New lounge - better or worse

I am not sure if this will be popular view but I have to say that I do not find the new lounge really meets my needs as well we the old one.

The food service had gone down hill in the old lounge but otherwise I found it a real sanctuary.

The new design seems to bring the airport into the lounge instead of giving me the escape I am looking for.

Also the amount of seating space to eat was not really enough before some was lost to the recent building work.

Finding a quiet and private place to sit has proven impossible every time I have visited.

It is also a mystery why there is not free wireless internet access, or did I miss this?

I do hope when the next phase opens this will change the ambience of the lounge and increases the usable space.

No, there isn't free WiFi, but I think that is to do with BAA rather than Virgin. I think when the second phase opened there may be more varied space. At the moment I'd agree that the single cavernous room doesn't give much privacy.

BC

I do think though that when the second phase opens, areas like the Den and Sky Lounge will hopefully provide people with the sanctuary that they're looking for.

Dean

I agree with all the points you make manymiles, except the food which I think is a big step up in the new lounge, especially with the deli. The retro decor leaves me a little underwhelmed as well

The appearance and design of the new lounge is wonderful but it desperately needs the extension. So far, I've found it almost unbearably full whenever I've used it. If the extension solves that problem, I think it'll regain its position as my number one lounge anywhere in the world.

Chris

[fozzyo]

Originally posted by Wolves27
I do think though that when the second phase opens, areas like the Den and Sky Lounge will hopefully provide people with the sanctuary that they're looking for.

Going to be interesting to see what happens in Phase II, the current bit has all the fun busy areas, so i guess the new one will have the quieter / work areas. Shame it won't be open when we go to Syd one month TODAY!

Mat xxx

Originally posted by fozzyo
Shame it won't be open when we go to Syd one month TODAY!

Mat xxx

I beat you to SYD by exactly one week! [:p]:D

details of the expansion areas is on the VS wbsite here

Rich.

[RichardMannion]

The space improvements will be immense when Phase 2 opens. One thing I did suggest back to the design team was that consider a 'kid-free' area in the CH though, as the last time I was in there some passenger had left their unruly children running round the place, and climbing over everything. I felt sorry for the waiting staff as they were nearly sent flying a couple of times with trays of drinks and food (where is BlackCat when you need him ).

And given that they are putting pool tables in Phas 2 I would hate to get there to see them out of action due to children been left to play on them.

So a family area for them to all reside or a child free area is hte way forward.

Thansk,
Richard

[mitchja]

Richard, have you a date for the opening of phase 2 yet? iFly says April. 31st March would be good for me (and a few other V-Flyers too )

Regards