Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei Review: Terminal 1 Zone D Guide

After three incredible days exploring Taipei—biking through the city’s vibrant streets and indulging in a food tour where I ate all the things—I was ready to unwind at the Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei in Terminal 1 at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

Flying out on Thai Airways Business Class, a Star Alliance partner, I initially hoped to visit an EVA Air lounge. However, with no EVA lounges available in Terminal 1, I was directed to the Plaza Premium Taipei Lounge instead.

Here’s a detailed look at my experience and whether I think it’s worth a visit or not.

Taipei Plaza Premium Lounge Location and Access

Taipei Plaza Premium Lounge Location

The Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei is conveniently situated in Terminal 1, Zone D of Taiwan Taoyuan Airport. This location provides travelers with a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the airport. While I initially hoped to visit the EVA Airlines lounge, I found that there, oddly, wasn’t one in Terminal 1, so I opted for the Plaza Premium Lounge instead.

Taipei Plaza Premium Lounge Access

Accessing the lounge requires all passengers to check in for their onward flight and possess a valid boarding pass. For those in transit, you must present your boarding pass for your last flight sector and have a transit time of 12 hours or less on the same date.

As a business class passenger flying with Thai Airways, I was pleased to learn that the lounge offers complimentary access, particularly since there is no dedicated Star Alliance lounge in Terminal 1.

That said, like other Plaza Premium Lounges, anyone can access them for a price.

Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei Price

The Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei price varies depending on your access method. Business class passengers flying with participating airlines can enjoy complimentary access. Alternatively, if you hold a premium credit card you can access using Priority Pass.

Those without such privileges can pay for entry at the lounge. Prices typically start at around NT$1,800 (approximately USD $60) and up, making it a reasonable option for those seeking a more comfortable airport experience. For a discounted rate, it’s best to book in advance.

Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei Service and Amenities

Walking into the Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei, I was immediately struck by the modern decor, reminiscent of the refreshed Plaza Premium Lounge at my home airport in Vancouver.

Seating at the Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei

There are several seating options at the Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei Taoyuan Airport location in Terminal 1, including comfortable armchairs, semi-private pods, and larger communal tables. The armchairs are ideal for solo travelers looking to relax, while the pods offer a bit more privacy, perfect for catching up on work or simply unwinding away from the main area. If you’re traveling with a group or enjoy a more social setting, the communal tables are a great choice and provide convenient access to charging ports.

Although The ambiance was inviting, I noticed that despite the numerous seating options available, the unique pods with tables were either occupied or still in need of cleaning.

I ended up tucking away in a quieter corner behind the kitchen, which was a mixed blessing. My Taipei bike tour before heading to the airport was a wet one so I was able to air out my wet shoes without bothering anyone.

That said, while it was less busy, the temperature in this area was noticeably cold, making it a less than comfortable spot to relax.

Showers at the Lounge

After a particularly rainy bike tour around Taipei, I arrived at the lounge early, hoping to freshen up before my flight. While the Plaza Premium Lounge doesn’t have its own dedicated showers, it provides access to nearby public facilities that come equipped with towels and basic amenities. Although convenient, these showers were less private and lacked the pristine feel you might expect in a lounge. Still, I appreciated having the option to rinse off after a full day of exploring the city.

This common space where the showers are located was very quiet compared to the busy lounge and would suggest anyone without lounge access to seek it out.

Food and Drink Options

At the center of the lounge lies a small kitchen area featuring a selection of hot and cold items. During my visit, there were chefs preparing various fixed menu items, including a Taiwanese beef noodle soup, which I decided to try. While the soup was decent, it didn’t stand out compared to other dining experiences I had in Taipei, such as those on my Taipei food tour. The other food options included chicken nuggets, onion rings, and Vienna sausages, which felt very lackluster.

The salad bar left much to be desired, appearing sparse and uninspired. The dessert selection was equally disappointing, with only a couple of small cake squares that resembled white bread with frosting.

Also disappointing were the bowls of condiments which were completely empty on my visit.

Drink Selections

The drink options at the lounge were somewhat limited as well. On tap, I found one Taiwan beer and a small cart of red and white wine, but there were no spirits available. Additionally, the coffee machine did not meet my expectations, which was unfortunate considering the high-quality coffee culture in Taipei.

Last, there was some soda and infused water available.

So, Is the Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei Worth it?

My experience at the Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei was a mixed bag. While the modern decor and quiet atmosphere offered a much-needed respite from the airport, the service and food options were lacking. Compared to other lounges I visited on this trip, such as Singapore Airlines’ new SilverKris Lounge in Singapore and New Zealand Air’s lounge in Sydney, this lounge didn’t quite measure up. That said, it is a Plaza Premium, so my expectations were low.

If you find yourself at Taipei Taoyuan Airport and have free access to the lounge, it can provide a relaxing spot to recharge before your flight. However, you should adjust your expectations if you expect top-notch food and service. I wouldn’t recommend spending the cash to visit; I would rather suggest you hang out in the quiet area next to the lounge.

Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei Taoyuan Airport FAQs

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