We're flying on points (Business) from JNB to AMS (then onto YYZ) - we arrive at JNB about 3pm and our AMS flight doesn't leave until 00:45am - is the KLM lounge fairly comfortable for that time or alternatively a local B&B has been suggested for the afternoon/early evening (African Dreams Guesthouse).
There is no KLM lounge at JNB anymore - you can use the AF lounge.
However I am not sure it will be open that early?
The first AF flight is around 19:30, but maybe it's open earlier because of other airlines using it?
Better check.
The lounge itself is ok, a bit overrated actually.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jetfan
There is no KLM lounge at JNB anymore - you can use the AF lounge.
However I am not sure it will be open that early?
The first AF flight is around 19:30, but maybe it's open earlier because of other airlines using it?
Better check.
The lounge itself is ok, a bit overrated actually.
You're right there. Its a terribly sterile kinda place and the staff I have found to be a bit, not rude, but going through the motions? The old AF/KL lounges were grim at JNB but the staff on the desk were top notch in my experience - that seems to have gone. One young lady got a colleague to go and find my suitcase off an SA flight from LAD when I was connecting to a later KL flight as so many didn't make the transfer for reasons unknown. Service was amazing. Now you ask about your case being in the system and they say yes, even when you know they haven't looked. Shame, really.
I have more or less given up and started going for a pint somewhere else in the airport!
Considering that the lounge is quite new, and that they started with a clean sheet, it is amazing that they managed to build such an uninviting and impractical lounge. The toilets and showers take first prize, they are the worst designed I've ever seen in a lounge, or outside it for that matter.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johan rebel
Considering that the lounge is quite new, and that they started with a clean sheet, it is amazing that they managed to build such an uninviting and impractical lounge. The toilets and showers take first prize, they are the worst designed I've ever seen in a lounge, or outside it for that matter.
Johan
The funny thing is, at first it looks inviting with its still shiney newishness. Once you get settled in though you realise that actually, its crap. Uncomfortable seating, mediocre food, random rubbish on tvs that can be seen by 10 % of the lounge, staff that would clearly rather be elsewhere and as you rightly say the nonsense toilet / shower scenario. First - two bogs for a room that large is nuts. Second - there is always a sign on a shower room saying its bust. I will give them their drinks selection though, its decent.
The bar round the corner in the new duty free bit at least has a bit of life to it!
Why don't you arrange a transfer to Sandton and have a great lunch on Nelson Mandela Square, do some shopping there, enjoy the great Spring weather and then make your way back to the airport?
What a wasted opportunity to sit in a lounge for 9 hours.....
the ICH accross the road from the terminal is pretty d*mn good.
And pretty d*mn expensive too. At the rates they are charging, service should be impeccable. It is not, if my one experience is anything to go by. Never again. Can't wait for the new City Lodge that is being constructed on top of the Parkade to open.
On brighter note, the IC Quills restaurant serve the only decent food in or near the airport. Service can be a bit slow though, so allow plenty of time before your flight.
And pretty d*mn expensive too. At the rates they are charging, service should be impeccable. It is not, if my one experience is anything to go by. Never again. Can't wait for the new City Lodge that is being constructed on top of the Parkade to open.
On brighter note, the IC Quills restaurant serve the only decent food in or near the airport. Service can be a bit slow though, so allow plenty of time before your flight.
Johan
Always the optimist!
Gloom and Doom-sayers aside the ICH is perfect. If you don't want to take my word for it, read customer reviews here.
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Off topic, but KL have not exactly been improving their JNB service recently. First they switched from 747s to 777s, and with the upcoming winter schedule the arrival and departure times will change for the worse. I should perhaps thank FB for chasing me into the arms of the competition in good time.
Johan
Last edited by johan rebel; Oct 23, 09 at 2:34 pm.
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, BMI Gold, IC Hotels Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 235
Quote:
Originally Posted by henkybaby
Always the optimist!
Gloom and Doom-sayers aside the ICH is perfect. If you don't want to take my word for it, read customer reviews here.
I stay here overnight very often and really like it. Rooms are very nice and staff friendly. I can heartily recommend the Springbok burger on the menu in Quills. Superb. Yes, its only a burger but you'll see what I mean when you get one.
