Located near Gate 21/22, this lounge ( and bar ) is a good place to relax while you wait for your flight, well at least so during non-peak hours. Now the reason I quote 'non-peak hours' is because in peak hours the user experience may be hampered, such that the 'relax' element may not be as expected affecting the overall experience, as you will find ahead in the review.
This is a medium-sized lounge, with less than 20 comfy seats in total which are at the right side of the lounge entrance. When I went here ~12pm, it was uncrowded. All the seats have a charging point. There is also a fridge at the right end, which had frooti and appy 100ml ( when I visited here ). The bar is located right in front once you enter, with about 5 seats next to each other. At the left, there is the dining area, one big table having 15 odd seats, and then about 6 small tables ( next to the bar ) with 4 chairs at each. The seats are quite simple, and the tables don't have anything fancy on them. Some seats of both the common table and some of the chairs had minuscule food particles on them, which shows that the staff is not able to quickly do the cleaning and wiping. Or let's say the number of cleaning staff ain't much what the lounge would demand/require keeping in mind the customer footfall.
Walk a few steps ahead, and the buffet section begins. Two mocktails as was the case when I visited here, just worthy of trying them once. There were a few types of appetizers like a mini medu wada ( but no chutney ), masala potato cuts, and mini chicken balls, the former was stiff, and the latter was of average taste. Some mains like biryani and a north Indian bhaji was also there but since I didn't try it I cannot comment on its taste. On the healthier side, red beans and upma. There were live dosa and uthappam counters too. Not to forget a couple of sandwiches, 2 types of Lebanese mezze, and 2 desserts ( small cakes ). None of the above was great in taste, but the chicken balls and one of the sandwiches were very good. Barring that, all items were average, and most respectfully, some items tasted as if they were made for the sake of it, perhaps to give a look that the lounge had a big variety.
Coming to the washrooms, just 2 toilets and 3 urinal bowls. Like, really? We are talking about a lounge located in the 2nd busiest airport in India ( by passenger traffic ), which handles 800+ flights diurnally, and a lounge in this airport expected to cater to myriads of passengers diurnally has this less a toilet capacity. Had to wait ( although for just a couple of mins ) even in early afternoon on a non-working day, so it's definitely worse during peak hours and holidays. The absence of bathrooms for laving doesn't come as a surprise. The ambience isn't too great either ( although the facility was clean ). Working on these will enhance the customer experience. An expansion should be considered, possibly at the earliest.
Coming to the rates, for certain debit and credit card holders, the fee is just Rs 2. All you need is to swipe ( or tap ) that card, show the boarding pass to the front desk ( which they will stamp ), and done. If your card is ineligible for the discounted lounge access, then the other option is to pay Rs 1,500 + GST and get an entry, although it is unlikely that one would want to spend this much given the quality of facilities overall which the lounge offers.
The lounge is very likely to be noisy in peak hours, and given it's seating capacity, it is unlikely that one will get a comfy chair in peak hours or during holidays.
The last time I went to this lounge ( before the pandemic ), the experience was more or less the same, and there has been no improvement where there were flaws last time, which given the time since then, does give a message that the lounge doesn't take the customer experience very seriously, and seems to be happy to maintain the average level of...
Read moreFirst of all I wasted time looking for Travel Food Services which is their original name located opposite Gate 22 however this is not mentioned anywhere in front of lounge. They just mentions Travel Lounge
I had guest with me and after entering I have showed my pass to reception and said I have a guest
Then when I asked again after she entering all details in system, receptionist told me only one allowed
I was taken aback and I showed her pass again wherein it is very clearly written in bold One Free Guest Allowed and despite the same, she said no you will be charged additional amount. I had to tell her again to try registering guest as I understood that she is not competent enough to read what pass says.
She registered pass and the we entered. It was too crowded. We wanted a chair and table as my guest wants to work for 30 Minutes and we managed to find one which was getting emptied.
We reached the table and while settling down one more person (later he claimed to be manager of club and his name is Viresh) approached us and asked my guest whether he has been registered. It was too embarrassing for me as me and my guest felt insulted and shouted at Viresh stating what they are doing in the club is absolutely wrong and they should not be insulting us like this. What is the point of they registering and allowing to inside club and then coming and asking for registration again. Viresh started arguing that he is the manager and he is the top most authority in the lounge and there is no one else when I asked to call his manager.
It was one of the pathetic, embarrassing situation I personally went through.
I wish management of club will see this message and take corrective action.
It was one of the worst experience. Lounge users are required to be cautious on this Lounge while taking guest though you may be entitled to do so.
We didn’t had anything from the lounge due to this insult and left empty stomach.
My guest completed his work and we left from lounge after writing...
Read moreThe lounge at Terminal 1 of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Domestic Airport offer an excellent experience for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Here’s my detailed review:
Ambiance: The lounge exudes a modern and sophisticated atmosphere, with stylish decor and a calm, relaxing environment. The seating arrangements are thoughtfully designed, offering privacy for solo travelers and comfort for groups.
Amenities: The lounge is well-equipped with top-notch amenities. From high-speed Wi-Fi and ample charging ports and the availability of meeting areas makes it especially appealing for professionals on the go.
Food and Beverages: The dining options are diverse and cater to various tastes. The buffet includes Indian and international cuisines, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. The bar offers a great selection of beverages, including premium spirits and fresh juices. The quality of food is impressive, and the staff ensures a clean and well-stocked dining area.
Service: The staff is courteous, attentive, and professional. From check-in to assistance within the lounge, they ensure a seamless experience. Special requests are handled efficiently, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Cleanliness: The lounge is spotless and well-maintained. From seating areas to restrooms, every corner reflects high standards of hygiene.
Final Verdict: The Mumbai airport lounge is a haven for travelers looking to relax or work in a peaceful environment. With its excellent amenities, delicious food, and exceptional service, it truly enhances the airport experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone transiting...
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