new first class, business & arrival lounges for Abu Dhabi
Oct 11, 2014, 8:06 pm
#76
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: OGG
Posts: 55
Agreed... there is an endless supply of cars, and you just show up with the voucher, and after a moment or two, the next available car is yours. What the agent was referring to is when one has an appointment for a pickup at a hotel, etc., but this doesn't apply to AUH arrivals.
Oct 11, 2014, 8:26 pm
#77
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,913
On a recent flight LAX AUH KTM, LAX to AUH was in F; there's only J from AUH to KTM. However, upon presenting both boarding passes, the attendant asked the staff if the F club was busy, the response was no, so she made an exception and let me come in to the first class lounge.
Oct 12, 2014, 1:40 pm
#78
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,747
I just called Etihad USA to book my chauffeur on arrival at AUH. I told the agent that I wanted to use the Arrivals Lounge for 90 minutes first. He said this wasn't possible, that the chauffeur will only be available for 40 minutes past flight arrival. I didn't argue, as I expect this can be sorted out when we arrive, but it would be a shame if both services can't be used.
When we were ready to leave, we were escorted and our baggage was wheeled to the chauffeur desk. A card had already been made out for us and we were turned over to a driver outside.
Excellent service, couldn't be more pleased.
Oct 12, 2014, 6:57 pm
#79
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: New England
Programs: UA 1P, Hyatt Diamond, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,502
As expected, this turned out to be a whole bunch of silliness. We came off our Dublin flight, cleared immigration, collected luggage, cleared customs, and followed signs to the Arrivals Lounge. We were warmly greeted by a host of people, our luggage was whisked away, and my husband was sent off for a shower and a wet shave. I went to have a bite to eat and get online. We knew we were unlikely to have access to our hotel til late morning, so we spent a leisurely two hours in the lounge. Staff was very solicitous. I wish they had a few tables for eating breakfast; everything is at coffee table level. But that's a small whine.
When we were ready to leave, we were escorted and our baggage was wheeled to the chauffeur desk. A card had already been made out for us and we were turned over to a driver outside.
Excellent service, couldn't be more pleased.
When we were ready to leave, we were escorted and our baggage was wheeled to the chauffeur desk. A card had already been made out for us and we were turned over to a driver outside.
Excellent service, couldn't be more pleased.
Oct 12, 2014, 8:15 pm
#80
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,747
Oct 13, 2014, 4:36 am
#81
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 241
I was there at 8pm. It had freshly squeezed juices like carrot, water melon etc and a large variety of Arabic mezze along with sandwiches and canapes. No hot food was there. Very good variety of desserts also along with fresh fruits.
Overall very good
Overall very good
Oct 13, 2014, 10:10 am
#83
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Exploralist, Marriot Silver
Posts: 2,065
Does anyone have any reports/photos on the shower room in the arrival lounge? I'm arriving in a month and am curious. I may linger there for a bit instead of heading to the hotel which will almost certainly not have my room ready at so early of an hour.
Oct 19, 2014, 5:39 am
#84
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Dubai, Budapest, Colombo, London
Programs: EK Platinum, EY Silver
Posts: 139
Any alcoholic beverages?
Oct 19, 2014, 7:19 am
#85
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: BE
Programs: EY Gold - CX Silver
Posts: 56
On a side note, since 2 days the Al Reem lounge is back in business. I managed to take a quick look, looks nicer than before but services basically look the same. Didn't get to check the shower facilities.
Unfortunately for the EY silver/gold card holders in eco, the Al Dhabi lounge days are over ...
Unfortunately for the EY silver/gold card holders in eco, the Al Dhabi lounge days are over ...
Oct 19, 2014, 9:54 pm
#86
Join Date: May 2009
Location: California
Programs: AS 75K Gold, UA Silver, Marriott LT Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, National EE
Posts: 236
Oct 30, 2014, 10:11 am
#87
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PNH and HBA
Programs: QR-G/OWS, QF-G, VA-G, NZ-S
Posts: 141
Linger longer. Showers, pressing service and my shave yesterday were fabulous. Very seriously impressed. No alcohol available, great juices, nibbles and very helpful staff. One of the best service experiences I've had. Seamless with the Chaffeur drive. Team really pleased to do it all for you. Cheers,
Oct 30, 2014, 4:09 pm
#88
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: FRA
Programs: EY Guest Platinum; A3 Gold; Delta Platinum, BA Silver, IHG Gold
Posts: 484
is it just a shaving service in the arrival lounge our could one get a haircut as well? Is there a chance to make a reservation before or is it on a first come first serve basis? if yes did you had to wait long?
Oct 31, 2014, 8:04 am
#89
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PNH and HBA
Programs: QR-G/OWS, QF-G, VA-G, NZ-S
Posts: 141
No haircuts. Beard trims, of course. The wet shave doesn't involve a soapy bristle brush, but rather the barber massaging up the foam on your face. Perhaps not optimal. Shaved with a cut throat razor- disposable blade, of course. Cheers,
As explained by the barber - stringent public health regulations are applied in UAE.
I didn't have to wait long as I was first come-in. I'm unsure if they would take reservations. But don't worry about the chauffeur drive. The lounge angels will do their magic for you and a car and driver can be made available later.