Having arrived in Hong Kong about 20 minutes early, I had a well over four hour layover before my connection to Bangkok, and then onwards travel to Colombo and Male. I quickly cleared transit security, where there surprisingly wasn't a wait at all, much to my delight. My primary objective for this layover was to…
Continue reading: Review: Qantas Lounge Hong Kong Airport
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qantas international business lounges are generally always that bit larger due to the amount of qantas clubs members that have access
Love this lounge - especially in the early afternoon when it's deserted (but well stocked/attended anyway). I'm a huge fan of the squid/cucumber/mango salad.
Couple of reasons why it is so big:
1) Qantas sell lounge memberships which are reasonably popular.
2) If Jetstar HongKong gets of the ground then QF elites and lounge members will be eligable to enter and presumably Qantas will be pushing lounge and FF membership to local Jetstar flyers.
It all depends on whether the HongKong government allow Jetstar to get going. If it does then I'd expect Qantas to up flying to HongKong and use Jetstar as a connecting carrier across southern China and South East Asia, as it does in Singapore.
The real question is, why does Qantas need a lounge in Hong Kong? It is a oneworld hub, Cathay's lounge ain't terrible neither.
Once again, great report.
Just a heads up, aside from the dining options you mentioned, they also have on offer dim sum (with the egg tarts you love!) and char siu or Chinese BBQ pork. Not sure what time of they and how to get it though.
I dont know qantas need such a big lounge. Qantas europe flight used to stop in hk but later in sin and now in dxb. Now it has 3 daily flights to hkg only.
Can you access The Wing if transiting from a CX F to a CX J flight if leaving within 12 hours?
@ Zkla -- Something I give Qantas credit for is that they like controlling as many aspects of the experience as possible, so offering their own lounges is part of that.
Great review! What about Champagne? Did they have Champagne? If so, which one? Thank you!
The magazine racks show the Air France inflight publication.
The Quantas lounge is probably also the contracted one for the AF flights.
@Jenelle There is no Champagne - there is Australian sparkling white. There is actually a secret stash (I think it is Veuve), but it is really reserved for VIPs (a case of if you have to ask, you're not getting any).
I think this lounge is excellent. Of course the CX lounges may be better (especially the First Class lounges), although now I have no status so I can only get into the First Class lounges with a First Class ticket. If it is more likely I'll be in Business, then I think this is one of, if not the, best Business Class lounge. For an airport where this is considered a QF outstation, that's quite notable.
The lounge staff are also quite attentive and approachable.
This lounge is also used for BA flights. They are amongst the last flights to leave HKG near midnight, hence the QF lounge stays open for them.
The QF lounge at HKG is far superior to the CX business lounges in my opinion.
Also, I hope you tried the salted caramel cheesecake! Literally the greatest desert ever...
Should also mention that the bar and bar staff are fantastic. If you like mojitos or similar drinks, ask the bartender next time to fix you the lounge's signature cocktail, the Qi Qi (or chi chi, pronounced "chee chee" - not sure how they spell it, but anyway).
They will also fix you a really decent espresso based coffee (flat white, latte, etc.) if you're on the hunt for decent coffee and the robot in the buffet or drink stations doesn't quite do it for you.
In addition to BBQ pork plates (in Chinese, "char siu") and dim sum, they also serve a plate of the day at the communal round table (or around there). Char siu is usually served around the afternoon, dim sum and the plate of the day is usually served in the early evening. The window of time is rather brief for all of these; whilst the char siu and plate of the day can be ordered, the dim sum trolleys that go around usually have those little bowls snapped up pretty quickly.
Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum One members are afforded a couple of extra benefits.
The communal dining in Qantas Lounges is quite fun. Most Aussies are happy to strike up a conversation with a total stranger sitting next to them, and enjoy learning where people are headed, where they've been, what they're up to.
I was on a trip from the US to Oz a few years ago and found myself at the long communal table in the SYD domestic business lounge, with a layover on the way to Perth. The gentleman next to me struck up a conversation, and though I was tired as all get-out, I politely responded that I was headed to Perth and then the Margaret River to see their wine country. Turned out this gentleman had managed vineyards for wineries as large as Rosemount and some small ones as well, and knew about everybody in the Australian wine industry. He picked up his mobile, rang up 3 friends in Margaret River "I'm sitting here in the Qantas lounge with this American who's headed your way", and arranged three amazing winery and vineyard visits for me. Wow!!
