We laugh about Emirates First Class being gaudy and pretentious, but the GVK First Class lounge in Mumbai Terminal 2 takes ostentatiousness to a whole new level. That’s a backhanded compliment, but I did enjoy this lounge.
It’s gold and ornate, a bit much for the confined space, but arguably a welcome change of scenery from the minimalist styles that usually characterize premium class airport lounges.
Even the lounge invitation presented to me by Etihad at check-in was gold.
Just follow the signs to the lounge: it is easy to find.
Inside seating:
I did not notice any a la carte dining, but later found out I totally missed a private dining area for first class passengers. That’s a bummer. I did notice the lounge included a fairly extensive buffet featuring a little something for everyone. I was saving room for my Etihad First Class flight and therefore did not eat any food.
An ornate bar offered beer, wine, cocktails, and freshly-made coffee.
The lounge offers first class passengers a complimentary 30-mintue massage in the spa (15 minutes for business class). It was a nice back massage. But it was an annoying massage, because the massage technician was trying to upsell throughout the entire massage.
“You want to extend to half hour sir?”
“How about extra time sir? Very good price.”
No. No thanks. If I want a longer massage, I will let you know.
“Last chance sir. You look at spa menu.”
Goodbye.
Showers and restrooms are also available.
No Etihad staff was present in the lounge nor was there an escort to the gate, which was a good 12-15 minute walk away.
CONCLUSION
This lounge is much easier showcased in pictures than it words. I liked it a lot and it is the best airport-run lounge I have ever been in. Perhaps it is a bit too ornate, but it is not a bad place to wait your flight.
Don’t arrive more than 4 hrs. before your flight. They won’t let you in.