Last week saw the opening of Changi Airport’s latest airline lounge, the Qatar Airways Singapore Premium Lounge. Widely anticipated, frankly because the Middle East carrier’s outstation lounges are so good, it certainly didn’t disappoint when it opened its doors to Qatar Airways and oneworld passengers on 27th January.
With a Brasserie serving up an extensive à la carte menu, a Martini Bar mixing selections from a cocktail list or a glass of premium Champagne, five innovative ‘relaxation pods’ and five luxury shower suites, this went straight to the top of our list as the best Business Class lounge at the airport.
If you don’t have time to read our extensive full review of the lounge, here’s how it looks in 10 pictures.
Seating
With a seating capacity of 85, there’s a variety of choices, many of which are the classic solo lounge armchair.
Here’s a snap from our favourite section near the entrance, with just 10 seats, a self-serve refreshment / snack bar and at least one side table for every guest. Personal space in abundance.
In the slightly denser lounge seating area at the far end of the lounge, beyond the dining section and closest to the showers, there are two sofa options if you want to cosy up with a loved one.
Relaxation pods
Qatar’s new take on the productivity pod is a first for its lounges and is introduced here in Singapore – what we have dubbed the ‘relaxation pod’.
Five privately screened booths complete with side table, charging points, a comfy leather recliner and a reading light which changes intensity simply by tapping the top of it.
Martini Bar
No Qatar outstation lounge is complete without the signature Martini Bar, and here in Singapore there’s a beautiful one right in the middle of the facility serving as its centrepiece.
With eight stools at the tended bar and eight further high tables along the window overlooking the airport’s Cactus Garden, this is the perfect place to pull up a pew and relax with a drink of your choice.
Premium Pours
Speaking of drinks, Qatar isn’t skimping on quality in this lounge with the well-rated Veuve Cliquot Brut Champagne offered alongside a Bollinger Rosé.
These both pick up scores of 4.2 out of 5 on popular wine rating site Vivino, better than the Champagnes served in the nearby (and also newly opened) Qantas Singapore First Lounge.
The wines score well too, for a Business Class facility, with an overall average Vivino rating of 3.7 out of 5. That comes close to the Qantas Singapore First Lounge wine average of 3.8 stars.
Cocktail Hour
The lounge may not serve cocktails during its morning opening hours, but show up after 5.30pm and you can pick your poison from the cocktail list or ask the bartender to go off-piste with your favourite concoction.
The “A380”, pictured above, may not be on the menu but is their signature mix – with secret ingredients!
À la carte dining
Table service with selections from an extensive menu are a rarity in Business Class lounges, with Qatar’s own Bangkok Premium Lounge still not offering the option at the time of writing.
It’s “à la carte from the off” in Singapore though, with no fewer than 13 options on the breakfast menu, served in the 8am to 11am opening window, followed by 16 dishes for dinner, including six main courses.
The poached eggs on English muffin with a side of beef bacon, pictured above, was a perfect start to the day.
Showers
No decent lounge is complete without shower facilities, and here the ‘Premium’ title lives up to its name with five spacious marble-clad shower suites, including huge back-lit mirrors and a luggage storage area.
Most also have their own toilet.
Parisian Toiletries are by Diptique, high-end stuff – so take advantage!
Wireless charging
Here’s a Changi Airport lounge first – and a first we’ve seen in any airport lounge in fact – wireless charging sections on the side tables.
While the thickest of mobile phone cases may prove impenetrable, we had no issues charging our devices on these during our visit. A refreshing change from hunting around in your bag for that elusive charging cable and the correct adapter plug.
Full review
10 pictures scratches the surface with this lounge, and our full 4,700-word review with over 60 photos is well worth a read if you have time.
There you’ll find full details of the lounge including opening hours, access policy, wine scores, food and beverage menus, even the Wi-Fi speed and magazine selection.
It should be enough to whet your appetite for a future visit to this excellent new lounge – sooner rather than later.
(All Photos: MainlyMiles)
If this was 2010, I’d have loved it. But 2020 standard, this does not look “alive”. Needs a LOT more nature. Indoor tree, large full length windows, aquarium or pond, green wall, sustainable living, etc.
I think you made a typo at the introduction – it should be 27th January, not February 🙂
Thanks! Corrected.