I didn’t even plan on reviewing the Etihad lounge today, but I was very fortunate to do so. I’ll post the full story after this post. I was looking at the lounge from the outside and met lovely Catherine who is the Food and Beverage assistant manager for the lounge. We had a quick chat and a few minutes later I was very kindly invited into the lounge by the awesome Lounge manager Shae. I asked if I could take some photos and they were more than happy to allow me to do so.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Entrance
The lounge is located upstairs opposite gate 10. The lounge opened in April in preparation for A380 services which started in June. The lounge can be accessed by Residence, First and Business guests, Etihad Platinum and Gold members and elite members from Partner airlines.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Entrance
The lounge has a capacity of 133 guests and is the largest lounge the airline has outside of Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Entrance
The front desk is absolutely beautiful; the new lounges are designed very similarly to their First Class lounge in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Entrance
As I walked in I met Maddie who is one of the lounge agents; she was very friendly and professional. I have always had brilliant experiences with Etihad staff.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Entrance
The lounge is over 800m2 in length providing a brilliant place to relax before your flight.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
The chairs are upholstered in Poltrona Frau Italian leather which is the same leather used in the First Class suites and apartments.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
The lounge has a fantastic view overlooking the airport, shame Emirates was parked there and not Etihad.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
The lounge has heaps of seating, and the seats are very comfortable. The lounge has a large number of powerpoints which many other lounges lack, Kudos Etihad.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
Etihad really focuses on natural light, it looks great during the day and amazing at night.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
The lounge has many flowers and it makes it feel fresh and modern.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Flowers
Etihad Lounge Melbourne TV
I don’t know what these are, but they look cool.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
The lounge offers a large variety of reading material.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
The dining area is the central part of the lounge.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Dining Area
The lounge has an a la carte menu which changes every three months with the seasons. The summer menu is now available.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Dining Area
I love the cutlery design.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Cutlery
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Cutlery
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
This area can be used for groups who want to drink or dine together.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
For the drink lovers, you’ll love this bar.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Bar
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Bar
The bar is fully stocked and looks awesome.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Bar
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Bar
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Dining Area
Etihad Lounge Melbourne
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Dining Area
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
The Residence lounge exit, No photos of it as it’s got to be kept exclusive.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Seating
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Kids Area
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Kids Area
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Kids Area
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Bathrooms
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Bathroom
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Shower
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Bathroom
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Bathroom
The buffet contains only cold food like Mezze; this is because it’s much nicer to have a la carte and food served to you. This is where Etihad shine.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Buffet
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Self-Serve Drinks
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Self-Serve Drinks
The buffet has small snacks available.
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Buffet
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Buffet
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Buffet
Etihad Lounge Melbourne Entrance
Bottom Line
This lounge got awarded the best in Australia in October at the World Travel Awards and it’s evident why. Inside the lounge is stunning but the other thing that makes this lounge amazing is the brilliant staff.
Special thanks to these staff:
Catherine Lakeland (F&B Assistant Manager)
Robert Galan (F&B Attendant)
Maddie Collins (Etihad Lounge Agent)
Victor Barrientos (Cleaning Team)
Sonja Kaur (Cleaning Team)
and of course a huge thank you to Shae Bedwell for making this happen, you and your team are truly 5 stars.
