Review of Pearl Lounge at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi
The Pearl Lounge, situated in Terminal A of Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH), offers a tranquil sanctuary for weary travellers. With its smooth jazz tunes, frequent reminders about lounge etiquette, and attentive staff, the lounge provides a relaxing atmosphere for passengers to unwind.
The lounge boasts a variety of seating arrangements, from bar areas to clusters of chairs and banquettes, accommodating up to 500 guests. A buffet spread, including popular dishes such as dal tadka, Thai curry vegetables, and peanut butter New York cheesecake, caters to a diverse range of tastes.
However, the Pearl Lounge has received mixed reviews concerning frontline customer service. Some travellers have reported encounters with less-than-pleasant staff, particularly at the reception desk, leading to difficulties with Priority Pass access and additional charges despite holding valid membership cards.
The lounge also offers complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, though these are not available during the holy month of Ramadan. A dedicated Wi-Fi network is available, but its speeds are comparable to the airport's public network.
One unique feature of the Pearl Lounge is its hidden shower rooms, which require reservations made at the reception desk. Each room is equipped with towels, shampoo, shower gel, and a hair dryer.
The lounge also has a smoking area with high-top tables and a few seats. A terrace space with overflow seats and a bar, known as the Terrace Lounge, is also available for passengers.
The Pearl Lounge accepts memberships from various lounge networks, including Priority Pass, which grants access to a vast network of airport lounges worldwide. Day passes for the Pearl Lounge cost AED 263 ($72) for adults and AED 175 ($48) for children aged 2 to 11.
While the Pearl Lounge provides solid basic lounge facilities, it lacks some features found in premium lounges, such as showers or spa services. The spaciousness and 24/7 operations are positives, but the inconsistent entry experience and occasional staff attitude issues detract from overall quality.
For travellers who rely on frontline reception or specific services like showers or spa facilities, it's advisable to check recent reviews or alternative lounges at AUH for comparison.
The Pearl Lounge is located airside in Terminal A of Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, near gate D43. Despite some shortcomings, the lounge remains a valuable option for travellers seeking a comfortable space to relax, work, or refresh during their layovers or before flights.
Travellers seeking diverse food options may appreciate the buffet spread in the Pearl Lounge, which caters to various tastes with dishes like dal tadka and peanut butter New York cheesecake. However, for those relying on punctual and pleasurable frontline customer service, it's crucial to check recent reviews or compare with other lounges at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, as some travellers have reported less-than-satisfactory encounters with lounge staff.
