Throughout my assessment journey, I had the prospect to take a look at Abu Dhabi Airport’s new Terminal A, which is such a large enchancment for the airport. I visited all of the lounges within the terminal, together with the brand new Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge, Etihad First Class Lounge, and Pearl Lounge. On this installment, I’ll be reviewing the Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge.
The brand new Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge is quirky — it’s throughout three flooring, it’s extremely slim and lengthy, and the structure is downright complicated. However I’ve to say, on steadiness I feel it ranks among the many greatest enterprise class lounges on the earth.
The lounge has tons of pure mild, countless seating, direct boarding from the lounge to pick gates, and quite a lot of facilities, starting from a gorgeous bar, to rest rooms, to bathe suites. The meals maybe isn’t that thrilling, nevertheless it’s nonetheless good on steadiness, in my view. Let’s get into the assessment.
Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi location
For a newly constructed terminal, the Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge appears oddly troublesome to search out, no matter whether or not you’re coming from the immigration checkpoint or the transit safety checkpoint. Under is a map of Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal A, to present you a way of the structure.
The Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge is positioned on the north aspect of the terminal, between the C gates and D gates. Extra particularly, the lounge is between gates C27 and D43 (sure, that sounds bizarre, however I feel the above map explains why that’s). The signage within the terminal for Etihad Lounges isn’t essentially nice or intuitive.
For those who’re within the central a part of the terminal, the quickest method to get to the Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge is to stroll via the hallway for bogs, after which the lounge is within the hall on the opposite finish of that. Sure, it’s a relatively odd method to get to a premium lounge, eh?
When you enter the lounge, there are Etihad staff who will scan you into the lounge.
Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi hours
The Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge is open 24/7, on condition that Gulf carriers function flights all hours of the day and night time, so the lounge by no means closes. By way of crowding, you possibly can typically anticipate that the busiest durations will probably be round midnight and round 7AM, with the lounge being notably empty mid-morning and mid-afternoon (reflecting when the most important banks of flights are).
Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi entry necessities
The Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi is open to all Etihad enterprise class passengers. On prime of that, Etihad Visitor Silver members can entry the lounge with no friends, whereas Etihad Visitor Gold members can entry the lounge with one visitor.
Etihad economic system passengers may purchase entry to the Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge. I consider the present price is $120 or 16,000 Etihad Visitor miles for as much as 4 hours, or $150 or 20,000 Etihad Visitor miles for 4 to eight hours.
Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi seating & structure
Okay, so I’m going to wish all people to concentrate for a second as we talk about the structure of this lounge, as a result of it’s actually complicated. Particularly, there’s one a part of the lounge that individuals would by no means even naturally come throughout, so let me clarify.
The Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge is completely large, and it’s unfold throughout three ranges. I don’t know what number of sq. ft it’s nevertheless it’s enormous. It’s additionally a really lengthy and really slim lounge — I can’t assist however marvel if thought simply wasn’t put into the lounge when the airport was first designed, or if that is intentional (for some odd cause).
The lounge consists of stage three, stage 5, and stage six. It goes straight from stage three to stage 5, so I assume that stage 4 is skipped as a result of tetraphobia, or one thing? Throughout the three ranges, the lounge consists of an east wing and west wing, however the two wings aren’t linked on all flooring.
The three ranges are linked by way of a set of escalators and a set of elevators at every finish of the lounge (east and west):
- You enter the lounge on stage three on the west aspect; stage three has some lounge house on the west aspect, whereas there’s no east aspect (I consider that is the place the Etihad spa will probably be positioned, which is opening sooner or later)
- Stage 5 spans the entire size of the lounge, although the east and west aspect aren’t in any manner linked, and this implies the east aspect of stage 5 persistently stays completely empty; that’s since you enter via stage three west, then you definately’d must take the escalator or elevator as much as stage six west, then you definately’d must stroll throughout the lounge, and then you definately’d must take the escalator or elevator right down to stage 5 east (clear as mud, proper?)
