Premium Lounge — Local services in Guangzhou City

I'll start but mentioning either take your physical pp card or a screenshot or your pp qr code. The wifi at this airport requires you to download an apk as one form of logging on. Anybody's guess what back-door antics that opens you up for.

Our unplanned sojourn into the Premium Lounge at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport unfolded like a story with unexpected twists. Admittedly, we hadn't perused the reviews beforehand, assuming that an airport lounge experience is generally consistent.

The initial revelation came as we stepped into the lounge, braced for a lukewarm reception. Contrary to the disheartening 2.6-star rating, the lounge had spacious seating areas.

Our culinary journey commenced with a pleasant surprise. The food, though not a gastronomic extravaganza, bore an unexpected taste of flavors. Albeit the limited selection, the quality of the offerings surpassed our expectations. I'd put it at least on par or above most of the pp lounges around Asia.

However, the tale took a downturn as we navigated the practicalities of the lounge. The promise of a refreshing shower turned into a waiting game, with the added hurdle of having to book in advance. The fleeting warmth of the water and the conspicuous absence of amenities – soap, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, and even razors – cast a shadow over the supposedly rejuvenating experience.

Beverage choices, too, fell short of expectations. Decaf coffee enthusiasts were left wanting, and oenophiles were greeted with a rather limited selection of wines, curtailing the potential for a more refined indulgence.

One of the more peculiar chapters in this narrative unfolded at the reception desk. The staff's demeanor, possibly rooted in cultural nuances, bordered on unwelcoming. Requests for a shower were met with what felt like thinly veiled annoyance, leaving us with a sense that our presence was an inconvenience.

Adding a peculiar twist was the reception staff's insistence on holding onto our boarding passes while we reveled in the lounge's offerings. An uncomfortable detachment ensued, as if our journey was subject to their guardianship.

In conclusion, the Premium Lounge at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport unfolds as a narrative of contrasts. The allure of tasteful decor, ample space, and unexpectedly delightful cuisine is juxtaposed against the practical pitfalls of lackluster shower facilities, limited amenities, and staff dynamics that fall short of the warmth one might expect. As travelers, we found ourselves navigating through a plot that unfolded in unexpected ways, leaving us with a story to tell rather than a seamless...

Spacious and well-equipped

Travelers frequently describe the lounge as large and comfortable, with plenty of seating—including private areas, massage chairs, and a dedicated quiet zone.

Terminal 2 has a long layout with a dining area at the far end—great if you're willing to explore deeper.

Decent food and drinks

There’s a mix of Chinese and international dishes, hot food (often fried options), snacks, and a dessert/bakery section.

Beverage offerings are solid—expect soft drinks, beer, wine, coffee (sometimes with a barista), and even draft beer and small cakes.

A traveler on the blog “The Filipino Travelers” commented: “The food on the buffet was okay… warm food…barista… tasty.”

Useful amenities

Facilities include showers (usually by reservation), clean restrooms, Wi-Fi (though often slow), magazines, business corners, sleeping areas, and massage chairs.

LoungeReview notes features such as a museum-like display, entertainment zone, and VIP rooms—especially in Terminal 2.

Common Drawbacks & Complaints

Crowding and inconsistent service

Several reviewers mention overcrowding, especially during peak transit periods. Finding a seat may be a challenge.

Some complain about subpar staff behavior—ranging from slow cleaning responses to discouraging photos.

Mixed food quality

While some find the buffet acceptable, others criticize the food for limited variety or poor taste.

Tripadvisor user “Wander22354597655” rated it “the worst airport lounge in the world,” calling the food basic and unappealing.

Other users report unfinished catering remaining unattended on tables.

Wi-Fi and technology issues

Numerous comments highlight slow or unreliable Wi-Fi, with some likening it to dial-up speeds.

In one review, Wi-Fi registration was described as lengthy and frustrating.

Showers may underwhelm

Though showers are available, some visitors say the facilities don't feel premium and can be underwhelming compared to...

Before I even comment on the food or other lounge accommodations, let me just give them 5 ⭐️. That is because our China Southern flight from CAN to XIY was delayed (without clear reason or thoughtful explanation) for effing 5+ hours (total time 7 hours as we went to this lounge to wait for our originally 2-hour transfer gap) and without this lounge I would’ve gone berserk. So let’s now talk about food. The braised beef and braised meatballs were excellent either with noodle soup or rice. The claypot rice was a definite treat. There was abundant fresh fruits and the sweet sweet roasted orange yam. There was a happy variety of drinks also including the detoxifying Wang Lao Ji and all sorts of refreshing tea. We sorta ate lunch, merienda and dinner on account of the lengthy delay. Further fattening us were Dove chocolates and Lays-like potato chips. Finally the seats we got were ultra comfortable sleep-inducing La-Z-Boy-like recliners. The only downer was the internet service which was probably designed to be foreign-hostile— it asked for all sorts of airline ticket info which I dutifully entered, even asking the staff, only to fail to connect always so that was the only part of the lounge that was still less...