I haven’t transited vis HKG after cx changed their catering provider to Sodexo. I knew that premium plaza was replaced because of negative comments from flyers but this experience made me doubt if Sodexo is an even worse catering option.
The pier used to have some decent Chinese tea, like Dahongpao, and delicious noodles, like fish ball noodles, but now they are all gone. The bar and buffet food are also below my expectations and definitely worse than the age of premium plaza.
In contrast, I prefer the deck now. Though there are more people and the area is smaller, I was surprised it has a better noodle bar and buffet. Besides, the bridge has my favourite bakery and Qantas lounge is also a great option.
Seriously, as I don’t hold an emerald status, I won’t detour to the pier any longer as it really upsets me and is far away from the transit gates.
I have to say I was in Hong Kong last week and had a 4 hour wait at the airport. A switch to mainly StarAlliance has meant I just missed out on retaining my OW emerald status this year, so I didn’t have access to the first class sections of the Wing or the Pier (first world problem) I have to say I was moderately underwhelmed with the catering, certainly at the Wing business class section. I was waiting for someone by the security area so it was the easiest lounge to use, we then went to the Bridge, which was nearer our gate and I found that to be a significant step up. I don’t fly CX much anymore (I used to love the their first class lounges and I’m sure the refurbed ones are great) so this may have been a one off.
I have to say I was in Hong Kong last week and had a 4 hour wait at the airport. A switch to mainly StarAlliance has meant I just missed out on retaining my OW emerald status this year, so I didn’t have access to the first class sections of the Wing or the Pier (first world problem) I have to say I was moderately underwhelmed with the catering, certainly at the Wing business class section. I was waiting for someone by the security area so it was the easiest lounge to use, we then went to the Bridge, which was nearer our gate and I found that to be a significant step up. I don’t fly CX much anymore (I used to love the their first class lounges and I’m sure the refurbed ones are great) so this may have been a one off.
I agree cx’s lounges have been one of a kind. I am just disappointed that the catering doesn’t match the refurbishment of The pier.
Totally agree koji. I have been traveling CX regularly for the last 25 years and since the change of caterers the food in all the HK lounges has deteriorated to a very low point .I made my feelings known to the Marco Polo Club and from the response I assume there was a considerable savings made by changing to Sodexo. More than obvious given the vastly deteriorated quality .Now even more closely matching their poor on board F & B!
Hi there. I wasn’t a Marcopolo member when Peninsula is their catering provider, which is know to be their peak. I thought Sodexo is their positive response towards negative feedbacks of premium plaza, but as u said, it is just another proof of their cost cut. I used to book fruit platter as special meals in the air as the lounges can provide satisfying meals, even in the age of premium plaza. I am surprised to see their magnificent pier business lounge treat flyers with below-standard food.
The best part of cx/ka’s network is various Asian destinations. With Chinasouthern stepping into Oneworld and Qantas enhancing their map, I dunno which reason could keep me stay with Mpc.
The Peninsula was a perfect match for CX lounges, I noticed when Plaza Premium took over there was a downturn in food but also even in The Pier First Class lounge the staff were almost entirely trainees according to their badges and that lack of experience showed and it wasn't at all suitable for your best customers. Haven't noticed much change since Sodexo took over but I only use the first class lounges. I did meet some colleagues in The Pier Business Class shortly after it opened it and was really knocked out by the lounge, and the buffet was very impressive, a shame to hear it's gone downhill since.
The Peninsula was a perfect match for CX lounges, I noticed when Plaza Premium took over there was a downturn in food but also even in The Pier First Class lounge the staff were almost entirely trainees according to their badges and that lack of experience showed and it wasn't at all suitable for your best customers. Haven't noticed much change since Sodexo took over but I only use the first class lounges. I did meet some colleagues in The Pier Business Class shortly after it opened it and was really knocked out by the lounge, and the buffet was very impressive, a shame to hear it's gone downhill since.
Yes it WAS very impressive. My friends told be the Pier First catering also changed after Sodex took over.
I spent most of yesterday doing the HKG Lounge tour. It is hard to choose just one lounge as "the best". I really enjoy the Pier First as being all the way down at Gate 63 it is a lot quieter and the meal I had yesterday was excellent. There is also lots of room in the many distinct areas and many different seating options.
The Wing First is awesome for its Champagne Bar and the Cabanas and I enjoyed both yesterday. One of the things I really love is how close it is once you get air side.
Their is no point going to the Business versions of both of the above lounges as they get far too crowded compared to the First Class versions. Unless of course you do not have access to the First Class lounges.
I did call in briefly to the Qantas Lounge and it is not a bad lounge and also very close once air side but it seems to be mainly full of people who have no access elsewhere. JAL frequent flyers and non QFF business class passengers.
I called past the Deck mainly because I enjoy the on demand dim sum and noodles from the Noodle Bar.
