

[@henrywm1451]

Great video again Matt! Are you making a video on Abu Dhabi? I would like to visit there soon, now perhaps via Doha. The lounge looked fantastic.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Henry. I was in AD for about 22 hours and I will include that time in a video. I quite like Abu Dhabi - perhaps more than Dubai actually. There's much less to do and less to see, but it feels more real and authentic. Some interesting galleries open there now....

[@stevecraven3502]

Matt. This looks amazing. You didn't want to talk over your entrance in to the lounge so we could savour the atmosphere, then you put loud piano music over it. Sometimes silence is golden, but thats just my thoughts. Is there a place on their website you could leave comments and recommendations regarding the lounge? You never know, they may listen to you.😁 Thinking of checking out a BHX-BKK run for myself in 2025, try do it as a BA holiday to rack up those double tier points, who knows. Steve. C. YNWA. Robbed at the weekend. Unlucky Mattip.

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers Steve! Good feedback - I don't like complete silence so went for something I thought would compliment the pictures.... I feel it would be brave to leave just the ambient sounds.... If you can get BA flight numbers your plan would work! Very frustrating on the weekend - what are the chances of a void and replay???

[@stevecraven3502]

Void and replay😂😂😂. More chance of me becoming an UTD fan🤢🤮. Did check out the BHX-BKK, with a competitor, (sort) a guy called My Grey Gap Year. It was his idea. He must be an accountant as he laid every trip out on a spread sheet. When I first checked it out it was just over 2.1k but I umd and ard and it went up massively. Hence thinking of the trip for 2025. Later. Steve. C. YNWA

[@MattsPlanet]

@@stevecraven3502 I've started watching Grey Gap Year myself - I like what he does!

[@richardstreet7518]

Compare and contrast to the queues at T5 lounges ....😂 Another informative vlog Matt...

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - no comparison really!

[@rtb5365]

Enjoying this series - even my missus has been intrigued! Been to the Al Moujoran, but not this one. When I was last through DOH you could pay for access, but I had just under 2 hrs and felt I wasnt going to get best value out of my visit. Looking forward to your CMB-Jakarta video as I'll likely need a TP run next year. Could always do the standard west coast USA run, but a chance to go somewhere different is always exciting.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! 600 Rials for 2 hours is poor value - you'd have to really get stuck in!!!! And the Jakarta run is great fun - videos coming - just getting to and from Abu Dhabi is a bit of a pain....

[@tjittekamminga5170]

very impressive, its like a cathedral, a museum, a sanctuary...

[@MattsPlanet]

The crew mentioned something about a tear in the space/time continuum....

[@JJ-vy2rh]

Isn't all the food just heated up?

[@MattsPlanet]

I don't think so.... It certainly used to be but I peeked into the kitchen and there were lots of people in there - more than you'd need to manage a bank of microwaves... A few others have commented that the cooking is now on point...

[@bach4211]

Another great video, Matt - I visited the Al Mourjan lounge after a trip to Doha in February. Interesting that the Al Safwa lounge seems to offer identical alcohol offerings to the business lounge, and I definitely felt the formal nature of the space! I agree about Doha as well - a wonderful mix of old and new, and much more linked to the historic roots of the country than the UAE is.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! I visited the new Al Mourjan on the way back which is also quite special....

[@vincepham3645]

Laurent Perrier Alexandra rose champagne is way above Grand Siecle, which isn't that great to start with.... it's £300+ vs £200- ... first world problem

[@MattsPlanet]

First world problems indeed!!! I'm of an age where rose champagne was never really a thing so I'm always a little hesitant to order it... Although when I have I've enjoyed it. Still not certain I'd be a buyer of champagne at those sort of prices if I wasn't getting it in lounges!

