One of the most sought-after benefits of flying in business class is getting access to an airline’s lounge. It always helps travelers escape the hustle and bustle of airports, giving them a chance to relax before a flight. After a ten-day holiday in Thailand, I had the chance to visit the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) just before my flight to Doha.

Arriving at Bangkok Airport

I arrived at Bangkok Airport just before 22:00 local time for my Qatar Airways flight, which was scheduled to depart at 02:00. I was flying in business class, which means I experienced all the exclusive benefits, including the Qsuite , lounge access, priority check-in, fast track lanes, and priority boarding.

Photo: Tatenda Karuwa | Simple Flying

After checking in my bags, I used the fast-track lanes at Bangkok Airport and headed straight to the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge. The lounge is located on the 3rd floor, Concourse D8, and is exclusively for Qatar Airways and oneworld first and business class passengers. After clearing security, walking to the lounge takes about eight minutes.

Entering the lounge

As you take the escalator down, it is easy to locate the lounge as it appears on the left. I immediately entered and was welcomed by the amiable Qatar Airways staff. After scanning my boarding pass, they admitted me into the lounge and gave me the WiFi login details. I put my bag down and began to explore the space.

While not as expansive as the airline’s lounges in Doha , the Bangkok Premium Lounge has different spaces and seating options for passengers wanting to catch up on work or simply relax. The lounge has a total area of over 7,803 sq ft (725 sq m) and takes inspiration from modern Arabian design and Thai hospitality. There is a black fountain right in the middle of the space, which I thought was a nice touch.

The lounge has two expansive dining areas with comfortable couches and spaces for individuals or families. It also provides a view of the airport’s extensive manicured gardens and the terminal’s unique architecture. However, having visited late at night, I didn’t get to experience the views.

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Food and drinks

The lounge also has a wide variety of complimentary beverages and food. To order a drink, you can either head to the bar or ask one of the waiters to bring you one to your seat. I headed to the bar to see the options available. There is a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including beers, Champagne, wine, spirits, soft drinks, juices, and water. The area also has a Martini bar.

I went for a simple Gin and Lemonade cocktail, which the waiter brought to my seat. There is also a wide selection of starters, finger foods, desserts, and fruit if you are not looking to have something too heavy. I had some smoked salmon and smoked duck breast to go with my drink and kick off the lounge experience.

The Bangkok Premium Lounge also has dining areas for the heavier dishes. For a formal dining experience, you can visit the Brasserie and enjoy a wide range of international cuisines from an à la carte menu. There are several options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, as well as a selection of desserts and sushi.

I visited the Brasserie about an hour before boarding and ordered lamb cutlets with herb-roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables. The dish took about 30 minutes to prepare, so you need to give yourself enough time before you have to leave the lounge. For a more relaxed buffet-style dinner, the lounge has a Global Deli, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of hot and cold dishes.

Freshening up

Given the hot and humid Thai weather,it is essential to have a space to freshen up before a flight . The Premium Lounge has clean bathrooms and reliable shower facilities, which I used just before sitting down for dinner. Luckily, there weren’t many people in the lounge at that time, so I didn’t have to wait in line or reserve a spot to use the showers.

After a long day and a flight to Phuket, I hopped into the showers to freshen up. The facility is constantly cleaned, and the towels are replaced after each visit. There is enough space to put your bags and toiletries and a small space to hang your clothes. The lounge provides hand wash, body wash, conditioner, shampoo, and lotion, as well as a hair dryer.

Ultimately, the Premium Lounge was the perfect escape from the busy Bangkok Airport. While not as big as some of the airline’s other lounges, I enjoyed the relaxing environment and tranquility, given that there weren’t many visitors at the time. I was boarding at gate S113, at the satellite concourse, about 15 minutes from the lounge, so I left at about 01:50 and made my way to the plane.