MilesBuzz! - Where is the best lounge in the world?

Just wondering, which lounge is the best in the world. I don't have extensive "lounge" experience but would think the following criteria applies.

1. Location - of course it should be in a major airport.

2. Food quality - hot foods, variety, availability of drinks at the bar, are drinks free of cost?

3. Resting, shower facilities, sundry items provided.

4. Of course, availability of phones, faxes, meeting rooms and dataports (hi speed vs. dialup)

5. Entertainment facilites - big screen T.V.'s, Movies, reclining seating

I would really be interested to hear the responses.

Mike


Edited: title should read "where is the best lounge in the world?

[This message has been edited by mikeinseattle (edited 06-05-2002).]

Without hesitation or reservation and based on your criteria, the best lounge in the world is....

Cathay Pacific's The Wing at HKG.
Runner-up: Cathay Pacific's The Pier at HKG.

Forbes best airport lounges (http://www.forbes.com/lists/2001/10/25/1025feat.html)

I haven't been to all the lounges in the world, so I really can't say.

Virgin Clubhouse at LHR.

My top choices would be:
Cathay's Pier and Wing lounges (tie)
Most notable feature- noodle bar!

British Airways Heathrow Terminal 4 Lounge
Most notable feature- complimentary services offered at Molton Brown Travel Spa

Honorable mention would be new Northwest WorldClub in Detroit- fireplaces and hot chocolate went well together there.

Of course, much depends more on where one is based. Out of IAD- I prefer BA and NW/KL lounge whereas out of DCA I prefer CO/DL lounge.

------------------
"Fly me to the moon and let me earn alot of miles."

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by milehighj:
Virgin Clubhouse at LHR.</font>

As a British Airways flyer, I can, unfortunately, agree with this one !!!

I've never been to an international F lounge, so I can only stand back in awe at the amenities they lavish on people who are willing to spend that kind of money/miles.

not everywhere do you need an international first-class ticket for access to a first class lounge.

The StarAlliance Lounge in Zurich (mentioned by Forbes as one of the 10 best lounges in the world) allows LH Senators (even when not flying at all with a StarAlliance carrier that same day) access to the first class part of the Lounge (turn left at the check-in agent's desk).

Cathay Pacific--The Wings HK

CX The Wing. I look forward to my time there.

The Wing, hands down.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Rudi:
not everywhere do you need an international first-class ticket for access to a first class lounge.

The StarAlliance Lounge in Zurich (mentioned by Forbes as one of the 10 best lounges in the world) allows LH Senators (even when not flying at all with a StarAlliance carrier that same day) access to the first class part of the Lounge (turn left at the check-in agent's desk).</font>

Similarly, oneWorld allows top-tier (Emerald) members of any partner's program access to all partners' first class lounges when they are flying on any oneWorld airline on that day, no matter what class they are booked in. (The major restriction is that AA EXP members based in North America must be flying outside the North American zone for access - no using the ORD Flagship Lounge before a commuter hop to Grand Rapids!) I've heard of people who chose Hong Kong for a mileage run, given that they wanted a long mileage run anyhow, mostly so they could visit the Wing.

Of the ones that I have been to...

General lounge: Qantas Sydney Domestic Lounge
First Class: British Airways Gatwick