The Qantas First Class Lounge Melbourne gets a long awaited review

The mere sound of the Qantas First Class Lounge in Melbourne had us in great anticipation. We are expecting first class food above business class and first class amenities. Read on to see if Qantas delivered the goods or it was all a bit of a flop.

Quick Index Qantas First Class Lounge Melbourne

• • First impressions
  • Overview and seating
  • Business Facilities
  • Food and Drink
  • Bathroom and Shower facilities
  • Final Thoughts 

First Impressions of the Qantas First Class Lounge in Melbourne

It was really difficult to find the First Class lounge in Melbourne. It is in a separate location to the business class lounge and Amex Lounge. It is also no where near the Emirates Lounge in Melbourne. You need to use a separate lift/ elevator too! Despite following the signs, we still had to ask an airport worker (and there were not many around) for the location of the lounge.

Don’t forget flying during Covid is going to have a bit of an effect. The first major disappointment was the closure of the spa. What do you mean no massage treatment?? Even British Airways offered a free 15 minute treatment but that was in the good old days, before the C word!

Now let’s have a closer look at the Qantas First Lounge

The lounge Overview and seating

The second thing we are struck by is the size of the Qantas First lounge. The size of the lounge isn’t great, but is probably tailored correctly to the number of first class passengers on an international flight. It will never get crowded since access is quite difficult. It is not worth upgrading to a first class ticket just to use this Qantas First Class Lounge in Melbourne. Let’s be clear about that!

The lay out is spacious and it feels a lot more exclusive than the business class lounge. We like the fact that there are more walled off areas, adding a sense of privacy.

The seats are more stylish and show no signs of wear and tear. The chairs and sofa could actually be leather. We had a sniff, but the jury is still out, there are some very good faux leather materials out there you know! We’ll wait for Qantas to read our review and respond!

You also get a better view, as in a tarmac view. The Melbourne International Business Class Lounge is artificially lit to the max due to its location. The Qantas First Lounge, on the other hand has a huge expanse of glass on two sides, allowing plenty of natural light to flood in.

The business facilities

The last thing you want to do is work in a lounge right? Qantas will provide you a separate work area, should the need arise. You even get your own conference and meeting room. We wonder how many people have actually used this space since the furniture looks extra new! In case you’re wondering, the Wi-Fi signal is strong. 

Food and Drink

What you get in food and beverages is not that different to the Melbourne International Business Class lounge that we have also reviewed. What you do get is a sense of exclusivity, as the Qantas First Lounge has a separate restaurant like dining area. The staff are better dressed and more attentive to your needs. The seating area looks like a modern restaurant with very comfortable dining chairs. As you can see from the pictures, it was not a busy time.

The alcoholic beverages are all top shelf quality. The food is made to order. As it was breakfast there was no salt and pepper calamari to order. This is apparently the dish you must try!

The breakfast menu was ok. It wasn’t that different to the business class lounge. In fact the most interesting made to order dish was very similar to one we have tried before. On offer were, pancakes with fresh fruit, a cooked breakfast, a toasted ham and cheese brioche, a quinoa salad with poached egg and avocado or Bircher muesli.

Nothing is buffet style due to Covid 19. Gone are the days of the heated lamps and tongs to help yourself. The only signs are social distancing and hand hygiene reminders. It goes without saying a mask is obligatory.

Bathroom and shower facilities

The shower suites have more character in the Qantas First Lounge in Melbourne than the  business class one. The tiles are less sterile, being a warm stone colour and more like a bathroom.

They were of course not busy and no line, unlike at the Al Mourjan business lounge in Qatar.

But, that was of course pre-covid! Pump size organic shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and hand wash are standard. The brand is L.U.E. a cosmetics company called LaGaia which makes Organic babycare products. A 500ml of body cream is $52 AUD. If the spa were open, these are the products that you would be slathered all over you.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Qantas First Lounge was a pleasant experience. It was good because there was not a children’s play area, complete with noisy little people. It has the same facilities as the business class lounge and so an upgrade is definitely not worth it. The lounge is smaller but also quieter. If you value peace and quiet the most, it’s a great pre-flight experience. Had we visited at lunch time, perhaps the menu would be more exciting. Time to book the next flight!

