Last year we compared three lounges at Kuwait International Airport's Main Terminal. One of the more disappointing lounges, when compared to the others (in the same terminal), was the Pearl Lounge. However, it's been through a renovation and the change is stunning.
I had access to this lounge as a SkyTeam Elite member. However, this lounge also accepts Priority Pass or even cash.
The old lounge
One thing I said in my review of the old lounge was that "the lighting was on the cold and dark side. although the dimness could be a positive if you plan on getting a short nap before your flight."
Indeed, the dimness combined with the dated decor and furniture made it unappealing when compared to other options in the airport. Here's what it used to look like when I visited in May 2019:
The new lounge - space and seating
The change in layout and furniture is so much more aesthetically pleasing compared to before. Soft green and blue minimalist chairs have replaced the dated red and white seating from before.
The half-walls that separated rows of chairs have come down and give the lounge a much more open feeling.
Like most lounges and airports in the Middle East, a smoking room is available for anyone needing a quick pre-flight smoke.
Lounge dining
The food at this lounge seems a little better than before and is actually quite decent overall. Available here is an assortment of salad, sandwiches, slices of bread, and hot dishes. For hot dishes there was the following:
- Macaroni and cheese
- Beef strips with peppercorn sauce
- Chicken Machboos
- Pumpkin soup
- and plain steamed white rice
For sweeter things there were apples and oranges available, as well as pieces of apple pie and black forest cake.
Beverages
Being in Kuwait, the lounge is dry, meaning that there is no alcohol served. However, there were multiple juice machines as well as a coffee machine and hot water dispensers. As you can see in the photo, down below are bottles of coca-cola and other soft drinks.
Overall
Overall the lounge is solid. I still don't think it beats my favorite Kuwait Main Terminal lounge - the Dasman Lounge. However, the newly renovated Pearl Lounge feels like an improvement compared to what it used to look like. The food is pretty good and I appreciate the option to have water in glasses, instead of a fridge full of plastic, single-use water bottles. No complaints about the service on this visit!
The Pearl Lounge is certainly worth a visit if you're going in and out of Kuwait. Some of these lounges also allow the use of Priority Pass as an arriving passenger.
Have you ever been to this lounge? Let us know if your experience was similar by leaving a comment!