Melbourne: Centurion Lounge vs Marhaba

[FlyHighAnte]

Hey all,

Flying out of Melbourne this Friday morning to KL with the wife and two little ones (3.5yo & 9mths) and plan on hitting a lounge for the first time thanks to Amex Plat / Priority Pass benefits. I'm tossing up between either the Centurion Lounge or Marhaba lounge since we're flying at 7:45am, and those two lounges will be open well before then.

I've tried searching for reviews and advice but all seems to be quite old so wondering if anyone has any updated advice or tips on either? I know most of the lounges get knocked on and aren't what they once were, but I don't have anything to compare to so I'm sure we'll enjoy the experience nonetheless!

Thanks in advance legends!

 

[Mattg]

They're quite different spaces. The Centurion lounge is smaller and has no natural light or views, as it's in the basement. It has a smaller number of higher quality food items and has music playing throughout the lounge.

The Marhaba Lounge is bigger, quieter and has views of the airport. The food is perhaps not as good but there is more of it.

Anything in particular you wanted to know?

 

[FlyHighAnte]

They're quite different spaces. The Centurion lounge is smaller and has no natural light or views, as it's in the basement. It has a smaller number of higher quality food items and has music playing throughout the lounge.

The Marhaba Lounge is bigger, quieter and has views of the airport. The food is perhaps not as good but there is more of it.

Anything in particular you wanted to know?

Thanks! Probably just looking to get a gauge of the vibe, food and family friendliness really. Is views of the airport worth it while it's still dark out? I'm not fussed but my 3yo might be keen to geek out at the planes.

 

[Mattg]

Thanks! Probably just looking to get a gauge of the vibe, food and family friendliness really. Is views of the airport worth it while it's still dark out? I'm not fussed but my 3yo might be keen to geek out at the planes.

I would probably go with Marhaba, it's bigger and more space to spread out.

 

[HMcM]

I've been to both and generally my recommendation is to go to Marhaba lounge during the day. It's a bigger lounge and it's nice to be able to look outside. I didn't find the food to be too amazing in either lounge honestly. Probably a bit early to be drinking (but you're on holiday so I won't judge), Marhaba is self-serve while Amex has a bar, but they don't do anything too interesting in Australia.

The Amex centurion lounge in Melbourne falls very short compared to some of their lounges internationally. Marhaba is basic but at least it's not in the dungeon.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

They're quite different spaces. The Centurion lounge is smaller and has no natural light or views, as it's in the basement. It has a smaller number of higher quality food items and has music playing throughout the lounge.

The Marhaba Lounge is bigger, quieter and has views of the airport. The food is perhaps not as good but there is more of it.

Anything in particular you wanted to know?

Oh wow! I thought the food offerings in the Amex lounges in Australia were pretty dire! (Way under QF’s fairly basic offering.) That’s not saying much about the Marhaba food!

 

[HMcM]

Oh wow! I thought the food offerings in the Amex lounges in Australia were pretty dire! (Way under QF’s fairly basic offering.) That’s not saying much about the Marhaba food!

I can't speak for breakfast but it was around lunch that I did a Marhaba-Qantas-Centurion run of the lounges. Qantas I like the toaster sandwich, Marahaba's food was better than Amex imho. Still nothing amazing.

 

[Rebus]

I've been to both in the past two years with kids in tow. The Amex lounge is really small and has a tiny corner which is designated as a kids area. Marhaba is much bigger with a good view of the airfield. It was quite late when we visited so we didn't go searching out a kids area. Given the choice I would definitely go Marhaba.