Last month we had a look at KLM's Non-Schengen Crown Lounge and Amsterdam Schiphol airport. This time we'll look at it's counterpart on the other side of the airport - the Crown Lounge, Schengen version. Although not as nice (in my humble opinion) as the Non-Schengen Crown Lounge, this is a pretty great space to be in before or between flights.
Just like the other Crown Lounge, getting in is as easy as scanning your boarding pass at one of the many scanners in the lounge's lobby. If you have a problem, there is a small army of staff upfront to help you out. This lounge is exclusively for SkyTeam Elite members flying on KLM flights.
Seating
Seating is very plentiful at this lounge. Just to the left of the entrance is a sea of lounge chairs with soft reading lights. There are electrical outlets next to every seat as well.
Keep walking and you'll find a dark, circular room with televisions in the middle - ideal for catching up on the news. However, just outside and wrapped around are a number of workstation type seats - see below.
Food and beverage
The first food and beverage area you see as you walk through the lounge is rather disappointing. At least it was for me. I was certainly hoping for hot food but all I saw was fruit, bread, sandwich meats, and cheese- as well as other snack-type items.
However, walk a little further back and you'll see another food and beverage station. This one is far more extensive and includes hot pasta, soups, and an array of salads. I quite enjoyed the "Chinese Tomato Soup".
Shower facilities
At this lounge I had a chance to use the shower. To access the shower you must go to the service desk and make a booking. Sometimes there is a shower instantly available, as there was on my visit. Other times you may have to make a booking and wait your turn.
The one big issue I had with the lounge shower was the controls for water pressure and temperature. Both are unmarked silver knobs. Sure, this is stylish and 'modern' but having one side with a little red or blue or some engraved symbols might help in avoiding a strong jet of cold water hitting you before you're ready.
Overall I thought this lounge was fantastic. Though I didn't try all the food, the stuff I did try was fairly tasty. There are many KLM staff around and available to help with anything you may need during your stay. There is a good variety of seating and enough of it to hopefully accommodate those extra busy days.
Have you been to this lounge yourself? Was your experience similar or vastly different? Let us know!