Review: Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong Airport (HKG)

Review: Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong Airport (HKG)

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NAME: Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge
Airport: HKG
DATE: December 2023
REVIEW RATING:
BEN SAYS: Cathay Pacific's The Pier First Class Lounge is one of my favorite lounges in the world, with gorgeous decor, an amazing restaurant, and lots of other great amenities, like day suites and spa treatments.
22
The Long Way to Abu Dhabi
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During my long journey to Abu Dhabi, I had the chance to check out several lounges at Hong Kong Airport, including both of Cathay Pacific’s first class lounges. In this installment I wanted to review Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge, and then in a separate installment I’ll review Cathay Pacific’s The Wing First Class Lounge. I also reviewed Cathay Pacific’s The Pier Business Class Lounge.

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge is among my favorite first class lounges, and it’s my favorite oneworld Emerald lounge. There’s simply so much to love about this lounge, from the elegant and cozy decor, to the amazing restaurant-quality dining, to the complimentary spa treatments, to the day suites where you can doze off or plane spot.

Using this lounge is consistently such a treat, and the opportunity to visit this lounge whenever flying a oneworld carrier out of the airport is enough to make me want to maintain my oneworld Emerald status. Let’s get into the review…

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong location

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge is located in Hong Kong Airport Terminal 1, near gate 63. The Hong Kong Airport airside terminal is in a “Y” shape. The terminal is first one long hall with gates on both sides, and then you can either go left or right.

To get to The Pier First Class Lounge, you’ll need to go all the way down the main part of the terminal (you can walk with the moving sidewalks, or take the train — personally, I like to walk).

Hong Kong Airport airside terminal

Then when you get to the end, turn right in the direction of gates 60-80.

Hong Kong Airport airside terminal

Then walk a short distance, and on the left near gate 63, you’ll see an escalator leading down to The Pier First Class Lounge.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge entrance

When you get to the lower level where the lounge is located, you’ll be welcomed by a representative, who will scan you in with a portable device.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge reception

It’s worth noting that The Pier First Class Lounge has a more remote location than The Wing — The Wing is located immediately past immigration and the central security checkpoint, while The Pier will require quite a bit of backtracking if you’re leaving from one of the lower gate numbers (particularly gates 1-12). As a result, I find that The Pier is consistently less busy than The Wing.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong hours

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge is currently open daily from 5:30AM until 12:30AM, so that covers virtually all oneworld departures from the terminal.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong entry requirements

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge is a standard oneworld Emerald and oneworld first class lounge. In line with oneworld lounge access policies:

  • The lounge can be accessed by oneworld Emerald members traveling in any cabin on a oneworld flight
  • The lounge can be accessed by any same day oneworld international first class passenger, not only on Cathay Pacific, but also on airline partners

It’s such a treat how oneworld Emerald members get access to Cathay Pacific’s incredible first class lounges, because these are so lovely to visit.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong layout & seating

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge is 2,061 square meters (~20,000 square feet), and can accommodate 231 guests at the same time. This lounge has my favorite design of any lounge in the world, as it feels so elegant yet comfortable, approachable, and warm. It kind of feels like you’re in someone’s gorgeously interior designed home, rather than in an airport lounge.

The different parts of the lounge are connected via one very long corridor, which gives you a great first impression of what you can expect from the design.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge hallway
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge hallway
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge hallway

When you enter the lounge and turn left, you’ll find yourself in the bar area. The centerpiece of this room is a beautiful “U” shaped bar with high-top seating. There’s plenty of comfortable seating around that, with chairs, loungers, couches, and more.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge bar
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge seating
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge seating
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge seating

That leads into another room, which has equally nice seating, arranged in a variety of clusters. There are servers roaming throughout this part of the lounge, should you want to order a drink.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge seating
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge seating
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge seating
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge seating
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge seating

Also in this area is a selection of reading materials, including magazines and newspapers.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge magazines

Down the hall from the main bar and lounging area are half a dozen semi-private workstations. I appreciate this, because so many of the world’s top first class lounges don’t have any good places to work. These workstations contain iMacs, but there’s also plenty of room so you can use your own laptop.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge workstations
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge workstations

