Arrival/Check-In: My colleague and I were flying back to New York (JFK) on Brussels Airlines in business class and had access to its new lounge, The Loft, at Brussels Airport. We cleared security, always a fun experience, and headed to the lounge on the next level, where the reception staff welcomed us with a smile and a warm greeting.
Facilities: The lounge is large by any standards at 13,347 square feet, boasting eight different “hubs,” each with its own function. It has a capacity for 300 people at one time and, that being said, it was still very quiet. The floors, which look like bleached oak, are actually sound-absorbing ceramic tiles, while the ceiling is also designed with the same noise reduction function. The décor, in light earth tones, includes a lot of glass and natural light.
A great deal of thought went into the design of this lounge, such as installing 180 outlets throughout the facility. Every table and desk has an attached outlet, as do the high-backed seats and the lounge chairs in the relaxing area, so no one needs to prowl the premises looking for the odd outlet.
There are seven coffee/hot drink machines throughout the lounge. The food station is in the center, and the serving tables are separated to enhance the traffic flow through the area. Warm food is available as are cold meats, cheeses, salads, fruits, pastry and — since it is Belgium — chocolate, especially chocolate mousse.
Passengers have use of four shower/changing rooms plus a room with four nap boxes for those travelers with long layovers eager to get some shut-eye. There is also a meeting room with all the electronic equipment needed for a business meeting. A business center features two Skype modular units similar to phone booths where you can sit and Skype.
Brussels Airlines’ Miles and More members and Senators and HON Circle Card holders can access a private sitting area with its own coffee/hot beverage machine.
Services/Amenities: Brussels Airlines teamed up with Microsoft and Designit to create a unique digital experience while visiting the lounge. This means guests can borrow a Surface Pro 3 during their stay and access the lounge’s app, Connected Lounge, by which they can book a shower room, check availability of nap boxes, book a meeting and check flight status.
The lounge showcases Belgian products from Bulo furniture to the four Belgian beers (Stella Artois, Leffe Blond, Leffe Brune and Hoegaarden) on offer.
The Experience: A passenger, knowing we had not been in the lounge before, told us, “This is the best lounge in Europe.” And by the time we were leaving, we wholeheartedly agreed with him. It is the best lounge in Europe — and elsewhere as well. It is well worth a visit.
GT CHECKLIST
[checklist]
[item check=yes]Workstations[/item]
[item check=yes]Showers[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary food offerings, extensive menu including hot food/soups and hot beverages[/item]
[item check=yes]Complete complimentary bar with wine, beer and liquor[/item]
[item check=yes]Meeting spaces/group seating[/item]
[item check=yes]In-lounge rest rooms[/item]
[item check=yes]Comfortable, overstuffed chairs[/item]
[item check=yes]Dining tables and chairs[/item]
[item check=yes]Available reading materials[/item]
[item check=yes]Separate entertainment areas with televisions[/item]
[item check=yes]Concierge services[/item]
[item check=yes]Separate family-friendly room[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample, easy-access power outlets[/item]
[/checklist]
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedFeature
Dec 6, 2019Cruise Line Outline: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is looking to change the game with the recent introduction of its newest ship, Norwegian Encore.
Sponsored Content
Goway Offers Travelers Journey of a Lifetime
Since 1970, Goway Travel has been committed to providing customized travel experiences for world travelers. Few things are better evidence of this commitment than being awarded the 2019 Trazees award for Favorite Tour Operator. Goway Travel heartily thanks the readers of Trazee Travel for this honor and for their confidence in Goway’s work in creating travel memories that’ll last a lifetime.
December 2019
Dec 6, 2019Global Gateway
SINCE ABOUT 2000, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been the busiest airport not only in the United States but also in the world. Each year more than 100 million passengers pass through the gateway, so it only makes sense the airport continues to evolve.
December 2019
Dec 6, 2019Piedmont Paradise
DON’T EXPECT TURIN TO FIT your image of Italy. It’s Italian, all right — the evening passeggiata and a love of good food and wine are alive and well. But you’ll look in vain for medieval cobbled streets, crumbling castles and works by Michelangelo (who never set foot here). Instead, although you’ll find some Roman ruins, you’ll also find a faux medieval village, a world-class film museum and a café life that rivals Vienna’s. You and your family will have fun here.
Sponsored Content
A Lighter Footprint
United Airlines’ environmentally friendly efforts lessen the impact on local U.S. communities.
Feature
Dec 6, 2019American Airlines Adding New Summer Routes
Last month American Airlines announced 20 new routes for the summer season, both internationally and domestically.
Frontier Airlines Launches 22 New Routes
News
Dec 6, 2019Experience Seattle’s Glass Art Community
Daily
Dec 6, 2019Traveler Health: Know Before You Go
December 2019
Dec 5, 2019Season of Celebration
December 2019
Dec 5, 2019Booking.com to Offer Flights in Europe
Feature
Dec 5, 2019Discovery at Sea
December 2019
Dec 5, 2019December 2019
Dec 5, 2019Simply Sophisticated
TODAY, JUNIOR THERRIAULT calls Chicago home, where he serves as general manager of Juniper at Claridge House Hotel, but before arriving in the Windy City, he worked around the world, learning from the best professionals in the industry. In addition to hotels and Michelin-starred dining experience, Therriault also owned a successful catering business and boasts numerous wins from food competitions around the globe.
Sponsored Content
Adventure of a Lifetime with Volvo
Looking for a truly unique travel experience and considering a new vehicle? The Volvo Overseas Delivery Program is the perfect solution to create your own adventure of a lifetime. Volvo allows you to custom order your new automobile tailored to fit your needs and desires. They will fly you to Sweden to pick up your Volvo so you can drive and explore Scandinavia and Europe on your terms for up to two weeks.
December 2019
Dec 5, 2019Shanghai: Night Vibes
DURING THE 1920S AND ’30S, Shanghai was known as the Paris of the Orient — glamorous and decadent with a vibrant nightlife. A century later, Shanghai still parties hard. Most bars and clubs stay open until 3 a.m.; some don’t close their doors until 5 a.m.
ShareThis