A 5-Star Experience In One Of The World’s Best Airports
Cathay Pacific’s Pier Business Lounge has set a new standard for luxury airport lounges. Located in Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal 1, The Pier offers business class passengers an experience that rivals 5-star hotels, making it the perfect destination for business travellers passing through before heading out for their next trip.
Cathay Pacific’s ‘The Pier, Business’
With a short layover at Hong Kong Airport, there are few places more inviting than Cathay Pacific’s Business Class lounge, The Pier. Featuring a variety of rooms and spaces tailored to every passenger’s needs, it offers a perfect environment to relax, dine, or stay productive between flights.
Pros
- Variety of relaxing spaces
- Premium hot food selection
- Fully-stocked bar
Cons
- I only had five hours to spend here
The Pier, Business: A 5-Star Hotel Experience
It’s just over eight hours from Sydney to Hong Kong, and with five hours to kill before my onward flight to London Heathrow, I was eager to settle into one of Cathay Pacific’s most impressive Business Class lounges.
This was my first time relaxing in a lounge between flights, so I think I can be forgiven for accidentally taking the escalators down into Cathay Pacific’s First Class alternative just a short walk away from my eventual destination. To her credit, the staff member was polite enough not to make me feel like a complete fool as I tucked my Business Lounge admittance back into my pocket and feigned a casual 360-degree look around before returning to the upper level of Hong Kong Airport’s Terminal 1.
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Cathay Pacific’s Pier Lounge is located by Gate 65 in Hong Kong Airport’s Terminal 1. Image: DMARGE
Located just by Gate 65, the Pier Business Lounge entrance felt as though I was checking into a 5-star hotel in Hong Kong instead of a sub-level airport waiting room. Cathay Pacific staff were extremely attentive and friendly, something I had hoped to reciprocate but after arriving well into the night in Hong Kong, I’d hazard a guess and say I probably wasn’t my usual animated self.
Redesigned by Studio Ilse and designer Ilse Crawford in 2015, it combines modern elegance with superior comfort. Crawford’s redesign emphasises a warm, inviting atmosphere with natural materials, spacious layouts, and private areas designed for relaxation and well-being.
Diverse Seating Options for Every Need
Much-needed relaxation before my long-haul flight to London. Image: Cathay Pacific
After arriving, I wanted to be sure I got the best seat available for my lengthy wait in between transfers. Walking up and down the lounge, I was immediately surprised by the distinct areas catering to different passenger needs.
The Pier Lounge offers an array of seating options to suit various preferences. For those looking to relax and unwind, there are comfortable loungers strategically placed throughout the space. Go further towards the Relaxation Room and passengers are spoiled to resiting pods nestled within dimmed lighting and tranquil ambience: a welcomed chance for me to lie down and charge my devices after the trip from Sydney.
Gourmet Dining and Traditional Teahouse Experience
A traditional Teahouse was a welcomed experience during my layover. Image: Cathay Pacific
The dining experience is equally impressive. There was a restaurant area that evoked the charm of a traditional noodle house, with an open-worked kitchen making fresh dishes to order at the bar with a surplus of minimalist, yet thoughtfully designed, seating and dining.
Further along, there was a Hong Kong-style Teahouse that offered a menu of premium, warming teas. to sample and savour in between flights. Here, passengers can sample and savour a range of options, from classic black tea and soothing chamomile to invigorating lemongrass and ginger. The selection also includes traditional teas from China and Japan, with a variety of exquisite ingredients to choose from.
Part of the unique teahouse experience includes an interactive tea menu, allowing you to preview the aromatic infusions on offer. Each fine tea selection comes with individual instructions for optimum brewing and maximum taste.
The pork belly and siu mia were some of the best I’ve ever had. Image: DMARGE
As one of the world’s leading carriers, Cathay Pacific provides an impressive array of hot food options. In addition to traditional dim sum, noodles, and pork bao, there are four distinct food stations offering a range of authentic Italian, Chinese, and Western delicacies.
The overall quality of the food was exceptional, with standout dishes including the traditional pork belly and the pork and prawn siu mai, which earned special mentions. For those who want a taste of Europe, Cathay Pacific imports specialty ingredients for an incredible selection of Spanish tapas and French charcuterie, a cheese board, salads and a fish platter.
Business Facilities and Complimentary Amenities
Tucked away at one end of the Pier Lounge is a hot desk area suitable for Business travellers looking to catch up on emails or, for a journalist like myself, get started on this review. Passengers looking for a quiet place to unwind are truly spoiled for choice, with comfortable ergonomic seating, spacious desks, and hot drinks available throughout the space.
As DMARGE’s self-anointed drinks expert, I appreciated the fully stocked fridge with Asahis, Tsingtao, and soft drinks. For those seeking something more adventurous, the bar offers a range of classic drinks and cocktails—completely complimentary.
I was ready to pay with Apple Pay, but everything from the coffee and cookies at entry to the freshly baked focaccia and xiaolongbao, and even the hot steamy showers, was included in the ticket.
Next stop, London.
