Singapore Airlines' The Private Room

[Alanslegal]

[A Photos Intensive WARNING]

As some of you may know I recently redeemed some SQ KF points for a one way SIN – SYD in First Class. It was exciting times for me as not only was I returning to fly on SQ but it was also a where I would be seated, cocooned at the nose of the plane.

Arriving at the relatively new SIN Terminal 3, SQ has a private First Class check-in lounge. It is quite a distance away from the main counters but this made it rather exclusive. At first I thought this was the actual lounge itself, entering a tranquil room featuring brown leather chairs and ottomans, polished wood against extensive marble walls and tables. I was greeted by a warm SQ lounge dragon who directed me to an empty chair where I was immediately checked-in.

I was then handed my FC boarding pass as well as a complimentary invitation to SQ’s The Private Room. The same SQ lounge dragon that escorted me in, then took me to the exit and told me to proceed directly opposite where SQ’s FC passengers have a private and express Customs & Immigration departure walkway. I was then informed that at the Silver Kris Lounge entrance one of her colleagues would escort me TPR.

With the exclusive C&I for SQ First passengers, it would take no more than two minutes to get from the check-in lounge to the Silver Kris Lounge. At the SK Lounge entrance, there were three standing lounge dragons standing guard and I completely ignored them for a few moments whilst I was occupied taking photographs of the entrance.

I bet at one stage they assumed I was just a curious tourist and not really visiting or allowed into the SK Lounge, especially given my very casual attire of dark skinny jeans with contrasting white sneakers, round collared fun t-shirt boasting the words “I Am Unique” – imagine if I wore my “Sorry Girls, I Am Gay” t-shirt?! Neither was I carrying any Hermes or Prada bags he he he!

 

[Alanslegal]

I approached a temperature cool SQ dragon and fumbled through my bag in search of my boarding pass and invitation card. Once found, I handed the card over and the same dragon instantly warmed up. This time I was then welcomed to the SK Lounge, and was advised to follow her to TPR. The main entrance allows all eligible passengers and guests into the (business) lounge, then there is another dragon check-point which is for the First Class lounge, and then after this, there is another set of dragons for TPR. As I was being escorted, every dragon politely greeted and gave a smile. I was then passed on to TPR hostesses where I was asked if I wanted to have some breakfast in the private dining room. I accepted this and was taken to the dining room.

From what I have read, The Private Room @ T3 first opened back in 2008 and that only full fare First Class or Suite passengers were invited to this lounge, and it was absolutely off-limits for those flying an award tickets – read, me!. It appears that this rule has relaxed somewhat. A lot of paid (or discounted) F passengers were upset at this rule but that is how SQ operated.

The dining room would seat around 20 guests but there were only two other fortunate guests enjoying their meal at the time of my arrival. As it was early in the morning, breakfast was served, and I quickly chose off a limited breakfast menu and decided for the omelette with potato, mushroom, tomato and asparagus. It was table service, and as expected the service was friendly and efficient. However for those wanting to Do It Yourself, there was a small buffet selection of cereals, yoghurts, a couple of warm Asian dishes of noodles and congee, fruits and a variety of teas and coffees. I was not given or offered an alcohol menu so I cannot confirm whether or not they were serving Krug or the like at that time of the morning.

After my omelette, I then greedily opted for the waffles with syrup and jam. I am a huge sucker for sweet things!

 

[Alanslegal]

After breakfast, I explored the remains of the lounge and I think would easily facilitate another 40 or so guests. It was a very private and tranquil place and one would easily be able to relax here – I counted no more than seven other guests at any one time of my visit.

TPR bathroom facilities:-

There was nothing else to do in this lounge; no complimentary massages or spas offering pedicure and manicures – I just needed a touch up from my last pedicure and manicure a few days earlier - so I departed TPR. As I was leaving each dragons (one at TPR entrance, another at the FC entrance) would ask me which flight I was on, and they would suggest that I could stay for another 35 minutes but I politely declined and told them I’m off to explore, maybe even board first! and find something with a bit more activity.

Overall, The Private Room is just that, private. It is an exclusive space that allows a limited, if not select guests, into the lounge and because of the limited (or lack of) guests the service was more personalised. The breakfast range was rather average but the quality and presentation definitely made up for that. I guess one would rather do one thing well, than do many things poorly.

The lounge was most spacious and comfortable – not to mention peaceful - and despite there were no other additional services like a complimentary massage, or even DIY massage chairs, this place is still very soothing and would be highly one of the few places anyone would want to be or wait before any flight.

