Aspire Perth Lounge

Inspired by Western Australian nature and culture, the Aspire lounge features a fresh contemporary design and an abundance of natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows.

There is a great cocktail bar, an amazing lookout viewing area, showers, comfortable seating in small nooks, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a children's room. With shower facilities, stylish seating and locally-inspired food, Perth's first international pay-per-use lounge is not afraid to make a big statement.

On the Australia lounge scene, it is one of the best pay-in lounges, which is why some airlines are now using the new Swissport operated lounge as their default lounge in Perth.

Perth Aspire lounge review

The brand new Aspire Lounge at the International Terminal at Perth Airport is now open. It is built in the airport's former control centre and part of the old observation deck, transforming it into a dedicated space for passengers to unwind and enjoy sweeping views of the airport and the city skyline. And it really is good, with amazing views that overlook the apron, and so new and swish you can even inhale the new lounge seats smell.

However, it may no seem that way as you stagger up the winding staircase to the large reception desk at the top. This is right at the top of the stairs, and queue can sometimes trail down the stairs.

Don't worry, it does get better. Indeed, interior design takes on a distinctive local flair, reflecting the nature and colours of Western Australia, with two installations from local Indigenous artist Barry McGuire, and landscapes from nature photographer Michael Haluwana, who is based in Perth, and who has focused on stunning aerial, landscape and night sky images.

As soon as you are past reception you get to see the length of the lounge, with large blue armchairs by the windows, and cosy booths inland seating four around a table, with power ports and a mural with the colours of Western Australia.

However, it is worth turning around, because tucked behind reception is a small 'business lounge' with two long benches, having comfortable office chairs and power sockets (Australian design only) and charging ports.

The Business Centre is near the entrance, and rarely seems to have a customer. However, it gets busier as you move further down the lounge, with the bar right in the middle, and the dining area immediately behind it. There are bar stool opposite the bar, which have sweeping views of the apron, and are great for a quick pit stop if you are only going to be in the lounge for a few minutes before departure.

Carry further on down, as there are some high backed armchairs on the right, and the deep velvety blue colours add atmosphere if you are lucky enough to get one of these chairs which are very private and enjoy the sweeping views, plus a small table for cocktails: perfect for plane-gazing.

On the left is a corridor to the bathrooms, and then half a dozen dining tables with cafe-style seating under stylish lights.

Carry further on, deeper into the lounge, as there are several more areas to explore.

Next up is a smaller enclosed room, with large armchairs around the walls, and a Perth cityscape lightbox by Michael Haluwana: the lights simulate sunset over the city, just as dusk is dusking and many international flights are departing. This area is best for a short kip; alas many passengers also use it to take phone calls.

Carry on, and you'll come to two more areas. On the left is the children's area, although in truth all it has is a drawing table with crayons, and kids TV on a screen on the wall. There are two bench seats here if you need to keep an eye on your little ones, as they read through the boards, and learn more about WA's indigenous history.

On the other side of the Children's area is a rather random seating area, with a neon sign inviting you to take the stairs to the observation desk. Which is where you really want to go.

The observation deck is amazing: you can see why it was chosen, with a vast curved window high up overlooking the apron. Oddly, there is a bench at the window, instead of armchairs, so it's not the most comfortable, but the view makes up for the seats, and you can more than get tea with a view.

In the middle of the observation deck is an LED tree with luminous flowers, surrounded by a bench. Indigenous artist Barry McGuire contributes to the centrepiece here - a message stick with 14 designs that represent the Noongar Language Groups in WA.

But, and the real piece de resistance of all the object d'art is the giant rat, or rather huge quokka. These hail from Rottnest Island, and there is a giant one here named 'Captain Quokka' seated at a bench. Photos sitting next to the rat are strictly required, by etiquette, and are de rigueur.

This areas, set within the airport's former control centre, is very might the highlight of the lounge and one of the best in the world, with panoramic views of the airfield and city skyline. It's a premium position that beats all the other Perth lounges.

Food

The buffet dining features a distinctive WA flair: indeed you can't miss it. Opposite the refectory is a living wall, with a giant 'Perth' logo, just in case you wonder where you are.

As you walk by, you can see the back of the salad bar: this is really good, with lots of fresh green options. The flap at the front of the salad bar lifts up so you can access them, plus the sandwiches on the right next to the salad. Numerous dressings are beside the fridge.

On the other side are the hot options, but these are a little more basic. There is normally a grand total of one two options, in two heated bowls, plus a soup: the soup is on the side of the bar counter, so don't miss it. There are also rolls.

Some desserts and cakes are also on the worktop, but they can be few and far between in the evening.

Bar

Right in the middle of the lounge, you can't miss the bar.

The bar features some great WA wines: after all they aren't hard to come by in Perth, with a list of half a dozen decent drops. You can see the wines on the high shelf behind the bar.

Below this shelf are about hundred bottles of spirts: literally everything you can think of. The bar staff love mixing up cocktails for you.

In the fridge below this are half a dozen different types of beer. Of course, there is Corona or Peroni, but also some local Perth beers, and even 5 seeds cider.

Business Facilities

There is very fast wifi, and a business centre behind reception.

Pretty much every seat has a power socket.

Bathrooms

Near the centre of the lounge is a small hallway that leads to the bathrooms, which are very new and swish, with odd circular tin sinks.

There are also three shower rooms, including one in the accessible toilet.

The ladies' room boasts a separate 'powder room' area for facial treatments and make up before you board the plane.

Bathroom products are provided by Boodjera, an Aboriginal-owned company that uses all-natural and plant-based formulas, along with 100% recycled bottles.

Where is the Aspire Lounge Perth T1?

The amazing space is located right after immigration and security at Perth's International T1, which has all airlines operating internationally except for Qantas. Once past the duty-free maze, then look for the signs and head right. Left are all the other lounges, including Air New Zealand and Emirates.

Head to Gate 54, where there is what seems to be a fire exist with signs to the Aspire Lounge entrance to your left. You can take the lift straight up, or take the stairs.

Don't mistake this lounge for the Aspire lounge at Perth's T2 domestic terminal. The two look similar, but the domestic lounge has poorer catering, and occupies the old Virgin Australia lounge.

Access

Priority Pass and LoungeKey, although there often seem to be issues accepting LoungeKey passes on the door.

Business Class on Malaysian Airlines and Cathay Pacific also gain access, as do the relevant Frequent Flyer cards, but you will need to check at check in to see if you need a pass to the lounge.

entry is also included for holders of eligible credit cards such as the American Express Platinum or Citi Prestige cards

The Aspire Lounge Perth T1 also welcomes any traveller departing from the international terminal, even in economy.

You can pre-book entry from $66 per person online, or walk up from $77 per person.

Video: Aspire Lounge

Aspire Lounge video - Click to play

Aspire Lounge video - Click to play