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There are 2 lounges at the domestic terminal in Melbourne for business class passengers. Here we review the Qantas Club lounge. Don’t confuse it with the Qantas Domestic Business Lounge. Definitely not same same!

Before you are allowed in remember Qantas has a strict dress code. To ‘ensure  an enjoyable experience’ make sure you read this first. No beachwear! (Erm who wears that to fly anyway?) and no singlet tops for men. No UGG boots and no thongs! By thongs we mean flip flops. They’re not going to check your underwear! (See our Ultimate Aussie Slang Guide to help you understand more of the native lingo!) No sleepwear. Don’t show too much flesh or look like you’re heading off to the gym. Make sure your tops don’t have offensive slogans or images on them. (But an ‘I love Qantas’ T shirt is probably fine!)

Qantas call this particular domestic business lounge the Qantas Club. The domestic lounge got a much needed makeover. According to previous reviewers, the space for business travellers was like a dark, scary corridor! It was also cramped. 

We visit on a busy Friday evening. It is definitely being tested to the maximum. Seating is sparse, conversation is loud and most of the shower rooms are busy! It is very unlike the pictures Qantas show you on their website.

On our next visit, compare the difference!

Here are the positives and negatives of the Qantas Club Domestic Business Class Lounge at Melbourne Airport. No wonder Qantas shorten it to The Qantas Club, it’s quite a mouthful to say, otherwise!

In July 2021, borders into and out of Australia are still closed. Therefore the only flights operating are domestic flights. It is understandably way less busy. There is much more space due to physical distancing requirements and the lack of travel in general.

POSITIVES Qantas Club Lounge Melbourne Airport

The lounge location is just after security. Turn right and go up the escalator. The other business class lounge is for when you turn left at the top of the escalators.

The lounge is spacious and has a light airy feel. It is very long. The placement of the bar and barista coffee machine is nice and central. The luxury touches of marble and shiny stainless steel are new and inviting. The new wooden floors give the lounge a modern touch. It looks so much better than carpet. Carpet is so last century!

The wi-fi is fast and there’s no need to ask for a password. There are plenty of charging points. Look under or near your seat.

There are various types of seating. You can grab a bar stool while you chat to colleagues or sit on the more padded chairs and armchairs. If you need to work there is desk seating too.

Shower and toilet facilities

Showers are available in the toilet areas. There’s no reservation system, you just go and try your luck.

Towels are a bit on the thin side. The glass is frosted so you can see if someone is using it (apart from the engaged red sign in the lock).

The central bar looks and feels like any classy Melbourne City watering hole. It’s clean and the service is friendly and efficient. You can order beer on tap or get bottled beer. There’s no help yourself beer at the Qantas Club. You can help yourself to wine and sparkling wine. Spirits have to be requested too. Qantas clearly want to keep you in a decent upright state before your flight. 

The barista made coffee comes with latte art and tastes great. Melbourne lattes are good in the Qantas Club  business lounge!

NEGATIVES Qantas Club Lounge Melbourne Airport

Catering

The biggest disappointment is the food. Avoid it, if at all possible. You probably don’t want to eat there unless you’re really hungry or like food you used to cook when you were a student living away from home! Take a look at the uninspiring food menu.

You can make your own toasted sandwich. There are various fillings on offer. In our opinion it wasn’t very different to the AMEX lounge at Melbourne International Airport. The taste of the one hot dish was very bland. A microwave meal for one is tastier than the pasta dish on offer.

Sorry Qantas catering, you need to lift your game. The food definitely doesn’t match the pictures on their website. 

The good news is that by July 2021, the food had improved!

There was no more self service, as the Covid 19 pandemic meant social distancing, improved hygiene measures and maybe the chefs had more time to prepare better tasting food.

The wine selection is also mediocre. Qantas has not pulled out the stops when it comes to the grog! Maybe they’re thinking, no one will notice. 

Busy busy busy.

The lounge is heaving at the end of a working week. Friday evening at the Qantas Club domestic lounge is like Friday evening in the city. There’s people everywhere, drinking and socialising. It’s noisy and you can hear everyone’s conversations.

Who can get into the Qantas Club?

A lot of people!

