dailynewsnblog
The battle for premium travel is fiercer than ever. Airlines are locked in an escalating competition to dominate in seat design, cabin comfort, and personalized service. Premium Economy and Business Class have become key battlegrounds, with carriers investing heavily in spacious seating, enhanced privacy, and elevated dining experiences to outshine their rivals.
But the contest doesn’t end on board the aircraft. The modern premium journey now begins at the airport, where lounges have evolved into powerful brand statements. From curated dining and barista-made coffee to quiet workspaces and wellness amenities, these spaces increasingly shape travelers’ loyalty and expectations. Qatar Airways stands out in this arena, redefining pre-flight luxury with lounges that blend exceptional service, thoughtful design, and a sense of calm that sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Qatar Airways Crowned World’s Best Business-Class Airline
Qatar Airways was named by Skytrax in mid-2025 as “World’s Best Business Class”, along with “Best Business Class Airline Lounge.” The same awards confirmed Qatar Airways as “World’s Best Airline” for the ninth time, reflecting consistent high standards of service, cabin comfort, and lounge facilities.
This recognition underscores the airline’s broad commitment, not just to in-flight service and seat quality, but to the end-to-end passenger experience. For many travelers, this makes Qatar Airways a benchmark, setting expectations for business-class comfort, lounge access, and overall journey quality.
The awards strengthen Qatar Airways’ target to provide an industry-leading product and service, something that the airline prides itself on. They serve as a testament to the carrier’s continuous investment in innovation, passenger comfort, and global connectivity. These recognitions also reinforce the carrier’s commitment to setting new standards for excellence across the aviation industry.
Al Mourjan Garden Lounge, Best Business-Class Lounge In 2025
The lounge, which received significant renovation and improvement works in early 2024, is the Al Mourjan Business Lounge. It was explicitly cited by Skytrax as the “Best Business Class Airline Lounge” in its 2025 awards.
Its combination of scale, design, and amenities sets it apart: at 79,545 square feet (7,390 square meters), it offers spaciousness rarely matched in airport lounges, able to accommodate up to 707 passengers. The lounge emphasizes a calm, nature-inspired ambiance with natural light, elegant furnishings, and a design that evokes relaxation and sophistication.
The lounge features a broad mix of facilities, including wellness services (spa, gym, manicure/pedicure), dedicated quiet rooms, multiple dining formats, and the ability to support travel needs for business, leisure, and families.
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Inside Al Mourjan Garden
The lounge offers a premium, varied environment designed to accommodate travelers with different needs. Guests have access to several quiet spaces, both single and double rooms, available free of charge for the first six hours, making them ideal for resting during long connections. Spa and wellness facilities further elevate the experience, featuring seven treatment rooms, massage chairs, manicure and pedicure stations, dedicated relaxation chairs, and a fully equipped gym. These amenities allow passengers to unwind, refresh, or maintain their fitness routine while in transit.
A broad selection of high-quality dining options is available throughout the lounge. In the East Wing, travelers can choose from hot and cold buffets, sushi and salad stations, à la carte dining, and a dedicated coffee and pâtisserie bar offering fresh brews and pastries. A cocktail and bistro bar provides additional choices, serving handcrafted drinks and lighter bites. Whether passengers want to enjoy a full meal before a long flight or simply grab something quick during a short layover, the range of culinary options caters to both leisurely diners and those short on time.
Amenities for families and general travelers are thoughtfully incorporated across the space. These include a nursery and children’s playroom, a separate game room, and a designated smoking room for those who require it. Practical conveniences, such as showers, washrooms, and private work or rest areas, support comfort and productivity. Seating is also a highlight: many areas feature semi-private dividers, wireless charging, and appealing views overlooking The Orchard, the airport’s indoor garden. This combination of smart design, family-friendly spaces, and modern comforts helps distinguish the lounge from many competing premium facilities worldwide.
Where To Find The Garden Lounge
Doha Hamad International Airport serves as Qatar’s primary international gateway and the central hub of Qatar Airways’ global network. Known for its striking modern architecture, expansive terminals, and large indoor art installations, the airport was designed to handle high passenger volumes with efficiency and comfort. Its vast open spaces, natural lighting, and streamlined security and immigration procedures contribute to a smooth travel experience for both transit and origin and destination passengers.
