Lounge Access and Transiting in Delhi

[blacksultan]

Review: Encalm Lounge, Delhi Airport Terminal 3 (International) - Live from a Lounge

Encalm Lounge Delhi Terminal 3 allows for access to those flying out from Delhi International airport on the basis of their debit/credit cards

livefromalounge.com

 

[garybatz]

Now happily ensconced in the Encalm Prive lounge, which is very nice indeed. Very quiet, relaxed atmosphere, good food options, nice staff

 

[Daver6]

Now happily ensconced in the Encalm Prive lounge, which is very nice indeed. Very quiet, relaxed atmosphere, good food options, nice staff

What are the showers like there?

 

[garybatz]

What are the showers like there?

Sorry, didn’t check out the showers. I can say the toilets were spotless, complete with Attendant keeping everything nice and tidy.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Now happily ensconced in the Encalm Prive lounge, which is very nice indeed. Very quiet, relaxed atmosphere, good food options, nice staff

Which seems to be in complete contrast to… the domestic Encalm Lounge! Also T3? But absolutely awful. Capacity for about 20 seated guests in armchairs, and another 40 at tables. Standing room only with guests standing in the buffet area to eat. Wifi code unavailable. Queue of about 50 to get in, as per the article above, all checking eligibility via credit cards. Coffee in paper cups. Food barely edible.

There was a separate line for Vistara business class which means you bypass the queue for immediate entry, but finding a seat took 10 mins (‘finding’ = just standing an waiting for someone to leave). The armchair seating is allegedly only for Vistara business and top tier elites. But not sure that was enforced.

The main terminal was far better, and cannot understand why people would queue to get in! In reality this should be a ‘vistara only’ lounge to accommodate the airline’s pax, and it would then be sort of adequate. No WCs.

 

[bashworth]

What are the showers like there?

I had a shower last Saturday (16th Feb) the main shower was busy but I was escorted to a shower in the Gym area which was quite acceptable although I didn't get a pack with toothbrush and razor.

This is the second time I have used this lounge in the last 3 months, and overall I am impressed with plenty of room and a great food selection.

One 'First World problem' on this latest visit they had run out of beer!

 

[Daver6]

I was there a couple of weeks ago. I didn't need to use the showers but it's certainly an impressive lounge

 

[jase05]

I was there a couple of weeks ago. I didn't need to use the showers but it's certainly an impressive lounge

Impressive looking lounge.
The Air India lounge is rather dire so great to hear there is a decent option

 

[natski75]

Did you need a transit visa to enter the encalm prive lounge? Layover I have is 8 hours flying bc with AI

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Did you need a transit visa to enter the encalm prive lounge? Layover I have is 8 hours flying bc with AI

If you are staying completely airside, no transit visa is required.

Can also confirm if staying airside and using the transit hotel located in T3, no visa is required. The hotel is separated into domestic and international sections, so you can stay completely airside.

 

[natski75]

Oh you are a gem! Thank you...for a minute I was worried my planning had failed miserably, thanks so much for the advice!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Oh you are a gem! Thank you...for a minute I was worried my planning had failed miserably, thanks so much for the advice!

You might find it worthwhile to look at the hotel. A family member used it a month ago for a 12 hour transit. Although their flight left Sydney about 3 hours late, so did the connecting flight to Paris! So they still had a good 9 hours in the hotel. It’s a holiday inn, and semi ok priced.

8 hours is ‘wall-climbing’ lounge time