- Introduction: AAround The World Using AAdvantage Miles
- Review: Cathay Pacific Lounge San Francisco Airport
- Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 777 San Francisco To Hong Kong
- Review: Cathay Pacific Arrivals Lounge Hong Kong Airport
- Review: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Grand Suite
- Review: Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong Airport
- Review: Cathay Pacific Business Class A330 Hong Kong To Kuala Lumpur
- Review: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
- Review: Malaysia Airlines First Class Lounge Kuala Lumpur Airport
- Review: Malaysia Airlines Business Class 737 Kuala Lumpur To Bali
- Review: St. Regis Bali Pool Suite
- Review: St. Regis Bali Lagoon Villa
- Review: St. Regis Bali Restaurants & Activities
- Review: Premier Lounge Bali Denpasar Airport
- Review: Qatar Airways Business Class 777 Bali To Doha
- Review: St. Regis Doha
- Review: Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge Doha Airport
- Review: Qatar Airways First Class 777 Doha To Abu Dhabi
- Review: Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
- Review: Rosewood Abu Dhabi
- Interlude: 30 Hours In Abu Dhabi
- Review: Etihad US Pre-Clearance Lounge Abu Dhabi Airport
- Review: Etihad First Class A380 Abu Dhabi To New York
- Review: Le Parker Meridien New York
While our flight from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur was only at 4:05PM, we arrived at the airport plenty early, as I was excited to check out Cathay Pacific’s new Pier First Class Lounge, which opened in June. While Cathay Pacific has another first class lounge, The Wing, I’ve heard nothing but stellar things about The Pier, so was excited to check it out.
We arrived at Hong Kong Airport’s gorgeous check-in hall at around 11AM.
Hong Kong Airport check-in hall
We headed to the first class check-in area. While we were only in business class to Kuala Lumpur (since there was no first class cabin), we could use the first class check-in area since I’m a oneworld Emerald member.
Hong Kong Airport Cathay Pacific first class check-in
It’s one of the uniquer check-in setups, as you basically stand across from a representative as they check you in, and then are sent on your way to security and immigration.
Hong Kong Airport Cathay Pacific first class check-in
While there are no priority queues for security or immigration, we were through in about 10 minutes, which was great. While The Wing First Class Lounge is located just past immigration to the left, this time we were headed to The Pier, which is located at the other end of the terminal.
The Pier is located between gates 61 and 63, so you’re best off taking the train to the far end of the terminal. There’s a train system within Terminal 1, though it only runs in one direction — you can take it from immigration to gates 40-80, but not the other way around.
Hong Kong Airport departures hall
The train runs every few minutes, and makes just one stop.
Hong Kong Airport train system
It lets off right where the terminal “forks,” right near The Bridge Business Class Lounge (which is also gorgeous). Then you just turn right towards gates 60-70.
Hong Kong Airport Terminal
About a third of the way down and to the left you’ll see the entrance to The Pier.
Walking towards The Pier First Class Lounge
The Pier First Class Lounge entrance
While The Wing is above the terminal and “open air,” The Pier is quite the opposite — it’s below the terminal and has substantially lower ceilings. There were two friendly associates at the bottom of the elevator who took our lounge invitations and welcomed us in.
The Pier First Class Lounge entrance
Before I review the lounge in too much detail, here’s Cathay Pacific’s promotional video about the lounge, with commentary by Cathay Pacific’s general manager of products:
I think he sums up this lounge perfectly. The design of The Pier is flawless… absolutely flawless. It feels residential with earthy tones and perhaps the most thoughtful design I’ve ever seen in a lounge.
As you enter the lounge there’s a long hallway which connects the various spaces in the lounge. Everything about the design is impressive, from the lit-up ceiling panels to the art dangling from the ceiling to the wood table to the “squiggly” couch to the plants throughout the lounge.
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge entryway
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge entryway
The entire lounge, and in particular the entryway, feels like the entrance to the classiest imaginable condo building. It feels truly residential.
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge entryway
On the left side of the lounge is the horseshoe-shaped bar, with high-top seating, and then more intimate areas to sit down and relax.
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge bar
The room features several types of seating, from comfortable couches to stylish chairs.