[@paulwhittle6728]

Hello Matt, the lounge looks spectacular although a little too cathedral like for my tastes, but what an experience nonetheless. Continents next - well Antartica if you like. Recently I stumbled upon a video on Sam Chui's channel where he flies from Capetown (A340) down to an Antarctic airfield called 'Wolfs Fang' or some such, and spends the night in the base down there... looked quite good in a "I really like the cold weather" sort of a way, but it could be another continent off your bucket list. However you'll probably tell me that you've already done it and the Duty Free shop is utterly rubbish, hey ho ! Just a thought. keep flying Sir.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Paul! Been a flurry of Antarctic content lately... Jeb Brooks and TrekTrendy also made it down there... Simon Wilson too.... Really expensive though... Not been myself but its obviously on the list. I do prefer hot to cold generally, although I would make an exception for the 7th continent!

[@davidbalcon8726]

Agree with your comments on the drinks list…very mediocre compared to what I found in the Emirates DXB first lounge where I enjoyed a Ch Palmer 2012 (3rd growth Margaux). As for paid entry, I was with several friends in August 2022 and we attempted to purchase admission. We’d flown in on AC and were connecting to a QR flight in business to CPT. However, as our tickets were issued by AC and not QR we were told they wouldn’t even take our money so it was over to the Al Mourjan lounge to which we’d visited on dozens of previous connections.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks David - interesting that even paid access is restricted to Qatar custimers... Another commenter mentioned that the available list of beverages sold in Qatar is limited so this may be the best its possible to put together given what can be imported to the country....

[@jimmyjames6492]

Fantastic lounge & flight! Thanks for the info + video!

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers Jimmy

[@baciperugina836]

please can you do a video on back-to-back/immediate turn around to get tier points? eg pros/cons, how to book, how a newbie is supposed to do it in practice etc. thanks

[@MattsPlanet]

Hello! I've been asked a few times for this but I'm not sure there's a full video in it.... Plus I've never done one myself as even a small risk is a major deterrent for me... But I've put it on the development list and I'll give it some thought! Thanks

[@timtony7153]

It IS a great lounge. I know money is no object in the Middle East, but they just WANT to ensure their guests have a great experience.

[@MattsPlanet]

If you enjoy that sort of environment then its fantastic! If you're looking for something more relaxed, its more of a struggle to settle in

[@dsdsdsdsdsds3139]

thanks matt - heathrow t3 cathay first lounge has officially left the 'worlds best lounge' conversation :)

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed!!! Don't let the door hit you on the bum on the way out....

[@BobFisher.]

Great video as always Matt. On a side note you give off Rowen Atkinson/Mr Bean vibes when you're smiling into the camera haha

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Bob. I've heard that before - there's worse people to look like! Just wish I had 1% of his money!!!

[@Alex-om1be]

Hi Matt. I’m flying through Doha (2 night stopover) next month on my way to Kathmandu!

[@MattsPlanet]

Have a great time - its a fun place to spend a couple of days!

[@Jacob-mv2jh]

Hey Matt! Do you prefer the Concorde room or this lounge?? Amazing video again!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Jacob. They're both great but quite different.... The CCR has better booze and a better vibe - more familiar and less formal. The Al Safwa is bigger, more impressive and on this visit at least, had better food.... Its like picking your favourite kid!!!

[@dscott8799]

Who ever said you can’t eat on camera? Looked delicious!! 😋

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! Perhaps I'll show more in the future! I concentrate on keeping my mouth close when eating so perhaps its not so bad!

[@RR0000]

Loved it, thank you for the pre-taste of the what to expect in few weeks 😊

[@MattsPlanet]

It's a special experience for sure... Enjoy!

[@FabianSherwin]

First day back at work after a week off and what awaits me? A new Matt's Planet video! Marvellous stuff

[@MattsPlanet]

I hope your boss isn't a viewer!!!

[@garyrobinson8665]

That's the best looking lounge I've ever seen. Looks amazing. Really fun video Matt.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Gary - it's not as welcoming as some - it's a little austere - but it's amazing to look at!

[@garyrobinson8665]

@@MattsPlanet yeah it looked a bit over the top for sure but you want something special if you are paying those kind of prices for flights.

[@adriver4471]

it doesn’t get much better than that 🤷‍♀️ absolutely incredible 👍

[@MattsPlanet]

That was a good day!

