Here's why lounge access is my favorite hotel elite status perk overseas
The club lounges at many U.S. hotels can be hit or miss. Some hotels are not investing in lounges like they once did, and many have closed their lounges altogether.
Lounge access is one of the most publicized perks for top-tier elite members of hotel loyalty programs, such as World of Hyatt Globalists and Hilton Honors Diamonds, yet it often feels like an afterthought at domestic hotels. That's not true at many hotels overseas, though.
While it might not always be the most useful benefit of holding hotel elite status when traveling in the U.S., lounge access in other regions, including Asia, can transform a hotel stay from humdrum to extraordinary. In fact, it's my favorite elite status perk when traveling internationally.
I recently took a multiweek trip through several countries in Asia, and my status unlocked some fabulous lounges ... and all the free food, drinks and useful workspaces that access opened up. Here's a look at a handful of the lounges I experienced during my travels and why lounge access remains my favorite hotel perk.
What does hotel lounge access typically get you?
Most hotel lounges offer a (usually quiet) sanctuary where you'll find free or almost free drinks and food. Some lounges serve a full buffet breakfast or even made-to-order dishes like omelets. Some also offer light bites throughout the day or even a buffet for dinner. Often, both nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks are free, though some lounges charge for top-shelf spirits, and tips are generally expected.
Some of the other perks of hotel lounge access may include:
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Business centers and workstations
- Machines for self-serve coffee and tea drinks
- Free water, juice and soda in fridges
- Snacks available for most of the day
- Happy hours and/or dessert spreads
Some lounges even offer garment-pressing or shoeshine services. You'll usually find plenty of comfortable seating options. Some hotel lounges have terraces, often on higher floors with good views.
One of the coolest features of some international hotel lounges is the ability to check in or out with dedicated reception areas as well as more robust concierge services. Sometimes, you'll be escorted to the lounge from the lobby — talk about a VIP experience.
Conrad Seoul
This was the best lounge I experienced on my trip, somewhat to my surprise. The incredible executive lounge at the Conrad Seoul in South Korea is on the top floor of a skyscraper and has sweeping views of the city's futuristic skyline and the Han River. When I booked my stay, I did not even know that the hotel had a lounge, let alone this spectacular space.
The dramatically lit walls held shelves of art, and there were plenty of places to sit for a meal or work session. There was even a flickering fireplace.
I had access thanks to my Hilton Diamond status, which I have as a result of having the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in my wallet.
Hilton Honors Diamonds and those who reserve accommodations with club lounge access included in their stay can take advantage of this benefit.
It should be noted that some programs award lounge access even to mid-tier elite members. Marriott Bonvoy members, for example, with Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite or Ambassador Elite status get lounge access at certain properties.
You tend to find lounges at hotels in Hilton's premium portfolio, such as Conrads, Waldorf Astoria properties and full-service Hiltons.
This particular lounge had a full breakfast spread, and there were snacks out at lunch and a full buffet at dinner. There was always something delicious to eat or drink at all hours of the day. Breakfast standouts included pancakes and pastries like croissants, fresh fruit (the sweet grapefruit was delicious) and noodles. There were also an impressive selection of cheeses, along with cold cuts, fresh greens and cereals.
You could literally eat here for every meal during your entire stay for free. That can lead to some serious savings on a trip like mine, though I was also eager to get out and experience the city's fantastic food scene. Still, knowing I could pop in anytime for a snack was a helpful benefit during a hectic stay. The best part of my visits was taking in the sunset after a cold day of sightseeing around Seoul.
One less tangible benefit of having lounge access is that the staff can be super helpful with making arrangements around the hotel or out in the city via concierge services. They are also on hand to help with business needs like getting things printed.
At the Conrad Seoul, the friendly staff was eager to help with any questions visitors had. Interacting with staff members is also a great way to get a local's insight into a destination, I have found, and this stay was no exception.
Related: Breakfast, upgrades and more: 9 TPG staffers reveal their favorite elite status perks
Grand Hyatt Taipei
World of Hyatt really steps up its lounge game outside the U.S. Though I have had a few good experiences in U.S. Hyatt lounges, none holds a candle to what I have found on offer in Asia.
You'll need top-tier World of Hyatt Globalist status for free lounge access, but you could also reserve a room type with club lounge access. Hyatt members can also select two club lounge access awards as Hyatt Milestone Rewards when they reach the qualifying thresholds starting at 20 nights in a status year.
The Grand Club at the Grand Hyatt in Taipei, Taiwan, is one of my favorite lounges. It had attentive service and a variety of lovely seating areas. It felt like a glamorous setting with fresh flowers set out at the entrance along with a selection of international newspapers. There was a check-in desk as well where guests could request hotel services. Servers circulated often to make sure guests had what they needed.
Check out the incredible views of the famous Taipei 101 tower from the lounge (don't mind the dirty windows).
There was a full breakfast spread in the mornings that included an omelet station where eggs could be cooked to order and plenty of both Western and Asian entree options.
While I was there, the hotel was offering guests fresh chocolate or strawberry croissants.
Club access saved me a ton of money in Taipei and kept me fueled with caffeine at all hours of the day and night. The lounge was open most of the day and well into the evening, with a full breakfast spread and then snacks available all day after that. In the evening, there were light bites and desserts laid out that could easily have replaced a full dinner. My favorite feature was the ability to grab an espresso or a soda at any time of the day. Fresh juice and still and sparkling waters were also available throughout the day.
Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa
The lounge at the Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa occupies much of the 18th floor of the building it occupies in the island's biggest city.
It offered extensive views of the skyline, and guests with access could head straight there to check in or out for their stay. Various rooms were available to relax or eat in. Part of the lounge was closed during certain times of the day, but additional spaces were open during the busy breakfast hours. A grand piano was stationed in one of the massive rooms, though it wasn't being played during my stay.
In the morning, there was a full breakfast with hot and cold buffets set up along one wall. A chef prepared eggs any style at an omelet station in the back of the lounge.
In the evenings, the hotel served light snacks and wine, sparkling wine and cocktails. I say light snacks, but there was a full buffet that many people appeared to enjoy in place of dinner.
I visited for several meals, plus unlimited espressos, during my stay. It added up to serious savings.
Hyatt Regency Tokyo
The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is famous for its Regency Club lounge, which Hyatt loyalists have raved about for years. During my stay, it was in a temporary space because the hotel was undergoing some major renovations, but it still had plenty of tables and great views of Tokyo.
There was a nice selection of food and drinks, including Nespresso machine-made cappuccinos, fresh juice, Japanese snacks and cookies, to keep me satisfied. The dinner spread had been pretty picked over when I visited later in the evening, but the breakfast options were impressive. Choices included everything from fresh pastries, cold cuts, yogurt and ripe fruit galore to an omelet station and various Western breakfast meats.
I cannot wait to see the renovated club on my next trip to Tokyo. It's expected to be completed in June of this year.
Bottom line
Lounge access can save you hundreds of dollars in food-and-beverage costs, even on short stays. In fact, it's such a great way to save money on trips and enhance your stay, especially when traveling outside the U.S., that it's one of several reasons why I pursue top-tier hotel elite status each year.
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