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge bar
I also love how the furniture arranged, allowing you to comfortably sit alone, in a group of three, four, six, etc.
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge seating
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge seating
The seating design is one of the things which makes the lounge feel so residential. It’s not like other lounges, where the furniture is lined up in a single direction and feels more like a furniture warehouse. Rather it’s thoughtfully organized and not just intended to maximize lounge capacity.
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge seating
Next to the bar area is another room with more seating, which perhaps is decorated a bit more like a yacht club, with warmer finishes.
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge seating
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge seating
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge seating
Next to that room is an area with a selection of newspapers and magazines.
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge newspapers
I can’t quite put my finger on what makes the decor of the lounge so great, but there’s something about the attention to detail and overall “residential” feeling which I love. I truly think this is the coziest lounge I’ve been to.
But it’s not just the general lounge area where you can hang out. The lounge also has about a dozen private rooms, called The Retreat.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge nap rooms
You can pull the curtain and have a totally private space overlooking the tarmac.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge nap room
The views are spectacular, especially if you’re an aviation geek.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge nap room view
If you prefer a bit more seclusion, you can lower the blinds.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge nap room
While this perhaps isn’t a place to sleep for eight hours, it’s a great place to relax, work from your laptop, take a short nap, etc.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge nap room
If you prefer to work in a more “formal” setting, there’s also a business center, which is one of the nicer ones I’ve seen in a lounge. Each station has an iMac and a comfortable office chair.
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge business center
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge business center
While The Wing probably has my favorite showers of any lounge anywhere, this one isn’t far behind. The shower rooms feature Aesop amenities, and couldn’t feel “classier,” between the brass and marble finishes.
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge shower rooms
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge shower rooms
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge shower rooms
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge shower rooms
The main restrooms are equally gorgeous.
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge bathrooms
The relaxation doesn’t stop there. The lounge also offers complimentary 10 minute foot massages. You can select between a tonic foot massage and a foot soak with a hand treatment or neck, shoulder, and scalp massage.
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge foot massage menu
If there’s not availability immediately they give you a buzzer, and then you’ll be alerted when they’re ready for you. When I was there the wait wasn’t too long.
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge foot massage buzzer
While it’s not the hour-long full body massage you get in the Thai Airways First Class Lounge Bangkok, it’s a really nice treatment which leaves you refreshed. The room in which you get a foot massage is a shared space, though there’s still some privacy between seats, and typically there’s at most one other person.
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge foot massage room
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge foot massage
Now let’s talk a bit about the food & drinks in the lounge. There are Peninsula-trained servers roaming the lounge constantly, so regardless of where you sit you should be offered drinks.
The beverage and wine list read as follows:
There’s also a selection of signature cocktails:
I ordered a glass of the rose champagne and the specialty coffee, which was a chilled hazelnut grass jelly coffee. The coffee was out-of-this-world good.
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge rose champagne & specialty coffee
If you’re looking to just have a light snack, the lounge has The Pantry, which is basically a self service area with snacks, drinks etc.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge The Pantry
In the morning there was cereal, fruit, cake, muffins, etc.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge The Pantry
As the day progressed the selection got even sweeter.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge The Pantry
Then there was also a fridge with beer, soft drinks, water, yogurt, muesli, etc.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge The Pantry drinks
There was an espresso machine and beer machine, along with a water filtration system for both still and sparkling water.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge The Pantry espresso & beer machine
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge The Pantry
Then there was a station where you could make a vodka mandarin, with Absolut Mandarin Vodka and mandarin juice.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge The Pantry vodka mandarin
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge The Pantry vodka mandarin
If you’re looking for a more substantial dining option, there’s the Dining Room.
Cathay Pacific Pier First Class Lounge Dining Room
It’s gorgeous, and sort of feels like an old-school cigar bar meets yacht club in terms of the design.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room
You can sit at a table, or otherwise sit at the bar, where there’s also an espresso machine and the full selection of liquor.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room espresso machine
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room liquor selection
The Wing First Class Lounge also has a restaurant which has both a buffet and a limited a la carte menu. In the case of The Pier, you have a full a la carte menu without a buffet (which is my preference).