I'm like you and most of us Americans - a bit introverted when we travel - but this concept works extremely well for the Australian culture, and I'm determined to take advantage of it the next time I'm in a Qantas lounge. Which will be the HKG lounge.... thanks for the preview!!
I love this lounge! So many nice touches. One small issue is that they don't have power ports in the dining area.
One unique feature are the taps that dispense either still or sparking water (seltzer water) on demand!
I've always found that the staff at this lounge know the right balance between pro-active and intrusive when offer service or interacting with pax!
I live in HK and use this lounge all the time. Next time, try visiting the lounge between 7-9pm. That's the absolute peak for QF departures, and every single one of those many seats will be taken. It's not too big at all, given the number of Qantas club members.
Lucky
It seems you were disappointed on the
the plane
You satisfied in the lounge.
Hi Lucky,
Do you know if Qantas sells day pass for any their lounges? I'm flying coach but my Ritz-Chase Card could credit day pass. Thanks.
Wow, impressive! Makes me wish I went there instead of the Wing J when I was in HK.
@ wwk5d -- There aren't really any great ones. The Thai, Singapore, and United ones are all fine. I think the Thai lounge is probably my favorite.
@ Ryan -- Good question, I'm not sure. I don't believe so, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Staff in the lounge were amazing as well when I was there last week. Was there twice when transiting in and out of hk and the staff not only remembered my order of charsiu without the rice but also what my drink preferences were. For a lounge that serves that big a crowd, the level of personalization and quality of service blew me away. Most lounges simply don't come close and staff often view lounge service as a one off experience. Not so here. Naomi, Stella and the rest of the crew were just such a joy to interact with.
It's great it looks nice, but F&B, comfort and adequate toilet/shower provision is the most important. Luckily that seems adequately serviced based on your review (although an extra hot meat dish on the buffet would be nice - it's great these additional temporary food services run at times, but I prefer it not being a timing/location in lounge game).
Most importantly, it answered a lingering question of my own - The Wing First or Qantas lounge. You assess the Wing First lounge still is best, so I don't feel too bad now that I've skipped the new Qantas lounge (which was an unknown for me) for the (known to me) Wing First lounge in the past. On a longer visit, I might pop my head in for a quick road test.
@Lucky - 'heard nothing but rave reviews'. Try this one: http://www.milesdownunder.com/2015/01/review-qantas-lounge-hong-kong/
We were also unimpressed that the lounge didn't keep to its published hours, insisting on closing earlier than the hours posted on both the oneworld and Qantas websites.
Sorry Lucky, you got it wrong, they must of had a really, really, really amazing deal on the rent 🙂
Great review Lucky! I will definitely check it out my next transit in HKG.
Also, no outlets in the dining area is deliberate: I asked about it and Qantas wants people to talk and socialize when they're drinking/eating in the area. There are also no outlets in the Singapore dining area, which is also a fantastic lounge.
@ keith -- Hah, that's kind of odd to try and tell your customers what they should be doing while eating.
Wow this lounge is impressive! And massive as well!
In the Qantas lounge in SIN there was a code that allowed us to download many magazines on our iPad for free. Did you see that in the Hong Kong lounge? It's a nice feature as we can stock up on some reading material for the plane!
Great review Lucky. I checked out this lounge in February flying CX PE using my CX Gold card and the only disappointment was the lack of champagne, as only Aussie sparkling wine is served. The food and service is great though, it's very quiet in the afternoon before the QF departures in the evening. The staff by the buffet take pride in the food offered and regularly recommend various dishes and ask how your meal is. Certainly an excellent alternative to the CX lounges at HKIA where as a Oneworld FF you are definitely spoilt for choice.
QF also operates a very large lounge at NRT. I was puzzled when I saw it. I figured for a carrier that has at most 2 flights per day (I believe), it would be expensive to operate such a large lounge, especially at its Oneworld partner's hub, where JL operates 4 (2 F an 2 J) massive flagship lounges. In addition, AA and CX operate two other lounges. But those thoughts aside, it was a very nice lounge.