Business class ticket holders flying on a Qantas or Jetstar flight. But you wouldn’t come here, you would go next door.

Qantas Gold or Emirates Platinum Gold.

China Eastern Miles Gold.

Sapphire and Emerald business or first class travellers travelling on a Qantas flight. Again though, you won’t be happy here.

Buy Qantas Club Membership ($399 once off joining fee and $540 per annum). Not worth it in our

opinion.

Buy a day pass for $49 if you’re a Qantas Silver member. Must buy in advance. No at the door purchases.

Final Thoughts

The Qantas Club lounge is the poor cousin of the Qantas domestic business class lounge. There’s no Asian Spice Bar, it’s not peaceful and the food is a taste disaster! On the positive side it is much lighter and has a brighter feel than its predecessor. If you have the choice, head next door!

The above comments were made pre Covid 19 pandemic times! The food has now improved. With less travellers it felt more luxurious and less rushed. 

When you leave this will be your seat on the plane if you’re flying business class domestically in Australia. 

Booking.com

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Bangkok Miracle First Class Lounge

Here is our review of this shiny and modern lounge. Bangkok Miracle first class lounge is one you can pay for. Contrary to its name, it is not for first class passengers. Will water get turned into wine? How miraculous is the lounge? Read on to find out!

This lounge is part of the Collinson Group. The Collinson Group introduced the Priority Pass Program which basically allows anyone on any airline, regardless of travelling class, to use their network of lounges. The maximum time you can spend in here is 2 hours. Compare what you get in a fee paying lounge to other business class lounges directly affiliated with airlines such as Emirates, British Airways and Qantas.

Before entering, we expect it to be a bit like the American Express lounges in size and facilities offered. It is way fancier than an American Express lounge. Keep reading to find out why!

Quick Index Bangkok Miracle First Class Lounge

• Location
• Bangkok Miracle First Class Lounge dress code?
• Who can get in
• Seating
• Bathrooms and Showers
• Food and Beverage
  • Food
  • Beverages
• Final Thoughts

 the Bangkok Miracle First Class Lounge Location

After passport control you go up to Level 3. The Bangkok Miracle first class lounge is located opposite gate D6. It is well signed, so you will be able to find it easily.

Our next flight is to Dubai via Emirates in economy class. Yes, we fly economy too! We don’t get to go to the Emirates  business class lounge in Bangkok, unfortunately. 

Bangkok Miracle First Class lounge dress code

There doesn’t seem to be any particular dress code enforced. However, be careful to cultural sensitivities in many countries.  

Who can Get In

Anyone who has joined the Priority Pass Program and their guests! You can book a slot online or just go from lounge to lounge to see which one has space during busy periods.

Seating

The lounge is a good size. There is a variety of comfortable padded armchairs for lounging in and harder chairs at dining tables. They come in a variety of colours, textures and comfort levels.

The armchair style chairs have a small coffee table in front of them. You can bring your finger food and drinks to these areas.  As usual, the tables are way too small to fit much onto them. However, most people aren’t travelling in large groups and you can always put two tables together, if the need arises.

When you walk past the seating area, in the picture above, you come to the dining area. There is a long dining bench to eat. If you prefer looking at your dining companion, there are smaller square tables with 4 chairs around each table.

If you turn left, when you come in there is another area of various seating available arranged in mini zones.

There’s a business area with a long communal desk with charging points. It’s at the back of the lounge.

Bathrooms and Showers

It’s shower time! There are two showers in the Bangkok Miracle lounge.

They are quite new, so still shiny and clean. The soap is of an unidentified brand. If you’re fussy or have sensitive skin, we recommend you bring your own.

Food and Beverages

Most business class lounges change their food according to the time of the day. We visit at 4pm so in between lunch and dinner time. There’s a reasonable variety of hot and cold choices, including some unique Thai food. However, there are breakfast items available. This is probably because the lounge wants to provide a 24 hour menu.

The food is rather reminiscent of an American Express Lounge. It is not quite up to the standard of an airline lounge like Emirates, Singapore Air or Cathay Pacific. The food selections however, are better than an American Express lounge. Plus, there is the added benefit of made to order dishes.

