Edmonton International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge

Comfortable Airport Lounge in Edmonton for Relaxation and Refreshment

The Edmonton International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge offers a convenient spot for travelers to unwind before flights. Priced at $60.01 per person for short-term access, with options for 3 or 6 hours, this lounge is situated in the restricted departure area of the airport, requiring passing through security and immigration first. The lounge features hot buffet, hot drinks, and alcoholic beverages, alongside high-speed Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. While some reviews highlight its cleanliness and helpful staff, others criticize the dated decor and questionable food quality.

This lounge seems best suited for travelers who value a peaceful environment over gourmet amenities. The experience can vary, with some appreciating the quiet space and attentive service, and others feeling that the value does not match the price. It’s a practical choice for those wanting to escape airport crowds, but potential visitors should manage expectations about the food and overall ambiance.

Key Points

• Located inside Edmonton International Airport’s departure area, accessible after passing through security and immigration.
• Pricing of $60.01 offers 3 or 6 hours of lounge access with Wi-Fi, hot buffet, and drinks included.
• The lounge is open daily from 0530 to 2200, but US departures are temporarily closed.
• Reviews are mixed, with some praising helpful staff and cleanliness, and others criticizing dated facilities and limited food quality.
• Shower facilities and newspapers are available, but not all international departure areas offer these extras.
• The lounge caters to most travelers, with a maximum group size of 9 guests.

Edmonton International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge Location and Access

The lounge is located in the departure level of Edmonton International Airport, specifically within the restricted area. To enter, travelers must pass through security and immigration, making this space ideal for those on longer layovers or waiting for connecting flights. The location ensures that visitors are close to their departure gates, minimizing transit time within the airport.

Access is via a mobile ticket, and the lounge requires an active boarding pass for entry. Its daily hours from 0530 to 2200 accommodate early morning and late evening travelers, though US departures are currently unavailable, which could affect some users. The lounge is designed for up to 9 guests at a time, which means it can get busy during peak travel times.

The Food and Beverage Experience: Hot Buffet and Drinks

The lounge offers a hot buffet, along with hot drinks and alcoholic beverages, providing a decent selection for those seeking a quick snack or drink before their flight. Some reviews mention that the food can be lukewarm and not very hot, which might disappoint those expecting freshly cooked meals. The beverage selection includes both non-alcoholic drinks and liquor, with some commentary indicating that liquor is charged separately.

While the buffet offers basic refreshments, it does not seem to impress everyone, with some feeling that the quality and variety are lacking, especially for vegetarians. Despite this, the lounge’s quiet atmosphere and comfortable seating make it a practical spot to relax with minimal noise and crowding.

Wi-Fi, Reading Material, and Shower Facilities

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the lounge, making it easy to catch up on work or browse the internet. Guests can also watch TV or read a selection of newspapers and magazines. For travelers needing to freshen up, shower facilities are accessible, although not available in some departure areas like T1 International and T3 US departures.

These amenities contribute to a more comfortable waiting experience, especially for those with long layovers or delays. The cleanliness and quiet environment further enhance the appeal, though some reviews suggest the overall decor could feel outdated.

Staff and Service Quality: Mixed Experiences

The staff at the Edmonton Plaza Premium Lounge receive a range of reviews. Some praise the helpfulness and friendliness, notably mentioning Naomi, who was described as friendly and attentive. Others note superb service from staff like Ramneek, highlighting the personalized attention.

However, there are criticisms about unfriendly greeting, poor attitude, and staff preoccupied with other tasks. These mixed reviews suggest that service quality may depend on the individual staff member on duty. The majority of positive comments focus on the cleanliness and quiet atmosphere rather than gourmet service.

The Ambiance: Clean, Quiet, but Dated Decor

The lounge’s cleanliness seems consistently praised, with descriptions of it being quiet and well-maintained. Some reviews mention that it is “nice and comfortable”, making it a pleasant place to wait. Conversely, others feel that the overall decor is outdated, describing the lounge as old and lacking modern updates.

The peaceful environment, combined with comfortable seating, makes the lounge suitable for rest or work, but it may not compare to premium airport lounges with contemporary design or extensive amenities. The ability to avoid airport hustle is a significant benefit for many travelers.

Value for Money: Questionable Based on User Feedback

The price of $60.01 for up to 6 hours is considered high by some. Several reviews explicitly recommend saving money or not paying for the lounge, citing poor food quality and dated facilities. Some argue that the food and drinks do not justify the cost, especially given the limited options and lukewarm food.

On the other hand, travelers who appreciate quiet and privacy find value in the comfortable seating and Wi-Fi. Overall, perceived value varies, and potential visitors should weigh the cost against the modest amenities offered.

Cancellation Policy and Booking Flexibility

The lounge offers free cancellation, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Refunds are not available if canceled less than 24 hours before the scheduled time. This policy provides some flexibility for travelers who might have uncertain plans, though the final decision depends on the timing of the booking.

The confirmation is received upon booking, and the process involves presenting a mobile ticket along with a boarding pass at entry. The group size is limited to 9 guests, making it advisable to book early during busy travel periods.

Summary: Practical Choice with Varied Experiences

The Edmonton International Airport Plaza Premium Lounge is a convenient option for travelers seeking a quiet space with Wi-Fi, food, and drinks before their flight. Its location inside the departure area makes it easy to access once through security, and the availability of amenities like showers and newspapers adds to its appeal.

However, reviews highlight inconsistencies in food quality, decor update, and service friendliness. The high price may not be justified for everyone, especially given the mixed reputation. This lounge is best suited for those who prioritize quiet and privacy over gourmet offerings and are comfortable managing expectations.

The Edmonton Plaza Premium Lounge can be a useful stop during long layovers or delays, but travelers should consider its limitations before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the lounge include food and drinks?
Yes, the lounge offers a hot buffet and a variety of hot drinks and alcoholic beverages, though some reviews note the food quality can be lukewarm and limited.

Is Wi-Fi available in the lounge?
Absolutely, free high-speed Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the lounge, making it easy to work or browse.

Can I access the lounge with any ticket?
Access requires a valid boarding pass for departure, and the lounge is located inside the restricted departure area. It’s suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 9.

What are the lounge hours?
The lounge is open daily from 0530 to 2200. US departures are temporarily closed, so check your flight details before planning a visit.

Is there a shower facility?
Yes, shower facilities are available, except in some specific departure areas such as T1 International and T3 US.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the booked time, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.