Also in this area is the pantry, which is intended to be an area where you can grab some light bites throughout the day. More on that in a bit, when I talk about the food and beverage offerings in the lounge.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge pantry

At the very far end of the lounge is the most popular amenity you’ll find here, which is the restaurant. When you’re here, you don’t feel like you’re eating in an airport lounge, but rather feel like you’re in a proper restaurant, in terms of design, ambiance, and food quality.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge restaurant
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge restaurant

The restaurant has yet another bar, should you prefer to sit there.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge bar

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong food & drinks

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge has a very strong food and beverage game, with different options depending on how hungry you are. As mentioned above, the pantry is near the main lounge area, and is intended for those who just want a nibble. The Pier is supposed to feel very residential, and I suspect this area being named “the pantry” is quite intentional — it’s supposed to feel like walking into your own (very nice) kitchen.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge pantry

The food selection here varies throughout the day. In the mornings, there are pastries, croissants, bread, cereal, and several kinds of cake.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge pantry food
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge pantry food
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge pantry food
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge pantry food

Then in the afternoons and evenings, it turns into more of an afternoon tea vibe, with all kinds of cakes and other sweets, as well as finger sandwiches, cheese, and more.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge pantry food
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge pantry food

The pantry also has a selection of drinks all day, including soft drinks, beer, fresh juices, water, coffee, tea, and more.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge pantry drinks
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge pantry drinks
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge pantry drinks

I wouldn’t recommend getting a coffee from the pantry, though, since you can get a barista-made espresso drink from the bar. For example, I had a delicious cappuccino during my visit.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge cappuccino

For those looking to have a proper meal, head over to the dining room in The Pier, where you’re in for a treat. The dining room exclusively offers a la carte options.

You can find the standard breakfast menu below (available until 11AM).

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge menu

You can find the standard lunch and dinner menu below (available starting at 11AM).

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge menu

And you can find the standard beverage list below.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge drink list

Below is a selection of the wine that was available at the bar in the restaurant.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge wine
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge wine

The Pier is currently collaborating with the Rosewood Hong Kong on a special Italian-inspired menu, which you can find below.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge menu
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge menu

I figured it was my duty to indulge in the special menu… purely for research purposes, of course. 😉

The meal started with the signature Paloma Amara cocktail, which was as tasty as it was pretty.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge cocktail

The first course consisted of an Italian chickpea velouté, along with some delicious warm focaccia.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge lunch

For the main course, I ordered the gnocchetti with broccoli and buffalo cheese, with was exceptional.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge lunch

Lastly, for dessert I had the mascarpone mousse with red berries, almond crumble, and mint.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge lunch

I finished off the meal with an americano.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge lunch

I appreciated how the portion was manageable, as you can always order more off the menu, but I hate wasting. I’m sad I didn’t have the chance to try any of the Asian specialties, though I enjoyed some of those in the other lounges I visited — stay tuned!

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong day suites

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge has day suites, which are essentially private cocoons where you can relax. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each “reservation” is for 90 minutes, though if there’s not anyone waiting to use these, it shouldn’t be an issue to extend (and I’ve never seen a waiting list for these, but maybe I’ve been lucky).

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge retreat day suites

All the day suites are located down one hall, with each having curtains for full privacy.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge retreat day suites

Each day suite is a combo of a loveseat and a daybed, and it’s easy to get cozy here.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge retreat day suite
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge retreat day suite

In addition to space to store luggage, there are also charging ports and lighting controls in each suite.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge retreat day suite

Personally I love these day suites for plane spotting, as you have a great view of the apron from here, and it’s nice to take off your shoes, put your feet up, and relax.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge retreat suite view
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge retreat suite view

The one thing to be aware of with these day suites is that they’re incredibly quiet, so you could hear a pin drop. I almost wish they had some spa-style music, or something, as I find that to be better than silence. But that’s just me.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong spa treatments

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge offers complimentary 15-minute spa treatments to guests. There’s typically a wait for these given the demand, and in my experience they usually book out about one to two hours in advance.

