HKG

HKG is a very easy airport to navigate, though it has some pretty long walking distances. It was a brisk 10 minute walk to the transfer desk from my gate. First, I was off to see the Cathay people about a downgrade compensation. I knew the guy at MNL who promised HKG station would help me was not being truthful, and naturally all they could offer me was contact info to customer relations. I later wrote them a letter, and received a one-sector, one-class complimentary upgrade to be used in all booking classes. I was happy about that.

Then I went on to the Singapore Airlines transfer desk, to be handed the coveted dark red boarding pass. I was in seat 2F as requested and they re-confirmed my choice for Book the Cook, a lobster thermidor.

Having done my homework on SQtalk, I knew that the superior lounge option available to SQ premium flyers at HKG is the Virgin Clubhouse. At the Clubhouse I was warmly greeted after the lady had jotted down all my flight info, presumably so they can charge SQ later. First of all, I wanted a shower after many hours on the road today. It was 8.30PM and I’d been up since 6.AM that morning when I started from BKK. The Clubhouse shower was a wonderful rainfall shower, and there was a nice selection of soaps and lotions available, can’t remember the brand though.

Afterwards I entered the bar area, and was immediately approached by a waitress to take my drink order. I opted for the Taittinger Champagne, and ordered a spicy duck salad from the menu. There were few guests at the time, so the staff kept hovering and wanted to refill my glass constantly. I didn’t want to be impolite, so I went along

After perusing the British newspapers, I decided I wanted to do a little lounge hopping. I skipped the United Airlines RCC, and went to the Thai Royal First lounge. After photocopying my BP they let me into the First class section which was basically cordoned off by a rope. It was actually a bit crowded in there, and I didn’t really like the layout. I wasn’t offered any a la carte options, nor did the buffet seem to offer much other than the usual dim sum fare. I know other posters have said this is the best Star lounge at HKG, but I couldn’t quite get comfortable and ended up leaving pretty soon after.

My next plan was a trek across the pier and a visit to the Silver Kris lounge. This SKL is pretty average, and offers no views, in fact no windows at all. The SKL C and F are identical, save for a better food and beverage selection in the F section. The C lounge was half-full, but I was alone in the F lounge. I decided to skip any more alcohol, or food in anticipation of my forthcoming onboard service, and just had a coffee and a small cup of lovely Haagen-Dazs ice cream. The lounge has a couple of computers with internet access, and lots of chairs. There are several hot dishes available, and dim sum, snacks, ice cream and beers, wines and spirits. The Champagne on offer was Piper-Heidsieck. There was a slight delay this evening, so the man at the front desk came around and informed me as such. He announced boarding shortly after, and I left my lonely SKL F and headed along to the gate with the SKL C crowd.


Pictures:
Virgin Clubhouse entrance
All my luggage in the Clubhouse shower room
Virgin Clubhouse Hong Kong
Clubhouse seen from the patio outside

Silver Kris First Class lounge
SKL F bar
SKL F Champagne