Plaza Premium Lounge

The Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge at Rio De Janeiro ‘s Galeao International airport is known locally as “Plaza Premium Lounge Publica”, owing to its location outside security. The lounge is primarily intended as a touchdown space for passengers arriving from international flights, but is also open to departing passengers (although the latter will find two more conveniently-located Plaza Premium Lounges after security.)

Plaza Premium is the largest pay-in airport lounge operator worldwide. The club welcomes all passengers for a fee, as well as members of popular credit cards and programs such as Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, and LoungeKey. (Note that access to amenities such as showers may be restricted when using a credit or membership card.) Most customers will stop by after a long flight to freshen up, eat breakfast, and catch up on email before a day of meetings, or before heading to their hotel.

The Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge is located inside the Terminal 2 parking garage, on “premium” level 2, immediately across the terminal building. To reach the lounge as an arriving passenger, exit immigration or security, go to level 1, then follow the signs to “Salas VIP” through the underground walkway to the parking garage. Alternatively, from departures level 2, simply cross the airport access road, enter the parking garage, then go to the lower level.

Plaza Premium Lounge GIG design

The location of the Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge at Rio De Janeiro ‘s Galeao International airport Terminal 2, inside the parking garage, may be off-putting at a first glance. There’s nothing especially appealing about lounging underground. Fortunately, the club isn’t alone in the parking garage—there are other services including a bank—and the lounge sports an elegant and serene décor.

The lobby is situated at the center of the lounge. Most guests will make a beeline to the seating, dining and bar areas on the right side, whereas on the left side, patrons will find bathrooms, showers, and private rooms.

Due to its underground location, the lounge receives no daylight, but most visitors will not stay long enough to be bothered. If it weren’t for the few windows overlooking the parking garage in the bar area, one would be quick to forget the odd location of the club.

The seating area is relatively small, with space for just approximately 30 guests, but it’s unlikely to be crowded as most visitors don’t linger. The space sports Plaza Premium’s signature design with plush seats, soothing Earth tones, and a few local touches such as fresh flowers. While the lounge offers relatively little privacy overall, there are a few cozy spots around the magazine racks and in the hallway to the dining room.

Universal power outlets are available at every seat in the seating area and along the walls in the dining area.

Plaza Premium Lounge GIG amenities

The Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge at Rio De Janeiro Galeao International airport Terminal 2 features a range of amenities targeted at long-haul inbound passengers.

Plaza Premium doesn’t offer a traditional buffet at this location, but patrons can order at the bar from a broad selection of food and beverages including pizza, fresh orange juice, and handcrafted espresso drinks.

Fast and secure Wi-Fi is available, though the connection process is cumbersome and intrusive. The only way to get online is to provide an email address or use Facebook or LinkedIn. There’s absolutely no reason for the network operator to request such private information seeing that the service isn’t technically complimentary but included as a lounge amenity.

Guests who wish to freshen up will find elegantly-appointed shower suites equipped with a sink, a toilet, and a shower. Weary travelers can rent a private room by the hour: the hotel-style facilities are outfitted with a full-size bed, fresh linen, a desk, a TV, and an en-suite bathroom. Note that access to showers and private rooms are not included in the basic lounge access package, and off-limit to most guests using membership credentials such as Priority Pass.

Other amenities include a conference room and a VIP room which can both be booked ahead of time, as well as a selection of newspapers and magazines.

Plaza Premium Lounge GIG bottom line

The Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio De Janeiro Galeao International airport Terminal 2 in the public area is an excellent arrivals lounge with a wide array of amenities including hot food, Wi-Fi, showers, and hotel-style private rooms. The location in the parking garage is unusual but very convenient to both domestic and international passengers.

It’s unfortunate however that Plaza Premium recently started charging Priority Pass members (and other customers using membership credentials) for showers. As a place to sit and work, the Plaza Premium Lounge delivers only on the basics. However, the club also features truly excellent add-on amenities such as private hotel-style rooms. When it’s time to leave, a car ride to the city is literally a stone’s throw away.