Review: Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Class Lounge
After a mammoth journey originating in Europe, this was the last leg of my journey to the Philippines. Originally, I was due to only have two hours in Singapore but thanks to a flight cancellation, my layover was 12 hours. This is more than enough time to experience the relatively new SilverKris Business Class lounge.
Check-in
Despite the age of Singapore Changi Airport, the refurbishment’s employed by the airport operator mask this fact. With high ceilings and plenty of light, it was a pleasure to check-in at Terminal 3.
It’s worth noting that flights departing for the Philippines, as well as most South East Asian nations, on Singapore Airlines now depart from Terminal 2.
Check-in was speedy and quick. Documentations were briefly checked over before issuing the blue-topped boarding pass.
Finding the lounge
After passing through Immigration controls, all T3 Singapore Airlines lounges can be found on Level 3, closer to the A Gates end of the terminal - only requiring one set of escalators to reach them. In quick succession, you’ll find the KrisFlyer Gold Frequent Flyer, Silver Kris Business and First as well as The Private Room lounges.
All lounges are open 24/7 owing to the hub nature of Singapore Changi, besides The Private Room which is closed between 0230 and 0530.
You’ll easily see the location of the lounges by this beautiful display, visible from the lower level.
Design
At the reception area, a member of Singapore Airlines’ staff will direct you to the correct lounge. This entrance splits off to the Business, First and Private Room lounges.
The ‘batik’ pattern found on the uniform of the airline’s staff, can be found on the digital LED screens in this space which brighten it up a little.
Singapore Airlines’ T3 Business Lounge has two core sections for seating after the entrance. To the right is a more open plan and relaxed seating space with a bar while the left has more emphasis on dining tables.
Starting with the right side of the lounge and it is immediately where I would prefer to set-up for a visit. With plenty of natural light flooding in and an open plan style make this a far more relaxing place to sit, compared to relatively low ceilings elsewhere in the lounge.
A serviced bar, in limited hours, can also be found here for coffees from 0600-1000 and something a bit stronger between 1730-0100.
Seating was aplenty in this part of the lounge and never felt particularly congested.
Between the two lounge zones, a service area can be found where I assume you can get help with your booking if there are issues - but there were no staff on shift during my visit.
To the left side of the entrance is an equally well designed but much busier space. While the design is fresh and modern, the lower ceilings immediately make the lounge feel less spacious than the other area.
Making up for this, though, is the variation in seating types available - dining tables, single sofas, bar stools and group sofas can be found.
There’s even plenty of solo workspaces and a couple of phone booths dotted around if you need greater privacy to get some work or calls done - without annoying your fellow lounge patrons.
Speedy WiFi can be accessed throughout the lounge.
Food and beverages
In this section of the lounge, you will also find the extensive self-serve buffet area with impressive food options. These include Singaporean favourites like laksa, Chinese and Indian foods as well as Western options.
Grab and go options are just a bit further down the lounge if you are in a rush - or fancy some breakfast cereal.
The quality of the food was excellent thanks to a high turnover of the food meaning it never sat around for too long. Although, I would say that the Qantas First lounge has slightly better Laksa!
While you can use the bar during its operational hours, most people will opt for the self-serve area. Both alcoholic and soft drinks are available with Piper Heidsieck champagne directly in the fridges. The latter tasted excellent.
Self-serve coffee machines are dotted throughout the whole lounge along with TWG teas.
Showers
Importantly for a connecting airport in a hot climate, there are exceptional toilet and shower facilities available. With rich marble clad walls, these airport lounges resemble a luxury hotel rather than an airport.
The overhead rainfall-esque shower was hot and powerful providing much needed relaxation from a lengthy journey.
Unfortunately, Singapore Airlines have opted for unbranded shower gel and shampoo. This compares with the likes of Qatar with Diptyque or even British Airways with Elemis and could certainly represent an area for improvement.
The bathroom suites are completed with a wonderful Toto Japanese toilet with all the functions you could ever need.
The regular toilets are designed in a similar beautiful manner.
Conclusion
Even though this lounge gets extremely busy during the banks of connecting flights, I can genuinely say the Terminal 3 SilverKris Business Class Lounge is a relaxing and well designed space that you will enjoy. With excellent shower facilities, good WiFi and a great selection of food, you could easily spend a couple of hours here without getting bored.