- Stage six is by far the most well-liked place (that is known as the Roof Lounge), because it spans all the size of the lounge; the Etihad First Class Lounge takes up a small portion of the east aspect of stage six
So yeah, typically my advice could be to hang around on stage six if you wish to eat or drink one thing, because it’s the place the bar and one of many important buffets are positioned. For those who simply wish to the quietest house, go to the east aspect of stage 5, as a result of I swear 99% of passengers by no means discover this space of the lounge. What a wierd lounge structure, however we will undoubtedly make it work to our benefit.
With that ridiculously lengthy clarification out of the best way, let’s get into the precise assessment of the lounge. As quickly as you enter the lounge, you’ll see the escalator going as much as stage 5.
For those who as a substitute stroll straight forward and to the left, you’ll discover Liwan International Eating, which is without doubt one of the lounge’s all-day eating eating places. In concept this delicacies is meant to be extra catered towards Emirati and Center Japanese specialties, however I didn’t essentially discover the differentiation to be that massive in comparison with the opposite buffet (I’ll discuss extra in regards to the precise meals and drinks afterward).
This space consists of every kind of communal eating tables, cubicles, high-top seating, and extra. The world is unquestionably supposed to have some Center Japanese aptitude, however personally I didn’t really feel the finishes on this a part of the lounge have been notably luxurious.
I recognize the constant quantity of pure mild all through the lounge because of floor-to-ceiling home windows, which is such a risk, on condition that many lounges really feel a bit like dungeons.
Now let’s check out stage six (two ranges above the place you enter), which is named the Roof Lounge. That is the biggest a part of the lounge, and we’ll check out this house going from east to west. Proper on the east escalator is the doorway to the Etihad First Class Lounge.
You’ll then first see quite a lot of seating clusters, starting from lounge chairs organized in rows dealing with the home windows, to sofas and different seating choices.
There’s then the primary important a part of the lounge, consisting of cubicles, communal high-top seating, and extra. There’s solely a small buffet of drinks and packaged snacks right here, so this isn’t supposed to be the primary eating space.
At roughly the midway level of the Roof Lounge is the Constellation Bar, which is the lounge’s beautiful bar. That is embellished with a 172 piece, 25 meter lengthy glass lighting sculpture, depicting the Abu Dhabi skyline. It’s good that the bar has correct cocktails and barista espresso, so that is undoubtedly the most effective place within the lounge to get the most effective drinks.
The Roof Lounge’s important buffet is close to the bar, so there are additionally plenty of eating tables on this space, in addition to sofas.
Previous the Constellation Bar is much more seating, organized in a single row of tables, every seating two folks.
Within the very again of the lounge is one other giant seating space, with comfy leather-based chairs, in addition to cubicles. This space tends to remain fairly quiet, since most individuals sit close to the eating and bar space.
Now, let’s go right down to stage 5 west, which is the a part of stage 5 you’re extra more likely to naturally come throughout (because it’s what will be accessed from the escalators by reception).
Stage 5 west primarily consists of an extended row of chairs dealing with the apron, in addition to the household room and bathe suites.
There are additionally another seating preparations.
Stage 5 east is actually probably the most hidden a part of the lounge, given how most individuals would by no means naturally stumble throughout it. This additionally has rows of chairs (although in a unique association), and you’ll anticipate that you simply’ll sometimes have this a part of the lounge to your self. Stage 5 east additionally has the relief rooms.
Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi meals & drinks
With the structure of the lounge out of the best way, let’s check out the food and drinks choice within the lounge. On stage six on the Roof Lounge, you’ve got one of many important all-day eating buffets. Frankly the eating space isn’t enormous, given how many individuals have entry to the lounge.
Over breakfast, chilly choices included chilly cuts and cheese, every kind of veggies and dips, cereal, contemporary fruit, yogurt, pastries, croissants, and extra.
There have been additionally practically 10 scorching choices, starting from ful medames, to scrambled eggs, to baked beans, to noodles, to sausage, and way more.
The Constellation Bar has every part from barista espresso, to cocktails, to wine and beer, so that is mainly a full-service bar. It’s at all times good when a enterprise class lounge presents barista espresso and correct cocktails.
Then Liwan International Eating is positioned on stage three, and is the opposite important eating space. The buffet space is way bigger, and nearly looks like what you’d anticipate in a lodge.
I used to be anticipating a bit extra differentiation by way of what was being supplied in comparison with upstairs, nevertheless it was largely comparable. The chilly choices have been nearly the identical, with the primary totally different being a couple of extra scorching Center Japanese dishes.
