A comfortable and light-filled space to read, snack and nap.
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 got me checked in.
The lounge space is fairly compact, but two of the adjoining walls are floor to ceiling windows with a view of the tarmac that baths the lounge in natural light, making the space feel far larger than it is. The lounge is furnished with a mix of comfortable loveseats of various sizes, bistro tables, and one long bar top running along one of the window walls. The recessed lighting is not too bright, and the wood accents don’t feel cheesy as it sometimes can.
A small but attentive staff circulates the lounge, taking drink and snack orders and clearing empty plates and glassware, prepping empty tables for new guests. For refreshments they offer a full bar, beer and wine, as well as basic non-alcoholic beverages. The menu has 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, crudite plates and scrambled eggs.
The lounge does 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 an influx of new guests.
There are several big screen TV’s with the sound off, different sports games playing on each one. A few monitors with the airport’s departure information were also mounted throughout to help travelers keep tabs on flights. The lounge also has its own bathrooms, but no shower facilities. When I first began using airport lounges a few years ago, I had not foreseen how much value I would find in there being bathrooms within the lounges. Funny how your priorities change as you age.
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 had 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 the quality of this lounge.
When finally it was time to make my way towards the gate for departure, 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 had 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. The next time I pass through PVR I will make sure to visit this lounge to make a fair assessment and see how it compares to the more intimate lounge.
