KLM opens new flagship Crown Lounge at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport
By David Flynn, December 14 2018
The first stage of KLM's all-new Crown Lounge at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport is now open, and it offers a hint of what's to come when the second part of the business class lounge is revealed by mid-2019.
KLM is describing this as a 'temporary setup' ahead of the lounge's eventual 6,800m² footprint and 1,500 seat capacity being made available – right now it's a more modest 3,600m².
But the Dutch flag-carrier has made smart use of that space with a unique tiered layout.
Each level has its own purpose to suit the needs of different travellers, from a 'sky zone' bar on the top tier...
... to entertainment on the middle level, and dining and working pods on the ground floor.
"The new lounge concept ties in seamlessly with KLM’s strategy which is to provide the ultimate hospitality experience, innovation and perfect customer service," explains Boet Kreiken, KLM's executive vice-president for customer experience.
Located in Schipol's 'non-Schengen' zone, between the airport's E and F Piers, the Crown Lounge caters for KLM's business class passengers and top-tier frequent flyers setting off on international journeys.
This includes Qantas Platinum and Gold-grade frequent flyers booked on KLM's daily Amsterdam-Singapore service, which is now codeshared by Qantas under a recently-inked partnership.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
13 Sep 2016
Total posts 55
This looks really impressive. Some European airlines have fantastic taste in design and bring a real flair to the lounge experience. But I am not sure about the wisdom of putting a bar on the top floor when you have to walk down all those steps to catch your flight!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jul 2018
Total posts 2
Can you visit there if travelling KLM business class to other European cities. Thanks
13 Sep 2016
Total posts 174
03 May 2013
Total posts 684
Looks like an IKEA job. Modern and easy on the eye but a tad cheap.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Jun 2011
Total posts 88
I like the look of the vertically differentiated zones but good luck if you're in a wheelchair, moonboot or crutches, or even just a bit old and doddery.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 Oct 2017
Total posts 6
I used this new lounge on the weekend. It was a massive step up from the old lounge, with empty seats everywhere and a large amount of staff on hand, assisting and cleaning. They have a more extensive food selection and is now one of the best lounges in Europe
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Feb 2015
Total posts 7
I used the lounge on a busy Monday morning (7-10am). It was packed. Loud, noisy, messy. The pictures make it look great (and they are the nice bits) but other than the attractive Scandinavian-inspired areas, it’s drab and boring. Restaurant is an extra charge, as are most of the alcoholic drinks. Food very basic and low quality. And beware - there are no showers in the lounge (yet)... Waited 2.5 hours for one of the showers they use at a neighbouring facility, to no avail, then had to board my flight. This really isn’t up to scratch for KLM’s flagship lounge in their home base. Combined with their underwhelming business product on the A330-200, this is the first and last time I will fly with KLM.
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