I will be travelling to BKK via DOH on QR with an overnight layover both ways in DOH. A couple of reviewers on Skytrax say that QR provides free accommodation for C-class passengers in such a situation. However my local QR office (in BUD) says not.

Has anyone had any experience of this?

You are travelling in C which means you will have access to the Premium Terminal at DOH but I'm not sure if that's your best option (how long of a layover do you have there?) but it might be your only option. I know there are "sleeping" quarters in that terminal but I've never used them as I've never had a layover longer than 1 hour.

Is the premium terminal open 24 hours?

Layover would be about 10 hours one way and 17 hours the other.

Those layover times for J pax should definately mean a hotel when there is no other sooner connection! I know GF does it for me, surely QR wouldn't even think twice. Also is the old IATA rule over 6-7 hrs tranist means a hotel is provided or over 9 hrs...?

Anyone clarify?
CJ

I have done this many times and always, QR provided me with a hotel room. Usually I get booked into the Doha Marriott, don�t know if this only happens for QR Gold or for all J pax. But they will provide you with a nice room.

Upon arrival, you should go to the hotel desk, located in the transfer hall right next to the entrance where you arrive with the bus from the a/c.

There is a line for premium pax, make sure you use this one. Waiting time is between 5 and 15 min., they will also take care of you 24hr visa as well. You will get a voucher for the hotel as well as transportation and meal coupons.

Don�t be worried if they keep your boarding pass for the onward journey, this is common and you will get it back when you arrive at the airport to continue your journey. There is a special desk where you show your ticket receipt and get back your boarding pass. It�s all very easy and very pleasant. Enjoy it!

Yes, it�s open 24hrs...

And there you have it... Thanks a lot for your input berlinflyer; VERY useful information. Thanks again...

my pleasure

Thanks a lot berlinflyer.

My itinerary is a bit flexible. I could avoid the overnight layover by flying on a different day of the week, but I'd like to see if it works or not. So I might try it, at my own risk.

if the next possible connection is not within 8hrs, you will get a room. no risk at all

Wife and I fly Business with Qatar LGW-DH-BKK at least once a year, we only have about 30 mins between connecting flights and hate the rushing.

If we were to decide to spend the night in Doha, what do FTers suggest for where to stay for a reasonable stay?

My choices are Four Seasons and Sheraton for location-easy to take a stroll on the Corniche of an evening. Ritz is lovely too, however, a tad further out of town. The Marriott can be very nice too...I'd go the exec rooms tho.

Enjoy Doha

CJ

I just returned from my journey ATH-BKK-ATH via Doha in J, with overnight layover in Doha. Got put up free-of-charge both ways in the Grand Regency Hotel, nice hotel, but a bit far from the airport.

However, they do not advertise it and only got it thanks to following berlinflyer's directions.

Did you check out in Doha with your luggages or could you check through to your final destination ? How lang did the procedure at the hotel counter take ?

If there wasn't a reasonable flight connecting you to BKK and you chose to stay the night, then STPC will not be provided.

Certain fares are also excluded from overnight accomdation, as are connections less than certain number of hours. EK for example would only provide overnight accomdations if the connection exceeds 8 hours. SO even if one arrived at 1am and the connecting flight is at 7am , EK will not provide hotel. QR may be doing the same thing.