The airport’s northern expansion further enhances its capacity and passenger amenities, integrating nature-inspired design elements such as indoor garden areas and wide, greenery-lined walkways. This section was developed to support the airport’s growing traffic while maintaining the airport’s reputation for calm, intuitive navigation. Travelers benefit from spacious concourses and a layout that reduces crowding, reinforcing its standing as one of the region’s most advanced and traveler-friendly airports.
|
Statistic (QCAA) |
Value |
|---|---|
|
Annual passengers served |
52.7 million |
|
Aircraft movements (flights) |
279,000 |
|
Cargo volume handled |
2.6 million tonnes (Approx 5.732 million lbs) |
|
Baggage throughput (bags processed) |
41.3 million bags |
|
Number of destinations served |
197 destinations worldwide |
|
Number of airlines operating |
55 airlines |
Qatar’s hub in Doha has emerged as one of the world’s leading aviation gateways, offering a seamless and luxurious experience for global travelers. With its modern architecture, efficient operations, and state-of-the-art facilities, the airport has been designed to make every connection smooth and comfortable. Serving as the central base for Qatar Airways, the airport enables quick, convenient transfers across the airline’s extensive network, reinforcing Doha’s position as a premier transit hub between East and West.
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What Passengers Say About Al Mourjan Garden
Many travelers describe The Garden as a “stunning” space that offers a calm, almost hotel‑like atmosphere. For example, in a 2025 review by Points Well Made, they commented: “The garden is utterly beautiful by day or night,” praising the floor-to-ceiling glass walls, the greenery of the indoor “Orchard,” and the natural light that floods the lounge. The architecture, high ceilings, open-plan seating, soft lighting, and the layout with quiet zones, communal spaces, and views over lush plantings help many feel the lounge is a genuine refuge amid airport bustle.
The Garden’s food and drink offerings and amenities get considerable praise. The same review highlights the à la carte restaurant plus buffet service, calling it a “restaurant-quality” experience rather than typical lounge fare, with fresh dishes, barista coffee, and cocktails among the options. One reviewer, Travel Destinasians, summed up their stay as “nothing short of delightful,” thanks to prompt access to a shower, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere.
However, not all aspects live up to the aspirational presentation. One review from Milelion water states that the so-called ‘quiet rooms’ are not always suited for proper rest: instead of a bed, you often get recliner-type chairs that are considered “uncomfortable.” They also noted that after a long layover, they tried to sleep but “ended up sleeping on the floor”. The shower rooms, while clean and stocked with amenities, sometimes get criticized for odd design choices, showers lack attached toilets, and taps operate on sensors, making simple tasks like shaving or washing up inconvenient. Travel Dealz mentions that despite the lounge’s size and design, noise from the terminal or crowding (especially during busy periods) can leak in, undermining the calm ambiance.
Business-Class Travel At Its Peak
Qatar Airways’ “The Garden lounge” delivers a consistently high standard of dining, relaxation, wellness, and overall ambiance, effectively extending the airline’s premium in-flight business-class experience into the airport environment. By offering refined amenities such as high-quality restaurants, serene seating areas, and thoughtful interior design, the lounge allows passengers to begin their elevated journey long before boarding. This early immersion in comfort and service reinforces the airline’s broader premium brand identity from the moment travelers enter the terminal.
For long-haul passengers especially, practical wellness-focused features, showers, quiet rooms, spa treatments, and dedicated relaxation zones play a crucial role in reducing fatigue. These facilities make long transits or extended layovers far more manageable, giving travelers the opportunity to refresh, sleep, or decompress between flights. Being able to reset physically and mentally during an otherwise taxing travel day significantly enhances the overall journey, particularly for those connecting through Doha on multi-segment international itineraries.
The Garden’s generous capacity and well-considered layout, with multiple wings and clearly defined zones, help prevent crowding and maintain a calm, upscale atmosphere even during peak arrival waves. The mix of quiet and rest areas, family-friendly sections, workspaces, and diverse dining options caters to the full spectrum of traveler needs, from business travelers seeking productivity, to families requiring dedicated play areas, to leisure travelers prioritizing comfort and relaxation. Together with 
Qatar Airways’ award-winning business-class cabin and onboard service, these ground-based advantages further justify the airline’s reputation in 2025 as one of the world’s premier, best-in-class business-travel options.
