djsflynn

Just wanted to share a few salient details from my recent interview with CX lounge folk (including the head of new lounge design firm StudioIlse) on what's happening with The Pier First Class and Business Class.

The Pier First Class
* Due to re-open early June
* CX confirms the teaser image from its rebranding campaign is one of The Pier's new 'nap nook' daybeds – think 'Cabana' but without the wetness. :P

* A semi-circular tended bar will be another feature
* The lounge will have what the designer describes as a 'well-being zone', but it won't be a spa as we know it (see QF SYD/MEL, BA LHR, TG BKK first lounges)
* Full story at http://www.ausbt.com.au/cathay-pacif...t-class-lounge

The Pier Business Class
* To close from early June (within days of The Pier F re-opening) through to early 2016
* Will adopt a very 'room-based' design
* Features relaxation room, tea room and sitting room
* Full story at http://www.ausbt.com.au/cathay-pacif...s-class-lounge

[Disclosure: I'm the editor of Australian Business Traveller and author of the two stories above]

DernierVirage

If The Pier J class lounge is closed, I hate to think about the effect on the other lounges....there will be a lot of warm bodies looking for a seat.

cxfan1960

There are many J lounges, but only two F lounges (only one now - Wing F). I think that should be OK. Pier usually has fewer visitors.

alphaod

Well it''ll probably be for just a few days while they set up the new F section.

cxfan1960

More than a few days - "* To close from early June (within days of The Pier F re-opening) through to early 2016"...

sxc

A shame because The Bridge is currently my favourite lounge at HKG and once The Pier closes, I'm sure it will become much busier.

DernierVirage

I try to avoid The Pier because whenever I have dropped in (J section) it is usually too crowded for me and not particularly relaxing ! I just hate the idea of one J lounge being out of service for 6 months.

GE90-115B

The Pier is one of the blander J lounges anyway in terms of food offerings and comfort, about time they make some changes to it.

djsflynn

Agreed, I really like The Bridge – so much nicer than The Cabin.

alphaod

Oh my bad. I misread that as closed from early June 2016.

Moscowflyer

I seem to remember that there was talk of plans for a new business class lounge in the 40s gate area. I cannot remember what it was discussed as being called so I can't search for it. That said, I don't recall seeing anything about it for a while so perhaps nothing is actually planned. I'm sure a fellow poster will know more up to date information than me, although in the absence of any recent discussion about it, I'd assume it won't be open before the Pier J closes.

Awesom Andy

That's The Bridge which has already opened. I usually find the Pier overcrowded in the evening peak hours, so I wonder where all those pax are going to go. However, I have also heard some rumours about the upcoming changes for the MPC to be implemented in June. While I wouldn't know how reliable my source is, it somewhat makes sense in reducing the number of lounge visits.

Moscowflyer

Thanks for that Awesom Andy. Goodness I am out of date; there was I expecting a new lounge somewhere along the southwest pier and it's already open at the end of the shuttle train. The Bridge is actually my favourite lounge, more so than the Wing F lounge. Perhaps it will get a bit more crowded when the Pier J closes then.

sxc

This is what I don't understand - even when The Bridge isn't that busy, The Pier has been rammed, even in the mornings. Do people not know about The Bridge?

DernierVirage

Indeed....whenever I am passing through, The Wing and The Cabin are always horribly busy, but not many people make it as far as The Bridge - or The Pier for that matter, which is understandable. G16 is also never busy in my experience, and it is my personal favourite, despite the fact that it is a bit out of date!).