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Airports are often bustling and hectic places, filled with long queues, noisy announcements, and uncomfortable seating. Amidst this chaos, there exists an oasis of tranquillity and comfort that used to be accessible only by high flying business travellers but that has over the past few years, opened up to anyone willing to part with some cash for the experience – the now popular airport lounge. These spaces can provide a haven for travellers, offering a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience. We recently decided to visit the No1 Lounge in Terminal 3 at Heathrow airport. Was it worth it? Take a look at our review below.

Escaping the Crowd:

One of the primary benefits of airport lounges is the respite they offer from the crowded terminals, something we find a welcome benefit when travelling from some of the larger UK airports. Once we passed through security and had a quick cursory look at some of the shops (it would have been rude not to!) we followed the signs and made our way to the No1 Lounge.

Located on the upper floor, the lounge is accessible either via stairs or via a lift. This is our third time visiting this lounge and on this occasion there was no queue to enter. We found this deal via Wowcher and entry was easy – our details were on the system and once checked in, a member of staff found us a seat next to the windows.

Lounge access allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport, providing a calm and peaceful environment to relax before or between flights. As this is a paid lounge, it does tend to be busier than airline lounges. However, we entered around 7.30pm at night and it wasn’t too busy. There was plenty of seating available.  The atmosphere, away from the throngs of travelers, allowed us to unwind and prepare for our journey ahead and access is usually for around 2-3 hours before your flight but we think that this is flexible as long as the lounge is too crowded.

Comfort and Amenities:

Although this lounge does have lots of seating, they are quite close together. There’s a choice between chairs, couches, a cinema and they also have dedicated spaces for working. The Wi-Fi was free and there were plenty of charging stations for electronic devices, and ample power outlets. There’s also a cinema room to catch a show.

The No1 lounge Terminal 3 overlooks the plane parking stands (i’m sure there’s a technical term!), and you can see a bit of the runway but not that much. When we visited it was dark and so we didn’t get a great view but if visiting during the day hopefully it would be a better view.

Culinary Delights:

One of the highlights of airport lounges is the culinary experience they offer, that’s included in the cost as most lounges provide complimentary food and beverages, ranging from snacks and light refreshments to full meals prepared by renowned chefs. In this lounge there is a fully stocked service bar where all drinks (except for champagne) are available.  Tea and coffee is also available along with soft drinks. We found that although the food was limited in choice it was tasty. During our visit, there was pasta, rice, curry and salads to chose from. Along with crackers, muffins and biscuits for a sweet treat. It’s nothing extravagant and a bit more choice would be good but the options available should keep full enough until your flight.

Refresh and Rejuvenate:

Many lounges feature shower facilities, enabling you to freshen up and feel revitalized if needed before your flight. Some lounges even offer spa services, allowing you to indulge in massages, facials, or manicures, adding a touch of luxury to your travel experience. Unfortunately, although there is a spa area in this lounge, it hasn’t re-opened post pandemic. I’m not sure if they have plans to reopen in the future.  It would be a nice touch if it does open again along with maybe some massage chairs, their private nap rooms, or relaxation pods, allowing you to truly unwind and rejuvenate.

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Productivity and Privacy:

Airport lounges are excellent spaces for business travelers or those seeking a quiet environment to work. Although we didn’t need this on this occasion, this lounge did have ample seating with sockets that you could work from along with free Wi-Fi access. If you need to catch up on emails, prepare for a meeting, or finish a project, there would be the facilities in this lounge if that’s what you needed to do.

Exclusive Services:

Airline lounges often provide personalized services and assistance to make your travel experience smoother. From dedicated staff members who can help with flight changes or travel queries to baggage handling services, lounges aim to cater to your needs and ensure your journey is hassle-free. Because this is a paid lounge however, these services aren’t available. Also bear in mind that no flight announcements are made and so it will be your responsibility to make sure you make it to your flight on time! Multiple screens are available in the lounge for you to check gates and boarding times.

Travelling Business Class with Singapore airlines? Read our review of the lounge and flight.

Was our stay at the No1 Lounge worth it?

Airport lounges are more than just waiting areas; they are havens of comfort and relaxation amidst the chaos of airports and can be the perfect way to start a holiday. It’s important to be aware of the fact that paid lounges can be crowded at peak times and the food choice is unlikely to be very extensive. However, as we enjoy lounges simply as a place to unwind and provide an elevated travel experience before a special trip, it was worth it for us on this occasion. It was made even better by the fact that we got 25% off our booking using a Wowcher voucher.

So, the next time you plan a trip, consider treating yourself to a stay in a lounge. From the moment you step into a lounge until when you board your flight, airport lounges offer a sanctuary where you can truly make the most of your travel time.