The dubious distinction of the dullest first-class lounge in the world goes to Qatar Airways. It is a giant space with no personality. After a long night of partying at the best Qatar lounge (see Qatar a380 First Bangkok to Baku: Krug Included) and an encore celebration on Qatar first (see Qatar a380 First Bangkok to Baku: Krug Included), I had an entire day to kill at the lounge. I typically enjoy a day of doing nothing at the lounge (see Air New Zealand Lounge Auckland: Sit Back & Relax & Amex LAS Centurion Lounge: The Full Day Freeloader Review). This time I wondered what I would do to pass the time. Family Area I tried napping in the area designated for families but was immediately bored.
Photos
I walked around to take photos for the blog but could not find anything that caught my eye. I guess some people will be impressed by the giant urinal waterfall.
Bar
Looking for inspiration, I turned to alcohol. The best I could find was Leffe Blond. Compare the selection: from Hennessy VSOP in the Qatar Lounge in Bangkok, to this in first? How does that make sense?
Business Better?
Bored, I reached out to my friend whom I met in the business class lounge in Bangkok. He was enjoying his layover at the Qatar business class lounge by having a cigar in the smoking room in the business class lounge. I decided to join him.
In the smoking room, we decided to order two tequilas. Both of us remarked that the tequila was smooth and we wondered what tequila was offered. It was not until I went for a refill that I learned that it was none other than Jose Cuervo!
With my friend leaving to catch his flight, I returned to Al Safwa to see if this fancier name meant fancier food.
Sushi
The sushi was not bad. The rose helped.
Mezze
This was the worst mezze I have ever had. The hummus was an insult to three thousand years of crushing chickpeas.
Champagne
Like the Bangkok lounge, I spent the time drinking champagne and talking to another stranger. That’s what an international lounge is all about.
Shower
Drinking nonstop, I needed a shower before saying goodbye.
Overall
Qatar Lounges in Doha are surprisingly disappointing. If you are impressed by them, you have bad taste. Then again, I thought the Cuervo was good.
TPOL’s Tip: You can find the vlog for Alexander Bachuwa’s, aka the #masterofwon, 
Don’t Forget Your Friends
The rapport with the flight attendants was great from the start. They were in cheery moods and indulged in our rambunctious behavior. To that point, I asked if they could send a glass of Krug to my drinking buddy from the Qatar Lounge seated in business. I asked them to include the message that I missed him. They thought it was hilarious and obliged. It was well received.
Krug Again
The photo of Krug being poured with an airplane window in the background is pure art. I never get tired of capturing the moment.
No Suite
The a380 didn’t have a suite like its lauded business-class brother. Since the cabin was empty, the flight attendant prepared one seat for sleeping and the other for drinking.
Caviar
Like Krug, is there anything better than caviar on a plane?
Omelette
I had a light omelette and prepared myself for sleep.
Pajamas
The only thing missing from these clever pajamas was the 
Bathroom
An a380 without a shower? It’s nice but where am I supposed to bathe (see 
My Rest Area
Fortunately for me, I found one of the places where I could sprawl out and sleep. Unfortunately, there were no blankets in the lounge and the AC was on full blast.
Food
The food was spectacular. I tried everything from the biryani in the buffet to the a la carte sushi and pad thai. 
Drinks
I believe the normal bartender wasn’t available when I was there. Instead, it was a few workers who did their best to make cocktails.
TPOL’s Tip: A warm dirty martini is just warm vodka and olive juice.
I switched to champagne and Hennessy VSOP, a cognac not offered in either the business or first-class lounge in Doha!
NFL Week One
It didn’t matter to me that the flight was delayed. I had a makeshift bed, alcohol, and the disappointing Lions streaming. It was perfect.
Open Bar
I saw a passenger joking with the impromptu bartender that it was not his fault that the flight was delayed. The sarcasm was lost on the bartender who kept apologizing for the delay. I learned that my fellow lounge refugee was also from 
Caddy
Because it is night golf, a caddy is compulsory. Aided with a flashlight, my caddy was able to find most of my errant shots.
TPOL’s Tip: A tip of $10-$15 is suggested.
Date the Caddy?
There are many videos on 
Estates
The houses along the course were anything but small. I may have hit a few.
Bad Golf Shot Footage
Novelty aside, I was here for a serious game of golf. I seriously sucked. The caddies were laughing.
TPOL’s Tip: Definitely take the bus over Uber if the bus is available. Traffic is avoided in the bus lane. 
