Review Plaza Premium Kuala Lumpur

Plaza Premium is an independent network of VIP lounges with dozens of locations around the world. Until July 2021 they were accessible through Priority Pass. Since then, unfortunately, they have left the network, but remain accessible to holders of American Express Platinum.

I have visited many lounges in this network and must admit that, except in very rare cases (Jeddah for example), are always above average compared to other independent lounges. And this one in Kuala Lumpur confirms my opinion.

Access

It can be accessed for a fee or for free using - as mentioned - the Amex Platinum or the Dragonpass card, a competing product to Priority Pass. I preferred to drop in rather than take advantage of the free lunch offered by Thai because of my Star Alliance gold status.

Location

This lounge is located at Pier C of the Malaysian capital's international airport. This terminal, which is reached by a monorail, is also home to the lounges of Singapore, Thai Airways, and Emirates. Too bad those of the two Star Alliance carriers were closed: the former is one of the few that has not yet reopened post covid, while the latter is under renovation.

The lounge

Those who have already read some of my reviews know what in my opinion are the strengths of a lounge:

1. Stained glass windows with a view of the runway
2. Comfortable seating
3. Power outlets
4. Interesting buffet

Let's say that this lounge satisfied 100% the first three points, minus the fourth, but Having had a hearty breakfast at the Mandarin Oriental, lack of food was not a problem in for this trip.

The lounge is large and has a beautiful view of the runway. I was able to find a seat right by the window, perfect for smart working while waiting for my flight to Bangkok and at the same time a timelapse of what is happening on the runway.

Just past the entrance is the bar and a section furnished with bar-style tables, perfect for eating. The first part of the lounge also has a terminal overlook, great for when it is dark outside at night and/or there is little movement on the runway.

The largest part of the lounge is furnished with comfortable armchairs: each pair has a dual power outlet and a couple of USB sockets convenient for charging one's devices before takeoff.

Amenities-wise, this lounge doesn't offer much, in fact I might say that it offers nothing else except bathrooms, showers, and wi-fi. It is the essentials that matter though, especially when you are looking for a place where you can relax, eat/drink something before catching a flight without spending a euro.

Food & Beverage

Maybe it's the less beautiful side of this lounge, or maybe I was so full from breakfast at a spectacular hotel like the Mandarin Oriental that I didn't see anything interesting.

The buffet area is tiny and remains behind the reception: there is a cooler with soft drinks and various beverages and a small food offering, all asian as a proposal.

There is then a bar counter with bartender to order hot drinks and also some mixed drinks. We are in a Muslim nation, but there is no ban on alcohol sales (thankfully).

In conclusion

The Plaza premium Lounge in Kuala Lumpur is not the most beautiful lounge in the world, not even the best of those Plaza Premium, However, it far exceeds sufficiency. Certainly Malaysia's lounges are on another level, but not comparable in that they inaccessible except by flying OneWorld.

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