Qatar Airways Lounge in Singapore T1

[KSC]

Currently here. First impressions: I don’t think I’ll be rushing to get to QF F lounge. More details to come.

Oh damn that’s a large call. Can’t wait to here the details.
Im assuming that means this is much better than Qantas Business lounge.

 

[Aeolus]

I had troubles attaching the photos via my mobile last night so couldn't post this earlier. Ok, so here's a more detailed review:

Hands down, this is a superior lounge, on par with the better F lounges. I arrived at 6:30pm, showed my BP to the QR host who very politely asked if I wanted to spend my time at the QR lounge and whether I knew there was a QF J lounge. I smiled and said Yes and immediately she offered to have my HL stored before we walked inside. She showed me the entrance decor which has Singapore orchid theme, including the LED lighting. Past the entrance, the QR host handed me over to the lounge manager, Abbas who escorted me in and graciously showed me around. Abbas was such a great host and he was clearly very proud of the lounge and so he should as it excelled in all aspects and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. The interior design and soft lighting adds to the luxurious but relaxing ambience. In my view, the location of the lounge is far better than QF F lounge's (next to the foodcourt and the noise from the outside comes through the shower cubicle). The lounge layout is L shaped, starting with 5 relaxation/work pods as you enter on your right and leather sofas on the opposite sites equipped with wireless charging integrated into the table which looked so good (I want one for my home!)

Past the first section, you'll be greeted with a beautifully crafted bar (reminds me of the one at the CX Pier but with more bling) and the lounge then veered to the right where you'll past the buffet section, then the formal dining, more sofas, then toilets/showers. What I particularly liked about this lounge over QF F is that there are distinctive separations for work/lounge/bar/dining/shower. QF F is clearly focussed on dining with not much space outside of the dining to sit down and relax. QR's layout is more like the CX Pier's F where it presents more options besides just dining.


A quick refresh in the toilet which has a shower (yes, there's room to place your HL without having to use the pullout table over the toilet, unlike QF F). The vanity is decked with fresh orchids and Ritual products and the plushest towels. Again,all with very high quality fitouts.


I wandered to the formal dining area and ordered chilli prawns and chicken satay which were served within 10 mins and were quite delicious. I also had one of their signature green mocktail to satisfy my fruit/vege intake for the day. I noticed that the server was very diligent in the way they placed the cutleries and how the serve, testimony that they have indeed been professionally trained. I then progressed to order the sushi and the green tea tiramisu. The sushi came out way too cold which killed the taste but the green tea tiramisu was absolutely divine as it was light and tasty.







As I was dining, I noticed the QR host approaching each lounge guest to advise of the QR flight boarding which I thought was a very nice touch (I believe QF only provides such service at the CL lounges). During that time as well, I found out that I was the only non QR pax and soon I ended up being the only guest and boy, the VIP treatment I had before stepped up another notch! I had really good conversations with a number of them, including the bartender who was extremely knowledgeable in his field and even designed 2 special coughtails for me after enquiring about my preferences. I did inform him that the AFF mob will descent on them in June and he offered to customise a drink for us if he is there.

I went over to inspect the buffet counter which looked colourful and very appetising and in the course of an hour having conversations with the staff, I noticed that the chef came out several times to inspect the food which was really pleasing to see. The supervisor insisted that I try their specially flown in Baklava from Doha and the dates from their F cabin (yum!). Also recommended was their chicken rice and laksa but I was trying to save the last remaining stomach space for the S&P squid at QF (which I later regretted as the squid was dry and past its best - first time ever, I didn't finish the dish ). Past 9pm, pax for the next QR flight started to arrive which at that time, I bade my farewell and made my way to QF F lounge.




I think the additional wow factor was due to the fact that the lounge was brand spanking new and there were few guests in the lounge last night. However, I also visited the QF F lounge a week after it opened as well. Don't get me wrong, the QF F lounge is nice. I tried to reflect on why I prefer QR and it came down to the personal service and the fact that QF F focussed on 1 main thing, which is dining and not much else, wherelse QR's setup is more interesting and there are many different options to sit and relax (nicer design throughout too in my view). If QR keeps up the level of service per last night, it would be hard to beat. I've done SQ TPR and could safely say that the warmth and service I received at QR last night was far superior, hope that they continue to maintain this level of service as more OW pax discovers this hidden gem.

 

[jase05]

Thanks for the report, looks fantastic

 

[moa999]

Thanks @Aeolus
Also came across this great review which also mentioned the staff . Also has menu photos.

Review: Qatar Airways Singapore Premium Lounge

We check out Changi Airport’s latest Business Class lounge

mainlymiles.com

 

[Aeolus]

Thanks @Aeolus
Also came across this great review which also mentioned the staff . Also has menu photos.

Review: Qatar Airways Singapore Premium Lounge

We check out Changi Airport’s latest Business Class lounge

mainlymiles.com

Yes, I saw that they have posted the menu and my inferior phone would not have done a better job hence why I didn't take the pic of the menu!
Totally agree that their staff and overall service was by far the best.

Oh damn that’s a large call. Can’t wait to here the details.
Im assuming that means this is much better than Qantas Business lounge.

Not only is this better than QF J but better than QF F too in my view but let's see what the others think.

 

[Daver6]

Have you by any chance experienced the QR lounge at LHR? If so, how does it compare?

