The House - Melbourne International

[Human]

All I can say is that I was in the Marhaba lounge a couple of weeks ago and found the breakfast (and everything else) to be fine. It's what you would expexct in Australia. Eggs, Sausages, etc, plus the usual alternatives. Not sure what you had in mind.

My only experience of the Marhaha lounge was before an evening Qatar flight. Had dinner in the lounge which was, frankly, not great … then boarded the Qatar flight, saw the Business class menu and immediately regretted filling myself up in the Lounge. Rookie error!

However, this time I’ll be flying Economy so will no doubt see the lounge food in a different light! Also I do find in many lounges that there is a difference in quality between the breakfast and the lunch/dinner buffets.

 

[jase05]

And, digressing hugely, if I was to comment on other lounges at MEL, I definitely prefer the SQ lounge to the NZ lounge. More comfortable, better food and drink (by a long way) and just more sophisticated generally.

I had the opposite on last visit but perhaps it was the SQ lounge dragon being a bit abrasive that dulled my view of it. Lounge was packed and food wasn’t great so we left and went to the NZ lounge which was almost empty, had friendly staff and food and beverages were excellent IMO

 

[lovestotravel]

I have the same issue next month before an 8am flight. As an AmEx Platinum cardholder I'll have the choice between the Centurion Lounge, The House or the Marhaba Lounge (Plaza Premium doesn't open until 8:30am).

I know that the food in the Marhaba lounge is lacklustre so I was going to choose The House (without paying the extra $20pp for a-la-carte) for its increased space and better views compared with the AmEx lounge. Anyone got any recent experience of the breakfast buffets that they offer?

It's quite a small spread of food, but enough to fill up, probably not quite as good as the Amex Lounge IMO, but the views make up for it.

Post automatically merged: May 14, 2024

And, digressing hugely, if I was to comment on other lounges at MEL, I definitely prefer the SQ lounge to the NZ lounge. More comfortable, better food and drink (by a long way) and just more sophisticated generally.

100% the MEL SQ lounge is a sad state of affairs, it's always to the NZ lounge for me

 

[clifford]

100% the MEL SQ lounge is a sad state of affairs,

Personally I don't think it's that sad (of course it could always do with a bit of refurb or relocation), but I dislike the current NZ approach to lounges generally. I much preferred the previous style of NZ lounges.

I'll be puting my money where my mouth is (again) this weekend when I fly SYD-BKK, as I'll be visiting the SQ lounge and giving NZ a miss. I'll also visit the SQ lounge at BKK on my way to IST.

I guess I'm just old fashioned in my outlook (and also my age).

 

[zig]

100% the MEL SQ lounge is a sad state of affairs, it's always to the NZ lounge for me

Another vote for the MEL NZ lounge. I found the SQ lounge depressing and gloomy, food offerings poor. The NZ lounge was bright and sparsely occupied.

 

[clifford]

The NZ lounge was bright and sparsely occupied.

Yes indeed, NZ lounges certainly are bright, they remind me of a 1950's American Diner, all chrome and white plastic. And uncomfortable chairs.

But if that's your thing, fine. It's not mine.

 

[zig]

Yes indeed, NZ lounges certainly are bright, they remind me of a 1950's American Diner, all chrome and white plastic. And uncomfortable chairs.

But if that's your thing, fine. It's not mine.

Just as well there are lounges to suit us all. I will leave the MEL SQ lounge to you until they get around to refurbishing it

 

[serfty]

Ha, when travelling business on SQ out of MEL, I happily use both NZ and SQ.

They both have their pros and cons but I'm OK having the benefit.

 

[clifford]

Ha, when travelling business on SQ out of MEL, I happily use both NZ and SQ.

They both have their pros and cons but I'm OK having the benefit.

Another thing. My wife informed me tonight that when she travelled SYD-AKL-RAR (R/T) recently, barmen had replaced self-pour alcohol in the NZ lounges.

Surely this is a negative for NZ?

 

[serfty]

Another thing. My wife informed me tonight that when she travelled SYD-AKL-RAR (R/T) recently, barmen had replaced self-pour alcohol in the NZ lounges.

Surely this is a negative for NZ?

There was a barman there last time I was there some months ago.

It was no hindrance.

 

[clifford]

There was a barman there last time I was there some months ago.

It was no hindrance.

I just don't like these American inspired cost-cutting trends in Lounges, and avoid such lounges where there is an alternative, I imagine tipping the barman may become "mandatory" next.

Hence the SQ lounge.