There are four spa treatments you can choose from, including foot reflexology, a head massage, a neck & shoulders massage, and an eye revitalizer.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge spa menu

When it’s your turn for the treatment, there are three “booths” where the services take place, though in my experience there are typically two people working. I selected the neck & shoulders massage.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge spa area

It’s always a treat when you can get a complimentary spa treatment in an airport lounge. Definitely manage your expectations — the spa treatment won’t be life changing — but it’s still a great service.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge Hong Kong bathrooms & showers

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge even has gorgeous bathrooms… that’s pretty rare for an airport lounge! The main bathroom area is huge, with the men’s room having a handful of sinks, and several urinals and stalls.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge bathroom
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge bathroom
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge bathroom

Nowadays Cathay Pacific partners with Bamford on its toiletries. While these are perfectly nice, I do miss the Aesop days, personally!

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge toiletries

The lounge also has 14 shower suites, which is an impressive number, so there should never be a wait to use them.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge shower suites

Each shower suite is spacious, and features a sink, a toilet, a walk-in shower, and a luggage storage rack.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge shower suite
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge shower suite
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge shower suite toilet
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge shower suite

There are also a variety of toiletries and bath products.

Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge shower suite amenities
Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge shower suite toiletries

I found the ventilation in the shower rooms to be really good, which isn’t the case in many airport shower suites. However, if you have the time, I’d definitely head over to Cathay Pacific’s The Wing First Class Lounge, where you’ll find the world’s best airport shower suites.

Bottom line

Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge is one of my favorite lounges in the world, and certainly my favorite oneworld Emerald lounge. The Pier has my favorite decor of any airport lounge, and it also has very nice ambiance, an amazing restaurant and bar, day suites, a spa, proper workstations, and luxurious showers.

As much as I try to get off of the elite status hamster wheel, lounge visits like this sure do make me value my oneworld Emerald status.

What’s your take on Cathay Pacific’s The Pier First Class Lounge?

Conversations (22)
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  1. TheBestBlackBrent Diamond

    The soup had n'duja (pork sausage) in it, maybe don't order this next time it is listed on a menu if you truly have an issue with eating pork!

  2. Mi lou Ho Guest

    Thanks for the "very quiet" day room tip; I’ll load some ocean sounds for my ear buds. (I’m glad they don’t have a uniform sound-scape playing for everyone).

  3. Ethan Guest

    Cathay doesn’t have a signature cocktail in any of its lounge is a small missed opportunity imo. Although the nice bartender created a hard orange dream for me, which is appreciated.

  4. MikeyInOregon Guest

    I was at this lounge a couple of weeks ago. My flight departed from gate 44 which was closer to this lounge than The Wing. However, The Wing is right after security so I stopped there for a breakfast snack which was quite good. I then took the train to The Pier which is at least a 20-minute walk from The Wing. The Pier has always been my favorite lounge for their warm and welcoming...

    I was at this lounge a couple of weeks ago. My flight departed from gate 44 which was closer to this lounge than The Wing. However, The Wing is right after security so I stopped there for a breakfast snack which was quite good. I then took the train to The Pier which is at least a 20-minute walk from The Wing. The Pier has always been my favorite lounge for their warm and welcoming ambiance but I must admit I was disappointed with the food and beverage department and service. I was seated for 10 minutes before the server came to take my order and the restaurant was not busy, I counted 8 tables in total. Cost cutting has caused the champagne to be downgraded and the food selection and quality went downhill as well. I heard that The Peninsula no longer does their catering which might have something to do with it. At the time of my visit there was an offering of a tasting menu with a very bland chickpea soup, an OK braised beef and a mascarpone mousse all of which was forgettable, my breakfast snack at The Wing was much better. I managed to get a neck massage at The Pier despite having to wait an hour even though the lounge was practically empty. Next time, I will dine at The Wing and then come to The Pier to relax and have a massage.

  5. Fred Marconi Guest

    Where’s the special menu you ordered from?

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Fred Marconi -- The picture should appear immediately underneath where I wrote the following:
      "The Pier is currently collaborating with the Rosewood Hong Kong on a special Italian-inspired menu, which you can find below."

      Hopefully you can see it there?

  6. Johan kersten Guest

    Was in the old times super. The wines are less . No people nearly last visit. No newspapers and magazines . Ice cold. Bartender looks 23 years . The ambience and touch could complete not find . It could me the number 1. But you see saving and saving money . This should be the flagship. The furniture had his time . No team feeling. The menu paper was old and dirty . Wiffi slow....

