Wow...HON/First Lounge in FRA is Really Great
Jan 27, 2005, 9:57 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum (3MM), QF Lifetime Gold, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, Ex-Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 7,541
Wow...HON/First Lounge in FRA is Really Great
I got the chance to visit the new HON/First Lounge in FRA and was very impressed...almost a reason to fly LH or connect thru FRA on it's own.
To begin with, the BAR is amazing, including: a selection of 34 single malts and 13 blended scotches, highlighted by Glenfiddich 21, Glenfarclas 21 (not available when I was there, but on the menu), and JW Blue; 6 cognacs, including 2 XO's; and terrific cocktails (Mai Tai's, MArgaritas, etc.). There's even a BYOC (bring your own cigars) cigar smoking room with the same fine cognacs and whiskeys you can get at the main bar.
The menu is pretty good, including wonderful stir fried beef with Asian noodles and a nice selection of antipasti, tapas, smoked salmon, soups, pastas, steak salad, and deserts.
And, they offer a few day rooms with flat beds/couches for napping: if only tghey offered movies too, like CX.
Now, if they had a massage/spa, IMO, this would be the #1 Lounge in the market. As it is, this entry amkes for an interesting debate.
Is it "better" than CX ing/Pier or BA's Concorde Room? IMO, maybe, but:
1. BA offers a massage/spa (albeit only about 20 minutes worth, but it's a nice touch) and pretty good booze (JW Blue and sometimes very good wine and champagne);
2. CX doesn't offer a massage/spa, so it's equal with LH in that sense, offers better food and private quarters, but lacks LH's extensive and even BA's premium selection of spirits/wines.
Still, it was a great find, and I was thrilled that they let me in with an IAD-FRA flight.
Way to go LH and what a step up from the SEN lounges, which were a BIG disappointment.
p.s.: I have the bar and food menu, if anyone has any questions.
To begin with, the BAR is amazing, including: a selection of 34 single malts and 13 blended scotches, highlighted by Glenfiddich 21, Glenfarclas 21 (not available when I was there, but on the menu), and JW Blue; 6 cognacs, including 2 XO's; and terrific cocktails (Mai Tai's, MArgaritas, etc.). There's even a BYOC (bring your own cigars) cigar smoking room with the same fine cognacs and whiskeys you can get at the main bar.
The menu is pretty good, including wonderful stir fried beef with Asian noodles and a nice selection of antipasti, tapas, smoked salmon, soups, pastas, steak salad, and deserts.
And, they offer a few day rooms with flat beds/couches for napping: if only tghey offered movies too, like CX.
Now, if they had a massage/spa, IMO, this would be the #1 Lounge in the market. As it is, this entry amkes for an interesting debate.
Is it "better" than CX ing/Pier or BA's Concorde Room? IMO, maybe, but:
1. BA offers a massage/spa (albeit only about 20 minutes worth, but it's a nice touch) and pretty good booze (JW Blue and sometimes very good wine and champagne);
2. CX doesn't offer a massage/spa, so it's equal with LH in that sense, offers better food and private quarters, but lacks LH's extensive and even BA's premium selection of spirits/wines.
Still, it was a great find, and I was thrilled that they let me in with an IAD-FRA flight.
Way to go LH and what a step up from the SEN lounges, which were a BIG disappointment.
p.s.: I have the bar and food menu, if anyone has any questions.
Jan 27, 2005, 10:31 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Was this the First Terminal or just one of the two new First Class lounges?
If the former were you connecting, arriving or originating at FRA?
FRA lounges for First Class passengers
If the former were you connecting, arriving or originating at FRA?
FRA lounges for First Class passengers
Last edited by transpac; Jan 27, 2005 at 10:37 am
Jan 27, 2005, 7:16 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum (3MM), QF Lifetime Gold, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, Ex-Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 7,541
I was in Terrminal A on my way ti LIS
Originally Posted by transpac
Was this the First Terminal or just one of the two new First Class lounges? If the former were you connecting, arriving or originating at FRA? FRA lounges for First Class passengers
Jan 27, 2005, 10:25 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 6,984
Originally Posted by nologic
I was in Terminal A on my way to LIS. This lounge was in that Terminal, upstairs above the first and business class lounges.
I was disappointed with the new F lounge at Terminal B near the casino though. No dining area. Seems smaller in size. Less chairs. One bathroom with bathtub which the drainplug has broken already. (But the three yellow ducky ducks were still there
)By 8:30am that morning, more pax were in the lounge, and seemed all the chairs were occupied. The problem was that all these couple who travels together wanted to seat near to each other. The result is that being single traveller will have to hear them nagging to the staff about the situation.
Last edited by CGK; Jan 27, 2005 at 10:53 pm Reason: Addition & Correction
Jan 28, 2005, 1:45 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: hamburg
Posts: 1,390
Originally Posted by CGK
I agree that this new F Lounge above Gate A26 is great. The best is still the lounge at the New F Terminal.