The a la carte menu read as follows:
We met some friends in the lounge, so were able to sample quite a few of the options. The selection was fantastic across the board.
For the starter I had the prawn salad, which was excellent.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room appetizer — prawn salad
My friends had the seared tuna and fragrant chicken.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room appetizer — black pepper seared tuna
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room appetizer — fragrant chicken
For the main course I had the salmon, which was crispy yet flavorful.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room main course — pan fried salmon
Ford had the burger, which he quite enjoyed, and another friend had the chicken clay pot, which looked good as well.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room main course — Angus beef burger
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room main course — clay pot chicken
For dessert Ford and I shared the crumble with ice cream, which was incredible (and a huge portion).
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room dessert — baked fruit with oat crumble
Our friends had the cheese board and mango sticky rice.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room dessert — cheese board
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room dessert — mango sticky rice
To finish off the meal I had a Hong Kong milk tea.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Dining Room — Hong Kong style milk tea
At 3:20PM it was time to head to the departure gate for our flight to Kuala Lumpur, after an all too short stay in the lounge (even though it spanned several hours!).
Bottom line
I was expecting to be impressed by The Pier, but even with my high expectations I was blown away. What was so great about the lounge?
- The decor and sense of “home” — it’s tough to describe, but the lounge really brings the comforts of home to an airport; I really felt like I was in a super high-end home and not in an airport lounge, which is a feeling I don’t usually otherwise get, even in the world’s best lounges
- The Retreat — I loved these rooms for the privacy and the views; when you’re between long flights it’s nice to be able to pull a curtain and have some privacy
- The Dining Room — the a la carte menu in the lounge was fantastic, among the best meals I’ve had in a lounge
- The foot massages — while not the longest massage, they’re such a nice treat between flights
I far prefer this lounge to The Wing, and would even go out of my way to visit it in the future, even though it’s not that convenient if you’re leaving from the “lower” gates.
I actually also think this ranks among my five favorite lounges in the world — along with the Air France First Class Lounge Paris, Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt, Qantas First Class Lounge Sydney, and Thai Airways First Class Lounge & Spa Bangkok.
Kudos to Cathay Pacific on this spectacular lounge, which I find to be the most aesthetically pleasing out there. I can’t wait to return. This really cements The Pier on my list of best airline lounges in the world.
If you’ve visited Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge, what was your experience like?
I visited this lounge three weeks ago and I must agree that this is one of the best first class lounges out there. The lobby has a very welcoming vibe to it and the sitting area with the bar felt like a country club, it was very classy; the dining room was nicely decorated and the food was very good with the exception of the spare ribs which were dry but the burger was to...
I visited this lounge three weeks ago and I must agree that this is one of the best first class lounges out there. The lobby has a very welcoming vibe to it and the sitting area with the bar felt like a country club, it was very classy; the dining room was nicely decorated and the food was very good with the exception of the spare ribs which were dry but the burger was to die for. There is also a small selection of cold cuts, cheeses and desserts in a separate area. They served Perrier-Jouet while I was there and two other respectable champagnes including a Rose. The only disappointment was that I had to wait 1.5 hour for a foot massage. My flight was taking off in one hour so I declined. I'm going back to Hong Kong in November and I can't wait to spend some time there again, this time I'll allow myself three hours so that I can have that foot massage.
Saw this lounge featured on the Netflix show Abstract Ep 8. Nice to see the designer accomplished her goal from Lucky's comments:)
Hi
Visited the lounge a couple of days ago on a 5 hour layover between London and Australia. Its the best lounge I have visited anywhere in the world. Well balanced between function and comfort. Recommend that visitors book a massage as soon as they arrive as I had a two hour wait. The only negative was the children. Several young children treated the lounge as a Broadway stage with complete disregard for the...
Hi
Visited the lounge a couple of days ago on a 5 hour layover between London and Australia. Its the best lounge I have visited anywhere in the world. Well balanced between function and comfort. Recommend that visitors book a massage as soon as they arrive as I had a two hour wait. The only negative was the children. Several young children treated the lounge as a Broadway stage with complete disregard for the obviously exhausted travellers trying to relax. Parents seemed to ignore or encourage the obnoxious behaviour. Lounge staff were too polite to intervene. Maybe I am showing my age.
