MEL SKL vs. AmEx Lounge

Status
Not open for further replies.

MathNerd

Active Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2018
Posts
650
Qantas
Bronze
Virgin
Silver
Hi all,

Flying MEL-SIN-LHR in J in December (R Saver hasn't cleared yet, and extremely unlikely to, so J it is).
Just wondering which lounge is preferable to visit prior to SQ218, the SilverKris (J section) Lounge or the AmEx lounge next door? We've been to the AmEx lounge before and the SKL (F section), but not the J section.
From reviews it seems like the SKL J section isn't anything particularly to write home about, but the AmEx lounge is similar too (as opposed to SYD AmEx which has just been renovated). Most of what I've read is in regards to the "dungeon"-like feeling (due to these being located underground and without tarmac views).

If you were to choose, which would you? Or Por que no los dos?

PS: Searched all over AFF and couldn't find a comparison.

Thanks!
 
You have Amex Card to get into Amex Lounge? You have access to SKL J as you are flying J? 2 Lounges side by side - I would have thought even a MathNerd would work out he and his gorgeous much better half could flit from one to the other and back again - best of both worlds! 👍 ;)
 
You have Amex Card to get into Amex Lounge? You have access to SKL J as you are flying J? 2 Lounges side by side - I would have thought even a MathNerd would work out he and his gorgeous much better half could flit from one to the other and back again - best of both worlds! ;)
Haha champ, you're right - might as well spend a bit of time in both right? Show Mrs MathNerd what it's like to "lounge-hop". First time that either of us will have done so.
And regarding access to AmEx lounge - we have an Explorer card each which haven't had their 2 lounge entries benefit used yet this year - another excuse to give the AmEx Lounge a go as well!
 
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

Yes go to both. But seriously both are nothing to shout about. Actually I do think that the food in SQ lounge is a little better. Unfortunately SQ218 is the midnight flight and Air NZ lounge (Star Alliance) is closed.
 
Not sure about the AMEX lounge but I do like the Champagne in the SKL. Had quite a few glasses last week. 😃
Edit: I was in the SIN J lounge not MEL1B1866B8-5383-45F8-B16A-ED525DD522D8.jpeg
 
Last edited:
The sparkling wine in the Amex lounge is terrible, but they do have barista coffee (unlike SQ!). So basically you must visit both :)
 
Yes go to both. But seriously both are nothing to shout about. Actually I do think that the food in SQ lounge is a little better. Unfortunately SQ218 is the midnight flight and Air NZ lounge (Star Alliance) is closed.
Thanks! Yes I have heard good things about the NZ lounge in MEL, hopefully one day I'll get a chance to give it a crack. SQ218 was pretty much the only option due to a preference towards the A380, so the midnight timing is a bit unfortunate!
The sparkling wine in the Amex lounge is terrible, but they do have barista coffee (unlike SQ!). So basically you must visit both :)
Not sure about the AMEX lounge but I do like the Champagne in the SKL. Had quite a few glasses last week. 😃View attachment 194245
Haha that's great! Coffee in AmEx, then pop over to SKL for champagne and/or sparkly. I like the idea! The Mrs will indeed be very happy, haha.
 
Where? The SQ J lounge didn't have champagne when we went through a few weeks back.
Sorry I misread the OP’s post. I was in the SIN SKF J lounge last week.

The SYD KFL does usually have Champagne but it’s a cheaper brand ($25).
 
Last edited:
Thanks! Yes I have heard good things about the NZ lounge in MEL, hopefully one day I'll get a chance to give it a crack. SQ218 was pretty much the only option due to a preference towards the A380, so the midnight timing is a bit unfortunate!


Haha that's great! Coffee in AmEx, then pop over to SKL for champagne and/or sparkly. I like the idea! The Mrs will indeed be very happy, haha.
This is exactly what I do at SYD. Coffee first at Air NZ then Champagne all the way at SQ lounge. 😆
 
I actually like the SilverKris lounge in Melbourne. Not huge, but the food and beverage selection is pretty good and the staff are super attentive. I also like how they have a selection of foreign language magazines and newspapers (maybe that's just a personal thing).

But as others have said, why not both?

The sparkling wine in the Amex lounge is terrible, but they do have barista coffee (unlike SQ!). So basically you must visit both :)

I was in the SQ lounge in Melbourne last Friday, and there was a barista making coffee. The sign said that barista coffee is available from 5.30am until 5.30pm daily, if my memory serves me correctly.
 
Haha champ, you're right - might as well spend a bit of time in both right? Show Mrs MathNerd what it's like to "lounge-hop". First time that either of us will have done so.
And regarding access to AmEx lounge - we have an Explorer card each which haven't had their 2 lounge entries benefit used yet this year - another excuse to give the AmEx Lounge a go as well!


My missus and I literally did this last time, though we added the priority plus lounge into the mix too!

Overall.... They're all bout the same tbh
 
I don't think AmEx lounge has anything to write home about so my recent trip in December I visited SilverKris lounge only. There is no champagne nor sparkling. They did have barista coffee when I was there. I will check both lounges for my trip next week,
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top