|
Originally Posted by QRC3288
(Post 23322276)
Me thinks with F, DM and Emerald only, the lounge #s wouldn't shrink too much;). My unsubstantiated guess is that guests aren't the problem.
If expansion is out of the question, then the only way is cut off Emeralds, Emeralds (and/or DMs) in Y, or all non-F pax. I think the non-F option is off the table because CX has so many long-haul routes these days without F, and that's only increasing. Australia, Auckland, EWR, YYZ, some YVR, LHR, ORD and SFO, and many Europe destinations going forward. I know guys who drop heaps on J class tickets and frankly, they are bigger contributors to CX than guys who buy A class and/or burn miles efficiently for F seats. If DMs get cut off - even in Y class - I think that would be an uproar in HK and a risk to CX. Not saying impossible, but it would be a big decision for them. Not trying to sound offensive, but I think CX's real only choices to get the crowds down are limit other Emeralds or expand the darn space. Anyways, I suppose that's not for this forum unfortunately. But yea I'm not totally convinced (or just flat confused) at why CX thought it necessary to renovate over this "noise" and aesthetics issue - I never found either too offensive, especially given the Wing F isn't that special to begin with compared to other F lounges globally - when the main issue in my mind (crowding) is the real problem. Let's see what happens when the Pier reopens. Hopefully, it'll alleviate some of the crowds. I'm not optimistic but at least there are options. As I said before, go to the QF lounge early afternoon. It's beyond dead. You can have the entire round table to yourself. |
Originally Posted by gemini573
(Post 23322435)
I have to say, it does get a little loud when they do the announcements over the PA in the Haven.
Originally Posted by gemini573
(Post 23322435)
Let's see what happens when the Pier reopens. Hopefully, it'll alleviate some of the crowds. I'm not optimistic but at least there are options
Originally Posted by gemini573
(Post 23322435)
As I said before, go to the QF lounge early afternoon. It's beyond dead. You can have the entire round table to yourself.
|
Originally Posted by QRC3288
(Post 23322445)
Could not agree more. It is EMPTY early-mid afternoon. Plus, I'm still a fan of CX's other J lounges. Just a bummer the F lounge is so crowded but there are plenty of J options. |
Which QF lounge are you guys talking about? On the oneworld lounge site it lists a J one and a F one, saying the F one is closed (but "due to open in early 2014").
|
Contrary to some above, I'm not sure the primary problem with the Wing is entrance eligibility. I think it's more a case of how the space is configured.
I don't think it's an especially efficient use of space firstly. I'm also not convinced that using solely hard surfaces was the best idea when the lounge is open to the ambient noise from the terminal. I can see what Foster was trying to achieve, but nope, they didn't pull it off. Regardless, kudos to CX for reacting swiftly. The Haven was terrible, so I'm looking forward to seeing if there's a positive change next week. The major issue for me wasn't people speaking, but the noise of cutlery, chairs scraping on the floor and people rolling their luggage in and out. With better noise insulation, hopefully we'll see an improvement. Less stark lighting is also likely to be a nice (subtle) accompaniment. Now if only they decided to extend the lounge into the J balcony too... |
I am just here. Never like the haven, and will still not like it. But now there are less reasons :) They did a good job! The lighting is MUCH better, it improves the lounge a lot. Also the new walls make the sound in the loung much better.
I still won´t go there as the buffet is mediocre (actually a slap in the face of for any first class flyer if using the "home" lounge of a carrier), no power outlets, fish smell is everywhere, and seating is too narrow and not comfortable. But again: For a little renovation effort, the effect is really good. Anything else can now be solved just by increasing the budget for food and wine. Cabanas are working, of course no. 3 still has an "inop bathtub", as it does since one year. Shame on you, CX, not to repair this in ONE YEAR. By the way, luckily, the lounge was not crowded at 11pm, and cabana available right away, a well received miracle :) |
I like the changes, it feels more subtle now before I felt like I was stepping on to a cstage and under the spotlight. Also tried the QF lounge. Couldn't see what was so good about it to be honest....
|
If they went to the expense and effort to improve these cosmetic things, one hopes they'll also work on the food selection since that's what really matters.
Since people are talking about other lounges here, last week I tried the Pier for the first time in a long time. I was pleasantly surprised. At a time when other lounges were full, there were only a scattered few people here. Of course the F section is closed for renovation. People have been poo pooing the roped off temporary first class area in the business lounge. But I found it to be a great experience. Very attentive waiters, comfortable chairs, a menu to order several entrees. It felt like more of a first class experience than a crowded Wing would have. Granted, for some people it will be too far away. But if have a more outer gate and you're looking for a more quiet and tranquil feeling it's worth a look. |
Originally Posted by arabiamark
(Post 23338801)
But I found it to be a great experience. Very attentive waiters, comfortable chairs, a menu to order several entrees. It felt like more of a first class experience than a crowded Wing would have.
I wish CX would figure out that it's not necessarily the bling that matters - I could care less the Solus chairs were designed by so and so -but frankly it's the environment. I guess that's what they're trying to address a bit by quieting down The Haven, but I think they're missing the big picture by focusing on the renovation. I don't have my hopes up for enhanced F&B offerings because they won't be able to improve the food/drink unless they have lower lounge#s. HKSH is certainly going to charge CX more/person if they up the F&B offering, meaning CX will have to pay more/jhead. I'm not optimistic about seeing better food/drink offerings unless CX does something about the crowds. CX was doing some caviar test-run in the Wing F a while back, and I wonder what that was all about fingers crossed it's for good things to come, but honestly my mind would be blown if CX increased F&B selection without doing something to offset the cost. |
I was in the Haven at 7am on Saturday and have to say pleasantly surprised with breakfast. It wasn't very busy at all which was rather nice. Couldn't notice a great difference but then I don't tend to eat in their very much anyway so couldn't see the subtle changes.
Interesting to know about the Pier. I do prefer an enclosed quiet environment so will give it a check next time I'm up that end. Can't wait for the F Pier to re-open next year! |
I visited last night and I was impressed. The ambience seemed much quieter and the lighting is much improved. Is it just me or did they add more dark wood to offset the starkness too?
Service seemed to be a notch better than normal, but the buffet station was still as rubbish as ever. The selection, quality and presentation still leaves much to be desired. |
Also checked out the haven again a two days ago. Really enjoyed the ambiance. Was there around noon, and it was pretty empty. The buffet kinda sucks, but you all knew that, but the menu items were rather tasty! Better than the meal on my CX F flight afterwards by far.
|
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 3:06 pm. |
This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.