I LOVE this lounge (even more so than the Quantas in Sydney). We're actually considering diverting our Asia trips via Hong Kong just to go back to it. Whole heartedly agree with your review.
Hi,
I am flying Cathay first class from JFK to HK, then business class HK to MLA using miles, would I be able to use the lounges at the HK airport, particularly, "the Pier"? TIA.
@Lucky Can you describe what was in that dessert room in the afternoon. When did they clear the breakfast stuff out of there and are the sweets in the dessert room in the afternoon the same as the evening spread? The 2 pictures you have look identical between the morning and the afternoon. What were the differences?
Dear Lucky,
Which Cathay lounge has the most food? The Wing, Pier, or Bridge?
Thanks
Regards,
LRM
Hi Lucky if I have a loooooong layover (almost 8 hours), can I just go in and out of the First Lounges for both Pier and Wing multiple times?
Also are there different a la carte menus at Pier First Class for lunch vs dinner times or is it the same for the whole day? Do you know anything about the timeline of when CX will be switching over from Peninsula Hotels catering to the...
Hi Lucky if I have a loooooong layover (almost 8 hours), can I just go in and out of the First Lounges for both Pier and Wing multiple times?
Also are there different a la carte menus at Pier First Class for lunch vs dinner times or is it the same for the whole day? Do you know anything about the timeline of when CX will be switching over from Peninsula Hotels catering to the cheaper caterer mentioned by randy in the comments above?
Last, did you see any luggage storage lockers in either of the CX First Class lounges like they have in Doha QR lounges?
I am quite excited to lounge hop my way through.
Thanks.
RK
@Lang - shouldn't be a problem, I've visited the Bridge and the Wing Business class lounges in a single stopover, so it ought to be the same for the Pier and the Wing F lounges. Took a little typing, scanning and persuading - both times - that I was allowed in at all (BA longhaul business -> Dragonair shorthaul economy), but we got there! Hope you have fun.
@Ray - yep, any Oneworld operated First...
@Lang - shouldn't be a problem, I've visited the Bridge and the Wing Business class lounges in a single stopover, so it ought to be the same for the Pier and the Wing F lounges. Took a little typing, scanning and persuading - both times - that I was allowed in at all (BA longhaul business -> Dragonair shorthaul economy), but we got there! Hope you have fun.
@Ray - yep, any Oneworld operated First Class or Business lounge. The Plaza is a decent lounge, but the Pier - I agree with Lucky - wow. Understated, classy, elegant.
@Lucky- can I use Cathay first class lounge if flying AA in first? Or is it just the plaza lounge?
Hi. Long time lurker, first time commenter.
I lucked out and landed an F seat HKG-LAX departing midday. If I want to "lounge hop" - as I have never been to any premium lounges - do you foresee any trouble?
I know I can check-in my luggage 24hrs ahead, but how about lounge access? How early can I enter an F lounge before flight?
Lucky,
Same question as Koff. My JFK-HKG first class flight arrives at 19:05, and my flight to Bali in Dragonair Business departs the next day at 12:35 PM.
Will I be able to use the lounge:
1. on arrival the same day and on departure the next day (staying overnight at Grand Hyatt HK),
2. or just on arrival
3. or not at all
@ Bob -- In this instance not at all, technically. You can't use the lounge on arrivals (though you can use the arrivals lounge, which isn't so nice), and technically since you're not connecting same day, you can't use the first class lounge the next day either. It can't hurt to try, though, and to explain that you had a forced overnight.
Thanks for the review. I was in this lounge about 10 days before you, and man did I miss out! I had no idea all the amenities! Thankfully, I'll be in HKG later this week. I planned to checkout the Wing First lounge, but I definitely have to make time for the foot massage. I don't visit your site much, but this review is well written. I plan to bookmark you, and visit more often. Cheers!
I spend half my life in here and the Wing. I am always upset that the congee is so runny they just dont know how to make it and when I try to help them they just walk away. I always manage to keep my Diamond card just about each year as my company only let me fly economy but I pay extra to fly PE to get extra miles and use as many credit...
