The Virgin Atlantic Upper Class experience at Heathrow has historically been one of my favorite business class ground experiences in the world, and I was looking forward to seeing how it was holding up.
Continue reading: Review: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Heathrow
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I agree with you that the Club House is one of the nicest J class lounges anywhere.
But I think you’re being kind by arguing the journey to it is almost on a par with BA — the BA First Wing is utterly brilliant for people like me who hate shopping and just want to get to the lounge as soon as possible, far better than the Virgin experience.
But my only real criticism of the Virgin Club House is because I’m an old man: every chair outside the dining zone has incredibly low seats. Designers love them because they look elegant. But old farts like me find them really difficult to get out of.
But that’s minor in the great scheme of things. The Club House is great.
I’ve always thought the Virgin flight experience is below average though, so I’m hugely looking forward to the next part of your review.
Echo these sentiments 100%. I've found myself there maybe 6 or 7 times in the last few years and while some of the wood paneling on the V-shaped seating area near the spa is starting to show a fair amount of wear and tear, it has maintained its overall look and appeal very well. Same with the self-serve aspect, or lack thereof. I've never wanted for anything and the servers roam constantly. If I've even had so much as an expression of interest for something, servers have picked up on it and made their way over. It's such an amazing place to while away the time. It's one of the few lounges I'll arrive SUPER early to enjoy. Had one of the best haircuts ever at the spa, too. Was great. I could prattle on indefinitely about how great this lounge is.
Great review!
I've had flights departing at ~5pm and ~8pm, and the Clubhouse has never been crowded before those departures.
And I concur, they seem to be cutting down on the free services available in the spa. I believe they also removed the spa from the Virgin Arrivals lounge as well.
I hate modern design, again very brothel looks for me.
Butt nice to have friendly staff.
Are all T3 gates at LHR sterile?
I used the Upper Class Wing once, for me it was a real let down to clear your private security channel, only to discover you still had to walk through all the shops etc in order to reach the lounge. Certainly the First Wing does it better.
I do like the Clubhouse but I wouldn't arrive at LHR five hours before my flight for it.
Just so you know there is a special entry when you arrive by taxi that takes you to a different place where you are welcomed by Virgin personnel that takes your bag from the taxi and ask for your passport. While you wait on couches drinking coffee they do al the check in and when all is ready they escort you to the security line. The best place at this lounge is close to the bathrooms where there are some recliners and it is pretty quiet. Food is always excellent.
I recently visited the club as well and agree it's very nice, with an excellent selection of food/beverage.
One small correction: They also let Delta Diamond Medallions enter the club as well, even if you're not flying Upper Class/Business.
@moke you don’t like modern design then what did you expect ? Ionic pillars and mosaics. With “Cave stultus” engraved at the entrance You’re an expert on brothels ?
It was a very nice experience to enter the Upper Class Wing through the hire car entrance up the ramp to the second level where Virgin personnel greet you at curbside. Check-in and security was a breeze. My lady friend and I enjoyed the Clubhouse so much that we almost missed the flight to EWR which was at the far end of the departure gates. We were the last to board, but the champagne came before we settled down. We were Virgin Virgins to Upper Class back in 2001 when they had in-flight massages, but always fly with them now.
They also allow DL Platinum/Diamond to access the Upper Class Wing security and the Clubhouse, plus one guest
I absolutely prefer the Concorde (BA) over the Clubhouse. Clubhouse is way too busy and service is spotty. Concorde much more relaxing. Clubhouse wcs are much better though. Check in with BA First Much superior compared with Virgin. Staff I find excellent at both. Food excellent at both. But for me Concorde is superior and my first choice. Sure it is a bit apples to oranges (first vs biz) but that is what was mentioned in the post. No knock on Clubhouse but I'll take Concorde every time.
"every chair outside the dining zone has incredibly low seats. Designers love them because they look elegant."
That and it helps the space look bigger than it is.
@KDENFLyer
Moke seems to have a fixation with brothels. And, for some strange reason, despite his obvious extensive experience, he doesn't like them.
Concorde for me anytime!!!
I ended up their after 3pm amd its gets nasty busy at VS club house . Not enough food..exhausted waiters taking non stop orders . Its takes ages to get your food on the table by the time you will hear your flight is boarding Announcement. I prefer to be informed about flight status ..so announcement is Ok .Lounge staff Generally very friendly at Virgin , American , Cathay and Qantas. Seems like they have dedicated team for the lounge .