Review: HSBC Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport

Tested October 2015

HSBC Lounge, Istanbul Ataturk
HSBC Lounge, Istanbul Ataturk

Where is it?

The HSBC Lounge is located in the transit hall in the international terminal, on the first floor right above the food court. There are several other lounges in the same area and although this particular lounge is not signposted throughout the terminal the general lounge area is.

How do I get in?

HSBC Premier Club card holder get access by showing their credit card at the reception but it is also possible to enter by paying at the reception desk or by using various lounge cards such as Priority Pass.

What’s it like?

The lounge is basically consists of one large room with the entrance and reception desk right in the middle. The room is further divided into a restaurant area with the self-service bar and buffet and tables where guests can eat properly and another area with sofas and armchairs where guests can relax.

The interior is bright and airy and goes in mostly white and brown colours with several plants. The centrepiece is the large world map placed above the self service buffet with twinkling dots, most likely representing the locations of the HSBC branches around the world. It is quite fun to watch.

HSBC Lounge, Istanbul Ataturk
The centrepiece HSBC Map, the restaurant area and the self-service buffet

Food and drinks

A decent selection of sandwiches, vegetables, cold snacks, fruits, pastries and Turkish desserts is available for self service. No hot food is offered or any substantial cold food such as pasta or cold cuts, but for a snacks lounge the selection is not bad at all.

HSBC Lounge, Istanbul Ataturk
Sandwiches, vegetables and pastries in the self service buffet

The drinks selection includes red and white wine, Turkish Efes beer on tap, a standard selection of spirits, sodas and juices, coffee and tea.

HSBC Lounge, Istanbul Ataturk
Wine, spirits and soft drinks for self service

Facilities

Free wireless internet is offered and given at the reception desk. Restrooms are available in the lounge but there are no showers. Several TVs are available as well as a basic selection of newspapers.

HSBC Lounge, Istanbul Ataturk
Nice looking armchairs with a rather pleasant interior

Final impression

This is a standard third party lounge with nothing out of the ordinary in terms of facilities. A large tidy room with comfortable seating and a pleasant design. However the snacks buffet is particularly nice with a wide selection of sandwiches, pastries and desserts, easily comparable to a cafe.

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My interest in premium travels and frequent travels started in the 90’s, so to date I have over 20 years of premium travel experience. MorePremium.com will mostly be about my own experiences, based on my own knowledge and my travel history, but you will also find news items, analyses, tips and tricks and reports from events.

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