Prologue:
Hello and welcome to one of my nostalgic reports dating back to 2017 when I experienced my first ME carrier - QR.Originally I was planning to fly SIN-CAI via AUH on EY but upon researching the lounge there I opted to try QR instead. A big reason for my consideration was that DOH-CAI only offered F and not J. I had a J tkt all the way so that meant that I was flying F on the second leg and would have access to the QR Al Safwa First lounge during my long layover. I was ecstatic!
But let's not jump to the next segment. This is about SIN-DOH and my first time on QR. On this trip I was also going to visit the QF lounge @ SIN which had a fantastic reputation and did not disappoint.
So I have finally arrived in SIN after one of the longest flights that I have ever taken (SFO-SIN on UA Y) and i'm happy that it is SIN - the best airport in the world.
Since i had some time before my check in at the hotel I tried to get into the DNATA lounge in T3 to get a shower. At the entrance the receptionist seemed perplexed that i did not have an invitation but I showed her my QR online boarding pass that I printed. She consults with another member and they redirect me to the transit desk to get a boarding pass and invitation from QR. She mentioned that she needed to scan something I guess the online pass did not suffice and to be fair I did not see a barcode on it. I decided to just browse around and do some shopping and then go to the hotel.
I purchased a small Braun alarm clock before heading to the Aerotel. Good thing that decided to test it and it was defective (a good brand and something purchased in SIN - how shocking). After my rest I went back to the electronics shop and was given an exchange without any problems.
Aerotel. The check in was quick and efficient and soon i was in my cubicle. Single rooms do not have windows but they are cozy and has shared WC's. The meaning of "shared" is not like you are in a gym where you are exposed. You actually get a private WC with shower just like you would in a lounge only that it is not ensuite.
Room.
WC's at the end of the hallway.
Library with gym and pool upstairs.
After a refreshing shower and a short nap (about 1:30 hr) I headed to the QF Lounge which opens at 14:30. The lounge is almost next to the BA one but I found the QF lounge so good that I did not bother to go there and stayed at the QF for the entire time.
The lounge is comfy warm and welcoming. It is every spacious with different sections and the staff is quick and accommodating. Aesthetically it is a beautiful lounge except for the "industrial" ceiling which gives it an unfinished look. This is a matter of personal taste but I feel that this works against the harmonious ambiance of the lounge design. It's too stark of a contrast.
The buffet for hot items is located past the restaurant.
The laksa soup was delicious!
I had the lamb with roasted aubergine and jasmine rice. The lamb was tender and flavorful but it needed a bit more salt.
Another round of samples. ;)
The lounging area had very comfortable chairs and electrical sockets to charge electronics. However please be aware that just plugging your cord is not enough. You need to flip a switch in order to charge. I learned about this as i noticed that my laptop was not charging.
A neat feature of QF lounges is the cart with the snack "du jour". This time they had french fries. I asked for ketchup and mayo but they did not have mayo on the cart. :(
Right before leaving i requested a shower. Even when the lounge was busy I was still able to get one immediately. The room was spacious with Aspar brand toiletries. I left the lounge by 20:10 to T3 for my flight. At the transfer desk I requested my boarding passes and the agent there asked for proof of continuation for my trip leaving Egypt. That took me by surprise and i had to request a code from the info desk in order to access the internet and pull the info from my email. I was issued my boarding passes and an invitation to the DNATA lounge which I did not bother to use since I was running a bit tight.
I arrived at the gate and there was a security check which I did not expect but was handled quickly. I ended up discarding a bottle of water that I had brought from my previous flight. The crew was also at the gate waiting area and there was about a 10 min. delay in boarding.
QR A350 at the gate.
Boarding commenced and there was a friendly FA at the door greeting passengers as they entered.
Mood lighting was turned on and there was a pillow and blanket already on the seat.
Big IFE screen.
The FA introduced herself and welcomed each passenger aboard. Pre-dept. drinks were offered and I had the signature lime mint drink served with a hot towel - too sweet for me.
The door closed and we soon taxied out. Good bye SIN.
Upon reaching cruising altitude the service began with distribution of pajamas and amenity kits. The pajamas were the gray ones that supposedly are being replaced by the ones from "White Company". I was given a L/XL one which fitted me fine. From what I have read the largest size for the new ones is L only. The amenity kit was the new one from BRIC'S. It is a sturdy case that feels a bit bulky. Toiletries are by Castello Monte Vibiano with its olive oil based products.
Menu.
QR proposes an" a la carte" protocol for meal services giving passengers more flexibility and control of the flight experience. As a result of this I see more FA's working in the galley and at times it can get pretty busy with FA's coming and going through the cabin. Most people prefer to have the dinner service right away so that they can maximize sleep time. I start with a Rose Champagne with nuts.
My table is set up.
Crusted shrimp amuse bouche with a thick & sweet soy based sauce.
The smoked salmon with goat cheese crumble asparagus orange and dill vinaigrette was very good in presentation and taste. I thought that the portion was generous for being an appetizer.
I wasn't inspired by the main dishes so i chose the most "exotic" one which was the roast sea bass in lemongrass skewer served with pandan rice in a red curry sauce. The dish was colorful and well seasoned but I thought that there were too many different flavors competing for attention.
