Navigating through Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, can be a luxurious experience, especially if you're in search of a hotel. Look no further than the towering 23-foot bronze teddy bear statue; it's your landmark. Then, make a right turn towards the Hermes boutique. For those with longer layovers, consider venturing outside the airport to explore the city's gems like Souq Waqif and the Golden Masjid, or book a stay at the Oryx Hotel, conveniently situated near gates C, D, and E. This hotel, owned by Qatar Airlines, is a beacon of luxury in an airport renowned for its opulence and consistently ranking highly in Skytrax's annual best airport list.

Finding the Oryx Hotel within the airport's vast expanse can be a challenge, as the oryx—an antelope native to the Middle East and the emblem of Qatar Airways—is ubiquitous, leading to occasional confusion. The Oryx Lounge, for instance, is located just one floor below the hotel, necessitating a staff member's presence in the lobby to assist disoriented guests. To check in, guests must present their passport and boarding pass.

Doha's airport operates silently, eschewing verbal announcements for boarding gates in favor of digital screens and mobile apps. However, the Oryx Hotel's stay comes with a premium price tag, starting at over $450 per night—a steeper cost than the average Doha accommodation.

The hotel's front desk staff are known for their efficiency and attentiveness. Since only transit passengers stay here, the reception staff meticulously check guests' itineraries and offer wake-up calls to ensure they don't miss their flights. "Hamad International Airport operates around the clock, and we aim to provide unique and luxurious experiences for our travelers, including our in-airport hotel," says Badr Mohammed Al Meer, the airport's chief operating officer. "We strive to offer unparalleled experiences that reflect the airport's overall luxurious appeal."

The Oryx Hotel is the sole accommodation within the airport, making it an ideal choice for those with brief layovers, as transit stays are legally capped at under 24 hours. Guests can also experience the hotel's amenities without booking a room by visiting the "vitality center" for a fee of 175 Qatari riyals (approximately $48) per person for up to four hours. This wellness area, located one floor above the rooms, boasts a squash court, golf simulator, spa, hydrotherapy pools, hot tubs, and a swimming pool that resembles a glass jewel box with its silver geometric patterns and shimmering blue waters.

While Qatar has dress codes for public beaches, the Oryx Hotel's private ownership allows guests to wear western swimwear and enjoy poolside cocktails, as alcohol is permitted within the hotel's premises. Unlike the hotel, which operates 24/7, the vitality center closes from 2 to 6 a.m. Hotel guests have complimentary access to these facilities, but spa treatments come at an additional cost, tailored specifically for travelers, such as foot massages and facials to combat airplane air dryness.

Thanks to Doha's status as a global transit hub, some guests find themselves returning to the Oryx Hotel on multiple occasions. Jane Jones, a Canadian travel agent, spent a 12-hour layover at the Oryx, sleeping and swimming, marking her second visit. She appreciates the hotel's "top-notch" amenities, particularly the convenience and the quality of the rooms. She was also impressed by the fast free Wi-Fi, which allowed her to work before her flight, and the well-equipped gym offering both weight training and cardio options. "I would definitely do it again," she adds.

The Oryx Hotel features 100 rooms spread across one floor, catering to the high demand from the approximately 40 million annual airport visitors. Advanced booking is highly recommended to secure a room. While last-minute travelers can try their luck at the reception, those with reservations can bypass the queue and check in effortlessly.

The rooms at the Oryx Hotel are designed to be light and airy, with simple cream-colored walls accented by occasional red or gold details, and crisp, clean white bed linens and towels. The design creates a sense of spaciousness and serenity. The room types range from superior rooms with one king bed, deluxe rooms with a king and a twin bed, family rooms with three beds, executive suites with more floor space and a king bed, to a luxurious presidential suite that includes a private lounge and powder room.

Amenities in each room are designed for comfort and rejuvenation, including a kettle for coffee and tea, two complimentary bottles of water, and a large rainforest shower—perfect for refreshing between flights. Standard hotel amenities such as clothes hangers, an iron, a hairdryer, bathrobes, and slippers are also provided. In the bathroom, built-in shampoo dispensers and disposable toothbrushes mean guests may not need to unpack their personal toiletries. International power points and USB ports are available for convenience, and despite the airy feel of the rooms, the window coverings are effective for those who need a dark room for sleep. A good night's—or afternoon's—sleep might just be the ultimate luxury for weary travelers.