Review: VIP Section at 080 T1 & T2 BLR via EPM
Had a 5-hour layover week before last and hence visited the 080 Lounge at T2 BLR. Got access to the VIP section of the lounge using my EPM, but was disappointed. While the 080 Lounge at T2 is very good (IMO the best lounge in India), the VIP section is just one separate restaurant-like section with a depressingly sad selection of food (I got there around 11 AM). You do get a complimentary drink (can be alcoholic too) but for food they suggest you go to the main buffet which means you need to walk far more than other Lounge users carrying your plate, and for what? Just to sit in a separate section that seems like a restaurant that’s not open for service yet.
Last week I was flying out of T1 and my flight got delayed and so decided to visit the 080 Lounge at T1.
Have visited this lounge twice earlier and have had inconsistent experiences. There can be long queues for entry and some of the staff can be inexplicably rude. Had one terrible experience some months ago after another delayed flight, where I stood in queue for around 15 mins only to be told I had to go to the VIP section queue because my EPM card was eligible for it, and when I went there I was rudely asked what I wanted and was told to go back to the regular queue. When I got rightfully upset at this needlessly crude behavior, they tried to swipe my card there but no machine was working (not my card’s fault). The manager on duty seemed disinterested too. I simply walked out, though in hindsight I should have given him an earful.
So last week went again and was told I could use the VIP section. An executive personally escorts you to the access controlled section. And man, it’s amazing compared to the joke of a VIP section at the 080 Lounge in T2 BLR.
The place is super swanky and has personalised service (first thing they ask if you want still or sparkling water), and you get an à la carte menu with a decent variety of choices. However, that’s where the good part ended. The actual service was horribly slow. It took them 50 minutes to serve me a burger. The burger didn’t look very appetising too (though it tasted fine). The staff were incredibly polite and polished but the wait was real. And this was at a time when the VIP section was almost empty (afternoon). The place looks great and could be one of the best lounges anywhere if they improve the service experience. I have used premium lounges in SFO, EWR, LHR, etc. so have a bit of travel experience.
I believe this VIP section at 080 can be accessed using IndusInd Tiger too. Can anyone confirm that? HDFC cards seem a no-no.