Sala VIP Pau Casals

Competition on ground services doesn’t abound at Barcelona airport. Operated by AENA, a subsidiary of the airport authority, the Sala VIP Pau Casals is the go-to lounge for all passengers traveling within Europe’s Schengen zone. (AENA also runs the Sala VIP Colomer in Concourse A, a much smaller lounge for passengers on the Barcelona to Madrid shuttle.)

The Sala VIP Pau Casals welcomes virtually all airlines’ elite and premium passengers, as well as holders of a range of credit cards, and members of lounge access programs such as Priority Pass. The lounge is located in the Sky Center, the shopping area immediately after security, at the heart of the concourse. Signage is somewhat lacking: look for VIP signs and make your way up to the mezzanine level where the lounge is located.

Sala VIP Pau Casals BCN design

The vast Sala VIP Pau Casals boasts an elegant, upper scale and understated design. Hardwoods dominate the décor, giving the space a timeless vibe. The dark color palette with black leather seats, earth tones, and touches of dark reds and greys is effortlessly classic. The lounge impresses with its large footprint. Even when busy – which it’s bound to be, as the sole lounge for Schengen bound travelers – the club remains relatively quiet.

The space overlooks the lower concourse area and boasts large floor to ceiling windows. Yet, the lounge lacks outside views, and thus receives limited daylight overall. It feels dark, especially early mornings and in the evening.

The lounge is divided into multiple areas around a central core.

The lion’s share of the space is dedicated to open seating, with oversized posh leather armchairs flanked by individual side tables. Small lamps create a cozy vibe, and the spacious layout offers a substantial amount of privacy.

By the reception desk is a relaxation zone furnished with inviting sofas around elegant oversized coffee tables. Flat television screens divide up the space and add a dynamic vibe – though they’re fortunately muted, to stay in line with the relaxation theme. The space is an ideal spot for small groups or travelers wishing for additional privacy.

Individual travelers may prefer the comfortable seats along the edge of the mezzanine, which offer front row views over the bustling concourse activity and elegant duty free stores.

For a more secluded environment, head to the very back of the lounge, where a smaller room dedicated to Paul Casals, the Catalonian cellist and conductor, features additional behind closed doors, and offers relaxing views over the serene open air patio at the heart of the terminal building.

The center of the lounge is dedicated to a dining area, with two buffet zones. Western European power outlets are available throughout the open seating area (but not the dining area.)

Sala VIP Pau Casals BCN amenities

The Sala VIP Pau Casals doesn’t offer a dedicated Wi-Fi access point. Thankfully, the airport operates a complimentary network, though it is painfully slow at times, and the sign-in process involves watching a painful video commercial. Stylish individual private workstations with computers by the reception area provide a possible alternative to Wi-Fi, though we consider the lack of a high-speed, private lounge network unacceptable at a modern business lounge. There is progress, though, as just a few years ago complimentary access was limited to 30 minutes. It is now unlimited.

At the center of the lounge, close to the dining area, is a slumber room with six semi-private spaces with daybeds – a nice amenity which is quite popular early in the mornings.

The beverage selection is strong. Patrons will find a generous soda selection in coolers, tasty fruit juices in glass bottles, and bottled water to go. There are also several Nespresso machines with a choice of capsules, as well as several wines and a range of liquor and spirits. Things are grimmer on the food front. The selection is minimalistic overall, with cereal in the mornings, and various packaged snacks throughout the day.

The Sala VIP Pau Casals offers a few shower suites, though towels and soap are only available for a 10 Euro fee, regardless of what credentials you used to enter the lounge. Should you decline to pay the fee, you may still use the showers – but you won’t even find hand soap or paper towels. That’s tacky, though certainly better than charging for access to the showers altogether – if you just happen to travel with a towel.

The shower rooms follow the same design language as the rest of the lounge with wood panels and dim lighting. While there is plenty of space to store bags, the rooms are pretty bare bones. They lack a toilet, and can get hot and stuffy.

Other amenities include a selection of newspapers and magazines (for use exclusively within the lounge.) The airport also advertises a spa in connection with the lounge, though it’s separate facility available for a fee.

Sala VIP Pau Casals BCN bottom line

The Sala VIP Pau Casals at Barcelona airport is essentially the only lounge for passengers traveling within Europe’s Schengen zone (save for the smaller Sala VIP Colomer which serves primarily passengers bound to Madrid.) The club is enjoyable and relaxing, with ample space, comfortable accommodations, and a healthy amount of privacy.

The amenities are a mixed bag. The food selection is underwhelming, while the choice of drinks is pretty strong. The slumber room is a luxurious touch, and the shower rooms serviceable – but the fee for a towel and soap is tacky. Wi-Fi is slow and the login process highly annoying. Considering that the Sala VIP Pau Casals serves mostly short flights, the range of amenities is pretty strong overall. We just wish AENA, the operator, would join the 21st century and offer a dedicated Wi-Fi access point.