Plaza Premium Melbourne Lounge
The Melbourne Plaza Premium Lounge has great food, but a rather bland atmosphere.
It's located in the infamous basement in the airport, which means it is lacking a view.
However, it does have comfortable seating areas, a good self serve bar, and free Wi-Fi.
Melbourne Plaza Premium lounge review
The Plaza Premium Melbourne Lounge has obviously heard of the cram it to the max philosophy, and that's exactly what it's done. With some of the largest furniture it could find. The resulting atmosphere is that of a crammed furniture warehouse. Adding to the dungeon mentality, the lounge as a whole has limited natural light, given its location downstairs, so it feels pretty claustrophobic.
Some of the largest furniture looks like Cathay Pacific's classic Solus chair, with high walls and a flip out tray. It's not, but it has the same kind of design, to cocoon you in quiet away from other passengers. It also resembles a Business Class suite, and it is in a secluded lounge area, so it does actually feel quite private.
Next to the main sitting room is a café like dining area separate from the main lounge area, which is relatively pleasant.
Other than that, there are plenty of Plaza's classic armchairs, each of which has sockets between them.
There is a separate seating area around the side of the dining station.
Incidentally, Melbourne's Plaza Premium sits next to the nearby American Express Lounge (and is actually run by Plaza too). This means in the evening, you can walk between the two.
Food
Along the refectory bench, there are several hot dishes, which are made from the same American Express kitchen as next door.
There is a live cooking station where you can ask for dishes to be cooked your way. Notable standouts are DIY hot sandwiches, made-to-order pasta and seafood laksa.
Unusually, there are also some mini bao sandwiches with spicy plum sauce.
At breakfast time there are Baked beans, bacon, sausages and hash browns, plus a pancake machine. A chef will also make omelettes to order, which is rare for a pay in lounge.
From lunchtime onwards there is a live cooking station, where you can request a dish made to order, from an admittedly limited menu. Pasta with various toppings normally makes an appearance.
The buffet also has chicken, rice, penne pasta and frittata.
Bar
In that dining room are both tables and booth seats.
There is a small rather basic bar, with wine and beer served from behind a counter.
Basic house wine and beer is complimentary: anything more, and you need to pay extra. Champagne is quite expensive.
There is also an all-day barista service with Shelbello coffee.
Business Facilities
There is free fast wifi, however the system blocks email applications like Outlook which is a little odd, and also prevents you from using wifi dialling.Printing & photocopying is available via the printer in the corner.
Bathrooms
In lounge. OK, but not the best, although from here you can walk through to get to the American Express lounge/.Access
You can access the lounge via the Plaza premium website, or DragonPass.
Members of Priority Pass can once again enter the lounge.
If you purchase access at reception it costs $60 for up to two hours, or $70 for up to three hours, although these prices are rising.
Video: Plaza Premium Lounge
View photos of Plaza Premium Melbourne Lounge
Melbourne Airport Guide
| Plaza Premium Melbourne Lounge | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating |
Video walkthrough and Image gallery by Loungeindex.com
| |
| Pros | Great food and drinks Comfy seats |
|
| Cons | Dark and cramp In a basement, no outside view |
|
| Location | International Departures, airside, near Gate 9 | |
| Terminal | Int | |
| Opening hours | 0600-2300 | |
| Cost | $60AUD | |
| Phone: | 03 8326 3431 | |
| Lounge for: | Plaza Premium | |
| Access | Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, or pay on the door | |