Review: Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne

Forward of a home flight to Brisbane, I had the privilege of visiting the Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne.

Following a short lived closure in March 2020, the lounge underwent an intensive renovation, which culminated in its grand reopening in 2021.

Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne – Entry

The Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne is situated within the home departures space in Terminal 3 of Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. To search out it, you simply want to go down the escalators after safety and take a left flip.

Passengers with Aeroplan 50K, 75K, or Tremendous Elite standing who’re departing on a same-day flight with Virgin Australia have entry to the Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne. Moreover, you may convey a visitor with you, due to the partnership between Air Canada and Virgin Australia.

Should you don’t have Aeroplan Elite Standing, entry to the Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne is out there to these flying in enterprise class, or for those who’re a Velocity Platinum or Gold member. 

The lounge opens one hour earlier than the primary Virgin Australia flight, and stays open till the final Virgin Australia flight departs. Subsequently, it covers all of the flights all through the day.

As I arrived, I used to be greeted by a placing crimson entrance that embodies Virgin Australia’s signature fashion.

A pair of automated glass doorways ushered me into the check-in space, which is adorned with a marble stone end. On the check-in space had been associates standing by to help, with the phrases “Hello Flyer” emblazoned on the wall behind the desk.

I had the selection of scanning my boarding go at a contactless entry level, or choosing help from an agent.

I checked in with the employees, who confirmed my eligibility via my Aeroplan Elite Standing, after which headed into the lounge to test it out.

Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne – Seating

Simply forward of the doorway likes a refreshing, fashionable, and laid-back house. The intelligent use of wood components, glass partitions, and a contact of greenery provides a way of intimacy and heat to the lounge.

Trying up, you’ll discover Virgin’s signature leaf sample stretching throughout the ceiling, which gives a classy contact.

With a seating capability for as much as 650 visitors, this specific lounge holds the title of the airline’s largest lounge in its community. Inside the lounge, there’s well-designed and purposeful areas which can be thoughtfully organized.

The lounge has a location instantly subsequent to the tarmac. Massive home windows present ample lighting, and supply engaging views of the plane exterior.

There’s a cluster of various seating choices on the coronary heart of the lounge. This space is known as “The Gallery Lounge”, and gives optimum views of the tarmac.

Comfy armchairs, accompanied by small tables, are organized in teams of two, three, or 4. Moreover, curved work benches with snug seats will be discovered right here.

Subsequent, you’ll discover The Sunroom, which consists of a combination of cozy seating preparations.

Lastly, there’s a workbench space, well-suited for these desirous to atone for some work or keep productive earlier than their flight. These well-equipped areas supply energy and knowledge connections.

Alongside these devoted areas, the lounge boasts a number of high-definition televisions and quite a few USB charging stations.

Total, the Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne strikes a sexy steadiness between spaciousness and coziness, which mix for a cushty pre-flight expertise.

I significantly appreciated the well-designed array of areas, and the colourful, ethereal really feel of the lounge.

Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne – Eating

Upon getting into the lounge, your consideration is drawn to an extended, well-appointed counter. It contains a buffet unfold, a number of drinks, an attractive bar, and a barista station.

In true Melbourne vogue, a barista is on-hand to whip up specialty coffees on the espresso bar often called “Wake Up”.

There’s additionally secondary bar on the far finish of the lounge often called “Wind Down”, which didn’t gave the impression to be staffed on the time of my go to.

The morning unfold lasts till 10:30am, after which the all-day choices take over. Barista-made espresso is out there from the lounge’s opening till its closing time, and the bar’s choices can be found from midday onwards.

On supply had been sandwiches and wraps, in addition to cold and hot buffet choices, together with hen wings, Thai hen soup, and Thai noodle salad.

Furthermore, chilled, self-serve wine is out there for visitors. On the bar, complimentary drinks corresponding to delicate drinks, juices, ciders, beers, and wines can be found.

On the time of my go to, self-service was suspended and orders had been positioned with employees on the buffet counter.

Earlier than my flight, I loved a Thai noodle salad as a light-weight snack, and I have to admit that I used to be fairly tempted to have a barista-made flat white even regardless of having already had three coffees earlier in Melbourne.

Total, the lounge impressed me with its assorted buffet unfold, though it didn’t stand out as extraordinary.

Nonetheless, the meals unfold ought to be sufficient to satiate your starvation, and you may at all times return for seconds. The cherry on high is certainly the barista-made espresso, which is a incredible addition to any lounge.

Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne – Different Amenities

Past the second bar lie two assembly rooms and a devoted enterprise centre, which come well-equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, energy retailers, computer systems, and printing services.

Meandering additional into the center of the lounge, you’ll encounter the bogs. Characterised by muted inexperienced hues and speckled gray tiling, these emanate an air of sophistication inside the lounge.

Contained in the bogs, you’ll discover a generously sized bathe space, which gives loads of house. Towels can be found on the check-in.

Conclusion

The Virgin Australia Lounge Melbourne serves as an ideal house to loosen up earlier than a home flight, with assorted seating choices and areas designated for work and relaxation. The lounge additionally has a satisfying buffet unfold, barista-made espresso, and a wine bar.

The intensive renovation has given new life to the lounge with a recent, brilliant, and ethereal look. I’d undoubtedly advocate leaving apart a while to benefit from the lounge if in case you have entry.

With beneficiant entry insurance policies for higher-tier Aeroplan Elite Standing members, hopping via Virgin Australia lounges is usually a enjoyable ritual when travelling domestically inside Australia, and I look ahead to persevering with my visits on my subsequent journey down underneath.