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#914960 by danflyer
28 Dec 2015, 20:41
Hi all,

I hope you all had a great Christmas.
For Christmas I received a opportunity to book the No1 lounge at LHR before my trip to Washington in March. Has anyone got any experience of their lounges, Read mixed reviews online.
I know most of you guys use the Clubhouse - id rather be there - never been in there before, but only flying economy.
#914963 by gumshoe
28 Dec 2015, 21:03
As shared lounges go they're not bad - decent bar and food (though hot options are tiny and you're only allowed one).

If you want a proper meal I'd eat in one of the restaurants in the departure lounge. But if you just want a snack, a drink or two and somewhere to escape the madding crowds there are far worse places.
#914965 by SlimpyJones
28 Dec 2015, 21:14
I agree with gumshoe. I haven't used it in a while, but when I have it's a good way to pass an hour or so and is well kitted out (showers - which I have used and are good, spa, pool table, etc). I wouldn't rely on it to keep you well fed and would also suggest a restaurant for that purpose, but otherwise it's a solid alternative. :)
#914967 by sungod
28 Dec 2015, 21:19
with all the no 1 lounges you need to watch out for what is included and what is extra (bubbly!) when weighing it up

they do vary, i've got priority pass so can use the no 1 lounges with that, but at LGW south for instance i rarely bother as it's often crowded, a bit tatty and the service has really gone downhill since it opened, but the T3 lounge is one of their best, worth a punt if you need to kill a few hours, want a shower etc.

tbh as IAD is a morning flight, i'd be inclined to just check in a couple of hours ahead of boarding and spend the time at the seafood bar, or pre-order some in-flight bubbly :D
#914990 by mrsw
29 Dec 2015, 07:13
I like the one at T3, but agree with others that the food doesn't necessarily constitute a proper meal. It's spacious, with good views of planes, and I like the various zones on offer. It can, however, get quite crowded, and bubbly and spa treatments cost additional to the entrance price.

There are often good deals to be had via the flying club, and I think there is an offer running with BA at the moment so might be worth checking. I think I had read on headforpoints that there's a Groupon voucher ongoing as well, so might be worth a look.
#914991 by Eggtastico
29 Dec 2015, 07:57
If you can get a good price, then it can be worth it.
I got a good deal at £17.50 each - which is great for the free food & drink + somewhere to relax.
However, it can get busy.

There is a hot food menu - which are not big sized portions. Which is fine, as I do not like to risk a big meal before a flight & tend to eat smaller portions, but more often.

There is also a pantry table that has fresh fruit, yogurts & pastries.

Soft drinks are self serve & in the fridges below the pantry table.
#914993 by Nottingham Nick
29 Dec 2015, 09:22
I have used the No 1 lounge at LHR several times and would concur with what most posters have inferred - it is okay, but it isn't a Clubhouse ;-)

The main comment I would make about it recently (and this applies to other lounges in the UK) is that it is in danger of being ruined by its own success. It can get very, very busy and on a recent trip we saw people who hadn't pre-booked (Priority Pass holders) being turned away.

To guarantee a space as PP, you can pay a nominal extra fee (I think it is £5) to make sure you get in, but even then there were no spare tables and people were doubling up with other couples to get a seat.

The airport lounge is becoming mainstream as more and more people are discovering the benefits.


Nick
#915014 by gumshoe
29 Dec 2015, 13:58
Very true. The concept of the airport lounge began as an executive retreat for premium passengers but the third party providers have quickly realised there's easy money to be made from leisure travellers who'll happily pay for a "free" drink or three, some cheap mass catering and a slightly more comfortable seat than in departures.
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