The cheese plate was beautiful with an interesting assortment of cheeses and accompaniments. i accompanied it with a glass of Sauternes.
Finally the chocolate indulgence cake with raspberry coulis and whipped cream. How can you go wrong with that?
To conclude the meal service a box of Godiva chocolates and hot towel.
I walked back to the bar area located by the second door to check it out. There was a bowl of fruits and a flower arrangement set up but nobody congregated there.
i like the curtain for the windows.
Before landing I had the steak sandwich which was delicious.
DOH.
========== Changi Intl Arpt (SIN) - ==========
========== The Qantas Singapore Lounge ==========
========== Qatar Airways - Airline ==========
========== Doha International Arpt (DOH) - ==========
Summary:
I'm glad that I stopped in SIN after a long trip and was able to take advantage of the transit hotel facility to rest and recharge. SIN is a fantastic airport that offers a lot of facilities to make travel easier for passengers. and its top reputation is well deserved.The QF lounge in SIN was an amazing place to relax and grab some delicious food. QF really invested in this lounge to give passengers an optimal experience and it really shows in every aspect from the food to the showers and the service of the staff. I personally liked this QF lounge better than its counterpart in HKG.
This was my first time flying QR and I was impressed by its onboard product. The cabin and seats on the A350 are very comfortable and the all aisle access is a major advantage. The amenity kit and pajama are appreciated especially the pajama for a flight of this length. The crew was professional, very attentivel and paid attention to passenger's requests in a quick manner.
Catering was very nice in taste and presentation. Care was taken in the visual aspects of food and that is reassuring in a premium cabin. The wine list contained a wide assortment of choices that seem to please everyone.
I would love to fly on QR again in the future.
11 Comments
ReplySuch a great report Panda. QR at its best and the lounge is impressive.
Many thanks for the report.
Casper
Always a pleasure. I enjoy these walks through "memory" lane especially when I read the experiences of others. ;)
See you soon for another one.
ReplyWonderful experience Adam.
I felt the same about the QF Lounge bear in ming that they have opened a new one in Singapore.
The flight is A standard QR flight yet excellent. Maybe we have seen each other in the QR F lounge as I was by the time on my way back from IAH before heading to Egypt.
See you for the next round!
I would be curious to see how the new QF lounge in SIN compares to the old one. Regardless I think QF does lounge very well.
Maybe we crossed paths at the QR F lounge. It was an architecturally stunning place but I also found it a bit sterile. More to follow on my next TR.
Later my friend.
ReplyThanks for sharing this TR
" I was ecstatic!"
For a QR lounge?
Is this treatable? ^^
"a good brand and something purchased in SIN - how shocking"
A bit naive ;)
All is Chinese !
Especially cheap things
The QF lounge has not changed at all.
It's a pleasant lounge with a good food spread but
less attractive beverage's one
" I asked for ketchup and mayo"
Ha ha ! Of course ;)
Nice to fly an A350, one of the best aircraft
I hope that the seat is better than the 787's seat.
The table is troublesome when you want to turn (when you are in sleeping mode)
and the feet box is too small
" too sweet for me."
Not so easy to copy TK
The menu is disappointing as often with QR
At least you could be lucky if you find what you are asking for
Nice cutlery but the "artisan" bread doesn't look great
"Crusted shrimp amuse bouche with a thick & sweet soy based sauce."
It seems to be very greasy
" I thought that the portion was generous for being an appetizer."
Not that generous but you were eating in the lounge not a long time ago
As usual the dishes are very well presented
" i accompanied it with a glass of Sauternes."
Wines offer is still a good point
"How can you go wrong with that?"
Being too sweet !
"but nobody congregated there."
No reason to :(
"Before landing I had the steak sandwich which was delicious."
It's a steak sandwich, American style ;)
Did you arrive at a jetway ?
I'm glad you enjoyed the flight onboard an airplane of Son Excellentissime company.
At least flying QR you don't risk to be infected because the virus doesn't exist ! (https://www.arabnews.com/node/1641011/business-economy)
See you soon
"For a QR lounge?"
- Why not? A first time experience is something that is cherished by any avgeek whether is flying a new airline or lounge. ;) It's treatable by a good dose of travel.
"Especially cheap things"
- Your optimism is contagious. Can I have some of that?
"Nice to fly an A350, one of the best aircraft"
- It's a lovely plane.
"The table is troublesome when you want to turn (when you are in sleeping mode) and the feet box is too small"
- It was not that noticeable. ;) I guess one's size is relative.
"Did you arrive at a jetway ?"
- I believe that I did.
"At least flying QR you don't risk to be infected because the virus doesn't exist !"
- The virus of ignorance is more dangerous.
Ciao.
ReplyA well documented review with nice pictures, was it an award ticket ? so much food that I'm now hungry !!!! Thanks for this great report.
Yes it was an award ticket that was redeemable through EY or QR at the time. ;)
ReplyImpressive lounge. QR remains on the top. Do you plan a QR Suite trip ? Thanks for this report.
A great lounge indeed. I haven't really planned on trying the QR Suite to be honest.
ReplyThank you for this great TR Adan!
A very good lounge followed by a very high level service on board, what else?
Thank you for continuing to make us travel.
See you soon
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