[ad_1]
The first class section of the Saudia Alfurshan Lounge in Riyadh (RUH) proved to be a very comfortable place to spend the 7.5 hour layover between flights.
To access the lounge, follow the signs for ‘Alfurshan Lounge’. Take the escalator or elevator to the check-in desk, where your boarding pass will be verified. Business class is on the right, first class is on the left.
Immediately after entering the lounge, there is a room where you can leave your luggage that you do not want to bring into the lounge. You don’t have to worry about your belongings being stolen. Saudi Arabia punishes theft very harshly.
The First Class Lounge is divided into the following sections:
- Al Waha Dining
- Al Majlis Lounge
- the study
- quiet zone
- viewing area
- washroom
Let’s look at each area.
Saudia First Class Lounge Riyadh – Al Waha Dining
The dining room is self-service, with no staff to bring you à la carte food options or drinks, but offers a buffet with a wide variety of dishes.
Appetizers included hummus, tabbouleh, and two types of soup. I was impressed that it also came with tomatillo salsa along with the Greek salad and green salad.
Hot dishes include steamed vegetables, rice, saffron, fried zucchini, pasta, and chicken. For dessert we also have a wide selection of cakes, fruits, juices, soft drinks, coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages.
But I didn’t actually eat anything…I was full on the flight from Dubai to Riyadh and very much ready to get all my work done the next morning in case the internet didn’t work on the RUH-LAX flight. It was busy. I had a cappuccino and a few bottles of water.
Saudia First Class Lounge Riyadh – Al Majlis Lounge
The lounge has a lounge within a lounge, a seating area with comfy chairs, sofas and pillows, which remained empty the entire time I was in the lounge.
This section of the lounge had its own drink selection, but it was the same as the drinks available in the dining area.
Saudia First Class Lounge Riyadh – Research
The “study” area contained snacks and several Apple iMacs. Four full-sized desks were provided for him.
Saudia First Class Lounge Riyadh – Quiet Zone
The lounge had 4 semi-private rooms with daybeds. The room had a separate reading light and coat hook.
Saudia First Class Lounge Riyadh – Viewing Area
The “observation area,” which I think would best be described as a separate relaxation area, had floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out onto the terminal concourse below. I spent the entire layover working here, sitting on one of the chairs. Thankfully, the internet worked pretty well and my travel sites weren’t blocked by excessive censorship.
Saudia First Class Lounge Riyadh – Washroom + Shower
The men’s bathroom had two sinks, two toilets and a shower room. Towels are available on request (we also had them in the luggage storage room).
conclusion
Although this lounge was not as good as Air France, Lufthansa, and Thai Airways, it was a very solid first class lounge. I was grateful that it was empty most of the time I was there. I also appreciated that there was no annoying music or boarding information. I think Saudia could take their lounges to the next level with a little more personalized service, such as made-to-order drinks and food (which I will experience in Saudia’s first class soon) ).
[ad_2]
Source link