I will be spending one night at the Mercure Hotel inside Schiphol Airport before departure (business class) on a United flight to Houston. I will arrive at Schiphol by train in the evening from Brussels.

First, the Mercure is inside the transit area, past emigration, and can be accessed by persons holding a departure on the same or following day. I've read that security is at each gate, but one can only go through emigration with the 3-1-1 in liquids. Is this correct? I may travel with a 25-inch bag to check the following morning. Will I be able to take my large bag through emigration and into the hotel?

If so, I would have to take the bag to the UA ticket counter in the morning to check it. Will I have to go through immigration and customs before going to the ticket counter? Would it be better to check the bag at left luggage, instead of taking it to the hotel?

Second, it seems the only lounge for business class at AMS is the Servisair lounge. I haven't read good reviews of this lounge. Is it even worth going to? What can I expect there?

Last, how much time should I allow for the hassle of security at the gate? Normally, one of the great benefits of flying business class is no need to go to the gate early. But, in this instance what is the right time to get to the gate?

Thanks for any advice and recommendations.