I was disappointed with the new F lounge at Terminal B near the casino though. No dining area. Seems smaller in size. Less chairs. One bathroom with bathtub which the drainplug has broken already. (But the three yellow ducky ducks were still there )
By 8:30am that morning, more pax were in the lounge, and seemed all the chairs were occupied. The problem was that all these couple who travels together wanted to seat near to each other. The result is that being single traveller will have to hear them nagging to the staff about the situation.
I was disappointed with the new F lounge at Terminal B near the casino though. No dining area. Seems smaller in size. Less chairs. One bathroom with bathtub which the drainplug has broken already. (But the three yellow ducky ducks were still there
)By 8:30am that morning, more pax were in the lounge, and seemed all the chairs were occupied. The problem was that all these couple who travels together wanted to seat near to each other. The result is that being single traveller will have to hear them nagging to the staff about the situation.
couldn't have put it in better words!
the lounge in B is at least 3 notches down from the one in A .
just fancy, not even a cigar lounge there !!!
Jan 28, 2005, 9:10 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Malta
Programs: LH HON, BA Gold, Bonvoy LT Titanium
Posts: 416
Originally Posted by CGK
I was disappointed with the new F lounge at Terminal B near the casino though. No dining area. Seems smaller in size. Less chairs. One bathroom with bathtub which the drainplug has broken already. (But the three yellow ducky ducks were still there ..
I have only known the B F/HON lounge. If the other ones (in A and the new Terminal) are better, I am IMPRESSED.
I have not seen such good food anywhere else, including the SQ F lounge in SIN. Entire Fillet of beef, almost rare, they cut you the piece(s) you want, as much as you want. Dito the Leberkse. Normandy butter in its individual pot, several types of mustard. Huge Prawns, that actually taste to prawns, and do not require copious amounts of Ketchup to tickle the taste buds.
Although I have not been to the Wing (or Pier) in HKG for over 2 years, my gut reaction would place the B lounge even above it.
The girls were fabulous too (I mean the behaviour of the staff), and are obviously not from existing LH stock.
Last edited by Zorro; Jan 28, 2005 at 9:15 am
Jan 28, 2005, 10:01 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 6,984
Originally Posted by Zorro
I have only known the B F/HON lounge. If the other ones (in A and the new Terminal) are better, I am IMPRESSED.
I have not seen such good food anywhere else, including the SQ F lounge in SIN. Entire Fillet of beef, almost rare, they cut you the piece(s) you want, as much as you want. Dito the Leberkse. Normandy butter in its individual pot, several types of mustard. Huge Prawns, that actually taste to prawns, and do not require copious amounts of Ketchup to tickle the taste buds.
Although I have not been to the Wing (or Pier) in HKG for over 2 years, my gut reaction would place the B lounge even above it.
The girls were fabulous too (I mean the behaviour of the staff), and are obviously not from existing LH stock.
I have not seen such good food anywhere else, including the SQ F lounge in SIN. Entire Fillet of beef, almost rare, they cut you the piece(s) you want, as much as you want. Dito the Leberkse. Normandy butter in its individual pot, several types of mustard. Huge Prawns, that actually taste to prawns, and do not require copious amounts of Ketchup to tickle the taste buds.
Although I have not been to the Wing (or Pier) in HKG for over 2 years, my gut reaction would place the B lounge even above it.
The girls were fabulous too (I mean the behaviour of the staff), and are obviously not from existing LH stock.
And I agree, the staff in all the new F/HON lounges are great. They are the great investment for LH in attracting the premium pax.
Jan 28, 2005, 10:22 am
#8
Join Date: May 2003
Location: SFO
Programs: DL 3MM/FC/DM LT; LH FT LT; HH DIA
Posts: 347
I used the lounge in B upon arrival and really liked it to relax for a few moments, have breakfast before collecting your bags. Small, but nice. The only downside was that it was really crowded, had to sit at the bar. Well, I guess that happens around certain times.
Upon departing FRA a couple days ago I checked in at the new terminal and I have to say I was impressed! Absolutely no hassle, security check and checking in is a breeze. Arriving 45 min before departure time would be plenty, but than no time to enjoy the excellent food, day rest rooms etc.
It's like using a private plane (used to own a quarter share) Again absolutely fantastic, I am seriously thinking now to switch all my business to LH and UA to reach HON status so that I can use it intra Europe or on flights where they have no F.
Way to go LH
vielflieger
Upon departing FRA a couple days ago I checked in at the new terminal and I have to say I was impressed! Absolutely no hassle, security check and checking in is a breeze. Arriving 45 min before departure time would be plenty, but than no time to enjoy the excellent food, day rest rooms etc.
It's like using a private plane (used to own a quarter share)
Again absolutely fantastic, I am seriously thinking now to switch all my business to LH and UA to reach HON status so that I can use it intra Europe or on flights where they have no F.Way to go LH
vielflieger