Doha Layover Guide to Getting Rest

When a couple travels together, you might have different travel styles. I'm less, how do I say this, precious, and my husband has a bit more dignity. I would happily save money during a long layover and stretch out on the airport floor using my backpack as a pillow, but he would much rather stick to his normal regularly scheduled programming with a warm bed and private room. We found ourselves with a long layover in Doha, Qatar, a major hub for international travel on both ends of our trip to Africa during the evening hours, not ideal for exploring the city. We {read he} was looking for a place to rest, and we tried two of the best options within the airport-the Oryx Airport Hotel and Sleep n' Fly pods. Here's a  little comparison of both as well as some other ideas for spending your layover in Doha.

Doha Layover Guide to Getting Rest

Doha Airport: Rest and RechargeOryx Airport Hotel vs Sleep n' Fly Pods

When you have a long layover, especially one that is overnight, one of the biggest considerations is finding a comfortable place to sleep. Hamad International Airport {HIA} in Doha has two key options: The Oryx Airport Hotel and the Sleep n' Fly pods. Here's how they compare.

Oryx Airport Hotel

Pros:

• Full-sized hotel rooms: Unlike typical airport hotels that require exiting security, the Oryx Airport Hotel is inside the terminal, making it incredibly convenient for transit passengers. You don't have to clear customs because you never leave the airport!

• Amenities: Guests can enjoy a comfortable bed, private bathroom, access to a gym, spa, pool, and dining options. The Vitality Centre is open from 6 am -2 am daily and is really very nice. Access to the Centre can also be purchased separately without staying at the hotel, guests get complimentary access. 

• Privacy: You get a fully enclosed room with a private bathroom. 

• Flexible booking: The hotel offers rooms in blocks of 6, 12, or 24 hours, so you can tailor your stay to your layover.

Cons:

• Expensive: Prices are on the higher end, especially if you only need a short nap.

• Limited availability: The Oryx Hotel is popular, and rooms can book up quickly, making last-minute reservations difficult.

• Noisy: I found that during the middle of the night hours, the announcements weren't too loud, but once 4 am hit, the gate announcements could be clearly heard through the windows that overlook the terminal.

• Bed Bugs: yep. You read that right. I wrote a whole post about it here. We had a lovely stay overnight and it wasn't until the morning when my husband and I were talking in bed that he saw a bed bug crawling towards my face. This is a consideration for any hotel, but one to take into account a heavily trafficked international hotel. 

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Sleep 'n Fly Pods

Pros:

• Affordable: A budget-friendly option compared to a full hotel room.

• Compact & Efficient: These pods provide a private, enclosed space to sleep or rest without taking up much space.

• Hourly rates: You can book for just a few hours, making it ideal for shorter layovers.

• Convenient location: The pods are inside the airport, so you won’t need to go through immigration or security again.

Cons:

• Limited space: The pods are small and may feel claustrophobic for some travelers. Though there is an option to booking a larger YAWN double cabin like we did.

• Shared bathrooms: Unlike the Oryx Hotel, Sleep 'n Fly does not have private bathrooms. {There is a North Node that does offer showers at an additional fee}.

• Less soundproofing: You may still hear some airport noise from inside the pods sleeping area. This is a shared space with thin walls, but I found that the noise was minimal and the surrounding guests were respectful.

Which One Should You Choose?

I am a bit jaded and all from the bed bug experience at the Oryx Hotel. I likely wouldn't recommend it to anyone. That said, I have had a few people reach out to me that said they've had good experiences at Oryx and never seen bed bugs. Even in what is described as a luxury hotel, you still need to make sure you are checking your hotel bedding.

I feel like I got great sleep at the Sleep n' Fly pod. The biggest downside is that there aren't showers and the closest public restroom is where you go to brush your teeth. You physically have to leave the Sleep n' Fly area to do that. While your sleeping pods are more private, they are still more exposed than a private room at a hotel would be, so keep that in mind if you are a very light sleeper.

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What I Wish I Had Considered

I fly economy. There's no lie flat bed in my airline travel plans, so I get as much sleep as you'd think that a normal human shoved into a small seat would get. That said, on our return trip through Doha in the Sleep n' Fly pods, I slept like a rock for 7 hours! I mean, it was through the middle of the night during my normal sleep time and it felt great.

That is, until I hopped on the plane. Because I had slept so well, I couldn't sleep a wink on that 15 hour flight home, so it felt like that flight took an eternity! In hindsight, I would have not tried to get such restful sleep before that long haul flight so that I could sleep some on the plane. Just something to consider!

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Exploring the City During a Layover

If your layover is 6+ hours and you’re eligible for a visa-free entry or a transit visa, you might consider leaving the airport to explore Doha. Had our layover been during the day, we would have explored the city. 

Here are some of the best things to do:

1. Visit the Souq Waqif

One of Doha’s most vibrant cultural spots, Souq Waqif offers traditional markets, delicious Qatari cuisine, and stunning architecture. It’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, try local dishes, or simply wander through the bustling alleys.

2. The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

Located on Doha’s waterfront, the Museum of Islamic Art is an architectural marvel and home to an extensive collection of Islamic artifacts. The nearby MIA Park also offers stunning views of the Doha skyline.

3. The Corniche

If you want fresh air and beautiful views, take a stroll along the Doha Corniche, a scenic promenade that runs along the waterfront. You can even take a traditional dhow boat ride for a unique experience.

4. Katara Cultural Village

Katara is an artistic and cultural hub featuring galleries, an amphitheater, and a beach. It’s a great place to soak in Qatari culture, watch a performance, or enjoy a meal by the sea.

5. The Pearl-Qatar

For those who love luxury shopping and dining, The Pearl-Qatar is an artificial island with high-end boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and stunning marina views.

6. Desert Safari & Dune Bashing

If you have an 8+ hour layover and want an adventure, consider booking a quick desert safari. Some companies offer short tours that include dune bashing, camel rides, and a visit to the stunning Inland Sea.

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Airport Amenities for a Comfortable Layover

If you’d rather stay inside Hamad International Airport, there are plenty of ways to pass the time:

1. Lounges

• Al Mourjan Business Lounge: Available for Qatar Airways business class passengers and those with lounge access.

• Oryx Lounge: Pay-per-entry lounge offering food, drinks, and comfortable seating.

• Al Maha Lounge: Open to various airline and credit card members, this lounge offers relaxation and refreshments.

2. Quiet Rooms

The airport does offer quiet rooms that have reclining chairs that allow you to take a rest or nap. 

3. Spa & Fitness

The Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre at the Oryx Hotel offers a gym, swimming pool, and spa services, including massages, to help you refresh before your next flight. You don't need to be a guest to gain access to the Vitality Centre, but there is a fee.

4. Shopping & Dining

HIA is home to numerous luxury boutiques, duty-free shops, and diverse restaurants. Whether you want a quick snack or a gourmet meal, you’ll find plenty of options.

5. Art Installations

The airport features several impressive art pieces, including the iconic "Lamp Bear" by Urs Fischer. Take a self-guided art tour while stretching your legs.

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How you spend your layover in Doha depends on a lot of different things, some you may prioritize over others! If rest is your main concern, hopefully this has helped you make the best decision for you. No matter how long your layover is, Doha's Hamad International Airport has plenty of ways to spend your time. Happy travels!

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