MEL vs SYD QFlounge

[RooFlyer]

OK. Time to settle this once and for all

SYD QFlounge is better than the MEL QFlounge because:

* Grander entrance, befitting a Flounge

* Better spread out dining area(s) - MEL is more a cafeteria setting

* Bigger; more areas you can settle down in (the southern end is nearly always quiet even when the lounge is busy)

* Better views (direct views of main runway)

* After lounge boarding at gates around the Flounge is a zoo at MEL - no priority boarding, because of need to general queue then go down that damn escalator;

* Bigger service desk at SYD - always 3-4 people there, as opposed to 2-3 at MEL


I will concede at MEL:

* Spa pro-actively offers service to lounge patrons if they have spots available

* Waiting service away from eating area more proactive in offering and topping up drinks

* SYD can get uncomfortably crowded on occasion

 

[serfty]

Boarding "scrum" only for USA flight at MEL.

For other flights from MEL gates 10ab and 11ab, it's a simple trip down the lift to the boarding level bypassing the hoi polloi.

As far as decisions go, I'll take either over any other in Oz...

Spa appointments have no interest for me... treatments/Massages... Ick!

It's really a YMMV situation.

 

[RooFlyer]

Awwww .. I was expecting a more impassioned defense of MEL from you serfty

 

[GoldCanyon340]

I'll play the diplomat and say we are fortunate to have both facilities here at home. I agree pretty much with your pros and cons for both lounges apart from one: I wouldn't call the MEL restaurant a cafeteria. But if I do want a cafeteria when I'm flying I'll visit any AA lounge

 

[straitman]

I'll play the diplomat and say we are fortunate to have both facilities here at home. I agree pretty much with your pros and cons for both lounges apart from one: I wouldn't call the MEL restaurant a cafeteria. But if I do want a cafeteria when I'm flying I'll visit any AA lounge

I would probably also agree with most points except the cafeteria one. :shock:

 

[TonyHancock]

...... Of course the biggest problem with the SYD F lounge is that it is in Sydney. If it was in Melbourne I would probably think it better than the current MEL F lounge.

 

[straitman]

...... Of course the biggest problem with the SYD F lounge is that is in Sydney. If it was in Melbourne I would probably think it better than the current MEL F lounge.

Thanks TonyHancock.

I did neglect that important point.

The major downside of the SYD F lounge is that it is in SYD. If it were in MEL then it would be near perfect :!:

 

[Happy Trails]

Mel F lounge - No feel glum.
SYD F lounge - Fondle guys.
I know which one I prefer.

 

[JohnPhelan]

....errrr...... OK.............

 

[Virgin Bart]

....errrr...... OK.............

Ahaha my reaction exactly. Wtf.

 

[samh004]

I think realistically, to make a judgement all members concerned about the state of both lounges need to fly between them on several weekends to make sure service and food/drink is at the same standard on every visit. The consistency of what is offered is a big bullet point.

 

[RooFlyer]

Mel F lounge - No feel glum.
SYD F lounge - Fondle guys.
I know which one I prefer.

I'm guessing they are ... whadda ya call it when you mix the letters up to create new words? (too late at the moment to think of the term) ...

Anyway, each to their own :shock:

Ah! Anagrams

 

[RooFlyer]

I think realistically, to make a judgement all members concerned about the state of both lounges need to fly between them on several weekends to make sure service and food/drink is at the same standard on every visit. The consistency of what is offered is a big bullet point.

Including spa services of course. Need to compare those back and forth.

 

[boomy]

I love both but prefer MEL Flounge because service is more personal, always get a spa booking and never had trouble finding a seat at the restaurant.

 

[Kangol]

I love both but prefer MEL Flounge because service is more personal, always get a spa booking and never had trouble finding a seat at the restaurant.

I agree, although for spa bookings I am 4/5 at MEL and 3/3 at SYD. All made on the day (unfortunately)!
Have a QF23 next week so we'll see how busy SYD actually is in the morning (expecting it to be choc full based on reports here).

I have found food to be very good and consistent at both. The only thing I would say is that the food is more of an upmarket bistro with many of the dishes being fried (and sometimes a bit on the oily side); this is probably due to needing to get them out quickly, which I imagine would factor in to designing the menu to some degree.

 

[JohnK]

Close call but I think SYD First Lounge is nicer.

But if MEL still had A380's or 747's to Asia then I would not hesitate to visit occasionally.

 

[tuapekastar]

Both good but prefer MEL.

When sat down eating at SYD there is so much clanking coming from the kitchen you feel like you are in Coles Cafeteria! That is my main beef with SYD.

Also, at SYD I ordered the S&P Squid (for entree) and the steak (for main). Both were plonked on my table at the same time, and the steak (not sure how they could do this with minute steak) was not very good.

 

[serfty]

It was SYD where I was served a S&P squid that was rancid inside. Feeling rather queezy I sent it back.

That was in 2008 and I have not ordered one since.

 

[BensAdventures]

Maybe it's because I'm a Melbourian or my extreme hatred of waiting for that damn bus betweem DOM & INT in SYD, but I always feel more relaxed in the MEL FLounge. I find it has more of a 'cigar bar' feel to it... But I have no doubt bias is playing a part!

 

[ReLoad]

I'm all for the MEL lounge, given the lack of crowds it feels much more exclusive. Also much more personal service IMHO.

"Welcome back mr Reload, I see you are off on CX again, will we ever see you on our flights to Asia?"