Ever wondered what’s it like inside a Eurostar Lounge?

Ever wondered what's it like inside a Eurostar Lounge? - Travel for a Living

Ever wondered what it is like inside the Eurostar Lounge at St. Pancras International? Or Gare du Nord for that matter? Well, as I mentioned recently, I have now reached Carte Blanche on Eurostar. Meaning I am finally eligible to enter the Eurostar Business Lounges at St. Pancras and Gare du Nord when travelling on the Eurostar between London and Paris. Not a stranger to airport lounges, I was quite curious to see what it was like inside a Eurostar Lounge. Are you as well? Well, let me tell you, what you can expect.

I was really looking forward to the day, when I finally reached the 1800 points required for Carte Blanche and therefore would have access to the Eurostar lounges. I was also eager to complete these 1800 points before the end of October, as from November the threshold will be raised to 2400 points for Carte Blanche status.

Two weeks ago, my trip from London to Paris on the Monday was the final journey needed to reach Carte Blanche. Meaning my first experience inside the Eurostar Lounge would be in Paris. And gosh was I disappointed. Somehow it seems I picked a very popular travel time and the lounge was packed. I eventually managed to grab a seat, but this clearly wasn’t the calm and relaxing lounge I expected (or at least hoped for).

But hey, surely this can’t be all? Everyone told me how amazing the Eurostar lounges were. So, I decided to keep an open mind and give it another try during the next trip.

Ever wondered what's it like inside a Eurostar Lounge? - Travel for a Living

What’s it like inside the Eurostar Lounge in St. Pancras?

After my disappointment in Gare du Nord, I was curious to see if the Eurostar Lounge in St. Pancras was any better. And I didn’t have to wait long for the answer, as I was due to travel out to Paris the next Monday. As usual, on the first train in the morning.

To avoid hitting traffic (and to get a better deal on the cab fare by travelling off peak), I usually arrive at St. Pancras with plenty of time for my 7.01am Eurostar to Paris. And this time was no exception.

Once I made it through security and passport control (priority line obviously, another perk of Carte Blanche), I turned right and straight into the lounge. Which was almost deserted at that time of day… It did eventually fill up, the nearer we got to boarding time.

The Eurostar Lounge at St. Pancras is split on two levels. With different seating arrangements, as well as work desks and refreshments on both levels.

As this was my first time inside the Eurostar Lounge, I just grabbed myself a comfy looking seat on the ground floor, dumped my bags and went straight for the coffee machine. I mean, after all it was barely 6am on a Monday morning, so no messing around.

Ever wondered what's it like inside a Eurostar Lounge? - Travel for a Living

To accompany the coffee, there were mountains of croissants, pain au chocolat and pain au raisin. Which must have gone down a storm with everyone, given how often staff went past with more baskets filled to the brim with pastries.

In addition, the breakfast selection included toast, butter and jam, muesli and yoghurt. I would assume that the food selection would change throughout the day. But so far, I’ve only been inside the Eurostar Lounge in the morning, so I can’t say for sure.

With breakfast sorted, I decided to go and explore the lounge a little. I was especially curious to see the upstairs. As I saw many people enter the lounge and head straight upstairs, rather than grabbing a seat downstairs.

Turns out upstairs are more seats (ok, no surprise), but also a second refreshment unit and a bar. Obviously, at 6 in the morning, I did not really check the drinks selection at the bar. Instead I just got one of the smoothies they offered. But there were others enjoying a glass of bubbly with their breakfast.

If you have some time to kill in the lounge, the Eurostar Lounge at St. Pancras offers free Wi-Fi and a selection of newspapers and magazines.

What’s it like inside the Eurostar Lounge in Gare du Nord?

The Eurostar Lounge at Gare du Nord is located on the upper level. So, once I was through passport control and security, I headed straight up the stairs for the lounge (no worries, there is also a lift available, so you don’t have to drag your luggage up those stairs).

As I already mentioned, the first time I went inside the Eurostar Lounge in Gare du Nord, I didn’t really enjoy the experience. It was so crowded and busy.

However, I am pleased to say, the second time was a lot better. I travelled on a different day and slightly earlier and the lounge was a lot calmer.

Yes, there were quite a few seats taken as I arrived. But boarding for the earlier train commenced minutes later, essentially wiping the lounge clean within 5 minutes of me arriving. Perfect.

Ever wondered what's it like inside a Eurostar Lounge? - Travel for a Living

So, I decided to make the most of it and actually explore the Eurostar lounge a little more. And I must say, the setting is quite pretty. Lots of little nooks with sofas and large windows overlooking Gare du Nord. Plus, comfy armchairs, work desks, different table and chairs settings. Something for everyone, really.

