Crown Lounge Amman, beautiful lounge of a company worth trying
Over the past year I have flown quite a bit to the Middle East-Jeddah, Dubai, Doha, Muscat and Abu Dhabi. I must say, now that [...]
Oneworld
AMM
In the past year I have flown quite a bit to the Middle East: Jeddah, Dubai, Doha, Muscat and Abu Dhabi. I have to say, now that the capital of the Emirates has a new terminal, the most boring lounges are those of the largest company: Emirates.
In this article:
This Crown Lounge, not to be confused with KLM's Crowne Lounges, Is really a waiting room of the highest standard And I was really amazed by all that it offers.
Location
The lounge occupies the entire elevated floor of the central body of the Amman airport, only the last segment is occupied by a small, but equally beautiful, Plaza Premium.
Accessed from the Duty Free floor, it is impossible to miss because it literally encircles the entire shopping area, with some Venice model bridges towering over the shopping street.
Access
Royal Jordanian is a oneWorld carrier, but nonetheless the hall is open to premium passengers from many airlines and, very rarely, to Priority Pass holders as well, although the small logo at the bottom leaves me with the suspicion that the doors open at a few times of the day.
I entered through Emerald status in the training and because I was traveling business class. Unlike what other OW carriers offer there is no distinction in the lounge for the two different types of passengers, or rather there is no area reserved for first class travelers, partly because RJ does not offer this cabin.
The lounge
I'll be honest I didn't know what to expect, and I hadn't even looked for prior information, and as is often the case it's the best surprises when you find yourself in a better environment than you expected.
Past the reception desk you go upstairs. You come out right in the middle of the lounge. Taking into account the size of RJ, its network, and the size of this airport, this lounge is one of the best in the world.
More than a lounge, it is a gastronomic journey among different cuisines of the world, different flavors and the passenger is really taken by the throat. On one side is the casual area with the pizzeria, pasta bar and cafeteria. On the other side is the more traditional buffet and an elegant bar counter.
Nothing is lacking: there is a children's area (and more) there is seating of all kinds, there is a beautiful view of "life" in the square below.
There is also shower service, one for boys and one for girls, It's just a pity that there is a fee for the service, but perhaps since there is only one shower available it is a choice to better handle requests.
Food & Beverage
As mentioned. feels like entering a food court where all you can eat is in effect (free of course) since you don't pay anything to eat or drink.
On one side is the pizzeria, which churns out (edible) pizza at all hours. A bar Where to drink cappuccinos and coffee even at an immoral hour for an Italian and the pasta station, with a cook preparing the pasta on the spot.
Of course, sweet tooths are not left high and dry. There is self-service ice cream and cupcakes cart, really an offer not found in lounges of triple the size companies than RJ.
On the opposite side is the bistro, with classic selfservice and some live cooking stations.
Then there is a bar, with bartender ready to prepare what you want, like in an English pub.
Scattered around the lounge are then two self-service islands for soft drinks and water. In short, nothing is lacking.
In conclusion
When evaluating a lounge I keep in mind where I am, the type and size of company and airport. All these ingredients make this one of the best lounges I have visited this year and beyond. Of course it is not the biggest, of course it is not the most elegant, but made the obvious proportions it is much better than many other lounges around the world.
Pro
- Gastronomic offerings
- The view
Against
- The pay shower
- "Fugitive" personnel