Discover one of the world’s most extravagant airport transit hotels.

Looking for the hotel inside Doha's airport? Spot the towering 23-foot bronze teddy bear and take a right at the Hermes boutique.

Travelers passing through Hamad International Airport in Doha can venture out for a complimentary tour, visiting the city’s iconic sights like Souq Waqif and the Golden Masjid.

Alternatively, guests can opt to book a stay at the Oryx Hotel, conveniently located near gates C, D, and E, offering easy access to all terminals.

As part of a world-class airport, regularly ranked among the top by Skytrax, it’s safe to say that the Oryx Hotel stands as one of the most luxurious transit hotels anywhere.

If you manage to find it.

Since the oryx, a Middle Eastern antelope, serves as the symbol for Qatar Airways, the name is used extensively throughout the airport, sometimes leading to confusion.

For example, the Oryx lounge is located one floor below the Oryx hotel, which leads to a staff member stationed in the hotel lobby to assist lost travelers.

Hotel front desk staff are quick and accommodating. As the hotel caters only to transit passengers, they meticulously verify flight details and even offer wake-up calls to ensure travelers don’t miss their next departure.

Hamad International Airport operates around the clock, every day of the week, with all passenger services aligned to the same schedule, says Badr Mohammed Al Meer, the airport's chief operating officer.

"We are always working to deliver the finest, tailored experiences for travelers, including our exclusive airport hotel. Our aim is to provide a truly unparalleled experience, one that exudes luxury throughout the entire airport."

Collective expertise

The Oryx is the sole hotel within the airport, making it the perfect option for those with brief layovers (since, by regulation, transit stays are capped at 24 hours). Plus, there are ways to enjoy the hotel’s amenities without reserving a room.

Located one floor above the guest rooms, this wellness area boasts a squash court, golf simulator, spa, hydrotherapy pools, hot tubs, and a swimming pool.

The sleek, 25-meter (82-foot) pool is encased in glass, resembling a stunning jewel box.

Silver geometric patterns are a prominent feature throughout the airport, extending to the pool area where the shimmering blue water reflects the light pouring through the metal lattice walls and ceiling.

While some public beaches in Qatar have dress codes, the Oryx Hotel, being privately owned, allows guests to wear Western-style swimwear. Plus, guests can enjoy poolside cocktails, as alcohol is served here.

Unlike the hotel, which operates 24/7, the vitality center is closed from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Access to the wellness areas is complimentary for hotel guests, though spa treatments are an additional cost.

The treatments are tailored for travelers, such as a foot massage to relieve travel fatigue and a facial to combat the dryness from recycled airplane air.

Due to Doha’s status as a major global transit hub, some guests find themselves returning to the Oryx time and time again.

One such repeat guest is Jane Jones, a Canadian travel agent who spent a 12-hour layover at the Oryx, sleeping and swimming. It was her second visit—the first time, she had a shorter layover and made use of the pool and gym pass.

Jones, on her way to a holiday in Thailand this January, praises the hotel’s amenities, calling them “top notch.”

“What stood out to me was the convenience,” she said. “I was really impressed by the quality of the room.”

Her personal highlights included the fast, free Wi-Fi that allowed her to get some work done before her flight, as well as the gym’s extensive offerings, including both weight training and cardio options.

"I’d definitely do it again," she says.

In the room

The hotel features 100 rooms, all located on a single floor.

With approximately 40 million people passing through Hamad International Airport each year, demand for rooms at the Oryx is consistently high.

It’s highly recommended to book in advance. If your plans change or you face last-minute cancellations, you can join the long queue at the reception to request a room. However, those with pre-booked reservations can skip the line and check in smoothly.

The Oryx rooms are bright and airy, with simple cream-colored walls accented by pops of red or gold. The bed linens and towels are fresh, crisp white, contributing to an overall sense of lightness and tranquility in the design.

There are four primary room types at the Oryx: superior (one king bed), deluxe (one king bed and one twin), family (three beds), and executive suites (one king bed with additional space). There's also an elegant presidential suite, which includes a private lounge and a powder room.

The room amenities are designed to ensure a restful and rejuvenating stay.

Each room is equipped with a kettle for tea and coffee, two complimentary bottles of water, and a spacious rainforest shower—perfect for refreshing between flights.

Standard hotel amenities are also included: clothes hangers, an iron, a hairdryer, bathrobes, and slippers. The bathroom features built-in shampoo dispensers and disposable toothbrushes, so you may not need to unpack your own toiletries to freshen up.

International power outlets are available in-room, along with USB ports for added convenience.

Despite the light and airy atmosphere of the rooms and common areas, one notable exception is the weighty window coverings, which provide a contrast to the open space.

For those in dire need of rest, the Oryx’s rooms can be made pitch dark, even with Doha’s bright sunlight streaming outside. A peaceful sleep—whether it's at night or during the day—might just be the ultimate luxury here.