Inside’s Heathrow’s $7,500-per-visit private VIP lounge
The Windsor offers private suites, Michelin-star dining and a BMW ride straight to your plane.
By Staff Writers, February 10 2025
Behind a discrete door in a quiet corner of London’s Heathrow Airport lies a world that few travellers ever see.
The Windsor by Heathrow is the London airport’s best-kept secret, and it’s more than just a lounge.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
In an airport not exactly known for peace and quiet, this haven for the well-heeled guarantees both – alongside restaurant-grade fine dining from a feted Michelin chef, and perhaps best of all, no queues for security or customs.
As a guest of this ultra-exclusive lounge, world leaders, top-ranking CEOs, celebrities and other A-listers – not to mention royalty – can slip through Heathrow unseen, avoiding not just the usual airport crowds but the public eye, and chaos to breeze onto their flights in complete privacy.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
This makes The Windsor not just for VIPs but the elite VVIP set, and a hefty access fee which starts at £3,812 (AU$7,500) per visit.
The Windsor experience begins with guests collected from their home or hotel by a chauffeur and driven directly to an unmarked private entrance at Heathrow Terminal 5, where a doorman in top hat and tails escorts them to one of eight spacious private suites.
A personal butler collects each traveller’s passport, flight details and luggage – with its own dedicated baggage handling facilities, The Windsor is almost a private terminal – while UK border officers come to the suite to make sure everything is in order for a stress-free departure.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
Each of the eight suites is lavishly furnished in their own distinct style, while sharing a sophisticated, understated design which blends modern furnishings with classic British touches.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
For instance, the Chelsea Suite has the feel of a luxury London apartment with its contemporary sofa, soft lighting, and marble coffee table – ideal for a quiet meeting or a pre-flight drink.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
The Windsor Suite, inspired by British heritage, has dark oak wood paneling and plush velvet seating.
Add a curated art collection with works by Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Banksy and even Picasso, and The Windsor is less like an airport lounge than a private members’ club in the heart of London.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
Every suite in The Windsor is of course fully self-contained, including a private bathroom. More discrete features include bombproof glass windows and netting to befuddle the zoom-lensed cameras of nosy paparazzi.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
Feeling peckish? The press of a silver button summons your butler, who will guide you through a seasonal a la carte menu overseen by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton too be served at your suite’s dining table.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
Starters include Cornish crab with Granny Smith apple and celeriac remoulade, while mains range from pan-roasted sea bream with beetroot risotto to a 28-day dry-aged Hereford beef fillet with Bordelaise sauce.
If you’ve got room for dessert, the Earl Grey chocolate mousse is said to be a standout.
The drinks menu is just as refined: for Champagne, you can choose between Taittinger, Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon and Krug.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
Need to pick up something last-minute? The Windsor offers a private shopping service so you can browse Heathrow’s best boutiques without stepping outside your suite.
Whether it’s a designer handbag, a rare whisky, or a bespoke suit, a personal shopper will bring it directly to you.
And if you’re flying outside the UK, staff can process your 20% VAT refund on the spot – no waiting, no paperwork.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
When it’s time to leave, there’s no long walk to the gate or waiting in a boarding area.
A chauffeur-driven black BMW pulls up outside, ready to take you directly to the aircraft steps.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
You can board first or last, depending on your preference, with no need to interact with other passengers; Heathrow says the most popular destinations flown by The Windsor guests include Doha, Riyadh, Dubai, Los Angeles and New York.
But The Windsor isn’t only for passengers flying out from Heathrow – it also doubles as an arrivals lounge, with staff to meet you as you step off the plane.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
You can relax over breakfast, lunch or dinner while your luggage is collected and immigration formalities completed before your chauffeur drive to the office, hotel or home.
Heathrow's The Windsor private lounge pampers VIP jetsetters.
The nearly-£4,000 entry fee has proven no barrier to The Windsor’s popularity, so there are now plans to expand the lounge to an upper level of T5.
05 Dec 2018
Total posts 158
Unfortunately they don’t have shower facilities. One aspect that will complete the experience.
17 Nov 2023
Total posts 72
Astonishing that they don't at that price point!
31 May 2018
Total posts 15
Looks great. However, it’s not Michelin star dining. Stars are awarded to restaurants. Not chefs. And the lounge has not been awarded a star.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
21 Jul 2019
Total posts 228
The hard product does not live up to the price tag, judging by the pics. The furnishing looks to be at the level of Temple & Webster quality. I wasn't expecting the overdone gaudy glitz of Dubai, but something more tasteful and stylish like an upmarket London hotel suite would be have hit the spot. This is barely above basic..
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
03 Jul 2018
Total posts 58
That's what I thought and in fact, it looks rather tight and lifeless. My hope is that these are not actual pictures of the spaces but mock-ups but who knows? For $7 grand, I would expect non generic, bespoke furniture , and a feeling of grandness ,no matter how good the food and wine.
20 Nov 2015
Total posts 604
While you'd expect something a LOT more elaborate for the fee, I think a big chunk of this is less about it being a 'luxurious lounge' and more about delivering the highest level of privacy. The people who pay for this lounge have no shortage of money and I reckon the privacy is what they're after more than anything else.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Inside’s Heathrow’s $7,500-per-visit private VIP lounge