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I visited the newly launched Starlux Galactic Lounge at Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)–both on my outbound flight to Bangkok and again on my return trip to San Francisco. And let me tell you—it was truly out of this world (pun intended). From the moment the doors slid open at the push of a button, I felt like I’d boarded a spaceship.
After an incredible Starlux business class flight from SFO, I was excited to dive into this highly anticipated lounge experience. With its space-themed decor and staff dressed in futuristic jumpsuits, it truly felt like stepping into a Star Trek set. The lounge not only impressed with its design but also delivered on food, drinks, and premium amenities like spacious shower rooms.
On my return journey, even with a short layover, I had to stop by for a quick visit—taking just 10 minutes to grab some food and soak up the atmosphere. I enjoyed the lounge so much that when my flight was briefly delayed, I went back for a few extra minutes just to savor it one last time.
For those flying through Taipei on Starlux, this lounge is a must-visit. And it’s worth noting that this newer lounge, which opened in early 2024, is in Terminal 2. There is another Starlux lounge in Terminal 1, but the Terminal 2 lounge is on a whole other level.
How To Access the Starlux Galactic Lounge in TPE
I accessed the lounge via my business class ticket, which I found using Roame.Travel’s award flight alerts and booked using 85,000 Alaska Airlines miles. Currently, access is limited to Starlux business and first class passengers or elite members of their Cosmile loyalty program. Business class passengers can't bring guests, but elite members do receive a guest pass. When I checked in to my original flights, the team handed me a lounge pass and a map.
What Are the Starlux Galactic Lounge TPE’s Hours?
Officially, the Galactic lounge’s hours are 5:00 am to 11:30 pm daily. However, when my flight home to San Francisco was delayed until midnight, they were still letting people in. Though the a la carte menu was closed, the buffet remained open, which was nice for late-night, delayed passengers.
Finding the Starlux Galactic Lounge in TPE
Located in Terminal 2 near Gate D7, the Starlux Galactic Lounge is incredibly convenient for international flights to destinations like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. If you’re departing from Terminal 1 on a regional flight, you can still access the lounge—it’s about a 10-minute walk, and definitely worth it if you have the time.
Starlux Galactic Lounge Entrance
Checking Into The ANA Lounge In Haneda International Airport Terminal 3
Both times I arrived, I was welcomed by a friendly and professional team. Check-in was smooth and the staff gave me a quick lounge tour and reminders about my flight details. There were even a few staff members keeping curious kids entertained, adding to the welcoming vibe.
When I requested a shower room, they took my passport and lounge pass, holding my spot until one became available and returning them when I was shown to the room.
Starlux Galactic Lounge check-in
Starlux Galactic Lounge front door
Impressions Of The Starlux Galactic Lounge TPE
Wow. If you're a fan of "cool space stuff," this lounge nails it. The design feels futuristic, with little space-themed details everywhere, but also premium at the same time. You have doors that slide open at the touch of a button, mood lighting, and even lockers to store your belongings.
Starlux Galactic Lounge Lockers
Hallway
The lounge might be smaller than some others, but with Starlux's limited schedule and exclusive access, it felt intimate and not overly packed. The upstairs seating area filled up a bit but never felt crowded, thanks to the additional, quieter seating area downstairs.
The upstairs lounge area consists of a food buffet, lots of drink options, large and plentiful lockers to drop your belongings, a seating area with outlets and TVs, and bathrooms down the hall.
Starlux Galactic Lounge Upstairs
Starlux Galactic Loune Stairs
The bottom floor was a lot quieter, with additional seating, a second buffet, and two VIP rooms for those that need to take meetings private.
Starlux Galactic Lounge Downstairs
Starlux Galactic Lounge Downstairs Hallwaytrance
Starlux Galactic Lounge Downstairs Food Area
Starlux Galactic Lounge Nook
The bathrooms in the lounge were accessed by more futuristic doors that slide open at the push of a button. The stalls have fancy Toto washlet bidets that open and deodorize upon approach! I’ve only seen these at places like the Park Hyatt Kyoto, so having them in an airport lounge was impressive.
Starlux Galactic Lounge Bathroom
Starlux Galactic Lounge Bathroom
Starlux Galactic Lounge Fancy Toilet
Starlux Galactic Lounge Products
I had to wait about an hour for the shower, but it was worth it. The “Cosmic Cleanse Cabins” (aka shower rooms) were spacious and filled with premium amenities, including a rainforest shower, plush towels, and luxury toiletries by Thann.
Starlux Galactic Lounge Shower Room
Starlux Galactic Lounge Shower
Starlux Galactic Lounge Powder Desk
Starlux Galactic Lounge Toiletrees
The Food & Drinks At The ANA Lounge: Lots Of Choices
The food here was excellent, with both a well-stocked buffet and a made-to-order menu. I started with the buffet, sampling a little of everything—dim sum, soups, local entrees, overall a great selection of both hot and cold items.
Starlux Galactic Lounge Buffet
Starlux Galactic Lounge Salad Bar
Starlux Galactic Lounge Soups
Starlux Galactic Lounge Dim Sum
Starlux Galactic Lounge Entrance
Starlux Galactic Lounge Entrance
For my first a la carte order, I tried the Vietnamese spring rolls, Fu Hang soy milk set, and the taro and soy floss sandwich. The sandwich was a surprising standout, I could have eaten a dozen of them! All my food arrived fresh and hot in under 5 minutes.
Downstairs, I grabbed another plate from the buffet and couldn’t resist ordering another sandwich and a bowl of congee with toppings. Everything I tried in the lounge was flavorful and fresh, hitting the spot for a perfect start to the morning.
Spring rolls, soy milk set, and sandwich
My delicious taro and soy floss sandwich
On my second visit, I made it a point to try the red bean soup I had missed the first time around—and it did not disappoint! That and a little roll I grabbed (still not sure what it was, but it was delicious) were so good that I even stopped back for a second serving when my flight was delayed.
Red Bean Soup and Bread
Galaxy Sesame Bun
The drink selection was equally impressive, with fresh juices, teas, a high-end espresso machine, and a solid range of premium spirits and wines. Though it was early for me, I could see the enjoyment of the well-stocked bar for later flights.
Drink Fridge
Drink Fridge
Alcohol Selection
Coffee machine
My Overall Rating Of the Starlux Galactic Lounge in TPE Terminal 2: Out of This World, 10/10
The Starlux Galactic Lounge in Taipei’s Terminal 2 is an experience like no other. With its unique space-themed decor, intimate ambiance, and top-notch amenities, it’s easily one of the best lounges I’ve visited and even better than some first class lounges. Here’s my breakdown:
Food Quality & Variety: 9/10
Cleanliness: 10/10
Interior Design: 10/10
Unique Amenities: 9/10
Cleanliness: 10/10
Interior Design: 10/10
Unique Amenities: 9/10
Between the high-quality food, futuristic vibe, and spacious shower rooms, this lounge is a must for anyone flying Starlux through TPE. It’s a bucket-list experience that elevates the journey from start to finish. If you're traveling business or “first” class on Starlux through Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport, do yourself a favor and spend some time here.
