Candid Luxury: A Review of Gulf Air's Falcon Gold Lounge at Bahrain International Airport

This is a review of Gulf Air’s Falcon Gold Business Class lounge at Bahrain International Airport.

Seamless travel

Bahrain's compact layout, akin to Qatar, concentrates activities on the northern side of the island. A quick 20-minute taxi ride from the city centre smoothly brought me to the airport. While Uber is an option, securing a pickup upon arrival can be challenging, prompting me to explore alternatives like Careem. This UAE-developed ride-hailing service, now under Uber's ownership, offers cost-effective options, albeit with slightly lower vehicle quality.

Effortless Check-In

In 2021, Bahrain International Airport unveiled its new terminal, rendering it practically brand new during my July 2022 visit. The modern and clean exterior, reminiscent of leading airports like Istanbul and Doha, set the tone.

The 'Falcon Gold' Business Class passengers enjoyed a premium check-in area, ensuring a swift and exclusive experience. The spacious terminal, adorned with an intriguing lighting installation, offered minimal wait times at the Business Class check-in.

Seamless Immigration: Falcon Gold Privileges at Your Fingertips

A mere 100 meters from the premium check-in, immigration for Falcon Gold passengers is a separate facility. However, a frosty welcome from the Bahraini border force left a chilly impression. Once through immigration, a central atrium with high-end shops guided the way to the Falcon Gold Lounge, making the journey seamless for privileged passengers.

Underwhelming ouside, extravagance within?

While the entrance to the Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge may seem underwhelming with its dated wooden design, stepping inside reveals a lavish space exceeding initial expectations. The lounge gracefully divides into two main areas: dining and relaxation, offering an extensive and delightful experience.

Gourmet Delights

Gulf Air's Business Class lounge boasts an impressive menu with a diverse array of options. Notably, the made-to-order pizzas and pasta stand out for their exquisite taste and quality.

The self-serve food section, although slightly messy, offers local, Indian, and Western choices, creating a satisfying dining experience. Abundant seating and a lack of crowding during peak hours elevate the overall dining ambiance.

Libations and Leisure: Sipping and Unwinding in Style

Complementing the culinary experience are self-serve soft drinks scattered around the lounge and a dedicated bar area with a visible alcohol display. The lounge provides a commendable selection of spirits, wine, and beer. The spacious main concourse offers diverse seating options, creating a sense of privacy within a modern and classy design. A surprising addition is the gaming zone at the far end, featuring a pool table, table football, and a 'VR gaming booth' for those seeking leisurely distractions.

Connectivity and Serenity: Unwinding in the Main Concourse

The main concourse of the lounge provides a variety of seating options, from tables to solo chairs and sofas. Gulf Air skillfully subdivides this expansive space, offering a touch of privacy in a modern yet classy environment.

For tech enthusiasts, an excellent Wi-Fi connection with download speeds of 277.67mbps and uploads of 476.38mbps awaits. Prayer rooms are also available for those seeking a tranquil moment.

Bathroom Blues: A Minor Letdown Amidst Opulence

While the rest of the lounge exudes excellence, the bathrooms feel like a minor afterthought. Despite the airport's recent opening, the shower facilities appear basic for a mid-tier Middle Eastern airline. Functional yet lacking in sophistication, they represent the only area with room for improvement within this otherwise stellar lounge.

In conclusion, Gulf Air's Falcon Gold Lounge at Bahrain Airport offers an overall delightful experience. The outstanding dining options and ample seating make it a comfortable haven for transit passengers. As the lounge continuously strives for excellence, addressing the minor setback in the shower facilities would undoubtedly elevate the overall experience. Embrace luxury from check-in to takeoff with Gulf Air's Falcon Gold Lounge.