One of the highlights of my 2-week trip to Asia was flying Cathay Pacific First Class from Hong Kong to New York JFK, and part of the excitement of the trip was getting to stop at the recently opened The Wing First Lounge at HKG. I made a point to head to the airport early…
@ Samar -- Amazing review, thank you! Looks great, and you beat me to this... I really do need to get to this lounge!
I can't help but chuckle at how secretive they try to be about the bar area that's exclusively for first class passengers. I had heard of the no photos policy, but you're not even supposed to talk about it?!?! Damn, what's going on in there? :p
Sounds like I need to check it out, and do some of my Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan-style undercover work. 😉
@Ben - The secrecy was amusing, but I will say getting into the area is actually kinda fun (and unique as far as lounges go). I was tempted to sneak a pic (just for my own collection) but the bartender was very attentive my entire time there, and mentioned there are cameras inside.
Was also surprised to not see another passenger ever enter either...though I guess drinking at 7am isn't normal?
@ Samar -- Hahaha, they literally threaten people with the presence of cameras? Is it just special drinks, or is there any food in there? Yeah, I'm guessing the lack of crowding is a function of it being the morning, plus there being very few first class flights (I think in the morning there's just JFK and PEK).
@Ben - I think he was kidding about the cameras, but I didn't scrutinize hard enough to find out if they were actually there. I don't know if there was actually any food in the bar since I had already eaten, but there are drinks that I don't believe are available at the Atrium Bar (but to be fair I didn't check). They served Bollinger Le Grand Annee 2015 (of course I had some) and couple of drinks that are CX exclusive.
Awesome review.
It's an airport in China... pretty sure there were an abundance of cameras! Whether someone was watching the cameras at that moment in time to see if you were taking a picture - well, that would be quite something.
I suppose fun speakeasy entrances are amusing (the "go through the phone booth at the hot dog place" to get into PDT in NYC, etc.) but at the end of the day I just want a comfortable chair, a view of the planes, people around me using headphones, good food and the highest quality drinks the lounge will pour!
Ha. I mean, it's 20 years old, I think the secret might be out. Also, Resy kind of gives it away (and it qualifies for the Resy credit!): This pioneering East Village speakeasy is as famous for its (in)accessibility as its cocktails: To get in, you have to call from a payphone inside Crif Dogs, the subterranean hot-dog stand next door.
I'll be honest, it's been over 7 years since I've been (pre-pandemic); though, I doubt it's changed much. Nearby is a another classic, Burp Castle, if you're into beers, but it's not on Resy. (Ok, now I feel like this is becoming Bill Hader's Stefon character from SNL... This lower, lower east side dump... finally answers the question, 'Do I have to?')
Well done, @Samar! This is definitely a highlight! Have really enjoyed the updates from your trip (onemileatatime.com/community/samar-2-week-asia/). This newly-renovated The Wing First Lounge at HKG is indeed awesome. Was there earlier this year, though only on a regional 773 in F (still counts!) I know some will lament the loss of the Cabanas, but the new shower rooms are tastefully designed (Dyson hair dryer!) Of course, the 15-minutes massage is always nice. Not sure why they're so secretive about the speakeasy; got the same spiel about 'no-photos.' Bah!
Great review. The lounge itself looks fantastic, but I think the little service touches are what would stick with me: the unsolicited tour, being told to grab a Betsy for your friend, and a very good massage. Those things probably cost Cathay very little but make the experience feel much more personal. Although now I’m mostly intrigued by the secret First Class area that apparently follows Fight Club rules…
@seat1a I’m hoping Cathay can maintain the high standard they set…will be hard, especially if they do eventually open to OWEs. Regardless, it was a very impressive lounge and would still be a great visit even if some of those standards drop a bit.