Qantas has had some recent
issues; but judging by flawless economy and business class flights from
Melbourne to Hong Kong return and the chance to check out the new
Qantas Hong Kong Lounge, it is once again hitting the heights.
While signage is poor (something staff say is being addressed), the service in the lounge is outstanding.
Guests are greeted at the door,
given a tour and shown a range of seating options.
They can sit at the bar and enjoy cocktails, wines, beers and spirits, perhaps accompanied by some delicious barbecued pork and rice, or enjoy table service in the restaurant area (think dishes like stir-fried beef with black bean sauce).
Alternatively there is a very good buffet with a range of vegetarian options and some five desserts from which to choose.
Staff say that many Qantas Club, business and first class flyers are opting to have a full meal in the lounge and then go straight to sleep when they board their flights.
Qantas International CEO Simon Hickey has said the new multi-million dollar lounge is designed for that specific purpose.
“All of our flights from Hong Kong to Australia are overnight, so we know customers will enjoy being able to dine in the lounge before they fly so they can maximise their sleep on board,” he said.
The Hong Kong lounge builds on the menus of consulting chef Neil Perry, focusing both on local flavours and international dishes.
I was delighted to watch flights land and take off from my seat, which had power/USB points and was regularly visited by lounge staff offering dishes like steamed pork dumplings from yum cha trolleys, and constant drink refills.
The bar staff can conjure up Spice Temple-inspired cocktails – and there is a very good selection of wines from the Treasury Wine Estates stable, including names like Wynn's Coonawarra Estate and Heemskerk.
The usual lounge facilities like showers are available, and premium flyers can access services including shirt pressing and shoe shining.
The Hong Kong lounge is chic and modern with a range of seating options. It can cater for 300 guests, has 12 showers, a family zone and a flexible working area.
Qantas operates 28 return services each week from Australia to Hong Kong, with daily flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Visit www.qantas.com.au for details.
While signage is poor (something staff say is being addressed), the service in the lounge is outstanding.
They can sit at the bar and enjoy cocktails, wines, beers and spirits, perhaps accompanied by some delicious barbecued pork and rice, or enjoy table service in the restaurant area (think dishes like stir-fried beef with black bean sauce).
Alternatively there is a very good buffet with a range of vegetarian options and some five desserts from which to choose.
Staff say that many Qantas Club, business and first class flyers are opting to have a full meal in the lounge and then go straight to sleep when they board their flights.
Qantas International CEO Simon Hickey has said the new multi-million dollar lounge is designed for that specific purpose.
“All of our flights from Hong Kong to Australia are overnight, so we know customers will enjoy being able to dine in the lounge before they fly so they can maximise their sleep on board,” he said.
The Hong Kong lounge builds on the menus of consulting chef Neil Perry, focusing both on local flavours and international dishes.
I was delighted to watch flights land and take off from my seat, which had power/USB points and was regularly visited by lounge staff offering dishes like steamed pork dumplings from yum cha trolleys, and constant drink refills.
The bar staff can conjure up Spice Temple-inspired cocktails – and there is a very good selection of wines from the Treasury Wine Estates stable, including names like Wynn's Coonawarra Estate and Heemskerk.
The usual lounge facilities like showers are available, and premium flyers can access services including shirt pressing and shoe shining.
The Hong Kong lounge is chic and modern with a range of seating options. It can cater for 300 guests, has 12 showers, a family zone and a flexible working area.
Qantas operates 28 return services each week from Australia to Hong Kong, with daily flights from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Visit www.qantas.com.au for details.
Great blog! It's interesting to see how airlines are elevating their lounge experiences. Speaking of elevating dining experiences, if you're ever in Australia, you should check out the Lunch Buffet in Penrith at Taste of India Multi Cuisine Restaurant. A perfect spot for indulging in a variety of authentic Indian dishes!
ReplyDeleteAnyone visiting Australia should check out The Flames Galore, a top-rated Restaurant in Canberra, for a unique and interactive dining experience!
ReplyDeleteIf you are in Australia and craving authentic flavors, be sure to check out an Indian Restaurant in Sydney for a delicious dining experience. Keep sharing these wonderful travel insights!
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