Transisting thru Doha on way to CPT in February. Have 9.5 hour layover. Is is possible to leave the airport without visa / cost issues to get a hotel room for 5 or 6 hours ?? Or does exiting the aurport trigger more problems than it is worth ?? Hate 9.5 hours sitting in an airport terminal.

There is a nice hotel right in the terminal

http://dohahamadairport.com/relax/airport-hotel

My son went through there often when he was a Marine. He says you should bring along a good book to read and just wait it out in air conditioned comfort. A dayroom at that hotel might be a good idea.

I spent a week in Doha in August. As an American getting through customs was easy with a visa on arrival. They are very strict though and may not issue you one for such a short stay. Their embassy lists the prices and rules online.

Honestly though, if you decide not to get out the airport has a brand new terminal and is first rate. If I had to pick an airport to get stuck for ten hours that would be it. If I remember correctly there actually a (very expensive) hotel within the airport.