I think the size has to do with Qantas having their three flights from Hong Kong all leaving within half an hour. While I haven't been to the new one I remember the old one being packed around 7-8pm at night. On QF metal alone that's two A330s and a 747 packed with Qantas Club members. I can see it getting pretty hectic.
Dear Ben
Thank you for your kind review and comments. We are happy that you enjoyed the lounge.
We put a lot of effort into creating a space that caters for many people in different ways. We thought we might share with your readers a couple of links that explain our concept behind the design of the lounge. It’s not often people get to hear the thought process behind a design and we thought they may find it interesting.
http://www.sumudesign.com/328306/2177782/interior/the-qantas-hong-kong-lounge
http://www.sumudesign.com/328316/3915362/publications/the-qantas-hong-kong-lounge
Yours sincerely
Felice Carlino
Director
SUMU DESIGN
Considering how poor J is on the A330s the fly to HKG, I'm impressed by how nice the lounge appears.
I flew MEL-HKG in J earlier this year on QF and was pretty underwhelmed by the seat and food, although the flight attendants were pretty good. MEL J lounge was so-so, although I blame that more on the MEL airport setup than the lounge set up itself. Glad to know it'd be such a better experience coming the other way!
This lounge DOES GET CROWDED, especially towards the time closer to the 3 QF flights. After that, you get the BA and AF passengers (they do use that lounge).
Surprised AA doesn't use this lounge.
is that the timeframe for the following items:
1. Spice Temple BBQ Bar
2. Plate of the Day at the main dining area
3. Dim Sum Trolley
relatively narrow? like framed at 5pm - 8:15pm. I'd like to plan the schedule of enjoying the above 3 items first or the get food from the Buffet first.
Also, is that possible to gain access to the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge at Sunday Evenings (around 7pm) by a Cathay Pacific Business Class Boarding pass?
Do you stock any Kosher food in the Qantas lounge, as we have a 7 hour stop over in the lounge on the way to Oz? If not, how can we order a kosher meal to eat in the lounge?
Please advise
This is the best airport lounge. Just perfect in every way. Been traveling for 40 years and this one is the top.
Can't wait to get back to HK to enjoy it.
Really surprised at glowing comments. This lounge was less than average. As a first class passenger I was appalled there was only one member of staff serving behind the bar, no champagne, no cocktail menu and a severely lacking restaurant. Suggest other reviewers try heathrow's Concorde lounge to understand what excellent facilities really are.
@ S marshall – Surprise, Lucky hates the Concorde lounge. They offer good food and there are normally a few members of staff behind the bar, so while you weren't lucky regards the latter, remember that first class or not, you've entered a business class facility. If you really want pure first class luxury, I'm pretty sure The Pier First Class Lounge for Cathay Pacific (open to all oneworld first class and oneworld Emerald passengers) would've given you a better experience, much superior to the Concorde lounge.
The proximity of the HK Qantas Lounge to the immigration means you can relax as soon as you pass the hassle of customs. The staff is always courteous. One young man stands out particularly. He's Jason. Amazingly he remembers our surnames and my husband's choice of meals and my choice of cocktail. We visit the Lounge may be only twice a year. After our meals at the dining table, he would invite us to sit elsewhere in more comfortable sofa seats. When it's time to board, he'd walk us out just to make sure we are alright. Yes, you guessed right. We are elderly, but we don't get that in Singapore or Bangkok Lounges! I look forward to using the HK Qantas Lounge next month.
SERIOUSLY!!! This lounge is a complete DISGRACE...If you can travel with Cathay then do..dont risk this. Typical crap buffet...no cooked food for you like in Singapore lounge. The Cathay Lounges have cooked food for you..not a cheap and crusty buffet...I am so annoyed because I read this review and stupidly believed it. DONT BELIEVE THIS GUY!!!!! Typical buffet like you get at any CHEAP hotel. SO disappointed. Better of going to a pay in lounge and paying again ( not really) but fly Cathay and you will get much better food than here.
Good review thanks. It is a nice lounge with a few "extra" drinks for 1st class passengers. However, The Bridge does have either foot or head and neck massage (can be very busy) so that is another winner for Cathay.