In addition to many remarkable flights this year, I’ve also enjoyed many excellent lounges. Here’s a look back at my top 10 lounges of 2017.
Although I have visited many superior hotel lounges, I’ve constrained my list only to airport lounges.
1. SWISS First Class Lounge (ZRH)
In addition to a beautiful menu of locally-sourced Swiss food, this lounge is filled with natural light, a beautiful terrace, and great service. As an added bonus, day rooms are available which are more comfortable than many nice hotel rooms.
> Full Review: SWISS First Class Lounge Zurich (Terminal E)
2. Lufthansa First Class Terminal (FRA)
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal represents the superlative lounge experience. Enjoy comfortable seating, delicious food and drink, and chauffeure-driven Porches or Mercedes directly to your aircraft.
> Full Review: Lufthansa First Class Terminal Frankfurt
3. Lufthansa First Class Lounge (FRA)
While not quite as fun as the First Class Terminal, the three First Class Terminals in Frankfurt offer identical amenities.
> Full Review: Lufthansa First Class Lounge Frankfurt
4. AA Flagship Dining (LAX)
AA’s beautiful new dining experience at LAX for first class passengers sets the standard for a la carte dining in a U.S. airline lounge. Qantas still has the better lounge at LAX.
> Full Review: AA Flagship First Dining Los Angeles (LAX)
5. Air Serbia Premium Lounge, Belgrade (BEG)
I spent the night in the lounge, enjoying barista-made cappuccino on-demand, a great dinner and breakfast, and comfortable seating.
> Full Review: Air Serbia Premium Lounge Belgrade
6. Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge, Doha (DOH)
This massive lounge in Doha features plenty of room to spread out, a sleeping area, showers, and two restaurants.
> Full Review: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge Doha (DOH)
7. Star Alliance Lounge, Los Angeles (LAX)
I never get tired of this lounge at my home airport of LAX. The secret is to head out to the terrace. Most people do not know it is there and it often empty even when the lounge is crowded inside.
> Full Review: Star Alliance First Class Lounge Los Angeles (LAX)
8. Oman Air Lounge, Bangkok (BKK)
I’d rate the food in this lounge better than in the Thai Royal First Lounge…that’s a high compliment. Showers are also available…by far the best Priority Pass Lounge in BKK.
> Full Review: Oman Air Lounge Bangkok
9. Garuda Indonesia First Class Lounge, Jakarta (CGK)
The Garuda Indonesia First Class Lounge in Jakarta may be disappointing for a first class lounge, but still makes the top-ten list.
> Full Review: Garuda Indonesia First Class Lounge Jakarta
10. Saudia First Class Lounge, Riyadh (RUH)
What I loved about Saudia’s First Class Lounge in Riyadh was how quiet it was. It felt like I had the lounge to myself for most of the seven hour layover. Decent food as well.
> Full Review: Saudia Business Class Lounge Riyadh (RUH)
CONCLUSION
A great lounge adds a pivotal element to travel, making the ground experience smoother and even enjoyable.
What was your favorite lounge in 2017?
The airport lounge in Malta is great with a fabulous terrace and great food. This was the best use of my Priority Pass (which otherswise has proved useless as I am *gold; most of the PP lounges have limitations or are mediocre)
How about Emirates Air First class / Business lounge at Terminal 1 & 3.??
I live in Dubai and travel a lot.
Consider Emirates Lounges among the best
Those are all great lounges, but I only ranked the lounges I have personally visited in 2017.
Mathew you should visit Air Canada’s newest lounge in Toronto. It is very good. Opened only on Dec 1.
I just spent 10 hrs. At CIP lounge in Istanbul. I think it belongs on your list l. Absolutely incredible.
The Turkish Airlines Star Alliance lounge is the best in the world of any lounge visited so far in the network (better than CIP in fact) at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport IST), in fact it is a destination within itself. Rather than talk on too much about it, I encourage everyone to google it and specifically the pictures. There is literally no better Star Alliance lounge in the world and if you don’t enjoy this lounge, you are not able to be pleased!
Spoiler alert! Lounge includes golf simulator, masseuses, chef on demand food, date bar (food not people!), private sleep rooms that lock with rather comfy but small bed, tv and outlets for charging, Mac and Windows workstations, “kids area” with latest game consoles (for big kids aka adults too), mini movie theatre, pool table and much more! All included free!