Review: GVK Premium Lounge Mumbai International airport
A couple of weeks back, I was on a short work trip to Bahrain. I wrote about my stay at the Sheraton Bahrain, but for some reason, I completely skipped writing about another aspect of the trip...my experience at the GVK Premium Lounge at Mumbai International Airport. So here you go!
Before I begin, I'd like to apologise up front for the quality of the pictures. I'd picked up a new camera as a standby just that morning, and ended up using it without fully understanding the settings, particularly the ones for low-light photography.
The last time I was at this airport terminal was more than 2 years ago (when domestic operations hadn't moved to the new T2). At the time, this was the status of the lounge.
By the time of my next visit earlier in the month, the place was functioning.
GVK Premium Lounge entrance
GVK Premium Lounge interior
GVK Premium Lounge interior
GVK Premium Lounge interior
Overall, as you can see from the images above, there's a pretty decent feel of opulence that the designers have tried to bring in.
GVK Premium Lounge seating
First stop on the left, the bar, with bar-stool seating available.
They have good beer on tap (Kingfisher) and cans, and also a rather decent collection of spirits. There is no charge for using the bar.
GVK Premium Lounge bar
GVK Premium Lounge bar
Across from the bar is a table with some bar snacks, mainly packaged nuts, but also candied fruits, and small bottles of water.
GVK Premium Lounge bar
GVK Premium Lounge recliners
There's also a shower and spa. The spa is administered from the desk just beside the faux hedge in the picture below. One massage treatment is complimentary, but if you're in the mood for it, you could also pay up for extra massage sessions.
GVK Premium Lounge Shower & spa
GVK Premium Lounge buffet
The spread includes snacks / light eats such as sandwiches and chaats...
GVK Premium Lounge buffet
GVK Premium Lounge buffet
GVK Premium Lounge buffet
GVK Premium Lounge buffet
GVK Premium Lounge buffet
GVK Premium Lounge buffet
GVK Premium Lounge buffet
GVK Premium Lounge buffet
GVK Premium Lounge buffet
GVK Premium Lounge view
GVK Premium Lounge view
GVK Premium Lounge view
However, the downside of this is that, being West-facing, it can get pretty hot if you're lounging by the windows in the evening, and the sun is right in your face.
Readers: Have you been to the GVK Premium Lounge at Mumbai's international departures terminal? What's your impression of the lounge?
Before I begin, I'd like to apologise up front for the quality of the pictures. I'd picked up a new camera as a standby just that morning, and ended up using it without fully understanding the settings, particularly the ones for low-light photography.
The last time I was at this airport terminal was more than 2 years ago (when domestic operations hadn't moved to the new T2). At the time, this was the status of the lounge.
By the time of my next visit earlier in the month, the place was functioning.
Access
I had access to the lounge because I was flying business class, and this lounge is exclusively for the use of business and first class passengers. After crossing immigration and the duty free cluster, turn right and right again. The lounge will be on your left.Interiors
The lounge doesn't have a fixed decor as such, but is mixed. There is a ton of seating, available as couches for group seating, and individual seats - many of which look out on to the apron.
GVK Premium Lounge interior
Overall, as you can see from the images above, there's a pretty decent feel of opulence that the designers have tried to bring in.
Bar
Turning left from the main entrance, you walk down a corridor. The apron is to the right of the picture below.
First stop on the left, the bar, with bar-stool seating available.
GVK Premium Lounge bar
Across from the bar is a table with some bar snacks, mainly packaged nuts, but also candied fruits, and small bottles of water.
Relaxation, spa and shower
Further down is a set of massage recliners.
There's also a shower and spa. The spa is administered from the desk just beside the faux hedge in the picture below. One massage treatment is complimentary, but if you're in the mood for it, you could also pay up for extra massage sessions.
Dining
To the right from the main entrance is the dining area. There's a rather impressive buffet spread on offer (at least, that was the case during my visit).
The spread includes snacks / light eats such as sandwiches and chaats...
...salads...
...fruit...
...and a variety of main courses, with options including Indian, Oriental and Continental.
There was also a pretty good selection of dessert.
There's tabled seating (2 each), as well as seating for groups up to 4 people.
GVK Premium Lounge dining area
I was in the lounge during the cusp of evening snacks and early dinner, so I got to see both types of food on offer (I didn't stuff myself, promise!).
Looking out
One great aspect of the lounge is the apron and aerobridge views it offers.
However, the downside of this is that, being West-facing, it can get pretty hot if you're lounging by the windows in the evening, and the sun is right in your face.
Connectivity
The lounge offers complimentary wi-fi which is quite good and fast. At each of the individual seats is a side table to keep your stuff on, which includes a couple of power outlets, which can be very useful.Overall impressions
I personally think this is a great lounge. Probably one of the best in India at this moment (I've not been to the Vistara lounge in Delhi yet).Readers: Have you been to the GVK Premium Lounge at Mumbai's international departures terminal? What's your impression of the lounge?
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