Disappointed in Air NZ Lounge Melbourne

[Jacksond]

It took me twenty minutes to find the place! Very dismal surroundings anv very limited food offerings. The staff spent most of their time chatting to each other, ignoring the few clients in there at the time. Am I being judgemental or was I missing something? This was on October 16th last.

 

[blackcat20]

What time of day were you there? I've always found it reasonable for breakfast; fruit, cereal, hot breakfast (including scrambled eggs), and pancakes. Staff arent really there to "serve" you anyway but keep things running.

 

[TomVexille]

I thought that the signage is pretty clear...

Just wondering what your expectations were?

It's a middle of the road J lounge as far as I'm concerned. And I think that they did a decent job with the decor.

 

[smit0847]

I think its an ok J lounge. Not great, not terrible.

 

[straitman]

It took me twenty minutes to find the place! Very dismal surroundings anv very limited food offerings. The staff spent most of their time chatting to each other, ignoring the few clients in there at the time. Am I being judgemental or was I missing something? This was on October 16th last.

I have used the lounge a number of times and never had issues. The staff have always been responsive to anything I have asked for.

It's location is with the other lounges so just follow the signs to get there. If you have been there before why was it so difficult to find?

 

[jackthomas]

I was actually in the lounge that day before and had no issues.
Until a few months ago, it was one of the nicer Air NZ lounges around.. I think it can be a little tricky to find at first but still signed very well.. I always manage to get a little lost when making my way out ( no matter how many times i've been)
I've always found the staff friendly but I don't really have high expectations of lounge staff apart from a nice welcome and service desk. It's not amazing and if I have the chance, I use Singapore's lounge. But it does the trick (Any meal time except for breakfast, the food is dismal though)

 

[RooFlyer]

I think you may be a bit harsh or maybe struck a bad day. Yes, its a bit gloomy down there but I always find the lounge staff to be relaxed and helpful; even if a bit chatty between themselves, I've never had a problem getting their attention if I needed something.

I like ANZ lounges because of the relative informality or 'homeliness' if you like.

 

[blackcat20]

Not as gloomy as the QF J lounge!

 

[flying_duck]

This isn't my experience back in September, I actually thought it really very nice compared to United's dismal offering - now that really was bad, so bad they closed it! They have great seating, reasonable food with hot options, pour your own bar, not sure what's not to like?

Hope it hasn't gone downhill, I'll be back next week so will report if it has.

 

[drivatruk]

I like the lounge due to the windows making feel so bright and open. I hated it when the closed in the QF lounge. I like a window no matter what room I'm in....

 

[Jacksond]

Maybe I was a bit harsh. I was there about 1PM I think. The place was preetty empty at the time. I don't expect anyone to serve me but staff was pretty scarce. The greeting upon entry certainly was pleasant, though. I had used it about 6 years ago.

 

[TomVexille]

I'm just wondering what service you were expecting inside the lounge?

 

[serfty]

... I had used it about 6 years ago.

That explains it!

6 years ago the place was pretty new; moreover the catering was so much better than the reduced offerings available these days.

I can imagine the shocking contrast - I went though it in stages being a Gold Elite Airpoints flyer from 2009 through 2014.

AirNZ reductions and penny pinching is much of the reason I am currently *S and that only for another 9 months having soft landed (having an unchanged balance of 2¢ in my airpoints account for the last three years).

 

[MelUser]

I have used this lounge on VA flights to NAN and found it to be a standard airline quality business class lounge. It is not like the over the top Qantas First Class lounge but it is adequate. Has anyone been to the Air Berlin "lounge" at Tegel - now that is really something to complain about. Does anyone remember the old Qantas Lounge at Ayers Rock airport - upstairs behind the checkin counter - it was an office with a few chairs a stocked small bar fridge! Was more than adequate.

 

[Digger11]

I don't mind the ANZ lounge in Melbourne. Quite homely. Good when the automatic pancake machine works !
Not as good food as Singapore First Class lounge that is opposite, but they don't let me in that one very often.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I'm surprised - I always found it pretty good.

 

[serfty]

I'm surprised - I always found it pretty good.

It's all about the contrast - Soft product was generally much better six years ago ...

mind you, there's not that much departing 1pm these days ...

One quibble - the lounge has been there since 2006 - I'm surprised the OP had trouble finding the place (again) - It's in quite a memorable location.

 

[Cessna 180]

Will be there tomorrow morning I think. Rare international flight to N Z!

Presume VA gold can enter prior to a NZ code share flight?

 

[jackthomas]

Will be there tomorrow morning I think. Rare international flight to N Z!

Presume VA gold can enter prior to a NZ code share flight?

Affirmative

 

[marki]

I have used this lounge on VA flights to NAN and found it to be a standard airline quality business class lounge. It is not like the over the top Qantas First Class lounge but it is adequate. Has anyone been to the Air Berlin "lounge" at Tegel - now that is really something to complain about. Does anyone remember the old Qantas Lounge at Ayers Rock airport - upstairs behind the checkin counter - it was an office with a few chairs a stocked small bar fridge! Was more than adequate.

Yes I agree and what about the priority pass lounge above customs at Tegel! That is just atrocious. And the Qantas ( regional) Karratha lounge used to be room with some chairs. Now a little better but not by much. Was expecting more Especially that the whole airport got a makeover.