Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge

There’s no shortage of Plaza Premium lounges at London Heathrow airport: Plaza Premium, the world’s largest independent airport club operator, has a footprint at all terminals. The club is open to all passengers on a pay-in basis, regardless of airline or class of service. American Express Platinum and Centurion card holders are welcome on a complimentary basis.

The Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge at Terminal 4 is designed primarily around the needs of passengers arriving from long-haul flights, and offers guests an opportunity to enjoy a shower and a meal after immigration. Unlike many arrivals lounges, the club is open all day, and access does not require a boarding pass. Thus, it is technically possible to use the lounge while waiting for an incoming passenger, or as a location for a meal and a business meeting.

The Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge at Terminal 4 is located in the public area (outside security, after immigration), on the mezzanine level above the arrivals concourse. Upon landing at Heathrow airport, follow the signs to immigration and baggage reclaim, then exit the secure zone and go upstairs. When arriving from Heathrow Express or the tube, make a right immediately after the exit. Plaza Premium also operates the adjacent Aerotel hotel.

Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge LHR design

Appearances can be deceiving: seen from outside, the Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 looks like a small alcove within the airport’s mall. The footprint is larger than it looks: behind the small lobby is comfortable seating area for 75 guests, a spacious conference room, and a maze of shower suites and individual slumber rooms.

The main seating area sports Plaza Premium’s signature décor. Earth tones and elegant furnishings give the space a relaxing and inviting vibe, but as is often the case with Plaza Premium, the club lacks windows, and thus daylight. The lounge also feels uncomfortably open onto the public concourse, and the seats near the lobby lack privacy. Ultimately, the club isn’t meant for extended stays; most guests won’t linger long after a quick meal.

Patrons have their choice of dining tables and booths, traditional lounge seating with side consoles and individual lamps, communal seating at a large table, and bar seating. Should you require a power outlet, though, your options will be limited to the solo seats and communal table.

Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge LHR amenities

Primarily designed for passengers arriving from long-haul flights, the Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 boasts 25 shower suites, several private slumber rooms, and a full hot buffet.

Note that while food and most beverages are included in all lounge use packages, showers, individual rooms, and other services come at an extra cost. Be sure to inquire at the desk about available amenities and associated costs.

The stylish shower rooms are elegantly appointed with hardwood floors, an oversized bench, a rain shower, a toilet, a power outlet (UK plus only), and a hairdryer. There’s plenty of space to change, though the showers themselves are somewhat small. Body wash and shampoo are available in wall-mounted dispensers. It’s unfortunate that Plaza Premium skimps on towels: guests will have to do with a single towel and no washcloth.

Several individual rooms (“rest cabins”) are available for rent by the hour and feature a daybed and a desk. Some have en-suite showers. The accommodations are cozy and comfortable but are not meant for overnight or extended stays: the rooms lack windows and Plaza Premium does not provide bedding.

The buffet consists of a selection of simple but satisfying hot entrees (pasta, grilled chicken), as well as an assortment of snacks, soups, and salads. Plaza Premium also offers a full bar, with a selection of complimentary drinks and premium cocktails for purchase. Handcrafted coffee is also available, but while the drinks tasty and elegantly-presented, service was exceedingly slow when we visited despite the fact that there were virtually no other guests.

A spacious function room outfitted with AV equipment comfortably accommodates over 20 guests in elegant surroundings. The venue is suitable for business meetings, though the large glass doors preclude projecting confidential information.

Other amenities include secure Wi-Fi, as well as a selection of newspapers and magazines.

Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge LHR bottom line

The Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 is a convivial and well-appointed retreat with attentive staff, and a solid range of amenities.

As far as Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge go, the Terminal 4 location is superior to its sister locations in Terminals 2 and 3; the Terminal 2 location lacks self-serve food, while the Terminal 3 club is a smaller outpost. Given travel times between terminal at London Heathrow, switching terminals in order to use a specific lounge would make little sense anyhow.