Review - Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 1 & 35 (HKG)
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 1 & 35 (HKG)
February, 2026
A Word from the Chef:
When Plaza Premium first came out with the Plaza Premium First concept a few years ago, It was quite exciting. Airport lounges around the world had become unbearably crowded, so just the thought of a more exclusive retreat was worthy of some sort of premium. Plaza Premium First was supposed to be a step above the regular Plaza Premium lounges, with stricter access and more amenities like à la carte dining, spa and more. This was my first visit to a Plaza Premium First facility, and probably last.
Plat Principal:
The Hong Kong Plaza Premium First Lounge was actually the first Plaza Premium First location in the world. There are now two locations at this airport, one by gate 1 and the other by gate 35. I ended up visiting both, because the first one was so bad that I wanted to see if the other one was better. Well, it wasn’t.
Come to think of it, the premise of Plaza Premium First has fundamentally shifted since the inception. It was originally intended to be a paid upgrade to those who already have access to Plaza Premium lounges. Nowadays, they’re used primarily as contract lounges for airlines. That’s how I accessed it, via my EVA Air business class ticket. So I guess what am I really complaining about…
I first visited the one near gate 1. The good thing is that this location is separate from the regular Plaza Premium lounge, which more often than not has a queue snaking out the door.
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 1 Entrance
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 1 Entrance
While the entrance might appear empty, it was completely packed on the inside. When I arrived, the only two seats available were all the way back in the dining area.
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 1 Bar
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 1 Bar
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 1 Seating
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 1
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 1 Dining Area
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 1 Buffet
I made a lap around the lounge and decided to try my luck at the other location. I feel like this is one of the worst lounges here at Hong Kong Airport? It was hot, crowded, had zero natural light and abysmal food and beverage offerings. I remember not being impressed by the Centurion Lounge and the Chase Sapphire Lounge at HKG. I didn’t know how good I had it.
The other Plaza Premium First location was one level below gate 35. As the picture suggests, this one shared the same entrance as the regular Plaza Premium Lounge.
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 35 Entrance
Essentially, Plaza Premium First guests make a right at the reception, while Plaza Premium Lounge guests make a left.
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 35 Seating
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 35 Seating
Both lounges shared the same food and beverage setup in the middle, which can only be described as pitiful. At least there’s natural light compared to the lounge by gate 1.
Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong Gate 35 Buffet
Digestif:
It’s not often I say this about a lounge in Asia, but the Plaza Premium First lounges at HKG make the Admirals Club in Miami look not that awful. What confuses me is why Plaza Premium First even exists at this point? If you aren’t going to offer differentiated services, then why bother with separate branding? I actually think it does the brand more harm by having “first” in the name. While British Airways might disagree, but the word “first” usually implies superiority. I certainly would not be visiting any Plaza Premium locations at HKG again. The airport itself has plenty of pay-to-use venues that offer pleasant experiences.