marhaba Lounge Singapore Terminal 1

The marhaba Lounge in Singapore Terminal 1 is one of the lounges at Singapore Changi Airport that is open to many travellers – whether they hold a business class ticket, are members of a lounge programme, or pay for access. We visited it before our flight to find out whether it offers a relaxing alternative to the terminal or falls short of expectations.

Where is the marhaba Lounge in Singapore?

The marhaba Lounge Singapore Terminal 1 is located in the departures area of Terminal 1 at Singapore Changi Airport and is easy to reach once you have passed through security and passport control. After the automated passport control, we kept to the right and followed the signs. Shortly afterwards, we took the escalator on the left to go up one floor. Once at the top, we walked past the Qantas First Lounge Singapore and could already see the marhaba Lounge ahead of us. The lounge is therefore located on the third level of the terminal.

The way there is very well signposted in the airport, so you can easily find it. Another plus is that the Marhaba Lounge is open 24 hours a day, making it a convenient option whether your flight departs very early or very late.

Who has access to the marhaba Lounge in Singapore?

Our Turkish Airlines Business Class ticket gave us access to the marhaba lounge in Terminal 1 at Singapore Changi Airport. However, the lounge is not used as a partner lounge by a single airline, but by several international carriers. These include Air China, Air France, Finnair and Japan Airlines, amongst others.

Furthermore, access is possible through various lounge programs. The Marhaba Lounge accepts, among others, Priority Pass and DragonPass. This makes it particularly attractive for frequent flyers and credit card holders. We, for example, use the American Express Platinum Card, which includes a Priority Pass for free access to frequent flyer lounges.

Alternatively, access can be purchased for a fee, regardless of airline or status. Lounge access can be booked in advance via the official website of marhaba Book now. At the time of our trip, the price was around 34 euros for a three-hour stay. Children under six years old have free access, making the lounge suitable for families.

What are the features of the Marhaba Lounge in Singapore?

After passing through the entrance check, the marhaba Lounge Singapore opened up to reveal a long, narrow layout divided into several distinct areas. Immediately to the left was the dining area, featuring classic tables and chairs as well as a few raised seats at a counter. This area was complemented by benches along the wall with tables. Although there were power sockets here, they were rather limited in number and mostly located beneath the benches. Overall, this area was therefore primarily suited to dining rather than working for extended periods.

On the right-hand side was the actual lounge area with numerous upholstered armchairs. These were designed in various shades of green and orange and appeared modern and inviting at first glance. The area was complemented by small side tables and easily accessible power outlets, making it suitable for longer stays. However, closer inspection revealed clear signs of wear and tear. Some armchairs appeared heavily worn and showed stains or dirt. This somewhat diminished the overall positive first impression. Large glass fronts created an open atmosphere. From one side, one looked out onto a small green area and the public part of the airport (landside). From the other side, there was a view of the restaurants in the transit area (airside) of Singapore Changi Airport.

Further along the lounge, there were additional seating options, including several high tables with bar stools. There were also two separate, partitioned rooms that appeared to be reservable areas. However, the conditions under which these could be used were not apparent on site. Overall, this area was somewhat quieter and also featured numerous power outlets and a small beverage station. This made it particularly suitable for working or charging devices.

We were impressed by the overall pleasant temperature and the tranquil atmosphere in the lounge. Power outlets were readily available, and some even offered wireless charging. The service was attentive and prompt. However, we did notice that the floor was sticky in some areas, which slightly detracted from the overall impression. The lounge also features showers and restrooms, which make visits significantly more comfortable, especially for longer stays or before long-haul flights.

What food and drinks are available at the Marhaba Lounge in Singapore?

During our stay in the marhaba Lounge Singapore Terminal 1, a breakfast buffet was offered. The selection was quite international, with a clear focus on Asian dishes. These included items such as beef gyudon and stir-fried oriental tomato eggs. Bee tai mak was freshly prepared at a noodle station. The selection was complemented by classic options like baked beans. In addition, there was a small salad bar, sandwiches, crackers, and nuts. For a sweet start to the day, there was toast with a Nutella dispenser – a detail not often seen. Overall, however, the buffet seemed rather average. While the selection was solid, the presentation and quality were not particularly impressive and didn't really whet our appetites.

The lounge was significantly better equipped when it came to drinks. There were two separate beverage areas. The larger selection, including both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, was located directly at the buffet. A smaller station offering coffee, beer, and soft drinks was situated at the rear of the lounge. The selection included various soft drinks such as Coke, Sprite, tonic water, and ginger ale. Beers, including Tiger Beer and Heineken, as well as red and white wine, were also available. Spirits such as Absolut Vodka and Chivas Regal were also offered. For coffee lovers, two fully automatic coffee machines were on hand, ensuring everyone could easily get a hot drink at any time.

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