I have engaged my Visa Personal Concierge to try and pre-pay lounge access.
So far they have given me 2 options. All of them suggest they have shower access. However reviews online show that there's a booking system for the showers. It sounds like they really can't gaurantee shower access. Which is an important feature for me.
Visa gave me the following info:
We have completed some research and confirmed there are few Pay-in lounges at Hong Kong international airport however they are all run by one company. Please find following details for your references.
Plaza Premium Lounge (West Hall)
The new lounge is located near Gate 40 and designed in the 5th generation design, and not only can you enjoy food and beverages, you can stay connected with our Wi-fi enabled internet workstations, TV channels, shower facilities, international newspapers and magazines. For those who want to freshen up, our power showers are ready to save the day.
Location: Level 7 (Departure level), Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport (Use escalator or lift near Gate 40)
Opening Hours 24 hours daily
Lounge Use Package
2 hours 480HKD
5 hours 680HKD
10 hours 800HKD
Private Resting Area
Hideaway from the airport crowds and rest, relax and reset in the Private Resting Area. Creating a home away from your home, the rooms are air-conditioned with full amenities, fitted with a power shower for your added convenience.
Location: Level 7, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport (Use escalator or lift near Gate 60)
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
Lounge Use Package
2 hours 480HKD
5 hours 680HKD
10 hours 800HKD
Plaza Premium Lounge (East Hall)
This lounge is conveniently located directly after immigration at the south departure hall in Hong Kong International Airport. It includes brilliant airport facilities for guests including comfortable seating, shower and private resting areas, superb massage and spa and nail services, oxygen therapy and a fantastic bar.
Location: Level 6 (Departure Level), Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport (near Gate 1)
Opening Hours: 24 hours dailyLounge Use Package
Lounge Use Package
2 hours 480HKD
5 hours 680HKD
10 hours 800HKD
Online booking:
http://www.plaza-network.com/location_detail?airport=Hong%20Kong%20International%20Airport&city=Hong%20Kong
When I rang Visa they said that only the last option "Plaza Premium Lounge East Hall" only has shower access. Unfortunately they haven't researched properly, as I tried to book myself and the East hall is unavailable online.
This contradicts what is available on Viator.
Viator is the cheapest. It lets you book 3, 6 and 12 hour increments. So rather pay $230 for 2 people at 5 hours, directly with the lounge. I've been quoted $185.82 for 2 people with Viator, with an extra hour in comparison (6 hours total). Viator specifically states it includes shower facility. A negative however is no specific advice regarding which lounge to access.
Link here: http://www.viator.com/tours/Hong-Kong/Hong-Kong-Internationa…
Is it a better via Viator? Or should I use the concierge's advice and book West Hall?
I'm not sure if this applies in Hong Kong airport (don't think I've ever been before), but have a check if there's other lounges
1) Qantas/oneworld international - you may be able to pick a voucher up on ebay for cheap? I know they cracked down on it recently though, but you used to be able to get Sydney Business Lounge access for about $75-100 if you were lucky
2) Check there if there are any AMEX affiliated lounges - again, i only know about Sydney International but they have some lounges you can access with an appropriate Platinum or high level Amex for free
3) Befriend someone at the door to let you in (I have actually done that once before, before I got my Oneworld gold status)