I spend half my life in here and the Wing. I am always upset that the congee is so runny they just dont know how to make it and when I try to help them they just walk away. I always manage to keep my Diamond card just about each year as my company only let me fly economy but I pay extra to fly PE to get extra miles and use as many credit cards as I can to get miles on my account. I also find the staff in the both F lounges has no sense about how to cook real western food like burgers and French fries. They obviously have never lived in USA. I also find they are very rude if you try to bring extra people into the lounge, I took my parents into the Wing and then my wife and kids into the Pier and they wouldnt let me bring the wife and kids into the pier because I already had two guests in the Wing. This is ridiculous as kids shouldnt count and my wife was very upset with me at being refused entry.
I understand you get access only if you are departing from 1 st class in Hong Kong or connecting from 1 st class same day ticket. Does 1 am departure count as same day? We arrived Hong Kong previous day at 6 am on 1 st class
Thanks
@Curt
I was hugely disappointed in the Cabin. I was departing from gate 32 (I think) back in August and left the Pier to head down to the gate to only see we were delayed about twenty minutes. The Cabin is right there so I fiugred I'd try it out. I found the offerings to be poor and the temperature to be unbearable. They had a bunch of ground fans around so maybe the AC...
@Curt
I was hugely disappointed in the Cabin. I was departing from gate 32 (I think) back in August and left the Pier to head down to the gate to only see we were delayed about twenty minutes. The Cabin is right there so I fiugred I'd try it out. I found the offerings to be poor and the temperature to be unbearable. They had a bunch of ground fans around so maybe the AC was having an issue or something. But if you haven't been to the Pier or the Wing F lounge you do need to try them out!
I've enjoyed The Bridge and The Cabin on previous HKG visits and can't wait to visit The Pier on my next pass through in a couple months. This review has me even more excited! It's great to finally see photos from not CX's PR team, haha! Thanks for the great details!
Hi Lucky,
Just curious as a passenger connecting to same day long haul first class without OW status, do I get first class checkin or just the lounge?
@cory - the bathtubs are quite large, I am 6'1" tall and fit quite comfortably in the tub.
Was at HKG a few weeks ago and thoroughly impressed by the Pier...I agree, I hope one day my home looks exactly like this lounge. I find it interesting that people did not like the Pier as opposed to the Wing. I have always found the Wing to be very crowded and harried service (in fairness I've only been there twice) but the Pier seemed like my own private apartment. Granted US flights leave next...
Was at HKG a few weeks ago and thoroughly impressed by the Pier...I agree, I hope one day my home looks exactly like this lounge. I find it interesting that people did not like the Pier as opposed to the Wing. I have always found the Wing to be very crowded and harried service (in fairness I've only been there twice) but the Pier seemed like my own private apartment. Granted US flights leave next to the Wing and while the cabanas are quite impressive (even if showering out in the open is a bit strange), I'd give an edge to the Pier.
I realize this is a review of The Pier, but how long is the bathtub in one of the cabanas in The Wing? I always enjoy a good soak in a bathtub that is also comfortable for tall folk
Good to see The Amazing Race flying Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong...
Lucky, I just printed my CX (J) boarding pass, however there's nothing in there that says I'm OneWorld Emerald. I just made EXP 12/7, and I've booked the tickets months ago. The lounge invitation I got when I printed my boarding pass is only for the Biz class lounges. Any advice? Should I call AA or CX? I booked the J tix using AA miles btw.
@ d3dish -- You can have them re-enter your frequent flyer number, as that may cause the status to "update." I'd give that a try.
i am surprised you didn't use the complimentary buggy rather than use the train, the buggy is fun as it zooms thru the airport and is alot quicker, maybe its only offered to CX Diamond members rather than Emerald members
Always love your review... looking forward to that review in Bali
Great review Lucky. Will check the Pier First Class lounge out next week.
What an impressive lounge indeed. This review is a return to form.
I also loved the design, the private rooms, the showers, the amenities, etc.Truly spectacular.
The one downside I saw was that the service in the Dining Room was awful (on 3 occasions). Spectacularly so. They would forget half of the order, agree to bring something (drink, side, dessert, you name it) and never return with it. After taking my order, someone else brought the food and they never came back. It was a struggle even...
I also loved the design, the private rooms, the showers, the amenities, etc.Truly spectacular.