There’s no made barista made coffee, instead it’s a machine which whips up your latte or capuccino. Tea consists of a heated water jug and various caffeinated and herbal tea bags for you to choose from. If you need milk, there is milk in the fridge.

You do however get to order a selection of dishes, made freshly upon request. They are quite small, but, if you’re hungry, you can order more than one!

The Food

The best part of the Bangkok Miracle First Class Lounge is the made to order little dishes. We say little, because they really are small! You can order two at a time and they come out of the kitchen with lightning rapidity!

We really want to try everything but feel bloated so we only get the won ton soup to share.

There is a selection of hot food in the silver serving dishes with lids.

There are 5 hot dishes on offer. The most colourful dish is below. The range and taste of food is good. There are  western and eastern options.

Throughout the lounge there are sweet and savoury treats. There are some wrapped foods, presumably so you can take them away.

There are two sides to the lounge and the food on both sides is the same. You can only get the freshly made dishes however, on the dining room side.

The beverages

The fridges contain the usual soft drinks, like, Coca Cola and Sprite, water and beer.

There is one red and one white wine offering. The hard liquor consists of familiar worldwide brands you can buy in the supermarket. It’s make your own and help yourself time!

The hot drinks selection is tea and coffee.

There is no bubble tea, which is a current craze in soft drinks. Basically it’s milky sweet tea with tapioca pearls in it. Know any lounge that serves this kind of tea? If you do, let us know. Maybe in Taiwan, where it originates from?

Wi-fi and Charging Points

If you get a wall seat, there are sockets in the wall by the armchairs. If you don’t, don’t panic! Look down at your feet and you will find charging points in the floor. The wi-fi did not seem to work in the lounge and we were too busy eating and taking photos to ask someone!

About the Collinson Group and Priority Pass

The Collinson Group is behind the huge network of airport lounges across the globe, that you can pay for. They have approximately 1300 lounges worldwide. They claim that their lounges ‘transform the airport experience from an endurance test to a moment of indulgence’. We can certainly agree with the sentiment of endurance when you fly economy class. 

The idea of getting away from the noise and crowds of airport terminals for the masses is great. Whichever airline you fly with, you can gain access into one of these lounges by paying for each visit or if your membership allows, gratis.

Priority Pass membership rates

Here’s how much it will cost you to get into a Priority Pass Lounge.

There are three membership tiers: standard, standard plus and prestige.

Each tier gets more expensive as you would expect. Everything is priced in US dollars and converted back to your local currency when you join. 

Standard yearly membership is $99 USD. Each time you want to use a Priority Pass Lounge you pay USD $32 and so does your guest.

Standard Plus yearly membership is $299 USD. You get ten free visits per year and thereafter $32 USD and so does your guest. Note, your guest doesn’t get 10 free visits!

Prestige annual membership is $429 USD. Every time you visit a Priority Pass Lounge, it’s free for you! Your guest pays, you’ve guessed it $32 USD to join you.

About Suvarnabhumi International  Airport

Suvarnbumphi is a huge airport in Bangkok, the Thai capital. The airport itself is quite new. It was completed in 2006. Suvarnabhumi airport is all glass and metal, a shiny modern mega building. Previous to this, Don Meuang Airport was the international hub for flights into and out of the City of Angels. Yes, to Thai people ‘Krungthep’ is the city of angels. Only foreigners call Bangkok, by the name, well, Bangkok.

Flights still land and take off from Don Meuang. Notably the low cost carrier Air Asia still uses Don Meunag International. The ‘new’ Suvarnabhumi Airport has a direct sky train link to Phaya Thai station which is on the co- constructed German – Thai built sky rail (BTS – Bangkok Transit System). You can also get a free transit bus between Don Meuang and Suvarnbumphi.

Final Thoughts

Here’s a summary of what you get and what you don’t in the Bangkok Miracle First Class Lounge.

You are on limited time. You can stay for a maximum of 2 hours only. However, we stayed longer and no one asked us to leave!

It’s quite a large and spacious lounge with some seats overlooking the main terminal. This means you can hear all the noise of the people at the gates nearby. But, that also means, there is an occasional plane to look at.

You get some natural light and free wi-fi.

There’s a shower if you need to freshen up.

