OPS!!! Qatar has done it again. The lounge in Bangkok is of a higher category than any other
I have lost count of how many lounges I have reviewed here at the Bangkok airport, reviewing them all is difficult because it is, without [...]
Qatar Airways
Oneworld
BKK
Thailand
I've lost count of how many lounges I've reviewed here atBangkok airport, reviewing them all is difficult because it is, without a doubt, the one that has the largest number of accessible independent lounges within it and new ones are popping up all the time. Today, however I'm talking about one of the hardest to visit and, for that matter, the best in the airport and one of the best in the world. Qatar's business lounge.
Location
In this article:
It is located exactly in the middle of the terminal, like (almost) all lounges is located on the floor below the stores, which is then the level from which the gates are accessed.
We are in front of the door , escalators lead right in front of the lounge entrance
Access
Like many lounges in this airport is not open h24, but service times are calculated based on Qatar's flights to Doha. late morning/early afternoon and then late afternoon/evening.
Access is allowed only because of the ticket and not to status, you enter only and exclusively if you are traveling in business (or in F) with Qatar or another oneWorld carrier. In my case it was a flight of just over 60 minutes from the capital of Thailand to Kuala Lumpur aboard a Malaysian Airlines flight.
The lounge
The philosophy is the same underlying Of Singapore's waiting room, here, however, there is much more because the room overlooks the airport's outdoor gardens and the windows let in lots of natural light, which is essential for relaxing.
These business lounges are designed as starred restaurants serving the most important passengers, with the addition of a small classic lounge area.
The decor, service, and atmosphere, however, are not that of an airport, but of a 5-star hotel. Because it is very intimate, it is not designed to accommodate hundreds of passengers at once, although Qatar also flies the A380 to this airport, in some respects it is better even Of Doha's Al Mourjan lounges.
It's all very nice, details are taken care of down to the smallest detail starting at the entrance where you are greeted one by one and escorted to a seat.
The most beautiful part is the double dining room. You can choose to eat in the area that overlooks the runway, or in a real trendy dining room. This is without a doubt the nicest dining room I have ever found in a lounge. The service is also top notch.
On the opposite side is the traditional lounge area, which is also beautiful and well-kept. It is clear, however, that Qatar's idea is to grab customers by the throat.
Of course there is nothing else, but in this case it must be said that less is more. Instead of putting many things, I concentrate and give my best to make you happy.
Food & Beverage
As mentioned this is the heart of the lounge. There is a self-service buffet that looks like an architectural work from the way all the elements are arranged. Order and cleanliness, it seems to be a stylistic credo that unites these types of lounges scattered around the QR network. A different choice from Emirates, a quality choice. Of course the loyal customer might not like having the status but not being able to get in, but that's the way it is and there is no question about it.
The buffet offers everything from savory to sweet, including cold dishes and flavors from different world cuisines.
The highlight, however, is the a la carte menu, and I had the "Surf & Turf" typical American dish that mixes meat and fish. Sometimes it is tbone and lobster, here in Bangkok it was filet and jumbo shrimp. All with Masterchef-esque plating. The wine list is also appropriate to the rest of the environment and there is no problem with having a bottle opened to taste just one glass, customer satisfaction first.
In conclusion
Here is a lounge like this that is lacking in Italy, would fit very well in Malpensa, but also in Rome. Of course if you have the status but travel in echo you don't get in, here it is not an absolute bad thing since oneWorld has other lounges such as Cathay Pacific and JAL's and to the dozens of independent lounges.
Pro
- The furniture
- The gastronomic offerings
- The service
Against
- A small spa is missing