Review Plaza Premium Lounge at T1 Singapore: the best in all of Changi
One of the mistakes NOT to make at Singapore Changi Airport is to waste time in the lounge instead of making a [...]
SIN
Singapore
One of the mistakes NOT to make at the airport in Singapore Changi is to waste time in lounges instead of take a trip to the Jewel. It does not matter if you have a short stopover, say more than 75 minutes, no lounge is able to replace one visit to this magical place.
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That said, it may happen that you need a lounge, and since all terminals (except 4) are connected by the automated train you can move around easily and so my advice is to visit this lounge, the best among the independents in the entire airport.
Location
We are at the intersection of Terminals 1 and 3. The Plaza Premium Lounge is located on the upper level, along with the lounges of Emirates and Qatar Airways. There is a lot of signage throughout the airport, and the lounges are really easy to locate. It is not the only premium plaza at this airport, but the other is located at T4, which is not connected to the rest of the airport and can only be reached by bus.
Access
The lounge is open 24 hours a day, also because this airport never sleeps, in addition to operating in cooperation with some carriers it is open to all Priority pass and American Express Platinum holders. Maximum stay and number of guests as always varies according to the rules of who issued the card you are accessing with.
The lounge
Very few waiting rooms at this airport have a view of the outside, this option for me is one of the most important when I evaluate a lounge. Natural light, being able to admire takeoffs and landings is a plus that alone is worth a point on my final evaluation. At T1 the lounges of Emirates, Qatar, Qantas and British Airways have no overlook, and this is a real drawback of these rooms compared to the Plaza Premium, which instead has an immense glass wall over the gate and runway.
The big flaw, however, is that it is extremely small, is not the only independent hall in this terminal, but being the most beautiful it is definitely the one that fills up first.
The main lounge area, as mentioned, faces the runway and features rows of couches in pairs with lamps and charging outlets. There are also single seats along the side walls and some cabins reserved for larger family groups.
The lounge offers a dining area with cafeteria-style tables.
For those looking for a quiet environment to work in, there is A dedicated section featuring Plaza Premium's distinctive individual "honeycomb" stations, equipped with individual lighting and power outlets. In summary, the Plaza Premium Lounge makes the most of the available space, dividing the environment into three main zones according to the needs of travelers.
Finally, there are two VIP Rooms, each with four seats. As with the sleeping pods, they are open, but provide a little more privacy. However, the cost is high: SG$250 for three hours.
Services
Plaza Premium is one of the most popular, and award-winning, airport lounge operators. Let's say that the "ugly ones" can be counted on the fingers of one hand; almost all of them, on the other hand, are able to compete with the official lounges.
Unfortunately, however, showers are chargeable, but they are maintained to an impeccable standard.
Those who desire a dark, quiet corner for a nap. can reserve a recliner - called a sleeping pod - in a separate area near the work area, again this is a paid service with a price tag of about 120SGD. There is no door, so other people can see you, but with the curtains closed and the lights off you still get some privacy. If you want to isolate yourself from everyone instead, you can rent the Private Resting Suites. Each suite is equipped with a single or double bed, The cost is higher, but it is still more affordable of the Aerotel present at T1 near the terminal's public pool.
Food&Beverage
Excellent lounge in this respect as well. I have visited this lounge many times, at all hours of the day and night, and I must say that I have never been disappointed. My advice is to eat chicken or to order a serving of Laksa.
There is a bar counter used to dispense "premium" products for a fee, but still the free offer is better than the average of what is found in many similar European lounges.
Premium alcoholic drinks are charged: a strong drink starts at SG$12, while cocktails, such as the Singapore Sling, cost SG$20 (both plus tax and service).
In conclusion
It is the best independent lounge in the airport, even compared to the other PP. However, I reiterate that if you have time to spend at this airport you have to go out and go to the Jewel, no ifs or buts. Also because the risk of it being crowded is very high.
Pro
- The view
- Gastronomic offerings
- The private rooms
Against
- Too small