When: March 8, 2025
Rating: 6/10 – OK
Access: Priority Pass
U.S. travelers are likely not familiar with No. 1 airport lounges. They are operated by a UK independent lounge operator tied to Priority Pass. I was eager to check out the new lounge at Terminal 2 in Heathrow. I read good things about this lounge. I was disappointed. While there are things I like (especially the chic décor), the lounge is small and windowless. The buffet is decent, but when your favorite thing in a lounge are the individual washrooms, it’s not a good sign. Priority pass members are better off at the Plaza Premium lounge (time restricted based on departure), which is larger, has showers and a larger buffet.
Access to this lounge is tricky. You must take the elevator that is past the Louis Vuitton bar (which looks fantastic, btw) down one level. The elevator opens right at the reception desk. After reception, you walk down a small hallway, and the small bar is immediately on the left. From what I could gather, drinks are free, but for champagne for which there was a charge. There are no seats at the bar. Past the bar along the wall is the buffet: quiche, wraps, potato salad, and couscous were some of the items on offer. There were coffee machines and soft drinks available too.
Heading back toward the entrance/exit were the individual washrooms on the left. They were rather luxurious and include Rituals hand soap.
Across from the food area was some very attractive seating sections that were cleverly broken up into different sections. Further back were some semi-private alcoves that seemed a bit more luxurious. There were “reserved” signs on some of the tables, but the signs seemed to be ignored. Nevertheless, without windows and given the small footprint, the lounge seemed crowded – when it wasn’t!
I am puzzled why travelers would chose this over the Plaza Premium Lounge – possibly due to Plaza’s premium time limitations? Nevertheless, the décor is rather nice, the buffet is ok, and the washrooms are really nice!
I rate this lounge 6/10. Best features: The décor and washrooms. Flaws: Small, windowless and rather warm.
Great insights, thank you for such an informative article.