I had troubles attaching the photos via my mobile last night so couldn't post this earlier. Ok, so here's a more detailed review:
Hands down, this is a superior lounge, on par with the better F lounges. I arrived at 6:30pm, showed my BP to the QR host who very politely asked if I wanted to spend my time at the QR lounge and whether I knew there was a QF J lounge. I smiled and said Yes and immediately she offered to have my HL stored before we walked inside. She showed me the entrance decor which has Singapore orchid theme, including the LED lighting. Past the entrance, the QR host handed me over to the lounge manager, Abbas who escorted me in and graciously showed me around. Abbas was such a great host and he was clearly very proud of the lounge and so he should as it excelled in all aspects and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. The interior design and soft lighting adds to the luxurious but relaxing ambience. In my view, the location of the lounge is far better than QF F lounge's (next to the foodcourt and the noise from the outside comes through the shower cubicle). The lounge layout is L shaped, starting with 5 relaxation/work pods as you enter on your right and leather sofas on the opposite sites equipped with wireless charging integrated into the table which looked so good (I want one for my home!)
Past the first section, you'll be greeted with a beautifully crafted bar (reminds me of the one at the CX Pier but with more bling) and the lounge then veered to the right where you'll past the buffet section, then the formal dining, more sofas, then toilets/showers. What I particularly liked about this lounge over QF F is that there are distinctive separations for work/lounge/bar/dining/shower. QF F is clearly focussed on dining with not much space outside of the dining to sit down and relax. QR's layout is more like the CX Pier's F where it presents more options besides just dining.
A quick refresh in the toilet which has a shower (yes, there's room to place your HL without having to use the pullout table over the toilet, unlike QF F). The vanity is decked with fresh orchids and Ritual products and the plushest towels. Again,all with very high quality fitouts.
I wandered to the formal dining area and ordered chilli prawns and chicken satay which were served within 10 mins and were quite delicious. I also had one of their signature green mocktail to satisfy my fruit/vege intake for the day. I noticed that the server was very diligent in the way they placed the cutleries and how the serve, testimony that they have indeed been professionally trained. I then progressed to order the sushi and the green tea tiramisu. The sushi came out way too cold which killed the taste but the green tea tiramisu was absolutely divine as it was light and tasty.
As I was dining, I noticed the QR host approaching each lounge guest to advise of the QR flight boarding which I thought was a very nice touch (I believe QF only provides such service at the CL lounges). During that time as well, I found out that I was the only non QR pax and soon I ended up being the only guest and boy, the VIP treatment I had before stepped up another notch! I had really good conversations with a number of them, including the bartender who was extremely knowledgeable in his field and even designed 2 special coughtails for me after enquiring about my preferences. I did inform him that the AFF mob will descent on them in June and he offered to customise a drink for us if he is there.
I went over to inspect the buffet counter which looked colourful and very appetising and in the course of an hour having conversations with the staff, I noticed that the chef came out several times to inspect the food which was really pleasing to see. The supervisor insisted that I try their specially flown in Baklava from Doha and the dates from their F cabin (yum!). Also recommended was their chicken rice and laksa but I was trying to save the last remaining stomach space for the S&P squid at QF (which I later regretted as the squid was dry and past its best - first time ever, I didn't finish the dish
). Past 9pm, pax for the next QR flight started to arrive which at that time, I bade my farewell and made my way to QF F lounge.
I think the additional wow factor was due to the fact that the lounge was brand spanking new and there were few guests in the lounge last night. However, I also visited the QF F lounge a week after it opened as well. Don't get me wrong, the QF F lounge is nice. I tried to reflect on why I prefer QR and it came down to the personal service and the fact that QF F focussed on 1 main thing, which is dining and not much else, wherelse QR's setup is more interesting and there are many different options to sit and relax (nicer design throughout too in my view). If QR keeps up the level of service per last night, it would be hard to beat. I've done SQ TPR and could safely say that the warmth and service I received at QR last night was far superior, hope that they continue to maintain this level of service as more OW pax discovers this hidden gem.