Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge Barcelona

Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge Barcelona

After a relaxing week's holiday in Catalonia, we flew back to Germany from Barcelona with Lufthansa. Before departure, we visited the Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge in Barcelona, which was awarded the title of best airport lounge in the world by Priority Pass in 2013. My expectations were therefore quite high! Find out in the review whether they were met.

Where is the Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge in Barcelona?

Getting to the Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge in Barcelona isn't complicated. Right after security, we took the escalator down to the Sky Center, the shopping area near departure gates A, B, and C. At the bottom, we turned right and, after a short walk, another escalator took us up to the lounge entrance. Too complicated? The way is clearly signposted – just follow the VIP signs!

Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge Barcelona
Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge Barcelona

Who has access to the Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge Barcelona?

The Sala VIP Pau Casals contract lounge in Terminal 1 (Schengen area) is used by various airlines for business class passengers and frequent flyers. Access is also possible via a number of credit cards, lounge access programs such as Priority Pass, or even by paying a fee. As Star Alliance Gold members, I was able to bring my wife and our 1 1/2-year-old son into the lounge without any issues.

What are the features of the Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge in Barcelona?

The reception desk was located in the lounge's entrance area. Opposite it were two screens displaying departure information. This eliminated the need for explicit announcements. However, general airport announcements could be heard over the loudspeakers.

Departure information in the entrance area
Departure information in the entrance area

To the left of the entrance was a small business center with a total of six computers. These, along with the Wi-Fi, offered free internet access. However, the lounge itself did not have its own Wi-Fi network. We therefore had to use the airport's free public network, which was unfortunately very slow at times.

Business Centre
Business Centre

The rest of the lounge was divided into several areas grouped around the central buffet. The majority of the open seating consisted of oversized, elegant black leather armchairs with individual side tables. Small lamps, combined with the light wood decor, created a cozy atmosphere, and the generous layout offered plenty of privacy. At the rear of the lounge, there was also a smaller, separate room and a darkened relaxation room with six chairs. Sofa beds. The centrally located buffet area had tables and chairs. Disappointingly, the service staff here, and in the rest of the lounge, couldn't keep up, and dirty dishes piled up in places.

Seating area in the rear of the lounge
Seating area in the rear of the lounge

What food and drinks are available in the Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge Barcelona?

The selection of drinks was impressive. At a professional Nespresso machine I could choose from four different types of coffee capsules. The refrigerators offered a wide selection of soda, delicious fruit juices, various beers, and also bottled water (to go). In the back of the lounge, there was also a buffet area with wine, sparkling wine, and spirits.

In contrast to the drinks, the food selection was minimalist. There was a basic salad bar, a cold buffet, pastries, and various types of potato chips. We were very disappointed with the cold food section. It looked a bit like mass production, as the selection of cheeses, salami, and ham was haphazardly piled up.

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Review of the Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge

Review of the Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge
3.3 5 0 1
Were my expectations, based on the "world's best airport lounge" award, met? Unfortunately, not entirely! The Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge impressed with its comfortable atmosphere and spacious layout. However, the food selection was disappointing, while the beverage selection was quite extensive. The lack of a fast, private lounge Wi-Fi network is also unacceptable for a modern business lounge. Finally, we were somewhat disappointed by the cleanliness and the slow service.
Were my expectations, based on the "world's best airport lounge" award, met? Unfortunately, not entirely! The Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge impressed with its comfortable atmosphere and spacious layout. However, the food selection was disappointing, while the beverage selection was quite extensive. The lack of a fast, private lounge Wi-Fi network is also unacceptable for a modern business lounge. Finally, we were somewhat disappointed by the cleanliness and the slow service.
  • Food
    2.5 Bewertung
    2.5/5
  • Beverages
    4.5 Bewertung
    4.5/5
  • Service
    2.0 Bewertung
    2/5
  • Seating
    4.0 Bewertung
    4/5
  • Ambience
    4.0 Bewertung
    4/5
  • Cleanliness
    3.0 Bewertung
    3/5
3.3/5
Total Score

Christian

My name is Christian and I was born in the green heart of Germany and studied computer engineering in Ilmenau, Thuringia. Since 2021, I have been living in Merseburg with my wife Christin and our son and working in Leipzig as a product manager. When travelling, I love flying, discovering good food and drink, and staying in great hotels. I am passionate about travel and always on the lookout for the next adventure. I have been writing about my experiences on the road since 2007.

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