Virgin CLubhouse at Gatwick

[katiec]

Hi

Has anyone used this facility recently - what did you think?

Can you tell me what time it opens as cant seem to find times anywhere - but probably not looking in the right place as usual

Also - what was breakfast like? We are staying overnight at the Hilton so wondering whether to have a light breakfast there and eat mid-morning in the Clubhouse.

Any/all info gratefully received

 

[Laurafoster]

We were last there in November, it had just been closed for a refurb and i think it opened about a week or so before we went.
Im pretty sure it opens a few hours before the earliest flight. If i remember they dont like you to go in more than 3 hours before your flight.

I personally love it! Its not as good as it used to be but still great. Definately DONT eat breakfast at the hilton, you can eat as much as you like when you like in the clubhouse and there food is all fab!

They ahve a very small beauty area where you can have a small complimentary treatment (e.g. a 15 min facial) or you can pay to upgrade and have a better one. Book as soon as you get there though as they can be quite busy and you may not get in.

Oh and dont forget to drink as much free champagne as poss

 

[katiec]

We were last there in November, it had just been closed for a refurb and i think it opened about a week or so before we went.
Im pretty sure it opens a few hours before the earliest flight. If i remember they dont like you to go in more than 3 hours before your flight.

I personally love it! Its not as good as it used to be but still great. Definately DONT eat breakfast at the hilton, you can eat as much as you like when you like in the clubhouse and there food is all fab!

Thats great

They ahve a very small beauty area where you can have a small complimentary treatment (e.g. a 15 min facial) or you can pay to upgrade and have a better one. Book as soon as you get there though as they can be quite busy and you may not get in.

I am spending most of my free time working out what to go for - todays choice is free back/shoulder massage and pay for Thai feet masage!

Oh and dont forget to drink as much free champagne as poss

Oooohhhhh yes - will need the breakfast to soak it all up!
#

Thank you

 

[martin1]

sorry to interrupt but can you prebook the clubhouse if you are not in upperclass?

 

[Red-Snapper]

You can if you have booked with Virgin Holidays - but it costs £45 each !!

 

[Laurafoster]

You dont have to be flying upper class or be a Virgin Holidays customer!
We have booked several times when we have been to Orlando and each time we have booked flights only direct with Virgin Atlantic.

Last time we did this was the 29th November last year and it was £35 a person.

But in my opinion it is well worth every penny! Only problem is once you've tried it....its hard to go back to the normal departure lounge lol!

 

[nemmie]

Whilst not a patch on LHR, LGW is a very nice lounge. In the summer (or any busy time for that matter) to be able to escape the crowds in there is like heaven. The last 2 times we have been in there I haven't managed to get a treatment and we usually arrive at least 3 hours before the flight so its a poor show. It was so much better when they allowed pre-booking. The previous treatments I have had have been on spa quality and I love me some spa. Very VERY good, the ladies are lovely too. The food is a good standard and whilst I personally don't partake as others have mentioned all drinks including alcohol are free. They do a fabulous Mocha if you like coffee. There is a nice, quiet business center area with internet access, printers etc. Family area with some computer Wii or PS3 I'm not sure and some lovely V.I.P. areas. There are usually no V.I.P's in there so they are open to anyone. I believe it opens at 6am.

 

[katiec]

I am lurving all your replies

I'm so excited!!

 

[Red-Snapper]

You dont have to be flying upper class or be a Virgin Holidays customer!
We have booked several times when we have been to Orlando and each time we have booked flights only direct with Virgin Atlantic.

Could you explain how/where - I cant see it mentioned on the VA site - other than specifically for UC passengers ???

 

[nemmie]

Could you explain how/where - I cant see it mentioned on the VA site - other than specifically for UC passengers ???

Gold card holders and UC pax (non op ups) have automatic access to the Virgin Clubhouse.

I believe if you are a Virgin Holidays passenger you can purchase entrance for a fee, someone mentioned £45. Although I believed they were phasing this out due to the Virgin Holidays V:Room they have at Gatwick now.

I have heard people ask both at check in and the clubhouse itself for entrance and have seen both entrance granted for a fee at slower times and people being refused. I think this is entirely down to Virgin deciding on the day whether or not the want to make extra revenue from their Clubhouse.

 

[Laurafoster]

Could you explain how/where - I cant see it mentioned on the VA site - other than specifically for UC passengers ???

I dont believe they have ever openly advertised it. I have always phoned the clubhouse direct and booked through them. I got the number of someone on here but i cant find it now, hopefully someone else will be able to provide it. (Its definately an 01293 number though)

As far as i am aware they all a certain number of paying guests in per day - once the spaces are gone thats it.