Shaking things up at Heathrow Terminal 3, Club Aspire opened last October. Abigail Healy reviews the new lounge.
Replacing the old Swissport lounge at Terminal 3, Club Aspire is a fresh and modern space offering both business and leisure travellers a place to relax, refuel, catch up with friends or continue with business while on the go.
Club Aspire guests check in at a smart reception desk before entering the main lounge area where mellow hues meet industrial chic accessories. Pale wood and neutral tones create a calming vibe while on-trend copper lampshades and a variety of seating styles keep it fresh.
In fact it reminds me of a modern boutique hotel. There are two long communal tables in the centre of the room while other quieter areas and a Business Zone are sectioned off and located away from the bar and food counter.
Whether clients want a cosy corner for one, a space to work or an area for a group chat, there’s something to fit all needs here. Work station-style communal benches are a good spot for those with laptops, while squishy armchairs feature multinational plug sockets and USB ports in the armrests, smaller cafe-style tables and chairs are a good option for those eating a meal and wide, comfy chairs face out to the runways if guests simply want to watch the activity outdoors.
Guests craving a peaceful spot can opt for the Quiet Area – a separate zone with comfy chairs, or the Rest pods – a darkened space with beds available. In addition a Bliss spa offers 20 and 40-minute treatments – massages, facials, manicures and pedicures – from 9am-5pm – these must be booked on the day and are at additional cost. If guests need to freshen up, showers are also available at a cost of £15 for 30 minutes.
On my morning visit a full breakfast was laid out with hot options including sausages, vegetarian sausages, bacon and eggs as well as a good selection of fruit, yoghurt, cereals, mini smoked salmon bagels, pastries, cold meats, cheeses and juice. Later in the day afternoon tea is on offer and a range of soup, pies, pasta and salads are available as well as cakes and sweets. There are also some dishes such as a burger with sweet potato fries, and a goat’s cheese and butternut squash risotto available for a supplement of £5.99. The bar serves a wide range of complimentary wine, beers and spirits, while champagne and cocktails can be purchased at extra cost.
As you’d expect the lounge is connected up with access to unlimited Wi-Fi complimentary, but I’m impressed by the number of charging points with UK, US and European sockets all available, as well as USB ports.
Book it: Pre-book a three-hour visit via Lounge Pass for £24.99, saving £5 on the walk-up price. The lounge is open from 5.30am to 10.30pm daily.
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Prior to the launch of Club Aspire the latest lounges offered by Lounge Pass at Heathrow include the Aspire lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 and Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2.
The facts: This is the only lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 open to all travellers. Open daily from 5am to 10.30pm and located after immigration near Gate A18.
Highlights: The Bliss Spa open 9am-5pm daily. Wine flights, available at additional cost, with four options from around the globe such as The French Affair or Brave New World, each including three tasting glasses. An extensive food and beverage menu including a traditional cream tea served between 12pm and 5pm.
Book it: Lounge Pass offers access from £29.99pp.
The facts: Open daily from 5am to 11pm, it is set on level 4 in Terminal 2A by the Terminal Transfers area.
Highlights: Double and single private resting rooms complete with beds available at additional cost. The Wellness Spa with massage treatments available at extra cost. A selection of freshly-made food and a champagne and tapas bar.
Book it: Lounge Pass offers access from £29.99pp.