Just terrific when you consider the alternatives.
This lounge is accessible after clearing customs and picking up luggage. It does not appear very large on entry. There are five large round tables, a bar-type table with charging stations, and eggshell chairs with smaller tables scattered around the room. The buffet is nice looking. Continental breakfast, espresso machine, mini-sandwiches, toast, fruit. There is ample self-serve beverage service. Make sure you grab one of the menus above the buffet, though, as you are also able to order English breakfast, eggs benedict, and more substantial fare than the croissants that are available for the taking. The hot breakfast is actually very good. Excellent quality for a complimentary breakfast.
There are many showers. The shower suites are clean and pretty large for one person. There is a noticeable and unfortunate lack of dresser-top space for laying a large bag, but it's hard to fault the lounge for not making bedroom-size shower suites. Most important of all, the water pressure and water temperature are excellent, and the space within the shower itself is great. This actually feels like a shower in a good hotel, which is pretty amazing considering that this a complimentary flying perk. The staff is friendly, if a bit robotic.
Good amenities in the shower suites. Nice shampoo, conditioner, and bathroom gel. Airline convenience pack versions of toiletries -- toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, shaving cream, etc. It is possible, it seems, to clean up pretty nicely without having to open your shaving kit. Strong hair dryer too.
Access to the lounge is limited to those arriving on business class or first class fares through United (and possibly other airlines?) before noon. I suppose the rationale is that those arriving after noon can shower at the hotel.
Hard to come up with a complaint about the place. I hesitate to rate this five-stars because that seems to imply excellent on the level of a three-star michelin restaurant at the top of its game. This is not that for sure. But as far as complimentary airport amenities go, this is a sweet deal. Food, shower, good service, newspapers, all before having to leave Heathrow. Well done, United. read more