After the 15 hour flight from Los Angeles on American Airlines we had about 6 hours until our Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore. During our fairly long layover we actually dropped our bags at the Singapore Airlines check-in counter and then took the high-speed train into Hong Kong for a few hours. After a quick walk around the city and a bite to eat we returned to the airport to quickly visit the Singapore Airlines First Class lounge.
We had access to the lounge as we were flying Singapore Airlines Suites class from Hong Kong to Singapore. We booked this portion of the trip on points, but more on that in the next installment of this trip report where I review the flight.
At this point in the trip we had taken a 15 hour flight and walked around in humid Hong Kong for a few hours. As a result, the only thing I wanted, besides some Champagne, was a hot shower. So, after clearing security in Hong Kong we immediately made out way to the lounge.
Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge Hong Kong Location
After clearing security we took the escalator downstairs to the departures level. From there, we made our way toward gates 15-19 where the Singapore Airlines SilverKris lounge is located.
Similar to other Singapore Airlines lounges, the SQ First Class lounge is located within the broader SilverKris lounge. With that in mind, from the exterior, there is no indication that you’re at the First Class lounge. Instead, when you present your First Class boarding card one of the lounge agents will escort you to the more private First Class area of the lounge.
Once inside the SilverKris lounge the First Class portion of the lounge is located toward the rear of the broader lounge. Thanks to the curved gold wall and “First Class” branding you can’t miss it.
As you proceed toward the First Class lounge there was a further sign reminding mere business class passengers that they were not welcome in this area of the lounge.
Per the sign, in addition to First Class and Suites passengers (same thing), Singapore Airlines Solitaire PPS Club passengers are also welcome in the First Class area of the lounge.
Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge Hong Kong
In general, I’ve become quite at home in airport lounges. At this point I no longer feel like an unwelcome visitor. However, with the confines of the Singapore Airlines First Class lounge, that is exactly how I felt. As I snapped a few pictures of the lounge I kept getting strange looks from fellow visitors and staff alike. Considering taking photos felt taboo, I opted to only take a few choice pictures of the lounge.
Overall the First Class lounge area is quite small. The entire lounge is essentially one large room divided in to a few unique seating areas. As seen above, one of the areas mirrors what you’d expect to find in most airport lounges. Near that portion of the lounge was a separate area with a few cubicles which seemed designed for those trying to get some work done within the lounge.
Finally, toward the entrance of the lounge was a formal dining area which only features about 8 two-top tables.
Although the lounge does offer food, we both opted to avoid the temptation to dine and instead saved our appetite for the flight. I know that sounds like an unusual statement, but the catering offered in Singapore Suites class is simply that good.
Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge Dining
The good news is that for those looking to dine with the lounge there were a few options available. As we found a seat outside of the dining area a lounge attendant quickly delivered a menu and a washcloth.
The menu included a few a la carte items available for order throughout the lounge. Although the menu was fairly limited, I thought every item on the menu looked delicious.
If you weren’t in the mood for a full meal you could instead serve yourself at the buffet.
The buffet featured a fairly limited selection of hot and cold foods, none of which looked particularly appetizing.
Surrounding the buffet on one wall was an ice cream freezer, coffee/tea station, and a dumpling warmer.
On the other counter was a selection of desserts, fruit, and soft drinks.
Overall, if your goal is to eat a complete meal before the flight I’d recommend visiting one of the restaurants found within the Hong Kong airport.
Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge Bar
For those on a more liquid diet there was a self-service bar located just outside of the formal dining area.
The bar features several mid-level brads of various spirits and a few select bottles of red and white wine.
In the ice bucket located on with the bar area was a bottle of Veuve Clicquot which is a far cry from the Dom Perignon and Krug served onboard.
The ice bucket also contained fresh juices which I assume were for mimosas and a few bottles of chilled white wines.
Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge Experience
After spending about 30 minutes in the lounge we quickly grew tired of the lounge and decided to further explore the airport. On our way our we checked the departure board located just above the mirrored magazine rack to make sure our flight was on time.
While the lounge was plenty nice there were two aspects of the lounge I didn’t appreciate. Firstly, I didn’t appreciate that the entire SilverKris lounge is an interior lounge meaning it lacks any windows to the outside world. Additionally, the lounge felt further cavernous thanks to the dim overhead lighting. I personally prefer lounges with ample natural light, especially after spending 15 hours in a dark metal tube.
Secondly, the shower rooms were out-of-order during our visit. This wouldn’t have been a big issue to begin a trip, but was quite annoying for our circumstances. We just got off a 15 hour flight and were about to board a 6 hour flight. A hot shower was one of the few things we really wanted from this lounge and unfortunately, they were under construction. While we understand the required maintenance of running a lounge, I wish we were given an alternative place to clean up.
Final Thoughts
While we appreciated the quite space as we waiting for our flight we quickly grew tired of the lounge during our visit. After about 30 minutes we decided to leave and head over to the American Express Centurion Lounge located a bit further away from our departure gate.
In hindsight I regret not trying to visit one of the several other Star Alliance lounges located within the Hong Kong airport terminal. Since we were flying First Class on Singapore Airlines we should have at least had access to one or two of the other lounges listed on the Star Alliance website. Likewise, there is a nearby Plaza Premium lounge with shower facilities that I wish I would have considered.
Either way, the lounge is a nice place to retreat to during a layover. The First Class area of the lounge especially is quiet and comfortable. However, this isn’t a lounge I’d go out of my way to visit. If I were flying Singapore Airlines Suites again, I’d opt to arrive at the airport just before my scheduled departure time opposed to showing up hours in advance to visit the lounge. Likewise, if I had a long layover, I would much rather go into Hong Kong opposed to spending several hours in the lounge.