The lounge additionally has a number of food and drinks stations on every ground, however the choice there may be very restricted. We’re speaking espresso machines, canned soda, bottled water and juice, packaged snacks (chips, cookies, and so forth.), and complete fruit.
Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi bogs & showers
There are a number of bogs all through the Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge, and so they’re consistently cleaned. The cleaners are nearly a bit too attentive, as they by no means appear to go away the bogs.
The lounge has 18 bathe suites, positioned on stage 5 west. They’re obtainable on a first-come, first-served foundation.
The bathe suites are compact however useful, and have a sink, a bathroom, and a walk-in bathe.
The bathe has each a rainforest bathe head, in addition to a handheld one.
The toiletries within the bathe suites are unbranded, which is a bit stunning, given the extent to which Etihad tries to companion with luxurious manufacturers.
The one actual criticism I’ve of those bathe suites is that the air flow isn’t good, so in case you take a scorching bathe, anticipate that you simply’ll be sweating afterwards. That is such a typical concern in airport lounges, and I don’t know if it’s simply that tough to keep away from, or if lounge designers don’t put extra thought into it?
Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi rest rooms
The Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge has rest rooms positioned on stage 5 east. Since stage 5 east is the hidden a part of the lounge, many individuals won’t ever discover these, until they know to search for them.
Whereas these rooms aren’t absolutely non-public, they exceeded my expectations by way of ambiance. The comfort space consists of semi-private rooms, every of which has a door, however the rooms don’t have floor-to-ceiling privateness. There are stars on the ceiling, and Armani / Casa bedding.
Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi household & video games room
The Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge has each a household room and a video games room. The household room is positioned on stage 5 west, and is meant for smaller kids. It’s a cute house, however doesn’t have a lot in the best way of toys or different methods to remain entertained (which is probably intentional, since folks may steal issues, or one thing?).
On stage six there’s a video games room, with desk soccer, air hockey, and digital video games, for friends of all ages to take pleasure in.
Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi smoking room
The Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge has a smoking room on stage six. The smoking room is small however elegant, and options Chesterfield sofas, with the capability to seat round a dozen folks at a time. That doesn’t look like a really excessive capability throughout peak hours, however then once more, I’m not a smoker.
Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi spa
Whereas it’s not open but, it’s price noting that Etihad is within the technique of opening a spa at Abu Dhabi Airport. The doorway is separate from the lounges, although I’m guessing it should one way or the other be linked internally as soon as it opens, because it’s in the identical common space.
Etihad hasn’t revealed any extra particulars about that, so it stays to be seen what sort of remedies will probably be supplied, how a lot they’ll price, and so forth. It’s good to see Etihad bringing again a spa idea, after shutting it down years in the past within the previous lounge, as a part of a price reducing measure.
Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi particular boarding
One other cool facet of the Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge is that it presents direct boarding to pick gates, permitting you to skip the terminal after your time within the lounge. On stage 5 west there’s boarding for gate D43 and C27, after which on stage 5 east there’s boarding for gate C29.
That is an superior characteristic — there are double doorways at every finish, after which they open when boarding is prepared. You then stroll straight down the jet bridge and onto the airplane.
You possibly can typically anticipate that Airbus A380 flights, in addition to choose different premium flights, depart from these gates.
Backside line
The Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi is excellent, and is a wonderful hub lounge. On the plus aspect, the lounge is spacious, has plenty of pure mild, has typically good design, presents direct boarding for choose flights, has a stunning bar, and has plenty of facilities, like bathe suites, rest rooms, play rooms for youths, and extra.
The lounge isn’t good, although. I’d say the lounge has a superb however not superb meals choice, and the structure can also be complicated (although you can also make that work in your favor).
On steadiness, although, I’d say this ranks among the many prime 10 enterprise class lounges on the earth, give or take. Many airways battle with providing an amazing enterprise class floor product at their hub, given the quantity of demand, and this is without doubt one of the higher run enterprise class lounges I’ve seen. I’m a fan, and it’s notably noteworthy what a large enchancment that is over Etihad’s earlier facility.
What’s your tackle the Etihad Enterprise Class Lounge Abu Dhabi?
