TALKING POINT | Hotel 'executive lounges' or 'club lounges' are literally a business traveller’s home away from home, so when choosing where to stay, the quality or even availability of a hotel lounge can be a strong influencer for many high flyers.
So what do you like to see in a hotel lounge – is it space to work, the dining options or something else?
This is what I personally look for, but as every traveller is different, we'd love to hear your preferences too, so be sure to share them in the comment box below!
1. Different zones for dining, working and relaxing
The very reason that guests visit a hotel’s lounge varies by the time of day – in the morning it’s normally for an easy breakfast, during business hours it’s to work on the laptop or for a quick refreshment in between meetings, and in the evening it’s for a pre-dinner snack or a nightcap.
Fill the lounge with sofas and there’s nowhere proper to eat breakfast, but line up the dining tables and there’s nowhere to relax… finding the correct ratio with limited space can be tough, but in my book, the Hyatt Regency Sydney hotel has the mix just right.
There’s a dedicated dining area conveniently adjacent to the buffet, snacks and coffee machines…
… an entirely separate ‘relaxation’ space with comfy chairs and cocktail tables for light refreshments…
… and also a 'working corner' with a view, whether that's on your own tech or one of the hotel's computers::
Read our review: Hyatt Regency Sydney Hotel, Darling Harbour
2. Easy access to power
The best hotel lounges for business travellers provide not just complimentary WiFi for all lounge guests, but also easy access to power points within the lounge to keep smartphones, tablets and laptops recharged.
That's exactly what you'll find in the M Club lounge at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park hotel, which I turned into an office for the day...
... and also took advantage of the larger tables which afforded space to work when I wanted to, and to take breaks for lunch and coffee, while my devices remained plugged in and powered up.
Read our review: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park hotel
3. A room with a view
If you’ve stumped up extra for a Club or Executive room, typically found on the highest floors of the hotel with a view to match, why settle for anything less in the lounge?
In Hong Kong, guests staying at the Kowloon Shangri-La hotel on the Horizon floors can take in a view of Victoria Harbour from the Horizon Club lounge…
… where many of the tables also line the windows for a bird’s eye view of the Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline:
Read our review: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong hotel
When travelling on business, what do you look for in a hotel lounge, and does a truly knockout lounge influence where you stay? Share your thoughts in the comment box below!
Chris Chamberlin has stayed as a guest of the Hyatt Regency Sydney, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park and Kowloon Shangri-La Hong Kong hotels.
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 580
Having only stayed in a couple of these lounges, I find that whilst they're all had decent hard product, it's the personalised service that brings me back to places. My best experience in this regard has been at the Regent Singapore. They come and talk to you if you wish and address you by name to the point where I visited 2 months apart and the concierge lady immediately recognised me for the previous visit.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1205
You're right about the service being the differentiator. My best experience was at the Changi Village Hotel at Singapore which is basically tucked next to the runway in a charming Malay style village that makes you forget you are only 20kms from the Singapore CBD..
05 Sep 2017
Total posts 11
Wholeheartedly agree with the comment on the Changi Village Hotel. Certainly not the best hard product but the staff are the best I have found in a lounge. Getting that blend of professional yet friendly and interactive is not easy but this lounge has totally nailed it!!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
10 Nov 2011
Total posts 129
Definitely agree about different spaces for different activities. A good lounge should have a good amount of space so that you don't feel crammed in, and a range of interesting furniture so you can choose between say a table or a more relaxed arm chair. Food is important, I usually look for a selection of good canape type snacks rather than a full meal offering. The Hilton KL used to have one of the best selections of canapes that I'd ever seen in a lounge, but last year they changed the menu to a more substantial offering that I personally didn't like. Number one though is service from staff and this makes all the difference. The staff in the lounge at the Hilton in Singapore are simply amazing. I've stayed there many times and even though the hotel is on the older side, the staff make all the difference. From the moment they make personal contact to offer assistance with arrangements prior to arrival, to the moment you check out they look after everything for you.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Aug 2014
Total posts 5
Agreed with Hilton Singapore. Had to stay for a few days due to a mates wedding earlier this year. I’ve never met such attentive staff.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Feb 2015
Total posts 388
The level service and quality of food and drinks always leaves a lasting impression. The best executive lounge from my experience was the Pan Pacific Singapore. The service we experienced was next level, and the view from the 35th floor isn't bad either.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
31 Jan 2016
Total posts 89
'What makes a great hotel executive lounge?'.
An employer who values the concept and is willing to pay the additional money helps so you can actually use one...
For me, good food/snacks and private work space with appropriate connections that are accessible.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Feb 2014
Total posts 27
Mandarin Oriental Singapore for selection of food and drink including French champagne for breakfast and cocktails at sunset. Colombo Hilton for staff friendliness they remember you months later . treated like family just wonderful.
17 Feb 2017
Total posts 17
I agree that it is service that makes the difference. The best Club lounge I have experienced is at the Intercontinental hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Great friendly service, , good seating with ample power points, excellent snacks and 'meal of the day' as well as decent drinks. So many 5 star lounges let themselves down by providing shocking quality wine.
29 Aug 2017
Total posts 18
The lounge at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong is AMAZING! Stayed there a couple of years ago on the 116th floor and the views are breathtaking. The lounge huge and service first class. High tea is a highlight.
20 Apr 2015
Total posts 10
What I definitely DON'T like in hotel executive lounges (and in airport lounges for that matter) is when they have a TV blaring loudly, usually with some 24-hour news channel on. The reality is that these days we all get our news from our devices, and what we are really looking for is peace and quiet. Nothing worse than trying to have a relaxing glass of wine in the exec lounge at the end of a long hard day and having CNN blasting from across the room...
03 May 2013
Total posts 677
No children under 10.
25 Feb 2017
Total posts 25
The Best Lounge IMHO is the Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur..Even if you dont have Status, Club Rooms can be often booked for under $100 a Night
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Mar 2015
Total posts 235
I have had the privilege of staying in quite a few Hotels that have Executive Lounges and by far the best is the Hilton Amsterdam, Situated on the rooftop with stunning views and really excellent food and drinks. It was easily the best ever!!
01 May 2012
Total posts 7
Shangri-La Hotel Singapore [Valley Wing] takes a lot of beating.
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