How's the Newark Lounge?

I hear people rate the Newark UC experience quite highly, though I've always gone to JFK. Is the lounge there ok, or not quite up to JFK? and is it airside too?

new booking coming up, and tempted to give it a try.

The last time I used it, it was landside. It's a lot smaller than the JFK one - it's similar to the Boston one if you've used that.

I liked it as the staff were really friendly, service was attentive, and the night I was there the food was excellent.

Its landside, no windows and a minute ot two walk from teh VS check-in desks.

Small but adequate space - sort of 'L' shaped for the guest parts. Nice staff. Good food. Free wifi but no spa.

Have a look at my TRs for the VS02.

Either due to have or currently having a makeover - info on VS website.

:O)

thanks. JFK is landside too, of course, so shouldn't ask too much, but... is the walk an easy one to the gate?

no windows sounds a little dour.

yes - minute to security then a minute or two to the plane.

The twice I have done the VS02 security was quick as there were no other departures plus the staff make call at the approriate times.

Its not 'dour' more functional. It's ok for an hour or two plus you can alwats go for a wander round the shops / terminal for some air.

We need a review of the lounge post makeover !

[honey lamb]

I really like the Newark CH. OK, so it doesn't have the funkiness of the one at JFK but it has a charm all of its own. It has lots of nice squishy sofas around the place and it's a bit like being in someone (rather large) sitting room

As tonty says, it's L-shaped and the larger part is the seating area and round the corner is the dining area. It's serve-yourself buffet and the food is excellent. Staff patrol the area taking drinks order and also with a dessert trolley to die for y)

The CH is landside and within easy walking distance of the gate

I love the Newark lounge, will post a TR in two weeks.

We really liked it; it had a "clubby" feel. That it had no windows mattered little as the evening we were there outside was dark and windswept.

ok thanks all.
This booking isn't till April, so maybe I'll give it a whirl and report back.

I'm sure I read somewhere that it is in the middle of a renovation right now. Should be reopened in the near future.

In fact just found this story.... It should be reopened by the time you fly! Would be great to hear what its like, as I was a little disappointed with the cramped conditions there last time.

http://www.farebuzz.com/blog/post/2011/ ... ation.aspx

I'm sure I read somewhere that it is in the middle of a renovation right now. Should be reopened in the near future.

In fact just found this story.... It should be reopened by the time you fly! Would be great to hear what its like, as I was a little disappointed with the cramped conditions there last time.

http://www.farebuzz.com/blog/post/2011/ ... ation.aspx

Yes it's due to open tomorrow for VS18. I had a sneak preview today and its very nice in there. Its the same lay out as before, but its been brought upto date, the theme is red, black and cream.
It's much more fresh in there. Nice new furniture.
Sorry about there being no photos, but it's not fully finished yet so i dont want to ruin the suprise for you all.

Cool, thanks for the preview! Look forward to taking a look when I fly out mid March. I think I was hoping they might have expanded it but maybe they made better use of the space they already have......