Al Reem lounge in Abu Dhabi reopens for Virgin Australia Velocity members
By Chris C., November 4 2014
Update: Australian Business Traveller has recently reviewed this lounge – read our full review here.
Following extensive renovations to the Al Reem lounge in Abu Dhabi International Airport, Virgin Australia Velocity members are now welcome to return.
Spanning three storeys of Terminal 1 and open 24/7, the new lounge gives business travellers free Wi-Fi and is filled with AC and USB power ports for recharging devices on the go.
A number of laptops can also be loaned during your stay, while there’s draught beer on tap and a variety of Arabian, Asian and Continental dishes at the buffet.
“In addition to Al Reem, we have plans to give (the) Al Dhabi and Al Ghazal (lounges) a facelift” said Song Hoi-see, CEO of the lounge operator Plaza Premium.
The 418 square metre lounge aims to provide a ‘home away from home’, with its ambience conducive to a productive Middle Eastern transit or something a little more relaxing.
The signature Plaza Premium Lounge chandelier also makes an appearance, standing at around 8 times the normal size.
A fully-serviced shower room with amenities is on hand to refresh between flights, while TVs and an extensive selection of international newspapers and magazines are also available to while away the time.
The Al Reem lounge is open to Virgin Australia Velocity Gold and Etihad Guest Gold members flying in economy with either airline, plus Priority Pass members travelling with any airline.
Access can also be purchased at the door, with a two hour visit setting travellers back around A$46, while a five hour stopover costs roughly A$77.
Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum and Etihad Guest Gold Elite flyers plus first class passengers continue to have access to Etihad's Diamond First Class lounge, while business class travellers with either airline can use Etihad's Pearl Business Lounge.
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
16 Sep 2014
Total posts 7
Can the Etihad Pearl Business Lounge be accessed in Abu Dhabi when flying with VA Syd-Abu in business (VA gold points upgrade) and then Abu to Bru in economy ?
Not sure if the business class has to be your next leg of journey in order to access the Pearl lounge or whether they will accept that you have just come off business and are in transit.
04 Nov 2014
Total posts 1
There is no longer a first class lounge in Abu Dhabi, just one big noisy combined lounge.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Nov 2012
Total posts 41
Just in time for my EY flight next month. The old lounge didn't get good reviews, so I hope after the renos it's fine.
23 May 2014
Total posts 118
Hi Chris,
Thanks for this article. Re lounge access for Platinums, LACE mentioned it above but it appears there is currently no First Class lounge in AUH - and a bit of confusion as to when there will be one (have seen a discussion around 31 Dec and "mid 2015" on another site). Seems to be a lot of confusion around. There isn't much on the Etihad website, and nothing on Virgin. With the Christmas travel season coming up it would be great to know what's going on.
Rumour I heard is the current F and J lounges will be combined into a single new F lounge. Anyway.
Would be much appreciated if AusBT could shine some light on it!
Cheers, Zac
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