Review: Etihad First Class Lounge Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)

This exactly reflects my experience from 4 months ago (even the flight was similar). I just don't get how the service can be so passively bad when there are almost no guests. However, around midnight it did fill up with around two dozen guests in there. So I would not call the lounge oversized, especially if some loud guests are present.

Often you'll mention in entry requirements whether arriving first class passengers have access as well. is that the case?

“There’s some room for improvement with service, though, as staff aren’t attentive or enthusiastic” - I couldn’t disagree more One Mile at a Time and I have been in that lounge a lot over the past 12 months. Your comment completely distorts the reality.

No It doesn't. Staff is indifferent there.

I agree with your assessment and think you actually still rate the lounge very generously with 4.5 stars.
I visited the lounge a few times and found it not too special, after the initial wow factor wore off.
My last 2 visits were not very great. The first one they decided it's a good idea to run a loud floor cleaning machine while guests were present nearby, and only after being asked half an hour later, if that's really the best idea, they decided, that yes, its not the best idea to run loud machines while guests are present. The second one was again a noise issue, originating in one of their electrical installations near the napping pods. That was a problem because we would have liked a nap before our onward flight in the middle of the night. But they couldn't care less.

The second visit I paid with miles, but even with miles I found it too expensive for the experience, and will not pay for visiting Etihad's First Class Lounge again.

Was in the lounge around 6 years ago: Staff were indifferent, had to wait 20 mins for a shower and the water pressure was less than the on-board A380 shower. I honestly preferred the Business Class lounge.

I admire your efforts writing up your posts. Informative, witty but Some (many?) times you crack me up 😉
Strong martinis.
As I might have commented before I have really enjoyed this lounge. Glad the food is still tasty. I like the window tables. Great Bar. Then back by those windows you mentioned to hang.
I enjoyed overnight transit in the $100 Residence area for several hours in 2019 after Apartment from Sydney
Sad about the Spa. Foot massage was worth paying usually-$15US. Then the complimentary eye treatment. Heaven
Looking forward to visiting next March. Love the Louvre Abu Dhabi

How was the Lotus Root

I visited it twice a few years ago, and my impression was exactly the same. The staff was indifferent and definitely not proactive. The food was great but they had exactly (?) the same menu with what's offered onboard. I was honestly quite disappointed with my experiences. Sad they haven't improved since.

Luckily the onboard service was great on both occasions.

You're very generous with your 4.5 rating.

@ hartd8 -- Delicious!

So arriving passengers in first class get lounge access? Your connection was on Qatar, right?

I had a very similar experience a few weeks ago. I ordered a drink at the bar & after they brought it to me in the seating area, i was not checked on for an hour. They would pass by me & look at me but not say anything. It wasn't until after an hour & another passenger entered the lounge did someone ask if i would like anything else. I had better & more attentive service on the 40 min QR flight from Doha than i did in the Etihad Lounge.

@lucky - how did you access?

Ben, How was access granted if your ongoing flight was with QR?

Sorry About the service failure Ben, this wasn't the case when i used to serve you few years back. Good luck on your future travel.
Amal

Noticed the new Abhu Dhabi midfield terminal featured in the latest Mission Impossible move.

May I ask if the private room is still available for Residence passengers? Thx