    Was in the old times super. The wines are less . No people nearly last visit. No newspapers and magazines . Ice cold. Bartender looks 23 years . The ambience and touch could complete not find . It could me the number 1. But you see saving and saving money . This should be the flagship. The furniture had his time . No team feeling. The menu paper was old and dirty . Wiffi slow. Bad music . Another person said . It looks like that they will close this lounge. That was his feeling

  7. robbo Guest

    I fully concur, great Lounge, one key reason is the very professional, yet personable staff. Everyone I have ver encountered in the may 30-40 times in this Lounge, has always been the utmost care and courteousness

  8. RichM Diamond

    This is my favourite lounge in the world. I love the warm residential feel to the decor, and the restaurant is absolutely on a par with what you'd expect from a real fine dining restaurant.

    This lounge is the reason I chase OW Emerald status.

  9. OWE Flyer Guest

    On my last trip through here in November, Victor was tending bar. Victor was very friendly and personable and helped make the experience enjoyable. He was mixing up tasty cocktails, but also starting conversations between everyone at the bar. It turned into quite a nice Friday evening with quality drinks! I then got a bit of shuteye on one of the daybeds before a late night flight to Narita.

  10. CXP Gold

    What's the best/easiest way to get OneWorld Emerald these days? Any status match opportunities out there?

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ CXP -- Unfortunately there aren't many easy status match opportunities, at least not ones that are widely available. Alaska does offer status matches to MVP Gold 75K (which is oneworld Emerald), but there are some restrictions there.

      I'm not saying it's the cheapest, but I think the easiest path to oneworld Emerald is to spend $125K on an AA credit card, which gets you Platinum Pro, and that equates to oneworld Emerald as well.

  11. pstm91 Diamond

    Ben, we're good flying CX F for the first time in a few months. Our lounge access will be for right when these lounges open, at 5:30ish in the morning. Which would you recommend, Pier or Wing?

    1. HL Guest

      Having used both they are equally as good but the one Ben reviewed is always quieter.

    2. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ pstm91 -- If I could only visit one, I'd definitely select The Pier over The Wing. Enjoy your trip!

  12. Cam Member

    hey ben - when making notes re: showers, would it be possible to detail if the rooms have vents/fans? one of my biggest gripes about airport showers is that the rooms are often unventilated, so you step out of the shower into a steamy room and have to get changed into muggy, humid clothing.

    thanks!

    1. Nb Guest

      That is the real problem in the world right now. I mean, nothing else. OMG what can we all do to make sure you change clothes on a dry environement?

    2. Cam Member

      you are reading a blog about luxury travel reviews and you want to whine about someone bringing up a first world problem? completely bizarre take

    3. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Cam -- That's a great idea, and absolutely! I included my thoughts on shower room ventilation in this post, and will try to do so in other lounge review posts as well. Thanks for reading!

  13. R B Guest

    I lived in HK for a few years, and that was my usual hangout place!
    Was back there early Dec for the first time since Covid...memories

  14. shoeguy Guest

    An incredible lounge and one of the best in the world. Was there in November 2018 and again in November 2023 for the first time since. It was great to see all of its key elements remained in place.

  15. Felix Guest

    Great review! It absolutely matches my experience I had in September. It was my first visit and made it my favorite airport lounge.

    Ironically, I had the best food in this lounge and not in the Hong Kong restaurants I tried.

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Ben Schlappig OMAAT

@ Cam -- That's a great idea, and absolutely! I included my thoughts on shower room ventilation in this post, and will try to do so in other lounge review posts as well. Thanks for reading!

2
Ben Schlappig OMAAT

@ pstm91 -- If I could only visit one, I'd definitely select The Pier over The Wing. Enjoy your trip!

1
Ben Schlappig OMAAT

@ CXP -- Unfortunately there aren't many easy status match opportunities, at least not ones that are widely available. Alaska does offer status matches to MVP Gold 75K (which is oneworld Emerald), but there are some restrictions there. I'm not saying it's the cheapest, but I think the easiest path to oneworld Emerald is to spend $125K on an AA credit card, which gets you Platinum Pro, and that equates to oneworld Emerald as well.

1
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