Throughout my journey to Zimbabwe, I deliberately deliberate a roughly 10-hour layover at Zurich Airport, to have the ability to do some lounge hopping, after getting off my SWISS 777 firstclass flight from Miami.
I spent most of my time within the two SWISS First Lounges in Zurich, together with the SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal E and SWISS First Lounge Zurich Terminal A.
Nonetheless, I additionally needed to take a look at the SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich Terminal E, which I’ll be reviewing on this installment. Throughout a earlier journey, I reviewed the adjoining SWISS Enterprise Lounge Zurich Terminal E, so I figured it was time to take a look at the opposite lounge, which is meant to be a bit extra premium.
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich has a number of good options, together with a number of pure gentle, a terrace, a Whisky Membership, and bathe suites. Whereas there’s quite a bit that impresses concerning the lounge, I’d say the meals choice isn’t a lot to get enthusiastic about. Nonetheless, this can be a good place to move a while.
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich location
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich in Terminal E is sort of straightforward to search out (Terminal E is the non-Schengen terminal, so it’s primarily for lengthy haul flights).
When you’re in Terminal E (which requires going by means of safety, taking a prepare, after which going by means of passport management), comply with the signage within the path of gate E36. Close to the gate, you’ll see each a staircase and a few elevators that may take you to the lounge, which is situated on stage three (one stage above the concourse).
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich hours
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich is at present open each day from 6AM till 10PM, overlaying all departures from the terminal on each SWISS and Star Alliance companions.
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich entry necessities
SWISS follows commonplace Star Alliance lounge entry insurance policies, although takes a singular method to the way it separates out its lounges:
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich seating & structure
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich is 1,100 sq. meters (~11,800 sq. ft), and has seating for 170 folks. This lounge is simply barely smaller than the adjoining SWISS Enterprise Lounge, so you may count on that it’ll typically be a bit quieter.
As you enter the lounge, there’s a map of the structure, to present you a way of the completely different zones.
Inside the doorway to the lounge, you’ll first discover a lengthy and slender space with a restricted quantity of seating, plus some studying materials. The wall on this space has details about a few of the tallest mountains and largest lakes in Switzerland, which is a cute contact. You’ll additionally discover a machine on this space the place you may generate a Wi-Fi code.
On the finish of that space, you’ll discover 4 cellphone cubicles, which I assume are supposed to supply just a bit little bit of privateness if you wish to make a cellphone name, although they don’t have seats or doorways.
At this level you’ll be within the space of the lounge the place many of the seating begins. There’s an space with clusters of black leather-based chairs.
Given the restricted lounge capability so many airports have, I’m additionally puzzled by how SWISS chooses to dedicate a few of its lounge area to sponsored shows, since that area might be used for fairly a bit extra seating as a substitute.
The again nook of the lounge has the biggest seating space for lounging, with chairs organized in rows, going through each other.
Throughout from that area you’ll discover the eating space, which has cafe-style tables, communal tables, high-top seating, and extra.
There’s additionally an space with six semi-private workstations, preferrred if you wish to be productive. It’s wonderful what number of lounges don’t have any form of services supposed to maximise productiveness, so I recognize this.
Additionally behind the lounge you’ll discover a big rest space, with round 10 particular person pods.
Now, I can’t say I discover these pods to be even remotely snug, particularly with their oddly vertical pre-reclined place. However I assume it’s higher than nothing…
Final however most actually not least, the lounge has a terrace with views of the apron, which is among the coolest elements of a lot of SWISS’ lounges on the airport. Sadly it was closed throughout my go to as a result of climate.
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich Whisky Membership 28/10
One distinctive function of the SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich is Whisky Membership 28/10, with the “28/10” named after the runways at Zurich Airport.
Because the title suggests, this bar is primarily devoted to whisky, and visitors can pattern whisky choices from across the globe. The choice is huge, so in the event you’re a whisky drinker, you’ll little doubt love this.
Along with the bar as such, this space additionally has couches and different seating, so it’s one of many extra snug areas within the lounge to take a seat.
I at all times recognize when airways put money into distinctive experiences, and this actually qualifies.
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich meals & drinks
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich has a self-serve food and drinks choice, which frankly I discovered to be fairly underwhelming, and nearly equivalent to what you’ll discover on the SWISS Enterprise Lounge.
By way of drinks, there’s a station with a number of espresso machines, plus a tea choice.
Then there’s an space with beer, soda, and a few liquor.
There’s additionally a show with wine, juice, beer, and water.
The meals choice is sort of mediocre, and never a lot better than you’d discover within the common lounge in america. One station has a salad buffet, so you may put together your salad as you’d like, together with some chips and salsa.
Then there’s the stay cooking station, with two sorts of soups (beef broth with egg cubes and greens, and root vegetable soup), two kinds of pinsa (one with hen, and one with feta cheese), a lentil dish, and a collection of bread.
By way of dessert, there are some jars with a collection of sweets, plus a station with some contemporary desserts.
I’d say the choice was okay, however for a flagship, lengthy haul, better-than-business-class lounge, I didn’t assume this was terribly thrilling.
SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich loos & showers
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich has loos roughly in the course of the lounge.
The lads’s room has 4 sinks, 4 bogs, and 4 urinals, and gave the impression to be fairly clear throughout my go to. In contrast to within the SWISS Enterprise Lounge, there aren’t any views of the apron right here, sadly.
The lounge additionally has bathe suites, that are shared with the SWISS Enterprise Lounge. In order for you a bathe, simply proceed to the entrance desk, they usually can organize that for you (although throughout peak hours, there could also be a wait). The showers are situated outdoors the primary a part of the lounge, simply previous the elevators.
The bathe suites are properly appointed, every with a sink, rest room, and walk-in bathe.
Toiletries are in reusable containers from Soeder, as appears to be the usual product line for the provider these days.
Backside line
The SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich is sort of a big lounge, with a lot of pure gentle, a lovely terrace, a Whisky Bar, a rest space, and showers. Whereas I recognize these options, I believe the lounge’s food and drinks choice is reasonably lackluster. I recognize the “stay cooking” idea, however then the variety of dishes truly obtainable may be very restricted.
What’s your tackle the SWISS Senator Lounge Zurich?
