…A utilitarian space with nice food, showers and friendly staff
When: April 24, 2024
Rating: 7/10 – Very fine
Access: Star Alliance Gold
This is a strange lounge. It checks so many boxes for a lounge operated by an international carrier such as hot and cold buffet items, no charge bar, shower suites and a friendly staff. However, the space is so utilitarian looking, you really would not want to spend a lot of time here, unlike the Lufthansa lounge in Boston (review here). The tarmac views are wonderful and first class passengers can board directly from the lounge.
The entry is on Concourse B at IAD. In reality, Concourse A and Concourse B is really just one long terminal concourse divided in two sections. These concourses house most all foreign carriers and US carriers other than United and Air Canada.
Upon entry, the first class on Lufthansa and Swiss as well as Star Gold are directed to the upstairs Senator Lounge. Other eligible passengers are sent downstairs to the business lounge. The showers are downstairs and Senator Lounge travelers get a ticket to go downstairs and shower. The showers are rather nice – a large room – and shaving kits were provided,
Back upstairs to the Senator Lounge – the main room features some high top tables, a small tended bar, and a buffet. I enjoyed a veggie sandwich, a shrimp wrap, some soft pretzels, and grilled vegetables. I managed to avoid the butterscotch sponge cake. Behind the bar is the main lounge room – it’s well maintained but very dated.
Outlets are everywhere and staff was always cleaning and replenishing. All my staff encounters were pleasant. The chairs in the main lounge were comfortable. There is a roped off area – where first class passengers get a la carte dining – but no one was there on my visit. This is a good lounge for business travelers…but nothing to get too excited about.
I rate this lounge 7/10. Best features: Large showers, the food, the staff. Flaws: The décor.
Avid traveler/lounge aficionado, who looks to maximize the fun while traveling. The journey can be as fun as the destination!
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