We love guest reviews from fellow travellers, it’s always great to hear other people’s views on lounges and airports we haven’t visited yet.
Today we hear from Andrew Donadel, a Gold Frequent Flyer with an upcoming list of travel destinations long enough to make anyone envious, with his review of Cathay Pacific’s “The Pier – First Class” lounge in Hong Kong International Airport.
The Pier Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
The Pier First Class Lounge is located near gate 62, a long walk from where my gate was, but very well worth the effort getting there.
Lounge & Facilities
As you walk in to the lounge, you straight away notice that it is very tastefully designed, although the ceiling is quite low, which make it feel a little small. The lounge is divided into very clearly defined spaces to suit the needs of different types of lounge goers. There is The Bureau, providing personal working stations complete with iMac computers, The Pantry, offering self-service pastries, cakes, whole fruit and a fridge full of beers, soft drinks, juice and healthy salads.
Next, there is The Library, where you sit with your snacks from the panty and a drink and pick from the 2 walls of international reading material and this area then open up into The Bar.
On the other end of the lounge you have The Dining Room, for a full service meal experience and The Retreat, where you can relax in peace or enjoy a complimentary 15 min foot or neck massage or a facial. The waiting list for the complimentary treatments was quite long so I missed out this time. Make sure you put your name on the list as soon as you walk in so ensure you’re able to enjoy this before your flight.
All seating areas throughout the lounge are comfortable and provide a lot of personal space. The bathrooms are very clean as you’d expect and are stocked with Aesop products.
I started my lounge experience at The Dining Room where I was welcomed at the entrance by the Maître D’, shown to my table and presented with the menu.
Food & Drink
The selection of dishes is very extensive with a large selection of Asian and Western options. The main meal portions are quite large but I was able to sample both the Dan Dan Noodles and the Beef Burger from the Chef’s Specialties, both of which were delicious. I then follow up with the Strawberry Tarte and the Crème Brûlée.
If you don’t have time for a full meal, the options in The Pantry are great to grab quickly and enjoy in The Library or at The Bar.
Summary
This was only the 2nd First Class lounge that I have experienced and I was very impressed. The service was excellent and the overall ambiance was very relaxing. Sitting in the lounge, I found myself hoping that my flight would be delayed so I could stay longer! I did not go and see the other Cathay first class lounge ‘The Wing’, but if you have the time to get the train up to gate 62, I would definitely recommend The Pier as a place to sit and relax before your flight, even if it is just to have a quiet beer or champagne.
