Review: HKG Cathay Pacific “The Pier” Business Class Lounge

Review: HKG Cathay Pacific “The Wing” First Class Lounge
Review: HKG Cathay Pacific “The Bridge” Lounge
Review: HKG Cathay Pacific "The Pier" Business Class Lounge
Review: HKG Cathay Pacific "The Pier" First Class Lounge
Review: HKG Cathay Pacific "The Cabin" Lounge

I've visited all of the Cathay Pacific lounges during my layovers in HKG on my way to China for work, but I haven't finished reviewing them all. During my last work trip to China at the beginning of July, I was able to visit the newly opened Business class lounge - The Pier. The Pier's First class lounge (review to come) was re-opened to much fanfare last year after a stunning renovation and the Business class lounge just opened in June of this year. Cathay Pacific lounges tend to be some of my favorite airport lounges and nowhere is that more true than in Hong Kong. With four amazing lounge options spread throughout the airport, you'll never be too far away from a stunning space to relax and recharge between flights.

Both the Business and First class lounges have been redone in a similar style and they are both absolutely stunning. Both lounges are broken up into many different areas, which offers a lot of privacy and also many different spaces to sit depending on what you're looking for. As you'll see below, the Business class lounge has a combination of dining, drinking, socializing, quiet and business oriented spaces, which is great for travelers with different needs.  

The Pier's First class lounge is open to First class customers, Marco Polo Diamond members and oneworld Emerald members while the Business class lounge is open to Business Class customers, Marco Polo Silver and Gold members and oneworld Sapphire members.

The Pier's Business class lounge is Cathay's largest lounge at HKG, located in terminal 1 near gate 65 - right near the First class lounge. Both the Business and First class lounges are located a level below the main terminal floor, which helps to make them both very quiet and also somewhat inconspicuous while walking by.

Upon taking the escalator down, you'll be greeted by a member of the front desk staff who will check your ticket and show you into the lounge. Pretty much the entire lounge extends to your left with the exception of the Bureau, which is located straight ahead and to your right and serves as one of the lounge's quieter areas with computers and printers available to use. 

The Pier Business Class Lounge Entrance

Lounge Entrance

Lounge Entrance

Bureau

As I mentioned, the lounge is very thoughtfully split up into many different smaller areas which helps to make the massive lounge feel cozier and to designate spaces for different activities. Both of The Pier lounges have stunning woodwork and comfortable and stylish furniture which really makes the space feel rich and inviting. 

Lounge Seating

Lounge Seating

There are several different eating spaces throughout the lounge, each offering different types of food. The Food Hall is found directly behind you once you've checked in at the front desk and offers a selection of hot and cold items which will be served to you by attendants behind the counter. The Food Hall offered panini, breads, pizza, hot dishes, fruit and desserts, with a few other small items and beverages in the small refrigerators along the left and right side of the hall. There was also a coffee cart in the room to serve specialty coffee drinks.

Lounge Features

Food Hall

Food Hall

Food Hall

Just past the Food Hall, you'll find the bar. The lounge offers a fully stocked bar with a wide variety of beverages and wines and offers ample seating areas nearby for socializing.

Bar

Bar Menu

Lounge Seating

Bar

Lounge Seating

Lounge Seating

Just to make sure you're never too far from a refreshment, you'll find several refreshment areas throughout the lounge. These are stocked with newspapers and beverages and house screens with departure information for upcoming flights. 

Refreshment Area

Lounge Seating

Noodle Bar

Noodle Bar

Noodle Bar Menu

Noodle Bar

The washrooms are just past the Noodle Bar and are large with beautiful finishes and Aesop toiletries. One thing which I thought could have been improved about this lounge was maybe splitting the washrooms up and having more than one so you don't have to walk as far to reach them (the lounge is very long), but that's a true first world problem and not a huge issue.

Washroom

Washroom

Past the washrooms is the Teahouse. This was my favorite space in the lounge and was quite stunning with the wooden ceilings and beautiful finishes. The Teahouse offers tea and beverages as well as a few small desserts and pastries along the side of the room.

Teahouse

Teahouse

Past the Teahouse, you'll reach the shower area. An attendant at the desk can direct you back to the showers, which I didn't try on this visit, but which I'm sure offer everything you could want in an airport shower along with the excellent Aesop amenities. 

Shower Entrance

At the very end of the lounge, you'll reach the Relaxation Room, which is a large dimly lit room offering plenty of plush chairs for napping. I'm so glad that there's a space like this available in the lounge since flights to and from Hong Kong often lead severe jet lag. The Pier First class lounge offers individual relaxation rooms with beds, which is definitely more private, but this room serves its purpose well.

Relaxation Room

Relaxation Room

One of the things I noticed right away when I visited these lounges was the incredibly thoughtful design that went into both the First and Business class lounges. You'll notice tables near almost every chair throughout the lounge and the tables awesomely have drawers that pull out to reveal both USB and outlet charging. As someone who is constantly looking for outlets in lounges, this is a true game changer and really shows how much thought went in to the design of these lounges. Furthermore, I never have adapters with me, so it's important to know that the front desk has adapters available to use if you need one. 

Table Charging

Overall, The Pier's Business class lounge offering is above and beyond. It's a beautiful space with so many different areas where you can eat, drink, rest, work and relax and that's really what a lounge should be. Even after having access to the First class lounge, I'd still consider only visiting the Business class lounge because it's a bit larger and more spread out and I found a few very cozy areas to hang out. 

Definitely check this lounge out on your next flight through Hong Kong if you can - it's worth the walk!