The House MEL mini review

[Cruiser Elite]

For the first time in maybe 12yrs or so I am flying out of MEL on a non SQ flt - VN to be precise MEL-HCM-PVG and doing this solely on price - as a VN pax you have access to Sky Priority Lounge in dungeon which I visited and is pretty ordinary - then I visited Cent Lounge which again pretty ordinary but both these would be quite acceptable.

Having read about Mr He abandons SKL F to try The Lounge I thought I would also give it a try.

It is still home lounge for Etihad pax and other carriers now also using it include Tianjin Airlines, Hainan, Beijing Capital, Cathay, Batik, Philippines with others coming onboard in near future.

I was lucky when I visited that General Mamager of Aspire Lounges Angelika was actually in the Lounge at time of her visit and filled me in with this info.

Others able to access also are PP holders and general public at rate $77 subject to loung space.

No a-la-carte available right now but trials to restart indeed commence this aft Mar 3 but only during Etihad flt times - so I assume within 3hrs dep time of Etihad flts.

A-la-cart will be free for EY pax - other pax will be $20 co-payment fee to enjoy alc. F & B offerings this morn nothing to write home about but it was acceptable - Bree on front desk and Kristina behind bar and making coffee both absolute stars.

Here are some pics - pls don’t be too critical early morning sun plays havoc:

 

[Cruiser Elite]

And:

 

[Cruiser Elite]

In general quite impressive - it is a substantial light bright area with tarmac views if that turns your crank - TBH IMHO sun steaming in is APITA - but as always YMMV

 

[boomy]

Thanks for the review @Cruiser Elite.

I have fond memories from this lounge from the good EY days before their financial troubles. F&B used to be great there with fantastic service to match.
Hopefully EY is now on the right path to recovery and will bring back their glorious 380s to Australia.

 

[Flyfrequently]

In general quite impressive - it is a substantial light bright area with tarmac views if that turns your crank - TBH IMHO sun steaming in is APITA - but as always YMMV

Thanks for good report @Cruiser Elite. With an upcoming CX late evening flight, would you say this lounge instead of QF?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I know nothing about QF Lounges or access / eligibility so I would be the last person who should answer that

 

[Flyfrequently]

I know nothing about QF Lounges or access / eligibility so I would be the last person who should answer that

Okay thanks.
Happy travels

Perhaps another AFF has some thoughts on QF v The House Melbourne?

 

[IrishPete]

Thanks for the review @Cruiser Elite.

I have fond memories from this lounge from the good EY days before their financial troubles. F&B used to be great there with fantastic service to match.
Hopefully EY is now on the right path to recovery and will bring back their glorious 380s to Australia.

Me too. An a la carte meal and good drinks before a flight felt like royalty.