Which lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4?

[Aridane]

Not flying business class or anything - but seems there are 4 lounges at LHR terminal 4 where you can purchase access.

Has anyone used any of these and what did you think? Also - is food and drink included in the entry price unless otherwise stated?

Reviews indicate the x4 lounges are as follows:

1. Plaza Premium Lounge - 790m, 2 complimentary drinks (mean!), newpapers, wifi, showers (won't be showering)

2. Skyteam Lounge - 1,600m, food & drinks, wifi, wellness centre, Clarins treatments, yoga room

3. Art & Lounge - El Al - n/a as shuts too early

4. The House (Etihad) - 600m, bar, buffet, a la carte, wifi, kidz zone, prayer room, showers

My sense is probably Skyteam - but would be interested in anyone's experience here

Depending when you are flying, any paid-for lounge might be ridiculously busy. Especially the Plaza and Skyteam ones. That means seats will be limited and the catering may be sparse or run out/not be refreshed enough.

Catering is usually included but may be restricted to certain things, ditto drinks.

Airline lounges are much nicer and usually don't have the same issues, so if there is any way to purchase airline status/upgrade/lounge, I'd go for that.

Thanks, Buzz. Unfortunately I don't have any status (did check) so am left with paid for only.

Am flying Friday evening which presumably is quite popular.

Given busyness levels, I guess Skyteam may be better as twice the size of the Plaza and spread out over x2 floors.

Am glad food & drinks are included. Not an alcohol drinker but like the idea of eating quite a bit and relaxing and playing on my ipad mumsnetting while waiting to board my flight Especially as will arrive at the airport hours in advance

I used the House for the first time in Sydney Airport a week ago (BA now shares with them and I it looked completely new) and it was the worst lounge I've been in.
Actually that's not true. The worst lounge is at Stockholm Airport. But either way, I'd have been disappointed if I'd paid for it.

Am flying Friday evening which presumably is quite popular.

Not necessarily. For short haul, there will probably be a bump around 4-7ish for the post work exodus.

Long haul it will probably be after 7 as many of those flights will be heading off late at night (eastbound anyway, I don't fly westbound much!).

I think some of them may only allow you to stay for a few hours though - check that.

You can get discounted vouchers by booking in advance - try the moneysavingexpert website for links.

The worst lounge is at Stockholm Airport.

The BA lounge at AMS is (or at least used to be) a poky little room! I was not impressed!

Will be long haul, so in bump period.

Sky Lounge permits 3 hours, compared with 2 hours for Plaza - so have gone with Sky Lounge. Only £29 - which is cheaper than advertised.

Thank you for all your tips!

Given that I normally spend c£15 in the airport on food & drink, I don't think that's bad value

Oh BA Lounge at one terminal at LHR - when I was flying business was appalling. Very crowded (not their fault), 'tired', breakfast had run out and sullen service.

Also - whilst there was muted musak in the main area, it was poundingly loud in the business workstation area. definitely one place you don't want pounding muzak. (Sufficiently loud that it could be heard the other end of a phone call).

When I asked Reception if they could turn it down in the business workstation area, I just got a disinterested muzak. I did email BA later on to make a complaint give feedback and 6 weeks later got some message about musak adding to the ambience.

Enjoy! May you have a deserted lounge, plentiful food and a pleasant flight!

Thank you for your kind wishes - who knows, may even Mumsnet from the Lou be

Ooh - the lounge is fantastic!! I'm n the upper floor - receptionist's suggestion as it's the same as ground floor but quieter. And there is hardly anyone there!

They have all types of comfie seating, work stations with power points, an empty tv room (too depressed to watch any more election Co enrage) and a hot and cold buffet.

So far I have had hummus, guacamole, feta, olives, sweet corn and coleslaw. Following by pasta and arabbiata sauce, arrabosta chicken and vegetable pakora. And x2 cans of Diet Coke. Trying to muster the energy for mince pies.

Very relaxing after the mania of the terminal - v long queues just for bag drop

Brilliant! So glad you got a good experience!