 

[Alanslegal]

[Kind of OT]
Passing the SK First Class Lounge, here are some photos:-

Thank Q for reading

 

[kpc]

nice photos! Did your +1 get to enjoy the TPR as well?

 

[Alanslegal]

nice photos! Did your +1 get to enjoy the TPR as well?

Thanks Kevin, I was travelling solo that day

 

[samh004]

That waffle looked unbelievable

And the lounge was good too

 

[SnowYeti]

Thanks for the great trip report. It looks like SQ put alot of effort in, which is what you would expect for F. I had a chuckle everytime I read the word dragon, I learnt that once when at Syd T1 QP, they explained to me about the QF dragons

The service really sounded excellent.

I'm also impressed they have mac computers in the lounge

Thanks again Alan!

 

[djfuzz]

Awesome TR Alanslegal, thank you so much for sharing the experience. Don't think we'll ever find ourselves in there, so nice to see what's behind the curtain and to know that there are some places to aspire to, especially since we've been to some pretty average lounges of late. How was the flight itself?

SnowYeti, I've never gotten a proper explanation of the term 'dragon' - I assumed it had something to do with the fact that dragons protect treasure, and the obvious analogy, or perhaps some reference to their demeanour. Is there some other explanation?

 

[Alanslegal]

Awesome TR Alanslegal, thank you so much for sharing the experience. Don't think we'll ever find ourselves in there, so nice to see what's behind the curtain and to know that there are some places to aspire to, especially since we've been to some pretty average lounges of late. How was the flight itself?

Unfortunately I don't think I'd be visiting TPR anytime soon either I guess I got lucky by getting an invite especially being on an award flight.

As for the flight home I was the only passenger in First and I got 300% crew attention Although there were 3 crew to ME and the service was very personal ..... why couldn't they give me an in-flight foot massage or a back rub? That would have been the icing on the cake! :mrgreen:

 

[Alanslegal]

The service really sounded excellent.

I'm also impressed they have mac computers in the lounge

Thanks again Alan!

Maybe SQ can call this "A Lounge Beyond First ... Welcome to The Private Room".

Behind the Macs they also had regular PC's so it catered for all users.

And thanks for reading this quickie TR, it was fun typing it up!

 

[auriga]

Thanks for the write up! Nice pictures too.

Not likely for me to go in there anytime soon.....

 

[QF WP]

Excellent photo's and descriptions Alanslegal. The ability for us to share in your experience...that's what TR's are all about.

Like others here, I'm never likely to see the TPR, so great to know what's there for others more funtunate.

 

[Flying Fox]

Thanks for sharing your great experience and the photos.

Ah, how I long to travel like a rock star......

 

[Keith009]

Nice TR mate. I am glad they've started allowing award pax into TPR now.

 

[SnowYeti]

Maybe SQ can call this "A Lounge Beyond First ... Welcome to The Private Room".

Behind the Macs they also had regular PC's so it catered for all users.

And thanks for reading this quickie TR, it was fun typing it up!

You just got me dissapointed, I was happy to see macs only hehehe :shock:

May the memories last you a long time!

 

[samh004]

You just got me dissapointed, I was happy to see macs only hehehe :shock:

They might have been running windows. It's one of those things companies do, our university recently installed Windows onto all the macs, because that makes sense...

 

[savydog]

Travelled to Beijing earlier this month, I had in hand my first class boarding pass but no invitation as none was offered in Brisbane when checking in business class (all award bookings).

A friend suggested I ask for access to the private room, the lounge dragon's response was "how did you know about the private room ? " I mentioned that my friend was very well travelled and visited the private room often, (he hasn't been in there yet). After discussion with the other dragons I was ushered past the various checkpoints and into the room. Seemed like one staff member for every guest.

It was stressed to me that no boarding calls would be made, the lounge was quiet and after getting some bubbly I hooked onto the internet and did some work. Later I had a shower and had dinner in the dining area. Broccoli soup and the Lobster. It is a quiet refuge and a great experience.

 

[Coathanger]

I bet at one stage they assumed I was just a curious tourist and not really visiting or allowed into the SK Lounge, especially given my very casual attire of dark skinny jeans with contrasting white sneakers, round collared fun t-shirt boasting the words “I Am Unique” – imagine if I wore my “Sorry Girls, I Am Gay” t-shirt?! Neither was I carrying any Hermes or Prada bags he he he!

I can certainly relate since my travel attire is none too formal, though over the years SQ seems pretty consistent in the service it provides within a particular cabin.

Though I've had the odd glance from the suited masses...

 

[Flying Fox]

Well I always dress for comfort when travelling for pleasure. I'm definately not dressed to impress except when travelling for work.