Qantas Brisbane Lounge International Business Class
The new Brisbane International Lounge is now open. The new Queensland themed lounge has styling elements close to that of the new Hong Kong and Singapore lounges, but it includes a quirky twist with a new wood lined cafe, an upstairs breakfast bar, and colour reminiscent of the reef.
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Brisbane Qantas Business Class International lounge review
The new Brisbane International Lounge can get absolutely packed mid-morning. Finding the lounge is the hardest part. The Brisbane International Qantas Club is found via a very small escalator hidden on the left, once you are past security. Up at the top of the escalator a new double reception desk greets you. Here there is a new art installation called'The Pulse of our Ancient Land' by Jenna Lee (of Indigenous design company Gilimbaa), based in Brisbane. Inlaid into the glass is an interpretation of the land of the region viewed from above, brought to life through glass, watercolour and lights. The lounge - split across two levels - offers nearly 30 per cent more space than the previous lounges, with interiors reflecting the Queensland landscape. However, you can't help feel that the lounge is just way too packed in. It sometimes feels like walking around someone's rather cluttered apartment, tripping over all their unwanted housemates. The furniture is inspired by a relaxed approach to living in the tropical north with timber cafe seating and low slung lounges, and inset rugs bring colour and texture reminiscent of the reef, sandbars and waterways of Queensland's coast and inlets. The light blue and cyan carpeting is a wonder to behold. The wonder being, that you can rarely see it as there are so many passengers in here. However, it really does work - and it is a very pleasant area to spend a few hours, and very different from the old Qantas Business and First lounges. It is a 'one class' lounge, with Brisbane being without a First Class service for many years. Once you are past the Brisbane Qantas lounge entrance there is a small enclosed 'touch down' space for passengers who are just staying a few minutes, although with semi-private seating it can be used by visiting VIPs. Ahead of here is the very long, thin bar with spirits, wines and cocktail at all hours of the day. Next to the bar is a small white marble island bench, for dining. The bulk of the Qantas Brisbane lounge is taken up with seats overlooking the view. And what a view. The lounge looks into the main departure terminal, and the gates beyond, from a high up position where you can see the hoy paloy below, from neat armchairs with small round cocktail tables. There is also an island banquet in the middle of the lounge, incongruously decked with pot plants, while in the corner are some hidden private seats, surrounded by white slats, presumably for celebrities who appreciate their privacy. One of these private areas also has an iMac computer. However the joy of the lounge is the hidden upmarket loft area, up the stairs to a much more intimate area, with a special small observation deck, and with special options for breakfast (until 10.30am) including the 'Brisbane Breakfast Hatch' with Rockpool-inspired dishes, and what Qantas call 'Quench'.
Food
If you are in the Qantas Brisbane International lounge, you'll almost certainly be here for breakfast. With the last Qantas flight leaving overseas at 11am, there isn't time for anything else. Seasonal menus are designed by Neil Perry with a focus on working with local food producers. The lounge will also offer a hot and cold buffet on the lower level, with all the usual bacon, eggs and sausages. There is a toaster here too. The new signature breakfast hatch on the mezzanine level has Rockpool-designed breakfast dishes to order such as healthy breakfast bowls, bircher muesli and a bacon and egg toasty. The Quench bench focuses on hydrating customers before they fly and serve a range of non-alcoholic beverages including syrups from Bickfords and Buderim Ginger and a signature tisane blend designed by Rockpool. Within the Qantas Brisbane lounge are four shower suites with amenities by ASPAR Aurora skincare products and service by Sofitel trained staff.
Bar
There is no 'pour it yourself' like the old bar. Instead there is a large bar right as you walk in, with Squire's Pale Ale or cider, Hahn, or Heineken on draft, even at 8am in the morning. You can however pour yourself sparkling wine, with Seppelt in a Bucket on ice around by the Quench bar. Perrier-Jouá�t Champagne is offered to Platinum One frequent flyers, but this isn't advertised. There is also an all-day barista coffee by Vittoria, which is served at the main bar - indeed, this is what pretty much everyone is drinking at peak times in the lounge, at 8am.Bathrooms
Within the Qantas Brisbane lounge are four shower suites with amenities by ASPAR Aurora skincare products and service by Sofitel trained staff. However, you rarely if ever get to see any of them - instead, grab a towel yourself from the corridor. There are the four shower suites in the left. The main bathrooms are straight ahead.
Business Facilities
The Qantas Brisbane lounge features a business centre with an iMac computer. Yes, a grand total of one computer! It isn't very well used, however it does have a wireless printer attached. There is of course free Wi-Fi through the lounge. There are a few newspapers on a shelf by the stairs.
Access
The Qantas Brisbane International Lounge is open to Qantas customers travelling in Business, plus passengers in Business on Cathay Pacific and Fiji Airways, plus Emirates (although Emirates also have their own superb lounge). Passengers in economy, with a oneworld Sapphire or Emerald card, and Emirates Skywards Gold, and Platinum can also access the lounge, as can Qantas Club and Admirals Club members, and Jetstar Business Max passengers. Alternately, you can purchase a Brisbane Qantas Business Class International lounge daypass for $69 direct from Qantas.
Video: Qantas International Lounge
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Brisbane Airport Guide
| Qantas Brisbane Lounge International Business Class | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating |
Video walkthrough and Image gallery by Loungeindex.com
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| Location | Airside, International, left after security, up escalators | |
| Opening hours | 0630 to 1300 | |
| Cost | $69 | |
| Access | Business & First Class, Platinum & Gold Qantas FrequentFlyer members, Silver & Gold British Airways Exec Club members, and oneworld Emerald & Sapphire | |