OLD IS GOLD
These lounges are not new nor have they recently undergone refurbishment, yet they’ve stood the test of time and are still favorites among frequent travelers.
BRITISH AIRWAYS NAME OF LOUNGE AND AIRPORT: Galleries Club Lounge,
Heathrow Airport LOCATION: Within Terminal 5A, which is dedicated to British Airways and consists of a total of six Galleries lounges. THE FEEL: This lounge is the largest of the Galleries in T5 (spacious enough for 830 passengers), and is part of a three-lounge complex that also includes the Concorde Room (at the top of the lounge hierarchy) and Galleries First. The Galleries Club lounge may be at the bottom of the hierarchy but it is no less impressive, boasting such amenities as a quiet area for snoozing, a 20-seat movie theatre, a children’s play area, 20 shower suites, two separate work areas at each end of the lounge, universal power sockets and free WiFi Internet access throughout. The large Galleries complex also sports an Elemis Spa for First and Club World passengers and Gold Executive Club members, with some complimentary treatments. There is one main food bar – dubbed Chef’s Theatre – as well as a small café and a Silver Bar with a Swarovski crystal chandelier. STANDOUT FEATURE: The cinema. ACCESS: First and Club World (business) class passengers as well as Gold and Silver Executive club members.
LUFTHANSA NAME OF LOUNGE AND AIRPORT: Lufthansa First Class Terminal,
Frankfurt Airport LOCATION: The dedicated terminal is located close to Terminal 1 THE FEEL: The entire facility takes luxury to a whole new level, offering rst class passengers exclusive facilities and services. The terminal has its own check-in desks, security checks, a duty-free store and even a personal assistant who takes care of immigration, ensuring that discreet-minded passengers can go from their own car into the lounge, then on to the aircraft by chauffeur-driven car, without having to pass through the main terminal at all.
The lounge, located within this terminal, offers guests a quiet escape with daybeds, private shower facilities (inclusive of bathtub), a cigar lounge and work stations as well as free WiFi throughout. There is a separate area that serves ne wines, hot and cold dishes from a buffet, or an à la carte menu. Also, a bar offers a selection of more than 86 whiskeys. STANDOUT FEATURE: The entire concept of a dedicated terminal. ACCESS: Exclusively for First Class passengers and HON Circle members.
QANTAS NAME OF LOUNGE AND AIRPORT: Qantas First Lounge, Sydney
Airport LOCATION: Terminal 1, past immigration on Level 4 THE FEEL: This lounge, designed by the renowned Marc Newson, brings together contemporary elegance and a relaxed ambience. Even before entering, guests are greeted by a refreshing “rainforest wall” set against stark white interiors, while inside the lounge is decorated in Italian marble, oak wood and funky patterned carpets.
Dedicated concierge services are offered in partnership with So tel Hotels, which can help guests with tasks such as making a restaurant reservation or ordering a car pick-up at their destination. Other facilities include a spa (also featuring the “rainforest wall” to create a sense of tranquillity) with complimentary services, a fully equipped business center, a library with board games, shower suites and complimentary WiFi access.
The lounge serves an à la carte menu created by celebrity chef Neil Perry, alongside ne wines and a self-serve buffet. It also has a bar where guests can order dishes from the à la carte menu. STANDOUT FEATURES: The concierge service and spa. ACCESS: The lounge is open to rst class passengers on Qantas, British Airways or other oneworld ights, Frequent Flyer Platinum level members or oneworld Emerald tier members and above.