Review Wellcome lounge Jeddah, beautiful but the competition here is fierce
When I read certain reviews and/or comments on social media, I try to explain that you cannot compare pears with melons, raspberries [...]
JED
When I read certain reviews and/or comments on social media, I try to explain that you cannot compare pears with melons, raspberries with watermelons.
In this article:
Compare the Linate Moxy at St Regis of Singapore is incorrect, the same applies to lounges. You cannot compare an official lounge of a company, perhaps in its hub, with an independent one operated by a third party player or directly by the airport.
Here is is the case with this wellcome lounge in Jeddah's Terminal 1.. If it were at another airport it would look beautiful, not at the level of the Pau Casals in Barcelona, but something very close.
The cause is that at this airport there is what to date I consider to be the the best business class lounge in the world, higher than that of all other companies.
Access
The best way to enter this lounge Is to use Priority Pass, depending on the level of the card you hold you will be allowed to enter for free even together with a guest. This is one of the most important benefits of American Express Platinum, which gives precisely the Prestige card and allows unlimited access to all PP network lounges.
Access is also allowed to Lounge Key card holders and premium passengers of some airlines operating in this terminal.
Location
The lounge is located on the second floor of the terminal, on the opposite side from Saudia's Al Fursian: it is very easy to spot thanks to the signage and giant sign.
The lounge
There is no shortage of space in this airport, and in fact this lounge is not one but three. There are in fact three lounges in the same spot in the terminal. Given the low occupancy, only one of the three lounges was open and all guests invited to proceed to the left corridor that leads precisely to the entrance of this lounge.
As with all the other lounges, this one does not face the runway, either. However, unlike the others in this terminal, it does have part of the lounge with glass windows to the terminal below. Better than nothing.
The lounge is very large. Paradoxically, it is the seating that is few, perhaps still a souvenir of social distancing. Everything is new and "little used" in this airport, and even in this lounge it seems that chairs and carpeting have seen few passengers so far.
The most beautiful area of the lounge is the part toward the back of the lounge. The armchairs overlooking the terminal are the best to isolate yourself from everything and everyone. The only problem if you choose this location is that there are no power outlets available to guests.
Power outlets, however, which are present in all other seats (Arabic outlet). Again, as in all the other lounges, the wi-fi is ko or almost ko and one has to hope that the one at the airport works.
Food & Beverage
Of course, forget champagne, wine, beer and any other alcoholic product: this is Saudi Arabia. However, unlike what Saudia's beautiful Alfursan offers, here at least there are Western beverages.
The buffet, however, is more than worthwhile. There are various offerings, obviously with Arabic and Asian flavors, and a selection of snacks and sandwiches.
Sure, we are not at the highest level, but that is what is normal to expect from this type of lounge. There is a lack of alcohol, but these are the rules and it is best to respect them.
In conclusion
Alternatives to this lounge are few, although thehe food court at this airport is definitely interesting. If you can't get into the most prestigious AlFursian is surely ten times better than the Premium Plaza, which is just below the Wellcome lounge.
