Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Washington Lounge
After the delights of other Clubhouses on the network, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in Washington DC is, well, a bit underwhelming for Virgin Atlantic. It's in an old 1950s building, and Virgin have tried hard to keep that 1950s styling, but while the lounge is designed to fit in to the design of this classic fifties terminal, it does have a bit of a 'last decade, if not the one before' feeling.
Washington Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounge review
Firstly, you have to find the Virgin Clubhouse Washington IAD, which is a bit of a trek. Check in at the wonderful 1960s building, and then descend into the bowels of the building for security, before taking the train to Terminal A, and walk all the way along the terminal concourse. The clubhouse is the small red door on the right hand side, about a third of a mile before the BA lounge, through which is a small reception desk.
The Washington Virgin Clubhouse lounge is small and compact: from the door you can see most of it: at least there is a great view of the gates, and the unique IAD gate transporters rushing past. The place looks a bit tired, but at least the furniture has had a revamp of late. There is a prized sofa in the far corner of the lounge, but if you miss out on this, there are some decent squashy armchairs arranged for couples, around small funky 1960s coffee tables, and standard lamps that wouldn't be out of place in Carnaby Street.
The strange combination structure as you walk in, housing the reception, bar, and stairs is because the Virgin Clubhouse Lounge Dulles Airport is on two levels: however the upper level is normally closed unless the lounge is crowded - or reserved for VIPs such as the Harry entourage. It has a curving spiral staircase, and there is the famed Wurlitzer jukebox at the foot of the stairs: it features in most of the publicity about the lounge, but is rarely turned on. At the top are seats arranged in a great big curve.
Under the stairs and beside the bar there are dining tables, all of which have menus, and indeed there are also menus on most of the tables throughout the lounge.
Food
Food is superb. There are the classic burgers and pasta, along with lighter starters: I generally have several starters and a dessert before a flight, which means you have room to eat on the plane.
Bar
Of course the bar in the Virgin Clubhouse Washington Dulles is excellent: you can take a seat at the bar in US style, or take your drinks to the sofas. There is a great wine selection which varies monthly - typically with New World wines. The list is in the back of the menu. There are also some good beers - but not as many as you'd think, and they are all US beers. The spirit selection behind the bar is also serviceable, but not as good as in San Francisco. Cocktails are in the menu too, but are basic bar offerings.
Business Facilities
There are computers in the lounge, with four desks in the far corner of the lounge, and two internet connected PCs: if you can see the screens that is: the sunshine tends to shine through the windows onto the screen. There is also free wifi in the lounge.
Bathrooms
There are bathrooms in the lounge - in the corridor behind the screen next to the sofa - and one shower.Access
Access for Upper Class passengers, Gold Flying Club members, Velocity Gold & Platinum.Video: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Lounge
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Washington Airport Guide
| Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Washington Lounge | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating |
Video walkthrough and Image gallery by Loungeindex.com
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| Location | Terminal A, airside | |
| Opening hours | 1440-2200 | |
| Access | Upper Class passengers, Gold Flying Club members | |