Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge

The cozy Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge at SFO, tucked away in a discreet hallway to the right of the international security checkpoint, was renovated a few years ago: Singapore Airlines merged the former Business and First class sections into a single space for all premium passengers. Singapore First Class passengers who prefer to use a true First class lounge may use the United Global First Lounge by the boarding gates.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge SFO design

The lounge benefits from a prime location that overlooks the tarmac, domestic terminal, and the surrounding mountains. The large windows let plenty of light in.

The design, on the other hand, is rather unremarkable. It matches neither the Singapore Airlines’ traditional marble heavy décor, or the new “home away from home” concept. In truth, though, the limited real estate doesn’t offer much flexibility — the lounge is just large enough to accommodate Singapore Airline’s own passengers and often welcomes a few other Star Alliance customers — and the plain design is pretty efficient.

Beyond an open seating area spanning the length of the lounge, patrons will find small work cubicles. In an unfortunate oversight, power outlets are sorely missing throughout the room and it’s a wonder that even most workstations do not come with outlets.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge SFO amenities

In lieu of traditional gender separated large bathrooms, Singapore Airlines has opted for multiple elegant, gender neutral rooms, of which two come with showers. In this regard, the Silver Kris lounge is the only Star Alliance lounge at San Francisco airport to offer showers. Yet, the fact that there are only two showers which double as bathroom stalls limits their availability and convenience. Towels are available from the reception desk, but the showers aren’t cleaned in between each use — perhaps to discourage their use.

The buffet, while underwhelming by Asian standards, is a highlight of the lounge. It offers a small but varied selection including hot entrees and Singaporean specialties. The self-serve bar offers a wide selection of soft drinks, as well as a selection of alcoholic beverages, although quality has gone downhill over the years. A Nespresso machine is also available, with a large array of coffee pods to choose from.

Other amenities include newspapers and magazines and a cloak room.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge SFO bottom line

Overall, while rather basic, the SilverKris lounge is in many regards the best Star Alliance lounge in San Francisco: it is the only club to offer showers as well as a full buffet with hot entrees. Due its small size, it can become a bit crowded at peak times, prompting Singapore Airlines to deny access to Star Alliance Gold passengers on domestic itineraries. In comparison, the nearby United Club is enormous and boasts slightly better views, but offers virtually no amenities.

For information on possible alternatives, other lounges at SFO and rankings, check out our Definitive Guide to the SFO Lounge Scene.