[@WhiskyLoversSociety]

Colour me green. Looks impressive. Nice video as always.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! Its an experience for sure!

[@jon-ie4li]

Doha airport is ruined by all the very long bus rides!!

[@MattsPlanet]

You'd think they'd have plenty of gates - dozens were empty as we drove past them on the way to the terminal... There must be a reason why they don't use them but as its all Qatar it can't be cost????

[@charlescampion9898]

Thanks Matt, great review. We paid for access in February 2020, on a six hour layover bewreen Adelaide and London. It was just as good then as you show, but less busy; and we were given one of the delightful rooms, which you can occupy for 6 hours. We have been lucky enough to try the same paid accesss to Emirates First lounge in Dubai. Both are amazing; in my view Qatar is a better space (and less busy), but Emirates has a wider offering and better food and drink. As you say, if you get the chance, take it.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Charles. I had the opportunity to buy in on a previous visit but decided against it as I was fatigued and wasn't sure I'd get value out of it. It feels like a lot of money - double if there's two of you! Although snagging a private room makes it not much more expensive than booking into the transit hotel

[@charlescampion9898]

We thought we had to give it a try, and loved it. Like a good dinner with a bedroom thrown in !@@MattsPlanet

[@DavidHumpherston]

Most definitely on my to do list. One of the best lounge in the world!

[@MattsPlanet]

If you can engineer a visit - go!

[@cincinatti_matt21]

Great video , what a lounge - it’s absolutely massive .

[@MattsPlanet]

The floor space is huge but the volume of the space is massive from the high ceilings... Can't imagine there's a bigger lounge by volume!

[@Sandman-lw8nr]

Matt I love your videos been addicted over the last week I’m brand new to flights points and alliances and your videos have educated me to confidence with the BA /one world side of things would love to find out and have an updated video on which star alliance program would be best for us Brits ! Thanks again 😊

[@Sandman-lw8nr]

Ps planning on getting the BA plus Amex card soon as well and if you have a referral link available then I would love to support you that way 😊

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks so much and welcome!!! I'm not sure much has changed since I made that Star Alliance video - Aegean now requires 70k miles to retain gold if you don't fly with them but its still 12,000 if you do... I think the conclusion would be the same - Aegean is the best in the long run unless you're looking over the very short term and can match somewhere and ride a gold status until it runs out!

[@Sandman-lw8nr]

@@MattsPlanet noted thanks for the swift reply !

[@Jacqui-e2o]

Very helpful Vlog Matt. Thank you. The detail about the departure gate and bus to the stand is what I have been searching for ahead of our trip to AUH via DOH.

[@MattsPlanet]

It's tucked away close to the deli food area.... People will direct you if you don't stumble across it - you may well not!

[@Jacqui-e2o]

Cheers Matt, Take care

[@Jacqui-e2o]

Hi Matt @@MattsPlanet Having returned from our cruise out of Abu Dhabi yesterday, Just wanted to mention that the stop over in Doha was great as we did manage to experience the Al Safwa and the 'private' bus journey around the airfield to the remote stand. A bus just for the two of us was a little over the top but a great experience. Our first flights with Qatar Airways and we were very satisfied. The return was via Etihad (again our first with them) on the A380 to LHR and the BA LHR to Manchester. Although the the upper deck of the A380 was less than half full, the service was not as good as Qatar Airways and the seats although wider than QA, were not as comfortable (in our opinion). The connection to MAN on BA Club Europe cannot be compared to QA First from DOH to AUH (except the flight duration). Flying with the gulf carriers does highlight how far behind the game BA has fallen. Despite having a shorter transfer time between flights in DOH than the connection at LHR our bags arrived safely and were on the carousel at AUH when we got to Baggage reclaim. Our bags missed the connection at LHR yesterday and we expect them.... (before Christmas?). Thanks for all your advise and information. It has helped us plan our travels. I think we will be avoiding BA and the shambles that is LHR whenever possible. Transfer from T4 to T5 involved a 30 min 'layover' at T2 to get on a second bus. Take care.