What you don’t get is gourmet food. Don’t expect the food to be up to the standard of a ‘real’ business class lounge.  However, the food is quite decent. 

You also don’t get premium alcohol and barista made coffee. All in all, it’s a decent offering and a space to get away from the crowds in the main terminal building (even though you can see people through the glass!)

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Qantas International Business Lounge Melbourne 

Here is our review of this shiny and modern lounge. It is spacious and comfortable with fast Wi-fi. A calm oasis to relax in, before your long haul flight. We visit at both breakfast and lunch time. The menu changes at mid day. Only1invillage tells you what you get and what you don’t, in the coffee Capital of Australia!

Australia’s national carrier Qantas has recently spent a lot of money refurbishing its domestic lounges. Are the lounges of the same standard for international passengers in Melbourne, Australia? When Down Under, find out if you’re getting a dud or a gem, when you fly through or from Melbourne International.

Quick Index Qantas International Business Lounge Melbourne

• Location
• Qantas business class dress code?
• Who can get in
• Seating
• Bathrooms and Showers
• Food and Beverage
  • Breakfast
  • Beverages
• Final Thoughts

 the Qantas International Business Lounge Location

After passport control in Terminal 2 you go through the duty free shops. Keep following the signs. The lounge is located down an escalator and is opposite the Singapore Airlines and American Express Lounge.

Qantas International business class dress code

Quite a lot of people can use this lounge. Before you get dressed though, please read our guide of what to wear and what not to wear! How embarrassing if you get refused entry because you’re not properly dressed!

Who can Get In

Emirates code share customers who are flying business class can use this lounge, but will probably opt for the Emirates lounge. Also business class passengers of the following airlines. Get ready for the long list! Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Sri Lankan Airways, LATAM (Chilean), China Airlines, China Southern, China Eastern, Garuda Indonesia, Fiji Airways, Jetstar, Vietnam Airlines and Sichuan Airlines.

You can also gain entry if you have racked up enough points with your airline. Usually if you’re in the top two tiers and have jewel status of at least a sapphire, you can use the Qantas international business lounge in Melbourne. For Qantas you have to hold gold status. For Emirates, gold and platinum status gets you in. If you’re a Oneworld alliance flyer and have sapphire or emerald status, come on in!

Lastly, if you’re a Qantas Club member or you have a single entry pass, then come on in and relax.

Seating

The good news is that the lounge is very big. It can hold up to 350 people apparently. Still you don’t want it to be full and at capacity! You come to a lounge to get away from the terminal crowd.

The best thing for families with small children, is the play area. It would be better however, if it was enclosed, so you can’t hear the screeching of the little darlings. Take a leaf out of Emirates’ children’s area in Dubai. For a review of the Emirates business class lounges in Dubai, click here.

There’s a business area with a sleek long desk and photocopier machine/printer at one end, just after the reception desk. Set up here if you need to get some work done.

The seats range from armchairs in small groups to bar stools. They come in a variety of colours, textures and comfort levels. As usual, the tables are way too small to fit much onto them. However, most people aren’t travelling in large groups and you can always put two tables together, if the need arises.

Bathrooms and Showers

Close your eyes it’s time for the shower shots!

You ask for a towel and an amenity kit at reception. It isn’t help your self service and there is no attendant like at the Qantas Sydney international lounge.

The shower area is located in the middle of the lounge. 

There are also separate toilet areas.

The showers have a toilet inside them too, so they’re more like a mini bathroom.

The toiletries have been exclusively designed for Qantas by Aspar. The 500ml body lotion retails at $50AUD per bottle. When you get on the A380 Qantas plane, inside your amenity kit, you will find an exclusive offer for Aspar products. You enter a code on the Aspar website and you get $50AUD discount. Conditions apply.

Food and Beverages

Feeling hungry? Like all business class lounges, the food changes according to the time of the day. We visit at breakfast time on one occasion and another time for lunch. There’s a very good, not quite excellent, variety of hot and cold choices, including Qantas’ signature ‘made to order’ dish of the day.

The drinks selection never changes, don’t worry. You can still mix yourself a cocktail at 8am!

Being in Melbourne you are guaranteed great coffee. Barista made is best. There are 2 self service machines, but who in their right mind uses them, when you’re in the coffee capital of Australia?

