SILVERKRIS LOUNGE
WHERE Hong Kong International Airport
RE-OPENING DATE 30 October 2014
ELIGIBILITY First class section: Suites, First Class, Life and Solitaire PPS customers; Business class section: PPS (any tier), KrisFlyer Gold, or Star Gold travelling with any Star Alliance carrier
THE “IT” FACTOR The renovated SilverKris lounge FINALLY offers three shower suites for its premium visitors. Plus, we can finally get our hands on the Singapore Sling, laksa and satay F&B options that have been missed since the lounge closed for renovation earlier this year!
VERDICT A significant improvement over the previous rendition. The “Home Away From Home” concept – first seen in the airline’s Sydney SilverKris lounge, is a resounding success.
AL MOURJAN BUSINESS LOUNGE
WHERE Level 3 at Hamad International Airport
OPENING DATE August 2014
ELIGIBILITY Qatar Airways and Oneworld first and business class passengers
THE “IT” FACTOR A 15-metre by seven-metre “infinity pool water feature” that sits at the base of a spiral staircase connecting the two levels. We also appreciate the décor of this 10,000sqm facility that pays homage to its Arabian heritage, while infusing a contemporary elegance through the use of high ceilings, bronze walls and designer furniture.
VERDICT We are awed by the size of the facility, and more than satisfied with the comprehensive range of facilities and services provided by Qatar Airways.
LOS ANGELES BUSINESS LOUNGE
WHERE Level 5, Tom Bradley International Terminal, Los Angeles International Airport
OPENING DATE June 2014
ELIGIBILITY First and business class passengers of Qantas (QF), Cathay Pacific (CX) and British Airways (BA). Gold and higher-tier members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer programme. Gold and diamond cardholders of CX’s Marco Polo Club, as well as silver and gold members of BA’s Executive Club. Qantas Club members and Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald travellers.
THE “IT FACTOR” The lounge is home to a communal fireplace, where guests are able to relax. In addition, Australian chef Neil Perry has designed the new dining offerings based on signature QF lounge favourites, with influences that represent multicultural Los Angeles.
VERDICT Given the overall lacklustre quality present in most airport lounges in the US, the Los Angeles Business Lounge feels like a breath of fresh air.
qantas.com.au, cathaypacific.com and britishairways.com
THE EMIRATES LOUNGE
WHERE Terminal 3, Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome
OPENING DATE April 2014
ELIGIBILITY Emirates first and business class customers; Skywards Gold and Platinum members flying with Emirates; Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold, Platinum, and Platinum One members flying with Emirates
THE “IT” FACTOR The lounge looks luxurious with its Italian marble floors, gold Rolex clocks, 156 leather armchairs and mahogany furniture. Other services include a business centre, television and reading area, shower facilities, and a prayer room.
VERDICT As most of the available lounges at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport are rather grim, the new Emirates facility is a welcome change.
THE HAVEN BY JETQUAY
WHERE Level one, Arrival Hall, Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
OPENING DATE February 2014
ELIGIBILITY As this is a pay-in lounge, there is no restriction on accessibility as long as you pay for the service. The "lounge package" can be purchased for S$30 (US$24) for adults and S$18 (US$14) for children, and includes two hour's use of the facilities, including the F&B and showers.
THE “IT” FACTOR We love the 18 nap rooms available that can each accommodate one adult and child. For families in need of more space, several of them can be connected. Meanwhile, the two meeting rooms are also top notch, with one capable of accommodating four, and the other six. Alternatively, both rooms can be combined into one extended meeting space.
VERDICT The Haven by JetQuay represents the growing quality of pay-in lounges today. It ticks all the right boxes and is worthing stumping up for.
For a more comprehensive guide to new airport lounges, check out “Lounging around” in the latest issue of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific (see here).
Clement Huang