On a recent trip through Dubai airport, I had the opportunity to visit the Dubai International Hotel Business Class Lounge. While the name is a mouthful, I was pleasantly surprised during my visit to this lounge. This lounge is in Terminal 1, Concourse D, and accessible for most Terminal 1 departures other than Emirates or low-cost carriers in Terminal 2. Concourse D opened in early 2016, so this lounge is still quite new. On this trip I accessed the lounge with Priority Pass, but several airlines use it for their premium passengers.
I also had access to the British Airways Lounge since thanks to my oneworld Emerald status, but after a few minutes there where it was standing room only, I headed out to the Priority Pass Lounge. With a huge network of over 1000 locations, Priority Pass Lounges are very much a mixed bag. Several premium credit cards provide access to lounges in the network for cardholders.
Dubai International Hotel Business Class Lounge Concourse D Location
The lounge is one level above the departure level, along with most of the other lounges in this concourse. This lounge is closer to the higher numbered gates on what I believe is the west side of the lounge complex. There are escalators above the shopping area directing travelers to lounges. Upon entry into the lounge, I showed my Priority Pass card from my phone, and my boarding pass. The agent reminded me there would be no boarding announcements for my flight, and welcomed me in the lounge. After leaving the packed British Airways lounge, seeing only a handful of other people in this larger space was a pleasant surprise.
Dubai International Hotel Business Class Lounge Massage chairs
Adjacent to the reception desk is a lounge area with recliners and a pair of massage chairs (shown in above photo). These massage chairs weren’t in the best condition, but with a 2am departure time, and 2 long flights in economy class to come, a massage chair sounded great.
Despite the coin slot, just pressing the switch on the front activated the chair. My first massage was only a minute, but I quickly figured out to adjust the time, and quite enjoyed a nice chair massage. These chairs reminded me of the massage chairs in ANA Lounges and JAL Lounges. I found it a pretty thorough massage, and just what I needed at the time. I had the room to myself for most of my time there. Someone else discovered the other massage chair just as I was finishing up.
Dubai International Hotel Business Class Lounge Dining
Further into the lounge are more seating and dining areas. The lounge is large, and during my visit, there was a similar ratio of staff to guests. I found a seat near the windows that look into the terminal. There is a large buffet available with hot and cold options. A few beverage coolers are available as is an open bar at the far end.
I didn’t bother with much food, passing up an array of Indian dishes on the hot buffet. At this late hour, I didn’t want a big meal, but I went to check out the bar. Given the late hour, it took me some time to decide on a drink. I think the bartender was bored from lack of activity, and quite possibly because I was slow to order. There is a full bar, and an extensive cocktail menu. For whatever reason I was feeling Dude-like, so I went with a White Russian.
Dubai International Hotel Business Class Lounge – Other Amenities
The lounge is well equipped for the long haul flights it serves. There are several shower rooms available, along with smoking and prayer rooms that are standard in the region. Free wifi is available, but I didn’t bother spending too much time on my computer during my visit. Keep in mind that the whole airport has free wifi that is relatively fast, and I didn’t notice a difference between the networks. There is a selection of newspapers and magazines in multiple languages, and also something very Aviation-geeky, a giant live view of flightradar24 for the Dubai airport.
What about the Dubai International Hotel First Class Lounge?
There is also a Dubai International Hotel First Class Lounge nearby, but this is available by invitation only. This is primarily intended for First Class flyers on various carriers departing this concourse, Also, Qatar Airways uses this lounge for oneworld Emerald travelers departing Dubai. I visited the First Class lounge once before a short flight in economy to Doha. The First Class lounge has a very similar design to the business lounge. It is even less busy, mostly similar amenities other than the addition of an extensive made to order food menu and table food/drink service. I’ll try to review this lounge in the future.
Bottom Line on the Dubai International Hotel Business Class Lounge
What a pleasant surprise. This is among the best Priority Pass lounges I have visited. Next time I have a flight from Dubai departing from this concourse, I will make this lounge my first stop.