The one downside I saw was that the service in the Dining Room was awful (on 3 occasions). Spectacularly so. They would forget half of the order, agree to bring something (drink, side, dessert, you name it) and never return with it. After taking my order, someone else brought the food and they never came back. It was a struggle even to wave them down. One waitress was so utterly confused by a side order of potatoes for breakfast, which 2 other waitresses said they would bring. On my last visit, I just gave up and left after ordering twice and never seeing half of the meal.
@ Auntie
No, "uniquer" is not a word, as something can't be more or less "one of a kind" than something else. It either is one of a kind or it isn't. I had a really strict English teacher in high school and that was one of the things that is forever burned in my brain.
That said, Lucky this was a great review even with the usage issue :)
Can you get to the lounge when you are connecting from a first class flight to a business one that doesnt offer first?
I love this lounge a lot! I personally think it's much better than the Wing! I love the dinning area in this lounge and the foot massage! These Nepalese girls are strong!
Ben, make sure you don't wear your skinny jeans, I am surprised she did not ask you to take your paints off for foot massage!
(computer glitch) Then NRT LAX is JAL FC. Only AA Lifetime Gold, but I'm assuming our Long Haul FC partner award gets up Wing/Pier FC access. Please let me know if I've got it right.
We are flying JAL out of HKG. Flight to NRT is J, as there is no FC. Then NRT LAX is JA
I really enjoyed reading your review. I haven't been to a first class lounge yet, but judging from the pictures and reviews of your first class lounge posts, I feel like this is the best one yet. It hits a home run in my eyes, as my own home looks very similar (of course a bit less cool ;)) to this lounge. I'll try my best to visit it at least once! :)
Sorry got cut off. Where does one get the lounge pass invitation? Would a print out of my aa exp status or from my mobile suffice to enter the pier? Or the wing for the matter? Any kids area in any of the cx lounges in HKG? Leaving tomorrow and your (or anyone who knows) reply will be super helpful!
@ D3dish -- Just the boarding pass showing Emerald status will do the trick. You don't actually need a lounge invitation, and if you do get a lounge invitation it should be for the first class lounge based on your Executive Platinum status. I don't think there's an area for kid.
Lucky, what do you have to show them as proof of ow emerald? We're flying business class lax-HKG and HKG-mnl and just recently got my AA exp status. I understand you can take one guest with you, how strict are they with this? I'm flying with my husband and 6-year old, I wonder if the 1 guest limit doesn't apply below a certain age. Anyone knows? You mentioned you handed them your lounge pass invitations,
Lucky, what do you have to show them as proof of ow emerald? We're flying business class lax-HKG and HKG-mnl and just recently got my AA exp status. I understand you can take one guest with you, how strict are they with this? I'm flying with my husband and 6-year old, I wonder if the 1 guest limit doesn't apply below a certain age. Anyone knows? You mentioned you handed them your lounge pass invitations,
Excited to check it out on our 7- hour layover in HKG tomorrow!
"It’s one of the uniquer check-in setups, as you basically stand across from a representative as they check you in, and then are sent on your way to security and immigration."
Unique is an absolute description...It can be modified with an "er" or terms like "somewhat." Something is either unique or it isn't in a binary sense. In that way unique is different than distinctive or unusual, both of which could describe things that fall...
"It’s one of the uniquer check-in setups, as you basically stand across from a representative as they check you in, and then are sent on your way to security and immigration."
Unique is an absolute description...It can be modified with an "er" or terms like "somewhat." Something is either unique or it isn't in a binary sense. In that way unique is different than distinctive or unusual, both of which could describe things that fall along a spectrum from very rare to commonplace.
Great review. Can someone educate me on when these HKG lounges actually close for the day? I have a C class trip connecting in HKG in 2016 and I land around 8pm and my connection doesn't depart until 1am. Given Lucky's review of the arrivals lounge I'd like to just use one of the C class lounges for a bit but I don't know what time the 'last departure' means. A ballpark time would be nice to know.
@ J-Town -- They're definitely all open until your departure at 1AM, which is a busy time of the night in Hong Kong.
I was there last week and generally agreed with Ben the deco is homely. But I still preferred the Wing lounge. To borrow a slogan from CX, " People, they make an airline. " At The Wing, I am always treated well by the bartender, shower maids, waiters I am familiar with. Even the matire d always leads me to my preferred seat. I didn't feel the same at The Pier. It might need take...
