During my review trip, I had the chance to check outAbu Dhabi Airports new Terminal A, which is such a massive improvement for the airport. I visited all the lounges in the terminal, includingthe Etihad First Class Lounge,Etihad Business Class Lounge, andPearl Lounge. In this installment, Ill be reviewing the Pearl Lounge, which is the…
Continue reading: Review: Pearl Lounge Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)
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Can I ask a question? I've now read all three lounge reviews, and it just seems odd that in a brand new terminal, each of the lounges you reviewed have fairly significant issues - hard to find, weird to navigate, some very light, some very dark, some missing basic services for the type of lounge, etc.
If you were building a brand new terminal, and were as status-conscious as the Middle east airlines seem to be, how is it possible you'd end up in this position?
Is it not weird to anyone else? Ran out of money? Not likely. Just didn't care? Not likely.
What happened?
There is a fact of life that planning is probably not a strong suit. In 1999 they started building a highway improvement from the city to the airport. The highway was completed to the canal from the city and then from the canal to connect to the Airport and Dubai/Al Ain/Ruais.
Then they started the planning for the bridge which took another 3 years.
The Grand Mosque was another example.
Currently „enjoying“ a stay in the Pearl Lounge. Compared to the old lounges the food offering turns out to be not better, the selection of drinks is reduced (No sparkling wine for example) including bottled water not being available.
Instead they offer tap-water from a spender, for „sustainability reasons“. The issue is, this is Abu Dhabi tap-water, which is of course perfectly safe, but tastes rather dreadful.
Since the relaxation rooms are tricky to find, people might actually be able to access them with ease even during peak periods for the lounge. When I visited the old Terminal 1 lounge it was so crowded and you had to take whichever seating you could get.
This lounge was one of the worst I have used. After a long flight from Sydney with 3 further flights to get to my final destination. I expected to be able to use the showers & wash my hair, blow dry & style it. I was happy to use my own toiletries, BUT nothing is supplied except a threadbare towel & no bath mat so floor is wet. You get a toothbrush & comb (and a shower cap) There are no power points in the entire shower / toilet area and the therefore no hair dryers supplied. The first area where the food / drinks etc are gets packed, as no information was given that there were other areas further inside this lounge. Overall the food was awful the ambience was awful & the showers / toilet area awful. I would not want to recommend this lounge if you had requirements of the above.
Dear Pearl Lounge Management,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a disappointing experience I had during my recent visit to the Pearl Lounge in Abu Dhabi on February 6th.
While dining at your establishment, I was going to serve a chicken dish with mash potatoes Unfortunately, upon beginning my meal, I discovered a hair in the dish. This was not only unpleasant but also concerning in terms of hygiene standards.
I immediately reported the incident to one of your staff members, expecting a swift and appropriate resolution.
As a loyal customer, I believe it is crucial to bring such matters to your attention to ensure that the high standards of quality and hygiene are maintained throughout your establishment. I trust that you will take the necessary steps to address this issue and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to hearing from you regarding the actions taken to rectify the situation.
Sincerely,
Asma Malik
[email protected]
Writing this from the lounge: Absolute, pure Scam. Terrace is not open to all lounge guests. Waiting time to just get into the lounge is horrible. It smells, it is loud and I am considering if waiting at the gate is more pleasant. Do not waste any money points whatever on this lounge.
Suggest for correction: outdoor terrace is accessible ONLY for business class passengers of some airlines such as Qatar airways. That's why there are two receptions at the entrance, on your right and left. Thus, majority of guests who enter this lounge are not permitted to enter the terrace.