Cathay Pacific's The Pier Business Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is a tranquil retreat from the busy airport. I was pleasantly surprised by the design, food, and amenities of The Pier business class lounge. It truly felt like a flagship lounge and better than some first class lounges.
Location
Located near Gate 65 in Terminal 1, The Pier is accessible via an escalator leading down from the main concourse. Its somewhat secluded position ensures a serene environment, away from the bustling terminal.
Hours
The lounge operates daily from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM, accommodating passengers on most Cathay Pacific and oneworld alliance flights.
Access
Access is granted to passengers traveling in business class on Cathay Pacific or other oneworld carriers. Additionally, oneworld Sapphire members, regardless of their class of service, can enjoy the lounge's offerings.
In my case, I had access through my Cathay Pacific Business Class flight that I booked after finding award space through Roame.
Checking In
Upon descending the escalator, guests are greeted by Cathay Pacific staff who quickly verify boarding passes. The check-in process was fast and courteous. Once inside, the space immediately feels like a flagship experience—warm tones, soft lighting, and a tranquil layout that invites you to relax.
Impressions Of The Cathay Pacific The Pier Lounge
Layout/Seating
Spanning over 35,500 square feet, The Pier is thoughtfully segmented into various zones to meet diverse passenger needs. The layout is one long rectangle divided into distinct zones:
Main Seating Area: This section features an array of comfortable armchairs and sofas arranged to provide both privacy and openness. Floor-to-ceiling windows along this area allow ample natural light and offer expansive views of the airport's runways, something I always enjoy.
Dining Areas: The Pier Business class lounge has both a Food Hall and a Noodle Bar.
The Food Hall is buffet style, offering a selection of Western dishes.
The Noodle Bar provides traditional Asian cuisine in a setting reminiscent of Hong Kong's street-food stalls.
Tea House: A quiet space for tea enthusiasts, the Tea House offers a curated selection of fine teas and accompanying desserts in a minimalist setting with dim lights that felt calm and relaxing.
The bar area is stylishly designed with bar seating and lounge chairs, and serves a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits. It’s a great spot for a pre-flight drink.
Amenities
Tucked away in the back is an expansive Relaxation Room with dimmed lighting and individual semi-private daybeds.
Adjacent to this, 14 elegantly appointed shower suites await, each equipped with premium Bamford toiletries, ensuring guests can refresh before their onward journey.
Situated near the restrooms on the other side of the lounge, there is a locker area to store your personal items.
The Food At The Cathay Pacific The Pier Business Class Lounge at HKG: Delicious and abundant
The dining at The Pier truly shines. The combination of buffet-style Western options and made-to-order Asian dishes ensures there’s something for every preference.
The Noodle Bar, in particular, offers excellent quality and authenticity with an extensive list of made-to-order dishes and dim sum.
The Tea House stands out as a unique and fun addition—not something you see in many airport lounges. There are many tea options and plenty of fun pastries and treats to accompany your drink.
Overall Rating of the Cathay Pacific The Pier Business Class Lounge at HKG: One of the best business class lounges (9.5/10)
I was pleasantly surprised at how nice Cathay Pacific's The Pier Business Class Lounge was. From the delicious classic Hong Kong dining options and teas, to the design and ambiance, this business class lounge rivals some first class lounges.
- Food Quality & Variety: 10/10
- Cleanliness: 9/10
- Interior Design: 9/10
