May 30, 2016, 6:01 am
Last edit by: MatthewLAX
Original discussion: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/etihad-airways-etihad-guest/1624033-f-lounge-auh3-open-still-waiting-2016-a.html
Review with 100+ photos - link (blog)
Review with 100+ photos - link (blog)
F lounge in AUH opened 30MAY2016
May 30, 2016, 10:00 am
#46
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,166
Hate to be a downer with the good news today, but no car service to the plane still makes a long, long not-so-premium hike to the gate from the far from many gates FCL. After all this time, they apparently forgot or failed to understand one of the best features of LH and AF First Class service, the limo transfer to the plane?? OK, neither EK or QR do it, but if you are trying to one up the local competition, major fail here.
Disappointing, but honestly I didn't expect EY to provide transfer service to gates/planes...they are just not LH or AF.
May 30, 2016, 10:13 am
#47
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,741
That sounds far more believable.
May 30, 2016, 10:20 am
#49
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Tiburon, CA
Posts: 359
Better review would be in few weeks as there are far more ~senior management in the lounge today.
Nevertheless, great start and >>> current Premium Lounge
May 30, 2016, 2:31 pm
#50
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: AA PLT, SPG Plat
Posts: 295
I'm in the lounge now. It is extremely nice. Groundbreaking? No. Very elegant and refined? Absolutely.
And yes, there is Paradis.
. Sound the alarm!! It will be my post-dinner drink.
I arrived and was offered a tour. Everyone is very proud of it. I immediately got a shave (it counted as my one freebie) and then sat down for dinner.
I ordered the Emirates Palace tasting menu, which is a date amuse bouche, chicken and barley soup, scallops, Lamb and a dessert. They say 5 courses; the way I count, it's really three.
The head waiter (maybe sommelier?) came by, and I asked for him to do some wine pairings. I started with a rose champagne, and am now at a lovely Washington State Riesling. Next will be a Shiraz.
Hopefully, I make it through customs ok.
How this took over a year, I don't know. But it is very elegant and understated.
My only real gripe? The design aesthetic favors chairs with low or no arms. If you're tall, it's a pain.
Glad to be passing through on day 1!
And yes, there is Paradis.
. Sound the alarm!! It will be my post-dinner drink. I arrived and was offered a tour. Everyone is very proud of it. I immediately got a shave (it counted as my one freebie) and then sat down for dinner.
I ordered the Emirates Palace tasting menu, which is a date amuse bouche, chicken and barley soup, scallops, Lamb and a dessert. They say 5 courses; the way I count, it's really three.
The head waiter (maybe sommelier?) came by, and I asked for him to do some wine pairings. I started with a rose champagne, and am now at a lovely Washington State Riesling. Next will be a Shiraz.
Hopefully, I make it through customs ok.
How this took over a year, I don't know. But it is very elegant and understated.
My only real gripe? The design aesthetic favors chairs with low or no arms. If you're tall, it's a pain.
Glad to be passing through on day 1!
Last edited by thechosenuno; May 30, 2016 at 3:03 pm
May 30, 2016, 6:57 pm
#51
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
I'm in the lounge now. It is extremely nice. Groundbreaking? No. Very elegant and refined? Absolutely.
And yes, there is Paradis.. Sound the alarm!! It will be my post-dinner drink.
I arrived and was offered a tour. Everyone is very proud of it. I immediately got a shave (it counted as my one freebie) and then sat down for dinner.
I ordered the Emirates Palace tasting menu, which is a date amuse bouche, chicken and barley soup, scallops, Lamb and a dessert. They say 5 courses; the way I count, it's really three.
The head waiter (maybe sommelier?) came by, and I asked for him to do some wine pairings. I started with a rose champagne, and am now at a lovely Washington State Riesling. Next will be a Shiraz.
Hopefully, I make it through customs ok.
How this took over a year, I don't know. But it is very elegant and understated.
My only real gripe? The design aesthetic favors chairs with low or no arms. If you're tall, it's a pain.
Glad to be passing through on day 1!
And yes, there is Paradis.
. Sound the alarm!! It will be my post-dinner drink. I arrived and was offered a tour. Everyone is very proud of it. I immediately got a shave (it counted as my one freebie) and then sat down for dinner.
I ordered the Emirates Palace tasting menu, which is a date amuse bouche, chicken and barley soup, scallops, Lamb and a dessert. They say 5 courses; the way I count, it's really three.
The head waiter (maybe sommelier?) came by, and I asked for him to do some wine pairings. I started with a rose champagne, and am now at a lovely Washington State Riesling. Next will be a Shiraz.
Hopefully, I make it through customs ok.
How this took over a year, I don't know. But it is very elegant and understated.
My only real gripe? The design aesthetic favors chairs with low or no arms. If you're tall, it's a pain.
Glad to be passing through on day 1!
May 30, 2016, 8:17 pm
#53
Suspended
Join Date: May 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Hilton HHonors Gold
Posts: 2,863
Hate to be a downer with the good news today, but no car service to the plane still makes a long, long not-so-premium hike to the gate from the far from many gates FCL. After all this time, they apparently forgot or failed to understand one of the best features of LH and AF First Class service, the limo transfer to the plane?? OK, neither EK or QR do it, but if you are trying to one up the local competition, major fail here.
May 31, 2016, 1:04 am
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,741
May 31, 2016, 4:22 am
#56
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: UK
Programs: Etihad Gold, Qatar Gold, flying Blue, Falcon, Lufthansa, Eva
Posts: 1,428
I wonder if those of you that have seen the new lounge would like to agree or disagree with the following:
Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ senior vice president marketing, said: “We are reimagining service and hospitality. Whilst this physical environment is truly remarkable, we have placed special emphasis on creating an aspirational luxury lifestyle space in line with our legendary inflight service offering. The result is the finest airline lounge and spa experience in the world.
Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ senior vice president marketing, said: “We are reimagining service and hospitality. Whilst this physical environment is truly remarkable, we have placed special emphasis on creating an aspirational luxury lifestyle space in line with our legendary inflight service offering. The result is the finest airline lounge and spa experience in the world.
May 31, 2016, 4:23 am
#57
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: AA PLT, SPG Plat
Posts: 295
The tasting course was restaurant quality.
When I boarded, I passed on eating anything on the plane. Breakfast in a little bit, that's a different story.
May 31, 2016, 4:32 am
#58
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,741
Originally Posted by Etihad Airways press release
Measuring just under 1,700 mē, and boasting expansive views of the airport, the new facility is open round-the-clock for the exclusive use of guests of The Residence, Etihad First Class, Etihad Guest Exclusive, Etihad Guest Platinum members (plus one guest), Etihad Airways Partner (EAP) airline First Class guests, EAP ‘Invitation only’ members (plus two guests) and EAP equivalent Platinum members (plus one guest).
May 31, 2016, 4:41 am
#59
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 53
I agree to you concerning the EAP Platinum status - that seems to be a safe bet. But I am not so sure about the airline, even if AB is part of EAP, as it is not mentioned anywhere.
May 31, 2016, 4:49 am
#60
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: Etihad Guest Platinum; Accor Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,356
Oh my giddy aunt it is finally open.
Was that 20 months ?
It is so typical that I am on a flight embargo until my wife has our baby in July.
She's so selfish I swear !!
Will see it in August, will plan in a six hour layover !
Was that 20 months ?
It is so typical that I am on a flight embargo until my wife has our baby in July.
She's so selfish I swear !!
Will see it in August, will plan in a six hour layover !