Turkish business lounge at IST

[Foreigner]

I've read mixed reviews, many complaining that lounge is overcrowded, with lack of seating and food. Any recent experience?

 

[JessicaTam]

I was there 18 months ago and whilst busy, it was easy to find a seat. The staff kept all the food and drink stations topped up.

 

[Alanslegal]

No recent experience however IMO the lounge is one of the best J lounges anywhere in the world.

 

[drron]

We were there 18 months ago too.didn't see Jessica but there were lots of people but plenty of seats.
Plenty of food but it seemed that was because few were eating it.
Not on my list of best J lounges-maybe because mrsdrron spoils me with invites to Flounges.

 

[Dalescott]

I was there in Sept/Oct, and it was very good. Not crowded, great seats, good food, and good coffee.

 

[seanpodge]

Was also there 18 or so months ago, there definitely was a peak period during the morning when a whole pile of flights to Europe depart but the turnover is pretty high and it died down by about 8-8:30. Food was sensational and plentiful.

 

[Baysider]

I was there 36 hours ago. Its always busy but I have always found a seat. It's a very big lounge and at the quiet end in the "trees" there is less traffic and usually there are free seats. The lounge has a terrific array of food and drink options.

 

[Foreigner]

I was there 36 hours ago. Its always busy but I have always found a seat. It's a very big lounge and at the quiet end in the "trees" there is less traffic and usually there are free seats. The lounge has a terrific array of food and drink options.

I look forward to my brief stop in IST in several weeks. I will arrive at 10:40, leave at 13:30. Close to three hours to experience the lounge and surrounds.

 

[smit0847]

I was there 6 months ago on 2 separate occasions (both around 8am). As others have said, very opulent, fantastic f&b options but extremely crowded. Head for the trees at the back and if you see a spare spot, grab it. There are multiple food stations dotted all around - if you see a chef in a window ask them what they're offering.

The male toilets in there are awful - there were a dozen people lined up for the cublicles each time I went in there.

If you want a shower book one as soon as you enter and expect to wait 60-90 minutes for a room to be free.

It'd be a wonderful lounge if it had a third less people in it.

 

[Baysider]

If you want a shower book one as soon as you enter and expect to wait 60-90 minutes for a room to be free.

See the concierge at the end of the first passage to the left (past the library).

It'd be a wonderful lounge if it had a third less people in it.

You could say the same for the European continent in general

 

[auriga]

It can be too crowded at times... one time (late evening), we could not find two seats together. Not very relaxing at all. The food offering is pretty good. Agree about the queues for the toilets!

 

[Rareified Air]

Agree that food and drink range, quality and quantity is good (far better than before it was redeveloped). It does also seem crowded at night if you are in transit to east asian countries as there are some central asian and eastern european flights still leaving. It can also be a long walk to the gates when flying to places in Europe such as LHR so best not to plan on waiting to the gate is closing to leave.

 

[Baysider]

It can also be a long walk to the gates when flying to places in Europe such as LHR so best not to plan on waiting to the gate is closing to leave.

Yes, its basically the furthest lounge from all gates.

 

[Foreigner]

I'm looking to experience lounge facilities coming Monday.

 

[sergeyvzn]

Was there in July 2013, it was pretty full (late night departures to Asia, between 10 pm and 1 am) but not overcrowded, I could easily find a seat. Did not have to wait for the shower at all. Food / beverage spread was fantastic, all sorts of food including a BBQ station where a chef cooks for you, numerous food stations. A masseur was walking around offering free short shoulder and neck massages. I was impressed