[@nickreviews2435]

Yes Matt. Jealous isn't the word.

[@MattsPlanet]

Hopefully I've shared enough on how to recreate the experience yourself!

[@asvinparmar6309]

Great video. We are doing this next week !!!!

[@MattsPlanet]

Brilliant! I hope it helped you prepare. Have a great time!

[@BaMb1N079]

that racing sim once was in the game room of the Al Mourjan lounge.

[@MattsPlanet]

Perhaps there's two??? Haven't seen it in the al Mourjan....

[@BaMb1N079]

@@MattsPlanet was like 5 years ago or so...but it is entirely possible that there are multiple. They don't do things small anyway in Doha :-)

[@ianworthington2324]

Excellent video Matt! I feel the call of Doha.

[@MattsPlanet]

It's worth a day. Or even two!!! Needn't be that expensive either if you can wrap it up in a Qatar stopover

[@trimley]

Never thought of a Doha visit before

[@MattsPlanet]

There's more there than just a massive airport!

[@rogerwild1966]

A bit better than Man to Lhr then?

[@MattsPlanet]

Just a bit!! Ying and yang!

[@udozorhemeka]

Amazing review ⭐️ ⭐️

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks!

[@scott4393]

Another great video Matt 👍👍

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks!

[@mikewarde2802]

Yet another great video!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Mike

[@b0ejens0n25]

❤

[@MattsPlanet]

Right back at ya!

[@nezbrun872]

Totally agreed regarding Al Safwa food: meat used to be cooked to industrial carpet standards, but now miraculously they seem able to do it medium rare when asked. Purely a guess on my part, but I assume previously they just reheated it. The wagyu is worth going back for... as I have a number of times! Not many lounge food offerings I can say that about, I don't think much to the rooms in al Safwa: they're clean enough and enjoy en suite facilities, but the six hour limit and first come, first served uncertainty means I book a room in the airside hotel. You can be sure that shortly before your 6 hours are up, they will be knocking on you door. There is also an uncanny spookiness in al Safwa that they're always keeping a covert eye on you. Several times they've come up to me as I'm propping up the bar to "remind" me of something or other. The Champagne has indeed gone downhill, but they do sometimes bring out Krug around Christmas & New Year. There are also usually some super bin ends that aren't on the list, another good reason to sit at the bar and enquire of the bartender. I'll be interested to know if the gym has opened up yet in the new al Mourjan lounge: it certainly wasn't on my last trip. But they do do made to order sushi there making it as good a reason as any to pay it a visit. Also what has become of the Louis Vuitton sub lounge, within the new al Mourjan? Entry was so exclusive (and a menu so expensive) I've rarely ever seen anyone in there: Qatar Plats only last time I was there, no OW Emerald or F pax. Certainly there are more "it girls" at the entrance than there are punters inside whenever I've been past it!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! I detected the tell-tale traces of a microwave on my last visit but it was really good this time.... I was interested in a room mostly for the video rather than for a sleep or a shower but its a nice option if available. And I visited the new Al Mourjan on the way back - the LV zone was deserted when I went through and I didn't spot a lounge but I'll recheck my footage when I make that video! And you're spot on about eyes being on you in the Al Safwa - I think I said in the video that I was asked 3 times what flight I was on.... I think people really do forget to leave!

[@Crazy_Charo]

Funny enough, I did a trip from Doha to Abu Dhabi 2 weeks ago, also via their regional first class. I had access to the Al Safwa lounge and found it to also be a great space. On my return through Doha I also flew regional first class and could have gone through the Al Safwa lounge but chose to spend my time in the Al Mourjan garden lounge which I much prefer due to the better views and easy going feeling of the space.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - I also had a few hours in the airport on the way back and spent time in that new lounge (which will feature in a future video) but I decided to head back to the al Safwa for the bulk of the time

[@Crazy_Charo]

@@MattsPlanet I enjoy watching your videos and look forward to catching that new video when it drops.