Starting my journey as a newly minted KrisFlyer Gold member, I am keen to explore more SilverKris Lounges and Star Alliances lounges around the world with the status. Sadly, SQ does not operate any lounges in Guangzhou and there are also no Star Alliances lounges in Terminal 2 that SQ departs from. They are using a contract lounge like most airlines here including the likes of Qatar, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Thai. This always feels like a disappointment when you are entering via the airline options as generally, you will view airline lounges are of a higher quality than contract lounges. Let’s see how this Premium Lounge is!

Access Requirements

The Premium Lounge Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is open 24 hours daily. You can access this lounge via lounge program membership like Priority Pass. I have an unlimited Priority Pass through my Citi Prestige Credit Card or my UOB Reserve Card and use that to access the lounge. A normal entrance will cost 35 USD. The lounge is also used by airlines for their premium customers. This includes Singapore Airlines where entrance is offered to  Business Class Passengers, PPS Club members, KrisFlyer Gold and Star Alliance Gold members. Typical guesting rules apply. I got access through my KrisFlyer Gold membership. There was no wait at the entrance and I was admitted entrance after showing my boarding pass.

Arrival & Location

The lounge is located in the main terminal area over here and one level above the main terminal floor. It is easy to spot it and they have clear signs. You can then access it via the escalators. The lounge is very quiet at this time since it is already close to midnight. It looks rather nice and quaint at first. I was ushered in upon presenting my boarding pass. I also enquired about a shower room which goes by a reservation system here at the reception.

Premium Lounge Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport 

The lounge is huge and comes with plenty of seating area. This is one of the largest and most spacious contract lounges that I have been to. It just felt slightly tasteless and boring. It felt to me like a space that was filled with couches and armchairs. Here are some pictures of the lounge.

Power outlets are readily available throughout the lounge and the seating area. Surprisingly, there is no wifi available which should be a standard offering in any airport lounges. The lounge also comes with some massage chairs but they are chargeable. That seems rather stingy considering that you already paid for access via one of those lounge programs or the airline already paid them.

The lounge comes with toilets and showers. That is always handy to have especially if you are out in the city and flying out on a red-eye like this. I will just let’s say that this is not a lounge-quality shower. Even hostels have nicer showers than this. To recap, the showers work on a reservation basis and you have to get a slot at the reception counter.

This is something I appreciated in a lounge but the ones here are nothing memorable and even worse than the ones in the terminal itself. Lounge toilets are supposed to be better maintained and cleaned.

Food & Drinks

There is nothing much at this hour and the noodle bar is closed. They do have some snacks and hot food available but it looks stale and cold. Here are some pictures of the selections.

Drinks-wise is better with a selection of teas, soft drinks, juices, beers and wines.

Conclusion

Suffice it to say, this is one of the worst lounges that I have visited under the Priority Pass network. It might pass the bar if you are entering with an unlimited pass but I will certainly save my allowance if they are limited. It is certainly not worth paying for the entrance. You will be better off visiting a cafe or restaurant nearby. Bad if I am measuring it from an airline lounge perspective. Something needs to be done about the showers. The only saving grace about this lounge is the drinks selections.