The breakfast

The cold options are a Western style selection. On offer for breakfast is fruit salad, yoghurts, cereals and muesli.

Now onto the hot food. It’s what we call a full English.

For those of you who don’t know what that is, it’s pretty tasty, but, not so healthy. Fried or grilled sausages, bacon, eggs, mushroom and hash browns are standard. For the health component grilled tomatoes are usually offered too. It’s not all bad!

If that’s too unhealthy for you, you can always try the special dish of the day. It is cooked to order, so it’s guaranteed to be fresh. The business lounge plate of the day is next to the barista coffee bar. You place your order and hang around for about 5 minutes. They call your name, when your food is ready.

The Lunch 

At midday the breakfast is removed and replaced with lunch offerings. Cereals and yoghurts are replaced with salads. Grilled tomatoes and bacon change to various hot dishes. Presentation wise, Qantas comes second to an Emirates lounge, both in taste and presentation.

If you don’t fancy making your own sandwich, you can make your own salad or choose from two ready made versions.

 If you’re after something hot, there are two dishes on offer. 

If you still have room, there is a small cake selection.

The beverages

Any international business class lounge worthy of its class has to have a good selection of alcohol. Whilst Qantas doesn’t offer premium alcohol, like Emirates does, the variety is good.

 The selection of alcohol is vast. You can mix your own cocktails for breakfast at two stations in the business class lounge. No one is going to judge you!

The quality of the wines isn’t as good as in the Emirates lounges, but much better than the Qantas Club in the domestic terminal.

The soft drinks selection is pretty good too. Teas are available in single sachets. Freshly pressed vegetable juice is available too.

What the Qantas lounge does have over the Emirates lounge, is the barista coffee.The fresh barista coffee is excellent.  Well, this is the coffee capital of Australia, after all! The latte art is pretty impressive too.

The only drinks missing are the bubble teas and smoothies. We don’t know any lounges that offer these! If you do, let us know.

Final Thoughts

Here’s a round up of what you get and what you don’t in the Qantas international business class lounge.

You get plenty of space. A dedicated children’s play area. Comfortable spaces to sit or work. A big variety of beverages. A good selection of hot and cold food. Showers to freshen up in. Fabulous barista coffee. 

What you don’t get is natural light. Also, the cleaning up of dirty plates isn’t as good as it could be. Apart from that, there’s not too much to complain about. We enjoyed our time in the Qantas international business class lounge Melbourne. It beats having to cook breakfast  or lunch for yourself!

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Is Bali Business Class Lounge the worst in the world?

Using the Bali business class  lounge in Denpasar may not be the treat you are expecting. One of the many perks when flying business class is the pre flight experience. Using a business class lounge to freshen up after you get thrown out of your hotel is usually a pleasure. Nibbling on local delicacies is another business class perk. But, in the Bali business class lounge, you may change your mind, after reading our review!

The lounge is also called the Premier Lounge. The problem with this business class lounge starts at the entrance.

Quick Index

• • Lounge Access
  • Lounge Location
  • Seating
  • Bathroom Facilities
  • Food
  • Cold Beverages
  • Hot Beverages
  • Final Thoughts

Who can use the Bali business class lounge?

Lots of airlines and we mean, lots of airlines share this business class lounge. Qatar, Emirates, Qantas, Jet Star, Thai, Singapore, Malaysia, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, China Southern, Philippine Airlines, Air New Zealand and the list goes on! The Bali business class lounge can also be accessed if you have certain priority passes. 

That’s a scary amount of airlines sharing one business class lounge! 

Where is the Bali business class lounge located?

After immigration at Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, it’s quite crowded and very humid. The air conditioning can’t quite keep up. You have to weigh up the pros of sitting in the crowded ground floor terminal or the Bali business class lounge. It’s not a huge airport, so finding the lounge isn’t difficult. From the ground floor at Ngurah Rai International Airport you can see the Premier Lounge and it isn’t huge. 

Let’s step inside and see what the Bali business class lounge is really like. Is it really the worst business class lounge in the world?

The seating options at the Bali business class lounge

This is the view when you step inside the business class lounge at Ngurah Rai International Airport after immigration.

To give it some credit, the Bali business class lounge is at least cooler than on the ground floor with the masses.

