Review Lufthansa Senator Lounge at Munich's Pier H

Germans are pragmatic, they think more about functionality than design (with very rare exceptions). Things have to work before they look good, and when they crave culture, design and excitement they vacation and shop in Italy (read Lamborghini, Ducati and soon ITA Airways)

On the occasion of my trip to Tokyo have passed through Munich Airport, Lufthansa's second hub and Germany's second busiest airport, for the first time. A380s, A350s, and A340s depart from wealthy Bavaria to all parts of the world. I decided to try the German airline's basic economy product and compare it with what ITA offers to its passengers.

Access

Lufthansa offers its guests two types of lounges: the business lounges and the Senator lounges. The former is open to business class travelers, while the second is reserved for holders of senator status and to Star Alliance gold card holders.

I was traveling in basic economy, but thanks to my card in Singapore Airlines' Krisflyer loyalty program. I had access to the most beautiful lounge: the Senator.

Those who have the status can access both, conversely if you travel in biz you cannot access Senators.

Location

Lounges can be found just past border control and they share the entrance. There are two reception counters, you scan your ticket and depending on your ticket you will be directed to one of the two halls.

The hall

If you are looking for the wow effect better to go elsewhere: Here there are armchairs, small tables, work and eating tables. There is no poetry, imagination, or even a view. We could call it sad but functional.

The hall overlooks an inner courtyard of the airport,  But it is a kind of still life without any sign of life.

In the center is the small buffet. It is so small that it redefines the standard of certain lounges I have visited and often criticized, whereas here we are in the main lounge of Lufthansa's second hub, really inexplicable. But then you remember you are in Germany and it all comes back.

The hall was crowded and uncluttered. In general I got the impression of a low staff presence, dirty tables and to clear. Really a disappointment.

Food & Beverage

The prettiest thing is the bar counter, too bad that during my visit it was unmanned and I did not see anyone serving drinks at the counter. There was also a coffee machine, but I did not venture to request an espresso.

In the center of the room is a small buffet counter. I arrived that breakfast was still being served and shortly thereafter the menu was changed.

The hot breakfast offered scrambled eggs, tater tots, beans, and frankfurters. Replaced by meatballs and what we would call a roast for lunch. Then there is a cold buffet, but a really meager one that changes little when you go from breakfast to all-day dining. But you know: German cuisine is not among the most renowned in the world. The only bright spot is the "junk" area, as my daughter calls it. Gummy candies, various sweets-this one was really stocked.

Richer beverage offerings, although definitely below average. The presence of the bar counter should have an impact here, but if it is then unmanned it serves little purpose.

Services

There is a small business corner, the area to safely store luggage, there are small rooms to rest, but I did not have a chance to visit them.

In conclusion

If this is the most LH can offer its top customers we are in bad shape. I hope it was just an unlucky morning, in any case it convinced me once again to bet on connecting in Frankfurt rather than Bavaria.

• 7 first class