Emirates lounge at AKL Closed for refushment Until March

[shadowground]

Shame to say the Emirates lounge is currently closed for refurbishment and their passengers are being directed to the Strata Lounge.

 

[DejaBrew]

Shame to say the Emirates lounge is currently closed for refurbishment and their passengers are being directed to the Strata Lounge.

Oh no!!! I was planning to experience the AKL Emirates Lounge for the first time tomorrow evening

 

[serfty]

Shame to say the Emirates lounge is currently closed for refurbishment and their passengers are being directed to the Strata Lounge.

Eek!

Any time frame offerred. The EK website simply states the Strata Lounge.

 

[jrfsp]

Shame to say the Emirates lounge is currently closed for refurbishment and their passengers are being directed to the Strata Lounge.

Not sure what they need to refurbish really? Seemed pretty fresh and well kept to me

 

[serfty]

Not sure what they need to refurbish really? Seemed pretty fresh and well kept to me

The EK web site simply states "Strata Lounge".

I hope it is refurbishment....

 

[Beano]

Shame to say the Emirates lounge is currently closed for refurbishment and their passengers are being directed to the Strata Lounge.

Does this mean you can use the strata lounge too.

 

[DejaBrew]

Does this mean you can use the strata lounge too.

I’ll find out tomorrow and report back (assuming nobody else beats me to it).

 

[Lynda2475]

I’ll find out tomorrow and report back (assuming nobody else beats me to it).

I suspect the answer would be no.

If you were flying EK J or had status with them im sure it wouldn't be a problem. But if you are flying QF and relying on OW status I suspect you will be sent back to the QF cupboard.

Normally I allow for lounge time, but AKL QF lounge was so underwhelming last year, I'm planning on extra sleep and heading straight to the gate.

 

[DejaBrew]

I suspect the answer would be no.

Likewise, but hey, no harm in asking

 

[shadowground]

Is the F lounge door fixed or does it just stay open all the time?

Amusingly not QF the Air NZ lounge Brisbane door is buggered and moves slowly so they've stuck a sticker to the door saying this door moves slowly.

The F cupboard door was open today so it was available for all.

Not sure if it was due to the time of my visit (in the afternoon where there were QF departures to MEL, SYD, BNE and JFK) which maybe necessary to utilise all spaces.

Pretty sure the F Cupboard door has been broken for awhile, so it is just left open now. That being said they didn't specifically direct me left and may have just assumed I knew the way?

I suspect the answer would be no.

Yep - I accessed the Strata lounge through Priority Pass. It was standing room only around 745pm prior to EK449 departing.

 

[justinbrett]

I used the strata lounge a few weeks ago flying HA.

IMO definitely inferior to the QF F lounge, and that’s saying something.

 

[jase05]

I used the strata lounge a few weeks ago flying HA.

IMO definitely inferior to the QF F lounge, and that’s saying something.

Disappointing to hear that standards have dropped in the Strata. It’s been a little while since visiting but found the food options far superior in the Strata especially the desserts

 

[justinbrett]

Disappointing to hear that standards have dropped in the Strata. It’s been a little while since visiting but found the food options far superior in the Strata especially the desserts

QF was better than I remembered. Strata was OK food wise but not a nice place to be, noisy (kids play area had no soundproofing and was full of screaming kids), lack of toilets and unfriendly staff. Big open space with bright industrial lighting, may as well have waited by the gate.

 

[DejaBrew]

Guess that means I don’t need to bother with attempting Strata Lounge entry this evening. Sounds like the Cupboard is the place to be.

 

[Beano]

I used the strata lounge a few weeks ago flying HA.

IMO definitely inferior to the QF F lounge, and that’s saying something.

I was going to ask what the Strata lounge was like so thanks for the comment.

PS WLG QF Business lounge has salted caramel, AAgh!

 

[shadowground]

QF was better than I remembered. Strata was OK food wise but not a nice place to be, noisy (kids play area had no soundproofing and was full of screaming kids), lack of toilets and unfriendly staff. Big open space with bright industrial lighting, may as well have waited by the gate.

My experience last night with both the QF F Cupboard and Strata Lounge for QF158 (delayed to 11pm) is:-

• Food - Strata had much more variety (5 hot dishes plus cold cuts, vs 2 in Qantas);
• Drinks - QF F marginally in front;
• Ambience - QF F by a length. Strata was busier/noisier;
• Bathrooms - QF F cleaner. Strata's combined shower/bathroom suites were messy after the evening rush of flights;

In the absence of the EK Lounge, I would stick to the QF F Cupboard (unless its standing room only then one of the pubs in the terminal).

 

[DejaBrew]

Signage posted at the EK Lounge entrance -:

Brief of works -: Key tasks involve the replacement of broken tiles in various areas, including the reception desk, the entrance to the main lounge, the main lounge floor, and the walkways leading to the seating areas. Each tile replacement task will involve thorough removal, preparation, and installation to ensure seamless integration with existing finishes. Works also include the replacement of lighting fixtures and general FF&E and a commercial clean of the space upon completion.

So confirmation then that the lounge is being refurbished and will reopen around March 20th/21st if all goes to plan.

And still, we wait for that QF Lounge refresh

For what it’s worth, this evening’s F Cupboard fare is as follows…

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Nice lush now gone (for a while anyways).
Once they finish, that will be the lounge to aim for, and not the QFi AKL lounge, that there is talk for refurbishing but never gets done.

 

[DejaBrew]

Check out from here onwards (if you haven't already seen it).

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Heh, did try to find it it had one already been started to be discussed.
Ta, Mods.