The House Lounge at Sydney
Aug 11, 2019, 8:13 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sydney, Australia
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The House Lounge at Sydney
I know that this is now the main option for Virgin passengers travelling internationally - though recent flight was on SQ so used that lounge.
I've just noticed that anyone can pay to go into The House, and wondered what impact this is having on the experience. Is it a great lounge (worth paying for?), will they let kids in as well as partner for Plat members or should I activate his partner Gold? (About the only reason to do so so seems a little silly). Or is it too crowded with paying customers as well as FF members?
I've just noticed that anyone can pay to go into The House, and wondered what impact this is having on the experience. Is it a great lounge (worth paying for?), will they let kids in as well as partner for Plat members or should I activate his partner Gold? (About the only reason to do so so seems a little silly). Or is it too crowded with paying customers as well as FF members?
Aug 11, 2019, 2:41 pm
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
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The cost for paid access to the House is quite significant - I doubt such access would be significantly contributing to any overcrowding.
Aug 11, 2019, 10:17 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
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I highly doubt The House is getting many paid customers. The cost is very high. I like that they have the option though, for example if you had 2 with free access but a group of 3, splitting the cost of the 3rd person is cheaper than you all dining outside the lounge.
Kids are not free guests as far as I know. Depends on what you call a kid, under 2 is usually comp'd.
Kids are not free guests as far as I know. Depends on what you call a kid, under 2 is usually comp'd.
Aug 16, 2019, 12:51 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sydney
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Posts: 403
I've used it a few times. Reception very friendly and helpful. However, it is often pretty full and the seated eating area for table service is confused. There are often reserved signs on the tables with people crammed into the other tables. The service to the tables is not that obvious and you often have to ask. It isn't that clear that you can get table service (you can), the menus are not always out and often the wait staff are not immediately obvious.
Aug 16, 2019, 8:45 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
The table service is an absolute mess. Sit down and get ignored by any staff passing by, then go to the bar and ask if you can order food. The bartender gives you a menu and tells you to sit back down... repeat a few times and you'll finally have an order in.
The food is actually quite good, but the service a shambles.
The food is actually quite good, but the service a shambles.
Aug 17, 2019, 8:09 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Lifetime *G (MP), Lifetime PE (Bonvoy)
Posts: 1,465
On my single visit I got there early for my mid-morning flight so there were plenty of spare tables (breakfast) and the staff were attentive. As I recall there weren't enough staff for when it got busier