As a Privium Plus member, you get access to the Privium lounges at Schiphol Airport. The Privium ClubLounge West is located in the Non-Schengen area and is considered as one of the better lounges at Schiphol. American Express Platinum members get complimentary access to this lounge due to the inclusion of the Privium Plus membership. Earlier I wrote about my visit to the Privium Departure Lounge. In this review I write about my experience in the ClubLounge West Schiphol.
Location Privium ClubLounge West
Like the Departure lounge, the Privium ClubLounge West is also a bit hidden. The lounge is located at the Holland Boulevard near the E-gates next to the Dutch Bar & Kitchen. Then look for the colorful wall with Privium on it.
At the time of my visit, there was also a big American Express advertisement just next to the entrance of the lounge. Unlike the Departure Lounge, there are no stairs to a lower level as this lounge is located at the same level as the entrance. The lounge is open daily from 5:30am until 9pm.
Access Privium ClubLounge West
After I entered the lounge I saw the desk on my right hand side. Privium Plus members get unlimited access to the lounge. They also can bring up to 4 guests for € 40,- per person. You just need to show your Privium card as well as a valid flight ticket with same day departure. A Privium Plus membership costs € 320,- per year. A basic membership doesn’t give access to the lounge.
As I mentioned above, American Express Platinum members also get unlimited access to the lounge due to the inclusion of the Privium Plus membership. I consider this one of the best perks of the card.
Access without being a Privium Plus or American Express Platinum member is also possible. You then pay € 60,- per person for a lounge voucher which gives you 3 hours access to the lounge.
Seating Area
When walking further into the lounge, you’ll find a seating area on your left hand side. There are both benches and seats within between the tables. This is the main seating area of the lounge. On your right hand side, you’ll find a table which looks like a bar. This is a perfect place to work on while charging your phone or laptop. I lied the decoration above this place. It looks like an aquarium.
All over across the lounge, you’ll find information about The American Express Platinum Card as well as the username and password for the Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi works perfectly. All places within the lounge offered me a good internet connection. At the very end of the table, I found some fruit.
Unfortunately, the lounge doesn’t offer a view on the tarmac which I consider one of the downsides. During the day, you see a garden with a building when looking through the window.
On the other side of the seating area, I found a big television screen. Right next on the left there is another bench with more sockets on the wall. Unlike the Departures lounge, I could find more than enough sockets to plug in a laptop or phone. What I also liked was the usage of the light decoration above the bench.
I liked the service in the lounge. The staff is friendly and quite proactive. However, the lounge was a bit busy during my visit and many people left just when I made most of the pictures. That’s why not all tables were cleaned yet.
Workspaces
Like in every Privium lounge I visited so far, I also found enough workplaces here. Everything was taken into account. You can even hang your coat there. The space offers plenty of privacy, and you won’t be bothered by much noise. The lounge wasn’t noisy at all though. On the table, you can charge your phone wirelessly.
The lounge also offers plenty of places to work on. There is also a table to have a meeting on. This area can be found at the very end of the lounge all the way into the corner on the left next to the big television screen.
On the left side of the meeting table, you’ll find some chairs that are more intended for relaxing. Like in most Privium lounge,s you’ll find all kind of different colors. Although, the Departure lounge was more colorful.
Buffet
The buffet is located on the other side of the lounge. As mentioned in other reviews, the food and beverages in Privium lounges is of high quality. The buffet offers all kinds of food depending of the time of the day. The first thing I saw were ome sandwiches and wraps that were nicely presented.
My visit to this lounge was just after 6pm so dinner would be served. I first went for some soup which tasted really good. Then I decided to go for some checken nuggets with tomato sauce. Furthermore, the buffet offers pasta and some vegetables.
On the other side of the dinner buffet, there is a smaller buffet with some snacks like chips, nuts and sauce. I also saw some vegetables and meet here. Behind this buffet, you’ll find the beverages. I decided to go for some Cava. Also different kinds of beer and wine can be found here.
All the way on the other side of the bar, there is even more choice. On the bar, you can order all kinds of coffee like cappuccino. Also on the bar itself, you’ll find sockets to connect your phone or laptop.
At the bar, you also can order mint and ginger tea. Sometimes, there is also a barista. I was quite surprised about the great choice of food and especially beverages here.
Shower Facilities
This is something you won’t find in any other Privium Lounge out there. The Privium ClubLounge West is the only Privium lounge that offers shower facilities. As sometimes it can be quite busy, it’s a good idea to schedule your shower right after you’ve entered the lounge. My shower was available right away though. The whole area looks clean and well organized.
The shower can be found just before the restroom on your left hand side. There is both a rain shower and a separate shower head. The shower itself is of good quality. The shower gel, shampoo and conditioner are all from Rituals.
On my left I found a sink with other Rituals products. Above the sink there is a mirror. There is also a hair dryer and two big towels. Behind me there is also a toilet.
After taking a shower, I felt really freshened up. I decided to go for another cappuccino while going through some emails before I made my way to my gate.
Bottom Line
I very liked my stay at the Privium ClubLounge West. Those who are looking for a quiet space to work while enjoying good food and beverages will certainly enjoy this lounge. € 60,- for a lounge voucher sounds a lot but with even 4 visits per year, it can be forth it to become a Privium Plus or American Express Platinum member.
It will not only give you unlimited access the lounges but you’ll also save lots of time for not queuing up in the lane of security- and passport control. At the moment this is only possible for EU and EEA nationals (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). But let’s hope they will expand to more nationalities soon.
With the American Express Platinum Card, you become a Privium Plus member. And this is on top of all the benefits an American Express Platinum Card already has like the Lounge On The Go concept.
