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Sydney Flying

Lounge review: Cathay Pacific

Words by

Staff Writer

Published

9 November 2016

Lounge review: Cathay Pacific

Airline: Cathay Pacific

Lounge class: The Wing, First Class

Airport: Hong Kong International Airport

Reviewed by: Chris Frame

 

Service with a smile

A friendly Cathay Pacific staff member walks over and greets me with a genuine smile. She takes my boarding pass and lounge invitation. On seeing my One World Emerald status, I am directed upstairs to the First Class Lounge.

 

Lounge ambiance

The lounge is divided into several sections and is very spacious. A seating area, where large seats are clustered around an open and airy expanse, offers views over the balcony to awaiting aircraft. There are also well-equipped work stations, a light snack buffet, a fully serviced bar and a restaurant. The First Class Lounge is illuminated by natural light and is open to the terminal, meaning while it’s an exclusive space there is some background noise from the terminal below. Background music was playing at a volume loud enough to hear, yet it was not so loud as to be intrusive, which adds to the ambiance.

 

Reading materials and entertainment

Complementary WiFi is promoted on small signs around the lounge. When it was working, it was very fast. However, on both my visits in September 2016 there were significant outages and difficulties connecting to the service. Newspaper choices include local titles The China Morning Post and The Standard, as well as international publications such as The New York Times and The Times of London. There is also a selection of magazines including Time and National Geographic.

 

Connect me

It was easy to find power points, with the standard British-style 220 volt power sockets available throughout the lounge. Adapters were available to borrow if required. There are circular ‘podded’ seats with a lounge chair and working desk built in, perfect little workspaces. These have power sockets under the desk. USB power can be found at the computer stations.

 

Feed me

A buffet area offers light meals and sweets; including apple tart and chocolate cake. There is an à la carte restaurant called The Haven. It offers a full table service with a variety of local and western dishes. It is full service restaurant with wait staff available to take orders and provide selection advice; while there is also a buffet available if you prefer to help yourself.

 

Feeling thirsty

There’s a little champagne bar with attentive staff on hand to offer assistance in the selection. During my visit, Möet et Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Barons de Rothschild were available. I opted for the Veuve Clicquot following advice from the waiter that the Rothschild may be a bit too sweet for my tastes. There is a fully stocked bar with a wide variety of spirits, wines and beer. This is a serviced bar where a bartender will mix the drink in front of you.

 

Refresh me

The shower suites were among the nicest I’ve experienced at an airport lounge. The facilities are spacious and well appointed. They include a large shower with both hand-held and rainforest functions. The water was instantly hot and the water pressure excellent. The shower room includes a toilet, washbasin and dresser. There are individual amenities including dental kit, shower cap and soaps. There are also cabanas which include a lounge, bathtub and shower.

 

Flight information

Large TV screens are scattered around the walls throughout the lounge showing departure details. Flights are only called if there are delays or gate changes. This keeps the ambiance in the lounge quiet and relaxed, but you do need to pay attention so as not to be late to your flight.

 

Amenities for families

The Wing First Class Lounge really didn’t seem to be designed for children, however kids could be occupied with the computers, which offer access to high speed internet, and they’d also enjoy the food! I’d suggest you bring your own device with pre-loaded movies to reduce the likelihood of boredom.

 

Biggest wow factor

The sleek décor and friendly service makes a good first impression. The lounge is a pleasant retreat and a welcoming place to spend a few hours before your flight; and the shower suites were superb.

 

 


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