The Pau Casals VIP lounge at Barcelona El Prat airport has been named the global winner of this year's prestigious Priority Pass Lounge of the Year awards.
Now in their ninth year, the awards recognize excellence within Priority Pass’ network of over 1,500+ partner operated lounges worldwide.
Nearly 60,000 Priority Pass members voted based on their experiences of the program’s lounges globally and against a set of criteria for lounge quality including refreshments, staff, business facilities and overall ambience. But it was the Barcelona lounge with its unique design and luxurious facilities that emerged as the overall global winner for 2013.
Barcelona was rated consistently high on all the criteria, with members particularly enthusiastic about the lounge design alongside its quality facilities. Leading Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill has delivered a spacious retreat from the stress of the main airport terminal with dual aspect views to both runway and airport concourse through floor to ceiling glass. The design also comprises zoned areas for work, refreshments, rest and entertainment. The quiet zone features low lighting and chaise longues for resting between or while waiting for flights. There is also a spa where travelers can unwind with a massage or even book in for a haircut.
Global Marketing Director for Priority Pass, Stephen Simpson said: "With so many of our members taking part, Lounge of the Year provides the most comprehensive overview of the quality of the world’s airport lounges in 2013.
“For the past eight years, the Lounge of the Year awards have given Priority Pass members the opportunity to provide input to us and our partners regarding what they value in an airport lounge. As our members are regular travelers, many of them on business, airport lounges are a key contributor to a smooth and productive trip, and so the quality of the experience is of great importance.
“The win is a notable achievement for Barcelona-based GIS Trade Centre, who manage the lounge under airport operator, AENA. Their experience in the hospitality and conference sector means that they know how to deliver both business facilities and luxuries, and that is clearly being appreciated by our members.
We also commend the category and regional winners for the outstanding lounge experience that they provide.”
No.1 Heathrow triumphed in the best refreshments category, by offering a variety of complimentary food options to order, including a poached egg dish and Welsh rarebit, as well as a comprehensive wine, spirits and soft drinks list, also complimentary. A seasonal A la Carte menu, created in conjunction with leading British restaurateur Michael Nadra, can be purchased separately and includes Moroccan spicy lamb, chicken Caesar salad and the No.1 Burger.
Manchester’s Escape Lounge in Terminal 1, winner of the best staff category, cited its thorough staff selection process and the team’s dedication to ensuring each visitor can truly relax as the reasons behind its win. Opened in July 2010, the team at Manchester strive to build rapport with each visitor, many of whom are frequent visitors to the lounge.
The Dilmun Lounge at Bahrain International Airport was named best for business facilities. This is the sixth time that the Dilmun Lounge has achieved an award, having previously won the best lounge in the Middle East and Africa region four times, and the best refreshments award once.
There were a total of nine winners in the Priority Pass 2013 Lounge of the Year Awards, including five regional winners:
Global Best Lounge: Pau Casals VIP lounge, Barcelona El Prat
Global Best Refreshments: No.1 Heathrow, Terminal 3, London Heathrow Airport
Global Best Staff: Escape Lounge, Manchester Airport
Global Best Business Facilities: Dilmun Lounge, Bahrain International Airport
Asia Pacific: Louis’ Tavern CIP First Class Lounge, International Terminal, Concourse G, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Europe: Pau Casals VIP lounge, Barcelona El Prat (Global Winner)
Latin America and Caribbean: Sumaq VIP Lounge and Business Centre, Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport
Middle East and Africa: Al Dhabi Lounge, Abu Dhabi International Airport
North America: United Club, Houston Texas International Airport
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Priority Pass
Priority Pass provides frequent travelers with airport lounge access, irrespective of their class of travel, airline flown or existing membership in an airline loyalty program. Launched in 1992, Priority Pass now offers more than1,500+ airport lounges worldwide in 600 cities in over 145 countries. Priority Pass is part of Priority Travel Group, a division of The Collinson Group, specialising in the international travel clubs and services sector. For more information, visit www.prioritypass.com
For further press information and images:
Adrian Beeby, Director
FWD PR
T +44 (0)20 7623 2368
M +44 (0)7867 330324
Email: Adrian.Beeby@fwdpr.co.uk