On 23rd June at approx 17.30,my wife and myself landed from Galway/Dublin at Hamad Airport,on our way to Sydney,just as the Iranian missile attack on Doha took place.What ensued at the airport can only be described as a labarinth of utter chaos.No ammount of planning or the good endeavours of staff could have coped with what happened in the following 36 hrs.Online videos do not portray the pandemonium that followed. After queueing at both information and transfer desks for 12 or 13 hours,for our own health and welfare ,we abandoned the queues at 12am the following morning within 30 metres of the transfer desks.Not knowing what to do,we found our way to the Oryx hotel in the airport,both exhausted to the point of collapse.We were added to a waiting list for a room and slouched into two chairs in the lobby,thankful for the two bottles of water passed to us by a hotel employee.A few minutes later,a passing man looked at us and asked are you ok.We explained our predicament. He looked caryingly at us and said "I'll take care of you." Within what seemed like only a few minutes,he and the Head of Reception,Darine, had arranged a room for us to use until the evening.We retired exhausted.The hotel reception staff looked after arranging our flight transfers and Darine knocked on our bedroom door with our flights arranged for later that night. We landed safely in Sydney the following day. In my lifetime,this was one of the greatest acts of human kindness and decency I have ever experienced.Way above and beyond what would be expected from the staff and workers at an airport and a hotel in midst of the utter chaos and mayhem inflicted on the people of Doha that evening. Thank you Mr Edvard,the Hotel Manager,who stopped to talk to and look after two strangers in the lobby of your Hotel,the Oryx,on that fateful morning of 24th of June.And to you Darine and your Reception Staff as well,you are all forever in our thoughts. Peter...
Read moreLuxury hotel with a side of bed bugs. This hotel was very convenient for a long layover. Having use of the vitality spa was a nice perk to help get some exercise in. The rooms overall look great, but there is a bit of a noise factor. You can faintly hear announcements all night long. There was a brief pause it seemed from around 2-4 am but there are people coming and going in the halls all night long. In particular, loud talkers who whistle down the hall at 4 am. There don’t seem to be any type of quiet hours listed. A pair of complimentary earplugs would go a long way.
While I can live with those things, I was very disappointed to find bed bugs. I travel often, and this was my first encounter. This was the beginning of our trip, so I know we didn’t bring them with us. My husband saw a bug crawling on my pillow as we were lying in bed. Upon further examination it was most definitely a bed bug. The bug was squished and I took the pillow with the bug to the lobby where I was offered a new pillow. We really didn’t want to examine the rest of the bed, but there were other red/brown spots on pillows where I saw similar evidence of more bugs. Everything itched and this was definitely not how we wanted to start a 3 week long vacation. A small discount for compensation was offered, but only after really having to ask for it. However, I’m not sure it will cover the cost of treatment or mental capacity I’m now dragging with me on the rest of our vacation.
I was told the hotel housekeeping would clean the room. No mention of other efforts. Room 107 has bed bugs. There may be other rooms infected.
So if you want to pay a lot of money to get bed bugs and potentially bring them with you home or on the rest of your trip, I’d avoid this hotel until they can get the problem...
Read moreA Tranquil Oasis in Doha's Bustling Hub
Amidst the dynamic ebb and flow of Doha International Airport lies the Oryx Airport Hotel, a true sanctuary for weary travelers. Whether in Doha for a layover or awaiting a connecting flight, this establishment offers more than just a place to rest—it offers a rejuvenating experience.
From the moment I stepped through its doors, the noise and haste of the airport faded away, replaced by a calm serenity that Oryx seems to master. The rooms are elegantly appointed, offering a contemporary design infused with subtle nods to Qatari heritage. Every amenity speaks to the hotel's commitment to comfort, ensuring that guests' brief stay feels like a luxurious retreat.
What truly elevates the experience is the staff. Their professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail make every interaction delightful. They anticipate needs with grace, turning routine services into memorable moments.
Beyond the rooms, the hotel's facilities—from its refreshing pool to its state-of-the-art gym—offer a perfect blend of relaxation and invigoration. For those with a little extra time, the in-house dining options are a culinary journey worth embarking on, capturing the essence of Middle Eastern flavors while catering to global palates.
For travelers transiting through Doha, the Oryx Airport Hotel is not just a convenient option, but a destination in itself. It's an oasis of calm, luxury, and Qatari hospitality right in the heart of one of the world's...
Read more