When you go to a business class lounge, you expect two things, comfortable spaces and great food and drink. In the Bali business class lounge you get the comfortable seats, but, only when not busy. With over 15 airlines sharing the Bali business class lounge, you’ll be lucky to get a seat. Most business class lounges are not busy. There is always somewhere to sit comfortably. However, this space quickly fills up and you’ll find yourself very close to strangers.

The shower and toilet facilities in the Bali business class lounge

You also expect toilet and shower facilities above and beyond what is on offer in the main terminal. There are toilet and shower facilities, but they are very small and of dubious cleanliness.

The food on offer at the Bali business class lounge

Now onto the most disappointing aspect. We thought British Airways was bad and the Qantas Club Lounge in Melbourne. The Bali business class lounge can definitely win the title of worst food on offer for business class passengers. Judge for yourself.

There is one saving grace though in terms of food on offer….

The beverages selection at the Bali business class lounge

Now onto the beverages. As Indonesia is a Muslim country there is no alcohol available. Even though the island of Bali is mainly Hindu, the lounge does not offer alcoholic beverages, which is not a problem for us. You can select soft drinks from a free standing fridge.

There are also some ‘fruit’ juices. When we say fruit juice, it is concentrated fruit juice, not freshly squeezed.

The hot drinks selection at the Bali business class lounge

There’s no hand made latte art going on here! 

Final Thoughts

It’s a place to escape the humidity and heat of the main terminal. You might as well go since you have a business class ticket. You can get complimentary water and canned drinks. If you’re desperately sticky, you can have a shower. If you want great food, you’re better off staying downstairs. You might get a soft seat, you might not. That wraps up the review of the Bali business class lounge by Only1invillage. Do you agree? Have you been to a worse one?

Post a comment below, we would love to hear from you!

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5 enticing reasons to use the Emirates Business Class Lounge KL.

The luxurious emirates business class lounge KL is situated on the upper level of KLIA. Malaysians love using acronyms. KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) is not to be confused with KLIA2. KLIA2 is the hub for the no frills airline Air Asia and is NOT walkable. There is a train called the KLIA Express which connects the two terminals. Make sure you go to the correct terminal or your FOMO (fear of missing out) will kick in!

You are welcomed with the bright golden signature colours of the Emirates lounge. Access is granted  in any number of ways. All business and first class ticket holders. Skywards Gold members travelling in economy can access Emirates Business Class Lounge KL. If you’re a silver member, you can’t come in here, but you can when you get to Dubai.

This lounge, like all Emirates Lounges are open 24 hours a day.

Here are our top 5 reasons you must visit Emirates, business class lounge when in KL.

5 Emptiness and  luxury at Emirates Business Class Lounge KL

Now some people might argue that having no one in the lounge equates to no atmosphere. Personally, we love an empty lounge. The space looks cleaner, the staff are way friendlier and it’s like sitting in your own living room. The large screen TVs keep you informed on current affairs and your flight departure. We have read reviews that this lounge can get very busy, but, this was not our experience.

4 Refresh and relax

A business class lounge should be an area to relax in. A space to catch up on some emails or research your next destination. There are a few different areas to spread out in. The lounge is lovely and cool. The famous humidity of the Kuala Lumpur weather won’t get you in here. You can definitely spend 3 hours here easily. Take a refreshing shower, as on board, unless you’re first class, there’s no shower for you! Collect a towel and toothbrush from the attendants or just help yourself. The shower pressure is good!

3 Comfortable choice of seats and varied seating areas

There are cosy seats for families and friends. Individual armchairs for business and lone travellers are covered in leather. You can choose to sit in a cafe style area or a more restaurant looking area. There’s an office space too complete with photocopier and printer. If you’ve been to other lounges, you’ll notice the same signature colours and styles of the seats.

2 Views of aeroplanes

For those who love watching the aeroplanes, the Emirates Business Class Lounge KL has you  covered. Watch luggage and catering being loaded. Imagine your comfort on the upper deck of your A380. Dream about your arrival destination as you sip on top quality champagne.

1 The outstanding food and beverages selection

This is where Kuala Lumpur really stands out. The quality and freshness of the ingredients used are first class. The presentation and the taste of the food is as good as a restaurant. Gourmet dishes and definitely standout presentation. 