I was there last week and generally agreed with Ben the deco is homely. But I still preferred the Wing lounge. To borrow a slogan from CX, " People, they make an airline. " At The Wing, I am always treated well by the bartender, shower maids, waiters I am familiar with. Even the matire d always leads me to my preferred seat. I didn't feel the same at The Pier. It might need take some time for them to catch up the sophistication. But I feel the staff are not very happy working there. How comfy could it be when the people working there are not happy?
I will say The Wing is still a more classic and elegant First class lounge experience in general. Plus they just add a new Chinese tea bar service. Foot spa is an awesome add on but not necessary.
@ lucky, The AA flight to DFW leaves from the area of the Pier, as well as all the United flights to the USA. So most US bound flights operated by US carriers leave from the Pier area. It is only the CX flights that leave near the Wings. I have flown both CX and AA.
The Pier is near the UA Club as well as the Plaza contract Lounge used by AA. The QF lounge is near the Wings.
Great review - much appreciated.
I'm with everyone else with complimenting you on an excellent review! Makes me want to go to Hong Kong just to experience the lounge lol.
nice report, I am intrigued by the fruit in jars in the beverage cabinet, I've never noticed them before ( 2 years ago since I went cx first) any idea what it is, beverage, or fresh cut fruit ?
@ Lucky - No, I haven't noticed much of a difference between the two cameras. I only upgraded because my S90's screen broke. I wouldn't bother upgrading if your S90 is still working properly.
new to this.
I didnt see any prices quoted for the restaurant. Is the dining , snacks ect all complimentary?
Does flying first class award ticket qualify you for the lounge?
Does cathay have first class lounges in all the airports they connect thru? Where do they list the lounges and requirements to use them?
@ ray -- All complimentary, and flying on an award ticket gets you access to the lounge. Cathay Pacific doesn't have their own lounge everywhere, but you will always have access to some lounge. You can find access rules here:
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_US/travel-information/airport/lounges/lounge-admittance.HKG.html
If I have a first class ticket to HKG on CX. Will I be able to access PIER lounge. I will be staying in HKG for 5 days. My outbound ticket is not first class. I wanted to see it upon arrival.
@ Travelmia -- Only if you're departing Hong Kong in first class or connecting from a first class ticket same day. So you wouldn't get access, unfortunately.
Fantastic review Ben! I have been searching for many details online that you just answered. Thanks!
Great review. Visited The Pier a couple months ago and loved it. Though I think The Wing wins out for showers if you can snag a cabana, and I appreciate the buffet at The Wing (though would choose The Pier for a la carte).
Also - it's cool that you use an S90 for the blog pictures! I had that camera for several years, and then got the S110 after the screen broke on my S90. Great cameras!
@ Michael C -- Thanks! Do you find the S110 is better? If so, might have to update. The previous one has served me well, so never felt the need to upgrade.
This reminded me, for aviation geeks, I highly recommend checking out the China Clipper room on the top floor of the Peninsula in Hong Kong. It's where they do the helicopter tours.
It's about the coolest room I've been in. Here's some photos: http://www.airlinereporter.com/2013/07/the-peninsula-china-clipper-lounge-in-hong-kong/
Hi!
The HKG - LAX flights usually leave from near the Wing, correct? Which flights leave from near the Pier?
@ beachfan -- Correct, US bound flights generally leave from the first few gates, so it's quite a ways from The Pier. Lots of regional flights leave from close to The Pier.
had a look around at the end of november aswell (and was lucky that I had a flight to FRA leaving from gate 64 or so) and the decor is nice.
But sadly I had the same experience with the restaurant as randy. First I had like seconds to choose my dish and I went for a starter and main - both arrived after 5 minutes togehter and sadly didn't tasted great. A short...
had a look around at the end of november aswell (and was lucky that I had a flight to FRA leaving from gate 64 or so) and the decor is nice.
But sadly I had the same experience with the restaurant as randy. First I had like seconds to choose my dish and I went for a starter and main - both arrived after 5 minutes togehter and sadly didn't tasted great. A short reheat in the microwave?
