A comfortable and light-filled space to read and snack.
The airside lounge in Hall A by the food court before entering the corridor to international departures (not to be confused with the International VIP Airside Lounge) though small, was a nice respite from the activity of the airport. Approaching the doors I noticed a sign saying they were at capacity and suggested the International lounge by the gates, but when I went inside to get on the waiting list they let me slip in as I was traveling alone. They scanned my Priority Pass QR code and gott me checked in.
The lounge space was fairly compact, but two of the adjoining walls were floor to ceiling windows with a view of the tarmac that bathed the lounge in natural light and made the space feel far larger than it was. The space was furnished with a mix of comfortable loveseats of various sizes, bistro tables, and one long bar top running along one of the window walls. It had recessed lighting that was not too bright, and wood accents that didn’t feel cheesy as it sometimes can.
A small but attentive staff circulated the lounge, taking drink and snack orders and clearing empty plates and glassware, prepping empty tables for new guests. For refreshments they offered a full bar, beer and wine, as well as basic non-alcoholic beverages. The menu had an array of snacks and I enjoyed a few hot ham and cheese croissant sandwiches and a tuna salad, but saw other other people enjoying chips, crudites plates and scrambled eggs.
The lounge did a wonderful job managing capacity. Despite seeing several open tables and chairs, they had capped the influx and the space never felt full to the gills.
After about a half hour of being there, I did notice a staff member assessing the open tables to revisit capacity and shortly thereafter there was a new influx of guests.
There were several big screen TV’s with the sound off but different sports games playing, as well as a few monitors with the airport’s departure information. The lounge also had bathrooms (but no showers), which was great to be able to utilize and not feel the need to drag all my carry-on bags in there with me as I wasn’t holding much of value. I did bring my fanny pack with all my documents and wallet into the restroom of course. I don’t roll the dice that hard.
I was impressed with this modest but pleasant lounge. As I had taken the bus from Sayulita to PVR and aired on the side of caution, I arrived 4 hours before my flight and was elated to have somewhere comfortable to relax, read and enjoy some natural light and snacks before my flight.
As the comfort, cleanliness, and refreshments of a lounge can vary wildly from ‘sad cafeteria’ to upscale hotel lobby, I was very satisfied with what I found at this lounge.
Finally making my way towards my gate I passed the International VIP Lounge that would have been my other option had the former not let me in. It was a large, two story structure that looked high-end in its black and gold facade. It certainly had much more capacity than the one I had been in and appeared to have more to offer in regard to food and beverage. I did not poke my head in as it was crowded and the lines for boarding were already rather chaotic.
Despite my initial feeling of remorse that this lounge seemed fancier and perhaps better, I ultimately decided I was content with my choice as the intimate feel and attentive staff was a wonderful way to start my journey back home.
