To get airport hotel if in transit for just 4.5 hours

[MountainSnow]

Hello, we are flying to NZ and stopping in Qatar - will be a long trip with 3hr travel to Heathrow then 5 hours onward travel and internal flight in NZ. Brutal trip.

Is it worth booking transit hotel in the airport for 4.5 hours for quick sleep and shower for us and kids? Don’t think we collect baggage or need to check in for onward flight but interested to know others who have done this, how much time you actually get in the transit hotel.

I regularly have a five hour layover (Dubai, rather than Doha) and have never bothered. But then I can sleep with no problems on the aircraft, even in Steerage.

It it’s def airside and no faffing with luggage or immigration I’d do it just for a lie down if not a sleep. Does depend on the time of day though- Doha airport is pretty good for a wander and 4.5 hours isn’t as long as all that

Hardly worth it. It'll take you an hour do disembark, walk through airport and get to the hotel. And then you have to be back ahead of your flight departure so, possibly need to set off at least 1,5-2h ahead of that. That really doesn't leave you with more than 60-90 minutes in the hotel.

Will you be held in the transit area or are you allowed to leave?

If you can leave, you'll need to go through security etc again so you'll need to allow the time to get to and from the hotel (even within the airport) and then back via security etc.

Have a look at the transit lounge - it has showers and a kids/family package option.

You might be better off paying for access to a lounge where you can shower and put your feet up.

You'll only get about 2 hours in the room. Book a lounge that has showers and a nap room instead.

I'd say book a lounge instead. You won't have time really and if there's any delays you'll miss out completely.

Alot of airports have pod areas specifically for this hired by the hour. I've got a hotel pod at Gatwick for 3 hours before now and it was bliss. The one at Amsterdam is airside. I'd be surprised if Qatar doesn't have something.

This is what I was going to suggest. Pay for lounge access with showers - although do check if you need your own towels, we were in a transit lounge on our way to Oz and I had a peek at lounge showers and there didnt seem to be towels available maybe you need to ask for them?
Or maybe stay overnight at heathrow hotel? save you the 3 hour trip there?

I would book a lounge too. Have something nice to eat to give you all some energy and to stretch your legs.

I think going to a hotel for a lie down would ramp up any tiredness and make the rest of the journey feel groggy.

I have done this trip often and for such a short time would not book the hotel, you could end up with only a couple of hours in the room. Try booking a lounge pass which will give you access to showers. I live in Hawke's Bay and it is usually the internal flight which feels like the last straw. If you have time at Auckland, I would try to get into the fresh air and walk from International to Domestic - only takes around10 minutes.

Have a fantastic holiday.

Really appreciate your feedback. Thank you so much.

the lounge sounds like the answer so will look into it

Qatar has loads of lounges.