Singapore Changi Airport’s Plaza Premium Lounge is a respite for weary travelers.
On a recent trans-Pacific flight from San Francisco, California, to Perth, Western Australia, my husband and I had a seven-hour layover at the Singapore Changi Airport. Because my husband’s family lives in Perth and we in the U.S., we make this long-haul journey regularly and typically fly a more direct route through Sydney. This year, however, we saved money with Singapore Airlines and were rewarded with an annoying, middle-of-the-night break in an empty airport.
I am no stranger to sleeping in awkward positions on airport benches, with an arm looped through the strap of my bag for security and trying to stay warm by using my scarf as a blanket. This time, though, I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t face the thought of trying to catch a few winks in that horribly uncomfortable way after a 16-hour flight, with a five-hour flight still to come. With no memberships to any airline clubs, we headed to the Plaza Premium Lounge, which was basically heaven on earth at that particular moment.
Booths are great for group seating or stretching out, and the work desk provides multi-country power outlets.
It was around 1 a.m. when we arrived, so the bar was closed and the selection of complimentary food limited, but a comfy-looking, horseshoe-shaped nook, complete with throw pillows (brilliant!), was up for grabs. We each took a side and promptly fell asleep with plenty of room to stretch out, even for our 5-foot-10 and 6-foot-4 frames. Our bags were safe right next to us, and quiet music provided ambience. A few hours later, we perked up with provided coffee, tea, juice, toast, cereal and mango pudding. The overnight menu also included a hot noodle dish which, at about 6 a.m., was replaced with several breakfast options, both Asian and English style.
The best part of the lounge experience, however, was the ability to take a hot shower. Shampoo, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, a towel and hairdryer were provided in a spacious private bathroom with a fabulously luxurious waterfall showerhead. When our six hours of allotted time in the lounge were up, we left feeling like actual human beings again.
Visit the bar to purchase alcoholic drinks, or get some work done with plenty of available tables and cubicles.
For those who spend time at the lounge awake, a variety of other amenities are also provided, including cozy work cubicles, a communal work desk with power outlets for a variety of countries, international television channels, upscale magazines, alcohol for purchase, 24-hour staff and lots of plush seating, from armchairs to banquettes. One full wall of windows allows for a view outside, and the elegant, muted décor is a welcome respite from the bright, busy atmosphere of the airport terminal.
Singapore Changi Airport’s Plaza Premium Lounge from Singapore Things to Do
