Review: Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 1) at Hong Kong
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We visited Plaza Premium Lounge at Terminal 1 of Hong Kong International Airport. Read this review to learn what makes this lounge so attractive to travellers seeking comfort while connecting at one of the world's busiest airports.
Covered in the Article
Flights via Hong Kong International Airport
We booked a return flight to Clark International Airport via Skyscanner where the cheapest economy ticket was sold two months before the flight. Consequently, it included a 7-hour layover in Hong Kong International Airport on the return flight from the Philippines to Finland via Paris. Though this was not seen as a problem by us, rather we took it as an opportunity to explore the facilities at one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, Hong Kong International Airport.
Connecting flights in this airport requires ample time to complete transfer unhurriedly, as going through the lines at the immigration and security demands time. Otherwise, you will end up having a race at this buzzing airport which we had experienced previously due to the very short connecting time. And so to ease discomfort from anticipating a long layover in Hong Kong and a long flight bound for Paris, we booked a visit to Plaza Premium Lounge.
Plaza Premium Lounge at Hong Kong International Aiport
Operating Company
Plaza Premium Lounge which turned 20 years in 2018 is a private company that operates pay-per-use lounges. Nowadays, they are one of the world's most extensive independent airport lounge networks and the most extensive by far in the Asia-Pacific region. Plaza Premium Lounges typically serve as contract lounges to accommodate premium passengers for airlines that do not operate their lounges at certain airports.
Location
Plaza Premium Lounge is located at the Airside, East Hall at Level 6 (Departures Level), near Gate 1 of Hong Kong International Airport. Upon exiting the security, just follow the signs leading to Gate 1. It is most probable that you will end up first at the doorsteps of the neighbouring lounge bearing almost the same name called the Plaza Premium First. If this is the case as we had, their friendly receptionist will surely guide you to continue walking a few meters towards the right where its annexe - Plaza Premium Lounge awaits you.
There are two other Plaza Premium Lounges near Gates 35 and 60.
Operating Hours
The lounge is open from 06.30 am to 01.00 am daily.
Access
Access to Plaza Premium Lounge can be booked on the website of Plaza Premium Lounge or can be purchased directly at the lounge entrance. Prebooking is cheaper. American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders can visit the lounge free of charge.
Unfortunately, Priority Pass members are not anymore invited to this lounge but DragonPass is still accepted.
The lounge does not accept Priority Pass.
Price
We bought access from Lounge Pass but unfortunately, this excellent service does not sell any more lounge passes to Plaza Premium Lounges in Hong Kong Airport. Instead, we recommend booking a visit on the official website of Plaza Premium Lounge.
The online rate is 75 euros for 2 hours or GBP 101 for 5 hours per person.
Rating
Hong Airport is an excellent Asian hub to connect from one flight to another. Below, we rate the different areas of the Plaza Premium Lounge. Based on our opinions, the airport and its lounges can compete well against the other major Asian hubs, like the Singapore Airport, where we have reviewed, for example, the Ambassador Lounge
Easiness to Find the Lounge
We give 4 stars for this category as Plaza Premium Lounge can be located easily but with much walking after passing the security. Fortunately, the clear signs of Hong Kong International Airport will not mislead you in any way. Just follow the directions leading to Gate 1.
Comfyness
When we reached the reception of Plaza Premium Lounge, it appeared to be a very busy lounge. One will notice this immediately at the entrance. The lounge has huge premises spread into different sections. A welcoming staff greeted us to get inside. There was a queue for incoming customers, though it was handled quite quickly and smoothly by two of their friendly and efficient receptionists.
Plaza Premium Lounge as its name suggests offers premium quality. The lounge is equipped with modern facilities combined with brisk personnel so that you won't feel the business of the lounge affects the quality of their service. Everything is handled quite quickly. For example, the kitchen staff prepared fresh foods continually so that customers did not have to wait for refills of drinks and food. Also, the staff cleared up the tables promptly. Within about 5-hour stay at the lounge, there was a continuous high influx of customers coming in. However, everything just goes smoothly.
Plaza Premium Lounge had all the basic amenities of a lounge. The lounge has well-maintained toilets. In addition to that, they had shower facilities that you have to book at the reception same time when you come in. The seating spaces were comfortable both for sitting and for the eyes which are mostly decked in dark grey leather. The availability of nap suites is also a big plus for increased comfort on a stay at the lounge after midnight.
Wi-Fi was reliable and there was a television and a flight information monitor.
Food and Drinks
There was a nice variety of food at the Plaza Premium Lounge and these ranged from Western dishes to hearty traditional Hong Kong foods. They had two buffet tables catering warm meals, salads, apples, and pieces of bread and the section of the lounge offers guests the to create their favourite fresh sandwiches. Chocolate brownies were served for dessert.
Uncommon in other airport lounges, a unique feature of the lounge was the live station that offers guests to enjoy the chefs' freshly prepared soups of different flavours such as Vegetarian Rice, Beef Tendon Ball and Hong Kong Style Noodle Soup. Customers can spice up their bowl of soup by choosing/their preferred condiments from the buffet table.
As for drinks, the lounge serves different refreshment drinks. They have a self-service coffee machine and hot drinks including tea and warm milk. Unlike many lounges though, this lounge offers only bottled beers as complimentary alcoholic drinks. If you wish to drink stronger alcoholic beverages, you may request them from the wine bar which is subject to payment.
Friendliness of the Customer Service
The staff were friendly and accommodating. They demonstrated the trait of being able to work under pressure as this lounge is very busy. The chefs are doing a great job.
Overall Rating
Plaza Premium Lounge is worth the visit if connecting at Hong Kong International Airport. With many airport lounges visited by us, this lounge is so far one of the best - the term premium deserves to be in its name. Its brilliant airport facilities for guests - comfortable seating, shower, great food selections, reliable Wi-Fi, TV channels and friendly staff are good reasons to visit this lounge. If we are to connect again with a long layover at Hong Kong Airport in the future, we will surely have a relaxing stay at this lounge.
Bottom Line
Overall, Plaza Premium Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport is a supreme lounge that offers impressive airport lounge services. It’s a lot better than other airport lounges we have visited in terms of ambience. If you want to guarantee a seat in the lounge for your desired period, we recommend you buy a one-time lounge pass. Lounge passes can be bought by any traveller regardless of the airline or ticket class he/she is flying with. A benefit of buying a voucher is that it guarantees a visit during busy hours.
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Comments (1)
This lounge is pretty awful now... Was there a few weeks ago... And VERY average! Wld not recommend... Priority Pass has increased its yearly charges... And quite frankly... They need to up their game with the quality of SEAsian lounges avail.
Thanks for the comment.
Sad to hear that the quality of the lounge has gone down. Have you any examples what especially should be improved?