Etihad SYD, MEL lounges next to become The House lounges
Dec 4, 2018, 11:56 pm
#16
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
SYD has more than one show cubicle I thought? It's not really a transit lounge so doesn't warrant more.
It has always been poor for F pax. Like all single lounge concepts there is no dedicated F seating. As we arrive at T-90 we're sometimes left with no two seats together.
It has always been poor for F pax. Like all single lounge concepts there is no dedicated F seating. As we arrive at T-90 we're sometimes left with no two seats together.
Jan 3, 2019, 9:13 pm
#17
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 150
Am in the house lounge SYD as we speak and I have to say food choice is terrible, servers don’t have a smile or care less. The music is way too lounge and not very ‘loungey’ the seating is too squashed together and not enough powerpoints for a lounge in this day and age...
Jan 5, 2019, 2:55 pm
#18
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 134
Very pleased to report that I have not had to fly SYD/LHR or MEL/LHR on EY since November '17. Relocated to UK! The new Etihad lounges sound horrid.
However well aware that there can be very long waiting periods for folks boarding international flights, travelling from distant locations in Australia.
I always used a VA lounge, just showed my Etihad Guest card. VA SYD is in the domestic terminal, but if arriving in SYD from a domestic flight its simple, transfer to the International terminal will always be a bore, free transfer via shuttle bus (VA give you a free pass), much easier than getting the train (and don't try a taxi, they will dump you immediately when they realise where you are going) . Flying via MEL is even easier, VA lounge in same complex as the International terminal.
The Virgin Australia lounges are not First Class, but they have seriously good simple proper food thats not curling up at the edges, good barista coffee and a good selection of wine and beers. Loos get get 5 stars, as do staff. As a bonus one can people watch - Every Australian sports team uses VA, so far Netball, Rugby League, swimming, tennis and beach volleyball on my list.
However well aware that there can be very long waiting periods for folks boarding international flights, travelling from distant locations in Australia.
I always used a VA lounge, just showed my Etihad Guest card. VA SYD is in the domestic terminal, but if arriving in SYD from a domestic flight its simple, transfer to the International terminal will always be a bore, free transfer via shuttle bus (VA give you a free pass), much easier than getting the train (and don't try a taxi, they will dump you immediately when they realise where you are going) . Flying via MEL is even easier, VA lounge in same complex as the International terminal.
The Virgin Australia lounges are not First Class, but they have seriously good simple proper food thats not curling up at the edges, good barista coffee and a good selection of wine and beers. Loos get get 5 stars, as do staff. As a bonus one can people watch - Every Australian sports team uses VA, so far Netball, Rugby League, swimming, tennis and beach volleyball on my list.
Last edited by grannieflyer; Jan 5, 2019 at 3:01 pm Reason: A thought
Jan 6, 2019, 2:43 pm
#19
Join Date: May 2018
Location: AUH
Programs: TK Elite (*G), ITA Executive, WY Silver, Accor Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 291
Jan 9, 2019, 3:32 pm
#21
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,857
The food selection at breakfast is the usual four star hotel breakfast buffet but they do do a la carte and have a barista as well for those so inclined. The lounge would be small for an A380 selection but it is going to be refurbished by The House. The only real complaint about the food selection is that it is a very western only selection so variety is not there.
Jan 29, 2019, 10:24 pm
#22
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: UK
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 174
Just left the SYD lounge - disappointing buffet food selection mid afternoon, but the drink choice was good. Ordered a burger from the a la carte menu but gave up waiting after 40 mins and having chased it already as I had to get my flight. Frankly it was worse than the No 1 that I regularly use in London, just a bit quieter. Definitely not a First Class experience.
Jan 30, 2019, 10:54 am
#23
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: ey gold tg gold accor gold
Posts: 376
Just left the SYD lounge - disappointing buffet food selection mid afternoon, but the drink choice was good. Ordered a burger from the a la carte menu but gave up waiting after 40 mins and having chased it already as I had to get my flight. Frankly it was worse than the No 1 that I regularly use in London, just a bit quieter. Definitely not a First Class experience.
Mar 14, 2019, 3:46 pm
#24
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Aberdeen
Programs: BA Gold, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 648
Does anyone know the time entry policy regarding business passengers on Etihad? Can you come in at any point if you have a longer connection or do they charge you if you arrive more than 3 hours before your flight? Also do they still serve champagne or is it just prosecco now?
Dec 2, 2019, 3:02 pm
#27
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
The House SYD has a small a la carte menu, but they are all main meals, no entrees. Decent drinks selection.
We generally have a drink and maybe share one meal prior to boarding. It would be better if they had some entrees like a salad etc
We generally have a drink and maybe share one meal prior to boarding. It would be better if they had some entrees like a salad etc
Dec 3, 2019, 2:48 pm
#28
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Sydney, NSW
Posts: 842
The salads at the buffet were quite good though.
Dec 3, 2019, 5:20 pm
#29
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 296
Good tip, thanks. Sounds like they have buffet and a la carte.
Yes, some small plates would be ideal.
Do you guys have any thoughts/suggestions on the food in the F lounge at AUH?
Do you guys have any thoughts/suggestions on the food in the F lounge at AUH?
Dec 3, 2019, 7:40 pm
#30
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
If you’re connecting I don’t bother with the on board shower, rather I’ll have breakfast, do 30 mins of cardio then shower in the gym (it’s a little known secret and you never have to wait).
Showers are great before landing at your final destination but once you’ve done it, there’s no need to fumble around in that tight space when you can shower on the ground.