Originally Posted by
fumje
Yes, shower room warmth is perennially an issue at NRT (and HND, for that matter). Even in the winter, I have to optimise efficiency to avoid needing a second shower. Between NH lounge and UC, I never felt one was heads and shoulders above the other. Both are pleasant in my experience, but the UC has definitely been improved by replacing the worn out furniture. That sushi goes fast!<br /><br />Indeed, the quality UC makes NRT transit something I sort of look forward to. Honestly I might prefer it to LHR, even.
I prefer the NH lounge to the UC lounge at NRT. I have never had to wait for a shower, and while the shower room can get steamy, turning on the fan helps mitigate that, as does finishing off the shower with a nice cool rinse. Plus, I love the Shishido products the NH lounge gives, especially the facial wash/rinse/oil/milk stuff.
I find the back room of the NH lounge quieter and darker than the UC, which I prefer to the louder and lighter vibe of the UC. Both have the beer machines that I get such a kick out of, but the hot offerings at NH (both the food bar and the noodle bar -- LURV the pork udon) do it for me more than does the sushi at the UC. And you have several sake offerings in the NH lounge that I don't recall seeing at the UC.
To be fair, it's been about 2 years since I've been to the UC at NRT so it may have changed, but I'm happier with NH -- and can't wait to transit through there this weekend.