Spot The Difference: Lufthansa Senator Lounge Heathrow

Lufthansa Senator Lounge Heathrow is a Lounge within a lounge in London Heathrow’s Terminal 2. Designed specifically for Lufthansa’s own and other Star Alliance frequent fliers.  In contrast to other airline frequent flyer lounge policies, rather than being inferior to regular Business Class lounges, is deemed a more “Premium” version of it.

I’ve now used this lounge numerous times, though mostly passing through in the mornings, have had a few afternoon departures also to finally gather enough data points. So what can you expect? Is it really much better than the rest of the lounge?

Note: This lounge is temporarily closed for renovation till January 2025.

Access & Location

In terms of Terminal 2s exclusive Star Alliance use, this is one of the easier Lounges to locate, as it is a mere 100 meters or so after passing Gold Track security and following the signs to your immediate right following it.

The lounge is designated as Lounge A1, handy for all A gate departures.

Access

As stated above, the Senator lounge is not accessible for all Business Class ticket holders. Access is granted to:

• First Class ticketed passengers ( within Lufthansa Group or other Star Alliance carrier )
• Hon Circle members or Senators on a same day Star carrier departure
• Star Alliance Gold members with same day Star carrier departure *

* some economy “Light” type tickets are restricted when flying on specific subsidiaries such as Lufthansa City Line/EuroWings etc here Lufthansa seems to selectively favour some Gold Members over others, such as those of Aeroplan or United Mileage Club.

You can find the full Lufthansa Lounge Rules here

Lufthansa Senator Lounge Heathrow Layout

On entering the lounge you have the main shared reception and this area on the immediate right. Funnily enough I always thought this space feels more inviting than Lufthansa’s home lounges in Frankfurt..

If you are also eligible for the Senator Lounge, you will be given a barcode at the main reception, which you can than scan on the door inside that separates the Senator lounge

In terms of the look and feel, Lufthansa has essentially maintained the same aesthetics in both spaces, with wooden veneer flooring, up to the wood affect tables and wall panelling. So alike that from pictures alone it can be hard to tell both lounges apart.

The Senator Lounge itself is in a modest footprint and some areas can feel somewhat cramped..

Whilst other areas are more spaced out between seating and other furniture..

I like the end walls which have been embossed with images of forests and natures, which adds a nice splash of green

If you need a more formal space to work, you have that here also..

You will find some lockers available for use here also..

You will find more relaxed chase loungers towards the back end, which are the designated “Quiet” zones..

This is almost identical to some of the spaces created in the Senator Lounge in Frankfurt. I have to admit I find this quite a soothing deco to relax in. It is perfect to relax in or catch a short nap!

Back to the other spaces, you will find high gloss white tables in the centre where you can work or eat..

as well as more regular tables and chairs which might be more comfortable for eating dinner in..

Lufthansa Senator Lounge Food + Drink

Talking of eating, I would say Lufthansa caters this lounge reasonably well with a good range of hot and cold/quick bites.

In the mornings, you will find a good selection of fruits, yogurts and “health” shots

as well as fresh baked goodies..

Cheeses and cold cuts are available for those that enjoy Continental breakfasts..

There are also all the classic items to make yourself an English breakfast..

The sausages looked great, however, it was a little disappointing that there was no veg/vegan alternative provided here..

Instead of hashbrowns though, you will find a slightly different form of potatoes here..

After 11am, the staff bring out the lunch items, for which they also have a menu..

The lunch items in one of the days in September looked rather appealing..

Roasted vegetable is not normally something you’d get excited about but this was done very well. As the main for lunch, the Chicken Katsu curry was sure a winner, with fluffy fragrant rice that just falls of the spoon..

 

The options to make yourself a salad or a nice side to the main were varied and extensive..

 

 

Overall Thoughts

This is a lounge that is often crowded and hence why I’ve taken this long to actually be able to review it. Nonetheless it is a decent offering.

What I find rather perplexing is just how little there is to differentiate between this supposedly more premium lounge and the regular business lounge. They are both equally crowded, the furniture, deco are more or less the same and the food? Well the food was identical on two occasions where I went out of my way to check!

So how is this a more Premium lounge? Allegedly Lufthansa provides some additional services via the concierge here than the regular business lounge, but I failed to understand clearly what they are. The only other difference is there are some additional drink options at the bar that is not available in the regular one.

I’m curious how Lufthansa will renovate this space, as there isn’t anything in particular that looked in need of it. It could just be a refresh of deco? For other Terminal Two lounge options you can see my reviews of United Club Heathrow and Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Heathrow