As you can see from the pictures below, care has been taken in the way the food is prepared and plated up. Even when you make your own bigger plate, it still looks good. Everything is very clean and shiny in the Kuala Lumpur Emirates Lounge. Luckily for us, we get to the food before anyone else and so there aren’t any spills or stains in the buffet area.

You won’t find any cheap and nasty wines in the KL lounge. All the wines retail at about $35 a bottle. (We like to do our research!) The wines are expensive and the champagne French. Emirates don’t take short cuts on the beverages list in Kuala Lumpur.

Summary

seating

A spacious lounge at the British Airways business class lounge T5 London Heathrow but it looks a bit worn. Varied seating options including couches.

A business centre with printer and of course free wifi.

british airways business class lounge t5 london heathrow food and beverages

The presentation of the food is disgraceful for a business class lounge. It reminds us of school days and canteen food. Baked beans! I know they’re British, but, seriously?

amenities and spa treatments

All business class guests are entitled to a free 15 minute treatment at the Elemis Spa but book well in advance or you won’t get a slot! You can only book on arrival, so get there mega early.

british airways business class lounge t5 london heathrow final thoughts

The beverages are much better presented than the food! Ample space but cleanliness needs improvement. Staff are slow to clear dirty crockery.

For more pictures and information continue reading.

British Airways business class lounge T5 London Heathrow review

Relieved to see that there are humans at Terminal 5 London Heathrow, only1invillage decided to book a spa treatment at the Elemis spa. You should book online or phone beforehand because it is very busy, but, if you don’t get an appointment, you can acquire a few samples of Elemis products as a consolation prize!

freshen up

It is disappointing not getting a facial or quick massage as this seems like a great business class perk. Head to the showers to wash off the disappointment! The showers are very clean and an attendant is ready to hand you a clean towel, with a smile. You cannot book online for your free Elemis treatment, so we guess your best option is to arrive very early!

The showers in the business class lounge T5 LHR. Spacious and clean. An attendant hands you clean towels upon entry. Like a mini bathroom, with toilet.

Head up the escalators to the main business class lounge areas.

lounge Seating

There is varied seating available ranging from sofas and couches for families, restaurant style seating, armchairs with window views and bar seating. The business centre has a printer and of course, free wifi.

You might want to sit with your family on the couches and sofas, or if travelling alone, opt for the armchair style seating (pictured above)

Food

Only1invillage was seriously underwhelmed with the food offerings being presented in the business class lounge, the presentation and choice of food can be vastly improved with some quick fixes! Change those dodgy serving bowls and deep tubs and give guests metallic serving implements. 

slim pickings for a healthy meal

Beverages

Fortunately the beverage offerings are well presented and there are quite a few choices ranging from Twinings brand tea to a wide variety of liquor and spirits. You can even make your own cocktails, should you have the inclination and the skill of course!

A cafe style bar for hot beverages

The cold drinks and alcohol bar

Plenty of wine to choose from!

Improvements

In summary, our main criticisms of the British Airways business class lounge T5 London Heathrow, are the food and general cleanliness. The quality and choice of food is really not up to the standard of a business class lounge which is poor considering the price of a business class ticket.

The staff needs to be quicker on the clearing and cleaning of tables when guests leave the various areas. Only1invillage also notices a number of flies hovering around the cafe bar areas in addition to a number of stains which have not been cleaned up. Consequently, this adds a less than luxurious feel to the lounge which one has come to expect from experiencing other business class lounges around the world.

Positives

The BA business class lounge at Terminal 5 London Heathrow is very spacious coupled with a good variety of seating and seating areas. The showers are on a completely separate floor and each shower cubicle is in fact a mini en suite bathroom, complete with toilet, consequently making it feel  more private. The beverages selection is vast compared to the food selection with plenty of soft drinks as well as alcoholic beverages available.

In conclusion, if food is really important to you in a business class lounge, you might want to eat outside the business class lounge. However, if you just need refreshment of a liquid variety and don’t mind eating bland food, the BA business class lounge is worth a visit! There’s plenty of space to relax and a business area to catch up on that all important work or social media presence!

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