Best airport lounges in Hong Kong
Your essential guide to lounging in luxury at the Hong Kong International AirportAirport lounges were once reserved for the flying elite. These luxury spaces have transformed the experience of flying, becoming more accessible to travellers flying for business or pleasure. With the opportunity to relax preflight, there is a trend of people purposefully arriving at the airport earlier to enjoy these spaces. Read on to discover the best airport lounges in Hong Kong and how you can access them.
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The Centurion Lounge
Located a short escalator ride above Terminal 1, The Centurion Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport is open from morning ‘till late, reserved for eligible Centurion American Express card holders. Expected locally-inspired cuisine, relaxing shower suites and individual workplaces with high-speed wifi. Signature cocktails created by Jim Meehan from PDT at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong and wines handpicked by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio are available for travellers.
How to access: Eligible American Express card holders
Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level 7, Near Gate 60
Plaza Premium First
The world’s largest independent airport lounge network, Plaza Premium Group, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with the launch of Plaza Premium First, an elevated version of its pay-per-use lounge concept. The experience begins with a welcome drink, a personalised tour and an Elemis neck-and-shoulder massage. Carefully sourced partnerships with brands such as TWG, Lavazza, Elemis and Pernod Ricard have resulted in tea and coffee bars, a spa and a premium whisky bar. An extensive wine list includes complimentary GH Mumm Cordon Rouge N.V. Champagne. As for food, the lounge moves away from buffet-style dining with Primo, a table-service restaurant offering à la carte dining. Parents will also be happy to know that a made-to-order kid’s menu can be adapted for children with allergies and that there are quiet breastfeeding areas.
Pay per use: From $880 for three hours. 30% off when you book online with promo code PPFHK30 until 31 August 2019.
Bank partners: Holders of certain credit cards can access for free or at a reduced rate. Card holders of certain Bank of China, HSBC, CITIC and others who have complimentary access to the standard Premium Plaza lounges can gain 90 minutes access at a reduced rate of $250. Check with your bank for up to date promotion information.
Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level 6, Near Gate 1
Plaza Premium Lounge (West Hall)
At the other end of the airport sits the second Plaza Premium Lounge, near Gate 40. This lounge is considerably larger than Plaza East and has a varied selection of food. For the reasons of space and natural light (not to mention the dessert station), many parents would consider this the preferred option when travelling with little ones. The lounge features multiple facilities, including comfortable lounge seating, individual workstations, wifi, shower rooms and a range of local and international food and beverages. Just like its sister lounge located near Gate 1, Plaza Premium Lounge serves up delicious Hong Kong-style fish ball noodle soup and homemade XO sauce for guests to chow down on as they watch over the runway. Please note the travelling distance from this lounge to your gate, it’s at least 15 minutes fast walk from Eastern gates so lease enough time to get there and back.
Pay per use rates: From $580 for two hours.
Bank partners: Complementary access for cardholders of selected cards issued by American Express, Bank of China, HSBC, CITIC Bank International, Citibank, Unionpay. Check with your bank for up to date promotion information.
Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level 7, Near Gate 40
Plaza Premium Lounge (East Hall)
The first Plaza Premium Lounge is conveniently located right after immigration at the South Departures Hall near Gate 1. Perhaps the most widely-known lounge and most frequented, it includes numerous airport facilities for guests, including comfortable sofas, showers, a dining area, wifi and television. Although conveniently located, Plaza East is smaller than Plaza West and has a notable absence of natural daylight, which in turn helps to create an ambient and cozy interior. The lounge is popular for its Hong Kong-style fish ball noodle soup and homemade XO sauce. During breakfast, Hong Kong-style flour rolls with peanut and sweet sauce are served, offering both locals and guests a taste of the city.
Pay per use rates: From $580 for two hours.
Bank partners: Complementary access for cardholders of selected cards issued by American Express, Bank of China, HSBC, CITIC Bank International, Citibank, Unionpay. Check with your bank for up to date promotion information.
Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level 6, Near Gate 1
Plaza Premium Lounge (Arrival Hall)
The world’s first arrival lounge is designed specifically for travellers arriving into Hong Kong. Just like the East and West lounges, the arrival lounge features internet workstations, wifi, comfortable seating, shower facilities, private resting area, massage, spa services – and of course, international cuisine and a bar for tired travellers to grab a bite to eat. The lounge specifically caters to guests arriving or transiting as a rest stop before continuing on with their journey.
Pay per use rates: From $580 for two hours.
