The Private Room - Service Sub Standard
#16
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#17
Join Date: Jan 2014
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Exactly. You pay for a service you expect to receive that service. Not sure what the narky responses are about.
The difference between service at Sydney First Class Lounge and the Private Room was so different which was the point of this post. Apparently from the responses I read here I just need to suck it up and accept whatever crummy service the staff feels like delivering.
The difference between service at Sydney First Class Lounge and the Private Room was so different which was the point of this post. Apparently from the responses I read here I just need to suck it up and accept whatever crummy service the staff feels like delivering.
However I think the issue of service at the FC Lounges, is really subjective depending on point of view.
Typically I would image that if you were sitting at the dining area, attentive service is expected. However if you are at a rest and/or TV area, one would normally expect to be given privacy. Hence service would preferably be based on "when I ask for", instead of constant "can I refresh your drink, food, etc." disturbance.
#18
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: YYZ
Posts: 1,666
Typically I would image that if you were sitting at the dining area, attentive service is expected. However if you are at a rest and/or TV area, one would normally expect to be given privacy. Hence service would preferably be based on "when I ask for", instead of constant "can I refresh your drink, food, etc." disturbance.
OP looks like they were going into this with an eye to seek out problems (glass half-empty way of thinking). Or maybe I just don't have high enough expectations (e.g. I don't mind it if my tray is placed incorrectly, or my cutlery is still wrapped up in a napkin - which some bloggers seem to have a knack for noticing and complaining about in their trip reports.) @:-)
#19
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#20
Join Date: Jul 2013
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When I was in the newly opened SQ F lounge in SYD in December I hoped and prayed that the woman would shut up and leave me alone. I don't care that the chef has his own special touches for the laksha...let me sit in peace and I'll notify you if I need any assistance!
#21
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: NYC
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Posts: 6,164
I agree. Need something, just ask for it! Maybe we are spoiled though to fly SQ where in the air, the FAs are extremely attentive, but in lounges the agents are less so on the ground.
#22
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: UA, Bonvoy, Amex Plat
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I chuckled aloud at some of the sarcastic responses, but I do understand the OP's perspective.
I visited the Private Room last week for the first time. My sense was that the philosophy of TPR isn't necessarily over-the-top service, but peace, quiet, and discretion, with service when it's desired by the patron. I think it's just a different model from some of the over-the-top service-oriented lounges and isn't necessarily trying to be that.
This is just my two cents, but I do understand how OP would be disappointed if she was expecting something like the LH FCL or FCT in FRA, or the TG lounge in BKK (none of which I've visited, by the way, so I'm just going by what I've seen on FT).
I visited the Private Room last week for the first time. My sense was that the philosophy of TPR isn't necessarily over-the-top service, but peace, quiet, and discretion, with service when it's desired by the patron. I think it's just a different model from some of the over-the-top service-oriented lounges and isn't necessarily trying to be that.
This is just my two cents, but I do understand how OP would be disappointed if she was expecting something like the LH FCL or FCT in FRA, or the TG lounge in BKK (none of which I've visited, by the way, so I'm just going by what I've seen on FT).
#23
Join Date: May 2010
Location: FSD
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I would hate to be responsible for drawing up service guidelines for venues catering to an elite echelon of patrons. Different cultures have different expectations of what top-flight service entails, and harmonising them seems nightmarish.
#24
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Seattle WA
Programs: AS 100K, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 1,828
Also agree with the posts about the higher level of service in the TPR's dining area. When I was there earlier this year, I was doted on while I sat at a table (proactive water refills, asks for more wine, etc.)
Similarly, IME if you are outside of the dining area at LH's FRA FCT, you're not likely to be approached by a staff member more than once or twice an hour.
#25
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
It's surprising folks would defend it. I am sure if an SQ manager read this it would be discussed with TPRs team. The goal, I would guess, is to meet the varied expectations which are going to be standard business. @:-)
#26
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Exactly. You pay for a service you expect to receive that service. Not sure what the narky responses are about.
The difference between service at Sydney First Class Lounge and the Private Room was so different which was the point of this post. Apparently from the responses I read here I just need to suck it up and accept whatever crummy service the staff feels like delivering.
The difference between service at Sydney First Class Lounge and the Private Room was so different which was the point of this post. Apparently from the responses I read here I just need to suck it up and accept whatever crummy service the staff feels like delivering.
#28
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
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I also wondered why the single male traveller in TPR at the same time as me was hoofing down a huge snack that had been offered to him as he sat in his seat and his glass was continually filled by staff approaching him. However, I had to go in to the aisle and stand there for ages before catching the eye of a staff member to receive service.
Read in to that everyone and for those who attacked me before.. you're welcome to continue to do so on this above statement.
Read in to that everyone and for those who attacked me before.. you're welcome to continue to do so on this above statement.
#29
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: OSL
Programs: BA Gold | SK Gold | A3 Gold
Posts: 4,553
FWIW I felt the same at the TPR - very poor soft product, with almost no service at all. For what is touted to be the airline's most premium offering, I expect better than a UA Club style self service bar (albeit with more premium offerings).
Compare this to other airlines' F lounges where staff are much more proactive at offering drinks, and when noticing that a glass is empty, asking if you'd like another or taking it away if you don't. It is the same kind of service you would expect in the F cabin, so why not on the ground?
Compare this to other airlines' F lounges where staff are much more proactive at offering drinks, and when noticing that a glass is empty, asking if you'd like another or taking it away if you don't. It is the same kind of service you would expect in the F cabin, so why not on the ground?
#30
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ TPP7, NZ*E, HH Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 84
Isn't the point that the OP got the same service everyone else (including myself) gets in the TPR. It's awful. Reheated food, 90's hotel decor, limited drinks selection and liaize faire service. It's sub-standard relative to the home F lounges of QF, CX, BA and LH.
Message - if you want real F service on the ground, fly someone else. SQ is great in the air but fails to recognize premium pax value the end to end product, not just the flight.
Message - if you want real F service on the ground, fly someone else. SQ is great in the air but fails to recognize premium pax value the end to end product, not just the flight.