Like everyone else I finally spent the last 30-60 minutes in The Bridge because it is so close to the Qantas gates. Its offerings are pretty average but its just a top up really :)
The Pier F food and service has improved considerably after an initial difficult period following Sodexo's takeover. It is IMO by far and away currently the best lounge offering I can think of anywhere.
CDG some of the best food I have ever eaten, simple and great flavour. Really good, or it could have been that the food in Paris was just average...(?).
At LHR T3 in the CX F lounge - don't bother, too many people, not enough space and no access to dinning, so went back to LHR T3 QF lounge and the 'Gin Bar'...!!!
The QF lounge at LHR continues to impress.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on
The Pier business lounge is not what it used to be...
koji
koji
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
Member since 11 Jun 2018
Total posts 58
I haven’t transited vis HKG after cx changed their catering provider to Sodexo. I knew that premium plaza was replaced because of negative comments from flyers but this experience made me doubt if Sodexo is an even worse catering option.
Ourmanin
Ourmanin
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
Member since 08 Jun 2018
Total posts 144
I have to say I was in Hong Kong last week and had a 4 hour wait at the airport. A switch to mainly StarAlliance has meant I just missed out on retaining my OW emerald status this year, so I didn’t have access to the first class sections of the Wing or the Pier (first world problem) I have to say I was moderately underwhelmed with the catering, certainly at the Wing business class section. I was waiting for someone by the security area so it was the easiest lounge to use, we then went to the Bridge, which was nearer our gate and I found that to be a significant step up. I don’t fly CX much anymore (I used to love the their first class lounges and I’m sure the refurbed ones are great) so this may have been a one off.
koji
koji
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
Member since 11 Jun 2018
Total posts 58
I agree cx’s lounges have been one of a kind. I am just disappointed that the catering doesn’t match the refurbishment of The pier.
Rkwm
Rkwm
Member since 23 Mar 2012
Total posts 41
Totally agree koji. I have been traveling CX regularly for the last 25 years and since the change of caterers the food in all the HK lounges has deteriorated to a very low point .I made my feelings known to the Marco Polo Club and from the response I assume there was a considerable savings made by changing to Sodexo. More than obvious given the vastly deteriorated quality .Now even more closely matching their poor on board F & B!
koji
koji
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
Member since 11 Jun 2018
Total posts 58
Hi there. I wasn’t a Marcopolo member when Peninsula is their catering provider, which is know to be their peak. I thought Sodexo is their positive response towards negative feedbacks of premium plaza, but as u said, it is just another proof of their cost cut. I used to book fruit platter as special meals in the air as the lounges can provide satisfying meals, even in the age of premium plaza. I am surprised to see their magnificent pier business lounge treat flyers with below-standard food.
The best part of cx/ka’s network is various Asian destinations. With Chinasouthern stepping into Oneworld and Qantas enhancing their map, I dunno which reason could keep me stay with Mpc.
QFP1
QFP1
Member since 05 Mar 2015
Total posts 25
The Peninsula was a perfect match for CX lounges, I noticed when Plaza Premium took over there was a downturn in food but also even in The Pier First Class lounge the staff were almost entirely trainees according to their badges and that lack of experience showed and it wasn't at all suitable for your best customers. Haven't noticed much change since Sodexo took over but I only use the first class lounges. I did meet some colleagues in The Pier Business Class shortly after it opened it and was really knocked out by the lounge, and the buffet was very impressive, a shame to hear it's gone downhill since.
koji
koji
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
Member since 11 Jun 2018
Total posts 58
Yes it WAS very impressive. My friends told be the Pier First catering also changed after Sodex took over.
ashhuggo
ashhuggo
Member since 03 Apr 2018
Total posts 10
Hi All
David
David
Member since 24 Oct 2010
Total posts 1,016
Depends partly on how much time you have before your flight and if you're in transit, but all else being equal I'd head for The Pier First Class.
Nick Sydney 2
Nick Sydney 2
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 Jul 2015
Total posts 83
I do like the Qantas HK lounge. The showers are not quite as good as the CX cabana but otherwise everything else is fine.
ashhuggo
ashhuggo
Member since 03 Apr 2018
Total posts 10
Thanks, The Pier First or Qantas lounge it is :)
Neon
Neon
Member since 31 Jul 2018
Total posts 17
Bernoulli
Bernoulli
Member since 21 Apr 2017
Total posts 4
The Pier F food and service has improved considerably after an initial difficult period following Sodexo's takeover. It is IMO by far and away currently the best lounge offering I can think of anywhere.
Clancy
Clancy
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 31 Jan 2016
Total posts 78
Two CX lounge visits this year.
CDG some of the best food I have ever eaten, simple and great flavour. Really good, or it could have been that the food in Paris was just average...(?).
At LHR T3 in the CX F lounge - don't bother, too many people, not enough space and no access to dinning, so went back to LHR T3 QF lounge and the 'Gin Bar'...!!!
The QF lounge at LHR continues to impress.