Sochi Business Lounge Review: Worth the Money?

A Sochi Business Lounge That Falls Short of Expectations

summarizeEditor's Summary

I was expecting a high-end experience at this Sochi business lounge, but it's been a while since the Olympics and it's showing its age. The furniture could use an update, and the decor's starting to look worn out. On the plus side, there's no waitlist, which is a major plus. For 2000 rubles (with a bank program) or 4000 rubles (otherwise), you're better off grabbing a snack elsewhere.

settingsSpecifications

Fiyat4/10

Kalite6/10

VerdictKötü

Mimarlik5/10

Güvenlik8/10

Kafeterya5/10

KonusmaAlanı7/10

BanyoVeTemizlik7/10

YemekVeİçecek6/10

Hello everyone - welcome to my review!

I'll be upfront, when I think of Sochi, I expect luxury. The Olympics left a lasting impression, and the city's all about high-end vibes. I was chatting with friends, and we joked that it's easier to impress in Maldives than in Sochi. So, when I visited a business lounge, I had high hopes.

But, as it turns out, it's been a while since the Olympics, and the lounge is looking a bit worn out. It's not a total disaster, but it's definitely due for a renovation. I mean, the furniture could use an update, and the decor's starting to show its age.

Still, I'll give them credit where credit is due - no waitlist, which is a major plus! That's something most business lounges can learn from.

The entrance fee is 2000 rubles if you have a bank program (if the free passes are all taken). Otherwise, it's 4000 rubles. To be honest, for that price, you're better off grabbing a snack at the beach cafe and heading to the airport just in time for your flight. I mean, this lounge just can't compete with the value for money you'd get elsewhere.

The lounge has zoning, which is a nice touch. It's a good way to create a sense of space and make the lounge feel less crowded.

You can even catch a few winks on the couches, which is a nice bonus in some lounges. I mean, it's always great to have a comfortable place to rest and recharge.

There's a gaming zone with one console. It's not the most extensive selection, but it's better than nothing.

They've decorated it a bit for New Year's. I guess they were trying to get into the holiday spirit.

But let's be real - I was expecting more. I mean, this lounge just can't compete with the high-end lounges you'd find in major cities.

There's a coffee machine with cookies. They offer cappuccino, espresso, and Americano. Friends were chatting nearby, saying they usually have more options. I guess they just haven't been around since the good old days when they used to make coffee with milk themselves.

You can grab a beer on tap, but the rest of the booze is extra. I mean, it's not the cheapest option, but it's not the most expensive either.

There's some food to snack on. They clean up the plates quickly, and the lounge and bathrooms are pretty clean. I mean, it's not the cleanest place I've ever been, but it's not the dirtiest either.

When we visited, it was pretty quiet, and there weren't many people. We grabbed a coffee in peace, and it was a nice experience. I mean, it's not the most exciting place, but it's not the worst either.

Overall, it's a pretty average business lounge for Russia, but for Sochi, I expected a bit more. It's time for a renovation, and you can feel the lounge is a bit worn out. I mean, it's not the worst place I've ever been, but it's not the best either.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is this business lounge worth the entrance fee?

Honestly, I'd say it's not worth the 2000-4000 rubles, especially considering the condition of the lounge. You're better off grabbing a snack elsewhere.

What's the deal with the waitlist?

The good news is that there's no waitlist, which is a major plus. Just be prepared for a bit of a trek from the city center.

Can I get a free pass?

If you have a bank program, you might be able to score a free pass. Otherwise, it's 4000 rubles.

Is the food any good?

The cookies are actually pretty tasty, but the food options are pretty limited.

Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied?

Unfortunately, I'm not sure what the return policy is. You might want to check with the staff before you pay.

Is the lounge open 24/7?

I'm not entirely sure about the hours of operation. You might want to check the website or call ahead to confirm.

Can I use my credit card to pay the entrance fee?

I'm pretty sure they accept credit cards, but you might want to check with the staff to confirm.

Is there a dress code?

I didn't notice a dress code, but you might want to dress business casual just in case.

Can I get a discount if I'm a student?

I'm not sure about student discounts. You might want to ask the staff when you arrive.

Is the lounge wheelchair accessible?

I'm pretty sure it's wheelchair accessible, but you might want to check with the staff to confirm.

Can I bring my laptop and get some work done?

Yes, there's plenty of space to spread out and get work done.

Is there free Wi-Fi?

I'm pretty sure there's free Wi-Fi, but you might want to check with the staff to confirm.

check_circlePros

•The cookies are actually pretty tasty - a nice touch.
•There's plenty of space to spread out and get work done.
•It's surprisingly quiet, which is a big plus for a business lounge.
•The sofas are comfortable, which is a must for any lounge.
•No waitlist, which is a major advantage over other lounges.
•The staff seems friendly and willing to help.

cancelCons

•The lounge is seriously in need of a renovation - it's starting to look dated.
•The furniture's not exactly the comfiest, and it's starting to show its age.
•The decor's not exactly what I'd call luxurious.
•The entrance fee's a bit steep, especially considering the condition of the lounge.
•The food options are pretty limited, and it's not exactly a great value for money.
•The lounge's location's not exactly convenient - it's a bit of a trek from the city center.