Bank partners: Complementary access for cardholders of selected cards issued by American Express, Bank of China, HSBC, CITIC Bank International, Citibank, Unionpay. Check with your bank for up to date promotion information.
Location: Level 3, Arrivals Level, Terminal 2
The Wing, First
The Wing, First is one of two first class Cathay lounges, offering passengers unparalleled privacy, comfort, and service. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a selection of premium champagnes after which you’ll be led to a quiet, private sanctuary at one of five stylish Cabanas. Each temperature-controlled Cabana comes with a large bath, rain showers and comfortable daybed. The Haven restaurant serves specially sourced fine wine pairings with each main course on the à la carte menu, which rotates each week while the buffet offers traditional Hong Kong dim sum, fine cheeses, cold cuts, desserts and premium chocolates.
How to access: First Class passengers with Cathay Dragon, Cathay Pacific Airways and selected Marco Polo Club members and oneworld frequent flyers
Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level 7, Near Gate 1-4
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The Pier, First
Every detail at The Pier, First Class lounge has been considered in order to evoke a feeling of care and tranquility. At The Retreat, there is an elegant in-house spa where travellers can enjoy a soothing massage, while The Bar serves up exquisite cocktails. Unwind in one of the eight Day Suites with quiet views over the runway. Each suite is furnished with a daybed, reading light, and privacy curtains. Asian and international influences are showcased in The Dining Room’s seasonal à la carte menu. Try a signature cocktail at The Bar—a warm and elegant meeting place with green onyx walls and walnut wood panels. Meanwhile, The Bureau offers six secluded work suites equipped with iMac computers. To help guests relax, Cathay have designed a signature fragrance (a soothing blend of lavender, bamboo, green tea and jasmine).
How to access: First Class passengers with Cathay Dragon, Cathay Pacific Airways and selected Marco Polo Club members and oneworld frequent flyers
Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level 6, Near Gate 63
The Pier, Business
The Pier, Business is Cathay’s largest lounge. Experiences are reflective of the local area, with highlights including the Teahouse where seasonal tea varieties are brewed, and the Noodle Bar which serves up fresh noodle dishes. Stretch, relax and rejuvenate at the recently opened The Sanctuary by Pure Yoga, Hong Kong Airport’s only dedicated yoga and meditation area. 14 shower suites offer fluffy towels and Aesop spa products. Need more? The ambient Relaxation Room features dimmed lighting and tranquil resting pods.
How to access: First and Business Class passengers with Cathay Dragon, Cathay Pacific Airways and selected Marco Polo Club members and oneworld frequent flyers
Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level 6, Near Gate 65
The Wing, Business
Located in the South departures hall, The Wing, Business, features an iconic white marble Long Bar which offers scenic views of take off and landing jets on the tarmac. Mixologists serve up signature cocktails and premium champagnes, accompanied by freshly prepared canapés and pastries. Dedicated workstations offer useful tools and facilities, phones, printers, and 23 spacious shower rooms offer additional luxury amenities.
How to access: First and Business Class passengers with Cathay Dragon, Cathay Pacific Airways and selected Marco Polo Club members and oneworld frequent flyers
Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level 6, Near Gates 1-4
The Bridge
Located in the South Wing, The Bridge is warm and welcoming. Indulge in freshly baked bread from the Bakery and artisanal coffees from Coffee Loft. Hearty dishes from the Bistro include Asian pho and soups as well as leafy salads. The iconic Long Bar, located in the north wing, offers scenic views over the tarmac. Sip on signature cocktails, exclusive to The Bridge, fine champagnes and wine, accompanied by your canapés and tapas. Nine shower rooms offer premium bath products and fluffy towels while the IT zone provides dedicated workspaces.
How to access: First and Business Class passengers with Cathay Dragon, Cathay Pacific Airways and selected Marco Polo Club members and oneworld frequent flyers
Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level 5, Near Gate 35
The Deck
The Deck is Cathay’s newest lounge experience, where you can enjoy cocktails and sunset views from The Terrace, or enjoy classic Hong Kong dishes at the open-kitchen Noodle Bar serving up local and regional Asian specialties such as Sichuanese dan dan noodles, Singapore Laksa, and Taiwanese beef noodles. The Deck offers a homely feel with carefully selected designer furniture, softened acoustics, and warm, natural materials. The cultured traveller will appreciate the curated selection of art and music.
How to access: First and Business Class passengers with Cathay Dragon, Cathay Pacific Airways and selected Marco Polo Club members and oneworld frequent flyers
Location: Terminal 1, Departures Level 7, Near Gate 6
Feature image courtesy of The Deck.