Ever wondered what's it like inside a Eurostar Lounge? - Travel for a Living

I sat down in one of the armchairs, got myself a coffee and some nibbles. Only to then discover the circular bar in the middle of the room. How could I have missed that last time? Well I know how. I didn’t even go that far into the lounge last time.

Making up for past mistakes, I decided it was late enough in the afternoon to check out the cocktail selection. I mean, free cocktails… It would be rude not to.

Ever wondered what's it like inside a Eurostar Lounge? - Travel for a Living

And they did have some rather tasty sounding cocktails on offer. I opted for one called ‘Rhubarb & Custard’. But ‘Cherry Bonbon’ also sounded rather tempting. And if you don’t want alcohol, there are also non-alcoholic cocktails on offer.

Talking of food and drinks in the lounge, let me tell you, what was on offer that day. A selection of coffees and teas (obviously), as well as various cold drinks, including some local beers and ciders. Food on offer that afternoon were various nibbles (like nuts, crackers and some little sausages) as well as some cakes and biscuits. And fresh fruit.

Ever wondered what's it like inside a Eurostar Lounge? - Travel for a Living

As I only ever visited the Paris Eurostar Lounge in the afternoon, I cannot tell you what they offer for breakfast. But I would be very surprised if it didn’t include mountains of croissants. I mean, you are in Paris after all.

Same as in London, the lounge in Gare du Nord offers free Wi-Fi plus a selection of magazines and newspaper (obviously mostly in French, but they did have a few in English as well).

Few more questions about the Eurostar Lounge

Can I buy a Eurostar Lounge Priority Pass?

Who can use the Eurostar Lounge?

No, you can’t buy a priority pass just for the lounge. However, you will have access to the Eurostar lounge, if you buy yourself a business class ticket for your Eurostar journey. Or if (like me) you are a frequent traveller on Eurostar and therefore have reached Carte Blanche status.

Can I bring a guest inside the Eurostar Lounge?

Yes. If you are eligible to access the Eurostar Lounge (so if you either have a business class ticket or have Carte Blanche status), you can bring one guest with you if you are travelling during the week.

On weekends, you can even bring a whopping four guests with you.

There you have it. My experience of what it’s like inside the Eurostar lounge in Paris and London. What do you think? Have you been in either of the lounges yet?

Ever wondered what's it like inside a Eurostar Lounge? - Travel for a Living Ever wondered what's it like inside a Eurostar Lounge? - Travel for a Living

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13 Comments

  1. What's it like on the Eurostar from London to Paris? - Travel for a Living

    […] Business lounge access before departure […]

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  2. Andrea Peacock

    What an experience! I’m so glad your second time was so much better than your first! It looks like such a nice place to hang out, especially with all those pastries!!

    Reply
  3. Emma

    The only time I took the Eurostar I was running for it so didn’t have time to do anything, let alone hang out in the lounge but next time I think I’ll plan better as this looks really nice, the perfect way to relax before a journey

    Reply
  4. Bliss Eatts

    I actually find this really interesting as I have many clients who travel on the Eurostar. This makes it easier for me to recommend.

    Reply
  5. Alicia Overseas

    Hanging out in lounges looks like a great way to kill some time before travelling! St Pancreas sounds like the better of the two and the breakfast selection looked . great – eating is always a must before any travel time, it’s part of the experience! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. Daria

    The lounge in London looks very nice! I rarely travel in business class but one day I might treat myself and do it as it looks like it’s worth it! 🙂

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  7. charlottelint

    This looks like the perfect place to chill before going on a trip!

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  8. Brianna | curioustravelbug

    Wow, this sounds like the way to travel! Seems like both lounges make for nice perks for frequent travelers on the Eurostar. The drink options sound really generous and it looks like you can save time in the morning by just grabbing breakfast at the lounge. It’s too bad there aren’t priority passes for sale for the Eurostar lounge but I guess that’s one of the benefits of buying a business class ticket.

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  9. Francesca

    This is so cool! I love airport lounges so it would be really neat to use a train one. Gare du Nord station is gorgeous to begin with and this lounge is no exception. The drinks look really yummy.

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  10. Tina Krey

    I’ve never taken the EuroStar before, but I cant wait to do so. Hopefully I’ll get a business class ticket so I can see this beautiful lounge on my own 😉

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  11. Pia - Dream and Wanderland

    Very interesting. I never be inside any lounges as I don´t have reached any status on any kind of cards yet but wonder how it is inside them. Thanks for showing us how it is!

    Reply
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    […] In terms of drinks, the lounge at JFK also had some extras to offer. Instead of the usual fridge with drinks and mixers, there was an entire cocktail bar. Who could resist a free cocktail? Obviously not me. Not really surprising, given how happily I would accept free cocktails every time I am at the Eurostar lounge in Paris. […]

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    […] through, I headed straight for the Eurostar lounge. A coffee (as the cocktail bar was closed unfortunately) and a magazine later, I settled into my […]

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