The rest of the lounge was extremly busy around 11 pm - and there was just one poor guy at the bar, so I decided to be nice and give the coffee a go.
It is nice, but in my eyes not worth the walk back
I was in the Pier Lounge last month for several hours and was a little disappointed with the service.
Restaurant – the service was poor and disorganized. Two of us were seated and ordered drinks and food. But we did not have a dedicated waiter and the maître d’ was also serving food. After ordering it took a long time, and at one point, a waitress delivered food to our table but it wasn’t ours....
I was in the Pier Lounge last month for several hours and was a little disappointed with the service.
Restaurant – the service was poor and disorganized. Two of us were seated and ordered drinks and food. But we did not have a dedicated waiter and the maître d’ was also serving food. After ordering it took a long time, and at one point, a waitress delivered food to our table but it wasn’t ours. We had to repeatedly flag down a server to get service. Clearly they were understaffed. Overall the experience wasn’t pleasant since it was so disorganized.
On the foot message – we got the buzzer and was told it would be a 2 hour wait. OK – we had lots of time. So then we thought we would lounge hop for 45 minutes and then come back (went to UA Club and the Plaza Lounge contract lounge used by AA – obviously neither as good as the Pier). We came back an hour before our appointment and they said we had been buzzed earlier so they rescheduled us for later. Then opt’ed for a shower, and buzzed while in the shower. But the time I came out my appointment was gone as well. I call for the manager and told him they really need to schedule an appointment time (like they do at Amer Ex lounge in DFW). The message is for a fixed amount time so there is no reason for not being able to schedule time slots.
The restaurant food was good – but the CX is changing from the Peninsula Hotel to a cheaper caterer – so it could change. Also the food in the buffet room is not that great if you do not opt for the restaurant versus the buffet.
The Pier Lounge is a big jump over regular lounges but it is somewhat disorganized.
Nice review!!
Lucky uses a Cannon s90 (compact, not dslr) for most shots. I have the same camera and love it!
Is "Uniquer" even a word? If something is unique(~one of a kind), then how can anything be "unique, but more so"?
Hi Ben,
Do you if in any HGK Business class lounge has any place to sleep (like nap rooms or similar)?
Thank you very much!
@ Federico -- Nope, no Cathay Pacific business class lounges in Hong Kong have nap rooms.
Your pics are quite good - do you take them on your phone or DSLR for the most part?
@ Jubbin -- Thanks! Just a combination of my iPhone and my point-and-shoot Canon.
So how many guests did you have? As an EXP don't you only get 1 guest?
@ Adam M -- They weren't my guests, they had access to the lounge as well.
Nice review. Great pictures. My favorite things: Those black chairs; did you sit in them? Were they as comfortable as they looked? I also enjoyed seeing those amazing leather wing back chairs. That lamp in the business room was pretty cool. And I find that wooden chair in the shower room with the hanger back a pretty considerate thing to have. Thanks or sharing this.
@ Mark F. -- They were indeed comfortable!
My favorite lounge period and I do go out of the way to visit it each time I'm in HKG
First Class review. Thanks for ticking all the boxes and for the rankings at the end. Thorough! Useful!
I was also blown away by this place. It was so quiet and relaxing. I have now been 4 times since the opening and the menu even changes slightly in the restraraunt. I thought the service and the food beat the Qantas lounge in Sydney but I still prefer LH FCT, SQ Private Room , Thai First lounge (and ground service ) and EK first lounge for its endless sashimi ! CX wins for classiest decor !
Great post. I was through this lounge in August and I really appreciated it. One question I have is whether you would have had access to the lounge on your First Class ticket without status, even if you had laid over several days and there was no First cabin on your following aircraft. I know same day transfers it is based on your long-haul segment. If any flight on your itinerary is in CX first,...
Great post. I was through this lounge in August and I really appreciated it. One question I have is whether you would have had access to the lounge on your First Class ticket without status, even if you had laid over several days and there was no First cabin on your following aircraft. I know same day transfers it is based on your long-haul segment. If any flight on your itinerary is in CX first, does that mean you retain access to first lounges for all parts of the rest, regardless of date flown?
@ Garrett -- Nope, it would have to be a same day connection to access it based on first class.