Lounge & Co (SIA) - Newark Liberty
Full Disclosure: This lounge is currently undergoing major renovations following its previous ownership by Virgin Atlantic.
I've visited Singapore Airlines lounges at Singapore Changi Airport and Incheon International Airport, spending time in both the SilverKris Business Lounge and KrisFlyer Gold lounges. Each offers strong service in its own way. Based on what Singapore Airlines consistently delivers both in the air and on the ground, it's reasonable to expect this lounge will eventually reflect that same standard once renovations are complete.
Below is a breakdown of the current experience.
ATMOSPHERE: 4/5
First impressions matter. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Ann Charles, whose professionalism stood out. In a lounge setting, the ability to read and adapt to different travelers is important, and she handled that well.
Inside, the ongoing renovations are immediately noticeable. The wooden flooring shows age, sections of the ceiling need attention, and parts around bar and coffee area were covered in plastic from recent painting. Seating is a mix of updated and older furniture, which creates some inconsistency.
That said, the bar design stands out. Even across different locations, Singapore Airlines tends to execute distinctive bar areas well, and that design consistency is evident here.
CUISINE: 4/5
The food presentation was clean and organized, with neatly arranged dishes and utensils wrapped in cloth napkins. The breakfast buffet was visually appealing.
Compared to other Singapore Airlines lounges, the selection here felt more limited, with a few less balanced options. Some items were slightly overcooked, with minor burnt edges. I tried noodles, a folded omelet, a sunny-side-up egg, and a hash brown. Overall taste was good, though not exceptional. A small selection of pastries was also available.
RESTROOM / SHOWERS: 3/5
This area needs the most improvement. The design, carried over from Virgin Atlantic, is visually distinctive but not very functional.
The sink setup is awkward--the faucet is loose and positioned too low, making basic use uncomfortable. The shower layout also presents issues: the floor slopes from the sink toward the drain, and the curtain is set too high. As a result, water spreads easily across the floor. After showering, the area near the sink was significantly wet. Ventilation is another concern. While shower water pressure and temperature were good, the lack of proper airflow leads to noticeable humidity and condensation.
On a positive note, the staff member who assisted with extra towels was courteous and helpful.
CUSTOMER SERVICE: 4/5
Service overall was good. Staff remained professional, even when dealing with difficult travelers. My interactions were smooth and without issue.
But, I can reassure you, if this is your first time flying Singapore Air, they will more than exceed your expectations on your business class journey. After flying with them 5 different times, both in Economy and Business Class, I have never been disappointed. Their customer service is truly unmatched! read more