Airport Lounge, Hamburg Fuhlsbüttel (HAM)

Background

There are three lounges at Hamburg Airport. Emirates and Lufthansa operate lounges for their own and cooperating airlines’ passengers, while virtually all other airlines use a third-party lounge at the airport, a lounge with the not so creative name, "Airport Lounge". Access is also offered to travellers with some credit cards and lounge cards. The lounge is located in the transit hall in what is known as the "Airport Plaza", near gates C16-C17, and is accessed via escalator from the shopping area. After the escalator, pass through the cafe and take another escalator up one floor and you will find the entrance directly to the right. The interior feels generally quite old and worn out. All the furniture is in mahogany or dark brown wood, with grey armchairs located in various seating areas. On the positive side, there are large panoramic window with a completely unobstructed view of the apron and runways. The large windows also makes the lounge very bright.

Food and drink

A self-service area offers a cold buffet with mainly German-inspired food, like potato salad, sausage and bread. Also during this test visit, there was fruit, nuts, soup and for dessert, cheesecake and chocolate cake. Beverage offerings include red, white and sparkling wine, a soft drink vending machine, a fridge full of beer, a shelf with a standard choice of spirits, coffee machine and a variety of juices. Around the buffet area are also a number of bar tables and stools for those who want to sit and eat properly.

Facilities

Free WiFi is offered throughout the lounge, and in the middle of the lounge there is a rack of German and international newspapers. At the far end of the lounge, at the opposite end from the reception, there are showers and toilets.

Conclusion

Perhaps not the most beautiful lounge design-wise, but the excellent views through the panoramic windows are quite something. Simple food and drink available for self-service. Not a spectacular lounge, but it does the job.