The Star Alliance lounge in Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is so lovely that I’d get to the airport early just for a few minutes in it.
Located in the intra-Schengen Area (Zone D) of Terminal 3, this lounge offers a little something for everyone.
For me, that was great coffee. I may have enjoyed several cappuccinos during my extended visit, but there’s nothing like even one coffee in Italy made with expert hands using one of those beautiful oversized manual coffee machines.
But there’s far more than coffee in the lounge. There was also an excellent breakfast spread, including baked goods, fruit, yogurt, eggs, meats, cheeses, cereal, and pancakes. Off to the right of the buffet is an open-kitchen concept that I suspect serves up some tasty pasta during the afternoon and evening hours.
The coffee bar also offers cocktails later in the day:
I enjoyed breakfast during my stay. I’m not sure what warranted the smiley face latte art (maybe the guy liked me?) but he did see I was taking a lot of pictures.
I like the decor of the lounge. It’s very modern…perhaps in danger of going out of style in a few years…but I think it will last much longer than that. And the seating is comfortable as well…both the chairs and couches are perfect for sitting for extended periods. I love the olives trees as well. Upon closer examination, I found they were fake…about the best counterfeit tree I have ever seen!
If you go left as you enter the lounge, you’ll find a quiet area. No cell phone conversations are permitted there and the chairs are intended for napping (or at least for relaxation).
My son is named after St. Augustine and I appreciated the quote oft-attributed to him displayed on the wall:
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
Minus points for no showers, but the restrooms are clean and fresh.
Internet functions quickly and newspapers and magazines are available. There’s also a phone booth to make calls in peace.
CONCLUSION
Compared to the old Priority Pass lounge that used to be in the same space, the transformation is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you want a light snack, full meal, cup of coffee, adult beverage, or just a quiet place to wait for your flight and a clean restroom, this lounge has you covered.
The lounge is open daily from 4:15 AM to 9:15 PM. You’ll need a boarding pass for a Star Alliance flight departing Rome as well as a Star Alliance Gold card or a business class ticket in order to enter. Look for the lounge on the upper level near the D gates…just follow the “airline lounge” signs.
Hi Matt – thanks for your review. I was at this lounge a few weeks ago and had a different opinion I wanted to share. I didn’t care for this lounge for a few reasons. 1) I thought it was a LONG walk to and from my gate. 2) I arrived early and there wasn’t a lot of food options available. Only a couple pieces of fruit and some bread. 3) I am worried this lounge is too small and could get packed. 4) I generally don’t like Star Alliance lounges because it takes away the ability to lounge hop.
Thanks again for your review. I hope folks find my comments a helpful differing opinion.
Thank you for sharing.
The lounge in terminal 3 e is even worse!
We would have loved to have been in d lounge.
It is called Passenger Lounge at e 41, avoid if possible.
No windows as it is downstairs below the departure gates.
Only 2 toilets so there was a queue in both both male and female toilets.
The air conditioning was struggling and the lounge was crowded.
Many people said it was better upstairs in the public areas.
Singapore Airlines should be ashamed to put their brand to this cafeteria.
Lucky they have only been downgraded to second best airline.