Cathay Pacific has an impressive network of lounges worldwide, with this recently renovated one at London’s Heathrow providing a quiet oasis away from what is always a busy airport terminal.
The Airline: Cathay Pacific.
The Lounge: Cathay Pacific Lounge Heathrow.
Location: Terminal 3 airside departures, Lounge Area C, near Gate 11.
Other Airlines: The lounge is open to First and Business Class passengers, selected members of The Marco Polo Club and oneworld partner programme members.
Overview
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, it’s always nice to relax in an airline lounge before your flight. I live in Spain but had been in London visiting my kids, and was en-route to Hong Kong for business on an overnight flight. After a hectic and long day in the capital, the lounge doors were a welcome sight. It was also convenient for my departure gate, and provided a quiet haven away from the usual chaos that is Heathrow. Recently renovated, this lounge aims to provide a home away from home for travellers. The decor reflects this, with use of natural materials, soft lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows, making it feel like a welcoming, contemporary apartment rather than a lounge. Reopening formally in December 2016, it has separate areas for Business and First Class passengers (I was travelling in Business), and the design is reminiscent of the contemporary Asian style of Cathay Pacific’s lounges at Hong Kong International Airport. It was my first visit to this lounge, but I overheard a fellow passenger telling another that it was larger than its predecessor - they say by about 30 per cent.
Food & Drink
As I was on a redeye flight, and having had dinner in London earlier, I wasn’t looking to eat anything. On quick inspection, however, I was quite temped by the offerings in the on-demand Noodle Bar, while the ’grab and go’ Food Hall offered a lineup of dining choices and cuisines making me wish I’d skipped room service in my hotel earlier and waited for the lounge. A member of staff told me that in the First Class area, passengers can order à la carte in a more formal Dining Room. The self-serve bar was also well stocked.
Facilities
Besides a contemporary design, the lounge had plenty of facilities and perks should you need to use them. They included computer work stations, high speed Wi-Fi internet which made it easy for me to Skype my kids, and my wife at home, before boarding. Other facilities include showers for freshening up (great if you have to vacate you hotel room early in the day), magazines and newspapers to read, and there are flat screen TVs dotted around on low volume if you want to catch the news. This lounge made it easy for travellers to head for a spot to suit their needs, in my case, it was the bar for a quick cold beer and take in the nighttime view of the tarmac, as I didn't have a much time before my flight was due to be called.
UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves
- The staff were really friendly and helpful.
- The spaciousness.
- The design - it really provides respite from the terminal.
Insider Tips
- If you’re flight is late at night it really is well worth waiting to eat until you get to the lounge - the Noodle Bar food looked really appetising.
- Evenings can be busy in the lounge so if you want to eat and make use of the facilities, allow plenty of time.
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