 

[levelnine]

That's one way for Qantas to solve their lounge overcrowding issues. Have a competitor open a superior lounge lol.

 

[goldenhorn]

I’m so excited to find this thread! And thanks for your great report @Aeolus

I’m flying out on QF36 tonight and Mr GH and I want to do a Champagne lounge crawl ending with the QR lounge before we board our 7:40pm flight.

I’ve only been to KrisFlyer lounge in Changi. For those that know the distance between the lounges, would this timing work with a 7pm boarding?


QF 3:30pm - No Champagne (this sucks QF!), so Espresso Martini
EK 4:30pm - Moet
QR 5:30pm Veuve and Bollinger Rose
7:00pm boarding

I know EK and QR lounges are close so wondering how much time to get from QR to my gate for boarding.

Thanks!

Edit: flying J with no status. Looks like EK doesn’t open until 5:40pm so will start at QF at 4:00pm

 

[pagingjoan]

Excellent review, thank you, Aeolus.
Will look forward to visiting in a month or so.

 

[moa999]

I’m flying out on QF36 tonight and Mr GH and I want to do a Champagne lounge crawl ending with the QR lounge before we board our 7:40pm flight.

I’ve never been to multiple lounges before in Changi. For those that know the distance between the lounges, would this timing work with a 7pm boarding?

I know EK and QR lounges are close so wondering how much time to get from QR to my gate for boarding.

Depends on what gates. The EK/QR lounges are slightly closer to some, further than others but no more than an additional 100m

Assume you are flying J (in order to get access to the QR lounge) and not Plat (so no QF First)

 

[Aeolus]

Have you by any chance experienced the QR lounge at LHR? If so, how does it compare?

Haven’t been to the one in LHR nor BKK.

 

[goldenhorn]

I’m in the Qatar lounge now. Arrived at 5:30pm when it opened and about 8 people waiting to gain entry.

After an hour there are only about 8-10 people here.

Everything @Aeolus said I concur with.

Service is phenomenal. We are having the a la carte dinner and service is constant - checking in and topping up drinks.

The salad bar is delicious and fresh.

Most of all I’m enjoying the Champagnes - Veuve Cliquot and Bollinger Rose.

My partner’s main meal arrived before mine and apologies have been profuse for the inconvenience. Mine arrived 15-20 minutes later. I think the order was lost.

When the salmon arrived, it was worth the wait. Beautifully cooked and flavourful.

This lounge far surpasses the Qantas lounge in terms of service and attention to details. Plus they actually have Champagne

My only concern is I’m not sure how they would handle all tables ordering a la carte as there have been quite a few mistakes with orders, including mine. The table near me didn’t get their main at all. Perhaps teething problems but I suspect the English of our waiter is quite poor, so that may be the missing link.

 

[Daver6]

So what's really going to happen is the QF F lounge in SIN is going to become the OWE Y lounge

 

[KSC]

Currently at the Qatar lounge its very lovely inside. The service is amazing and they keep checking on our drinks. Asking if we want champagne. Lovely like Qatar business class in flight.
Im on a QF flight and checking in I was treated just like any other passenger.

Better than the Qantas biz zoo. As I’m a Qantas Bronze this is the best option for me and the rules of entry work to my advantage (status meaning zilch and all about if your are a Biz or First Oneworld Flyer)..
The experience makes me want to fly Qatar again. They have my $.

 

[Daver6]

Better than the Qantas biz zoo. As I’m a Qantas Bronze this is the best option for me and the rules of entry work to my advantage (status meaning zilch and all about if your are a Biz or First Oneworld Flyer)..
The experience makes me want to fly Qatar again. They have my $.

They're smart at QR. This is precisly what they're hoping for.

 

[Matt_01]

@Aeolus, @goldenhorn, @KSC thanks for the reviews, MrsM and I are travelling up through SIN in about 8 weeks and I think I know which lounge we will be going to. I will just have to put up with SWMBO comparing this lounge to Al Safwa . MrsM does not travel that much but seems to have become some type of expert on what is a good lounge

 

[KSC]

@Aeolus, @goldenhorn, @KSC thanks for the reviews, MrsM and I are travelling up through SIN in about 8 weeks and I think I know which lounge we will be going to. I will just have to put up with SWMBO comparing this lounge to Al Safwa . MrsM does not travel that much but seems to have become some type of expert on what is a good lounge

The service and food is better than Al Mourjan in Doha.. Haven’t done Al Safwa so can’t comment.
Right now it’s really intimate and quiet.

 

[Himeno]

Is the lounge open all day? The times on that menu would suggest it is closed in the middle of the day (no table service between 1100 and 1730.

I was in the QR LHR T4 lounge last Nov. Felt more like an AA F lounge.

When did QR move into SIN T1? I thought they were in T2.

 

[jase05]

Is the lounge open all day? The times on that menu would suggest it is closed in the middle of the day (no table service between 1100 and 1730.

Opening hours:
Qatar Airways' Singapore Premium Lounge will be open from 8am to 11am, and then from 5.30pm through until 2am.

 

[AIRwin]

When did QR move into SIN T1? I thought they were in T2.

It has been more than a year since the move from T3:

https://www.qatarairways.com/en/press-releases/2018/October/Singapore-airport-change-of-terminal.html