Originally Posted by
joakgarp
I can understand that. It's a different clientel.
OT now but: Lounge access for me should always be complimentary, unless there's a big discount and lounge is bought for a very small discounted fee. Would never pay for that on my own expense. Why would I fight for Titanium/50+ nights every year in the Bonvoy program... however on business trips I can understand why guests pay for lounge access.
One of the best Lounge experience I've experienced was at JW HK and JW Macau. Amazing Lounge areas with JW Macau as the winner. Westin Shanghai was huge as well. All in China so perhaps it's that.
I have never stayed at either of those properties so I suppose I can't really compare, but it depends exactly what you want from a lounge. I am one of the few people who actually seems to like the PG lounge and whilst it's sad it is no longer included with status, I have paid for it on subsequent stays and the ambience is noticeably better now people aren't queuing out the door to get in. I agree with those who say it would be nice if they varied the snacks and breakfast options a bit more, though. Everyone is looking for something different from a lounge, which I guess is why there are so many different lounge approaches. Some people are looking for an extensive food spread which is fair enough, I am looking for somewhere to have high quality pre-dinner drinks and possibly breakfast in peace and quiet away from most other guests, both of which the PG delivers on. Generally speaking, there seems to be a correlation between providing higher quality items (e.g. all day champagne) and pay for access, which I get.