Plaza Premium Lounge Nairobi Airport Surprised Me
On a recent trip through Nairobi, I had the chance to experience the Plaza Premium Lounge Nairobi Airport, thanks to an invitation from British Airways.
Plaza Premium has a presence at airports all over the world, so you always imagine them to be just another run of the mill contract lounge – but this one somehow managed to make it feel a little more special…
Access & Location
The lounge is located near gate 4 of the international terminal 1D at level 2.
Getting there requires about 10 minutes of walking through various duty free shops past security..
The lounge is open 24 hours.
The lounge is part of the Priority Pass network so members will generally have access, and those willing to pay at the door. Though the caveat always is the crowding situation at the time of your visit.
As of now, the lounge charges USD 42.28 for a 3 hour visit. This does not include access to showers which need to be paid for separately for a charge of 25 USD.
At peak time, the lounge prioritises Premium passengers of airlines of airlines like British Airways and Emirates.
Plaza Premium Lounge Nairobi
There is a small reception before you enter the lounge itself
Walking in, the lounge immediately feels like quite a small space. Perhaps the lighting and deco has something to do with that, it can accommodate a sizable number of guests…
This is the main room as you walk in to the right side. There are a dozen lines of comfortable leather sofa chairs each with power sockets to keep you connected.
On the other side you have the dining area..
The warm earthy tones, modern finishes intermixed with African art, and splashes of greenery give it a fresh, contemporary feel.
Interestingly, each dining table has those movable and battery operated lamps – the same type that China Southern has had in it’s premium cabins for years ! It actually works. Though I do wonder how many people might be tempted to nick them !
Large windows let in natural light during day, and at night offer views of the tarmac with some brightly lit turboprops from the region on vivid display on my visit
Past the dining area, there is a third room with more seating space available that evidently many seem to be unaware of..
This was almost entirely empty during my 2 hour visit even when the main space got busy !
In general the seating layout balances open space with quiet corners, perfect whether you’re catching up on emails, reading, or simply relaxing.
Food & Drink
Now, this is where the Plaza Premium Lounge in Nairobi really impressed me.
The food selection is genuinely exceptional for a lounge of this calibre.
There’s a generous buffet featuring a mix of international favourites and local dishes – from hearty stews to freshly prepared pastries – all presented beautifully.
Kenyan food is heavily influenced by Indian cuisine thus you will find many Indian type dishes, including this gorgeous Vegetable Tikka Masala…
There was also a Beef Stroganoff option as well as Kuku wa kupaka, a local chicken curry ..
There are various side dishes with spinach and rice
The salad and a canape selection were also available for those seeking lighter bites or a forming a multicourse meal !
and the beverage options range from fresh juices to a surprisingly extensive wine and spirits menu.
And this was my dinner selection..
It was a lovely meal !
In all it felt like a miniature taste of Nairobi itself.
The lounge provides Gluten-free options, if unsure ask staff who are more than eager to help !
Other Facilities
Complimentary Wi-Fi was fast enough for both work and streaming, and charging outlets were conveniently located throughout the lounge.
A small prayer room is available for those needing it.
Restrooms were clean and modern. There are two showers available in the lounge, designated for Male and Female. I had to wait 20 minutes for one, but the staff were friendly enough to come find me when my slot was free.
The shower room is fairly basic but comes with all the essentials and fresh towers and temporary slippers are provided in addition to shower gel, shampoo, body lotion, bath towel, comb, dental kit & shaving kit
Final Thoughts
On the surface this may just look like any other contract airport lounge. But somehow it felt a more elevated space than that.
What I appreciated most was the sense of calm the lounge provides. The African themed deco makes it stand out from other international lounges with the catering really reflecting the vibrant Nairobi food scene.
I was able to recharge, enjoy a fantastic meal, and prepare for my onward journey in comfort. This Plaza Premium Lounge may not be the flashiest lounge out there, but it’s reliable, stylish, and genuinely enjoyable to enjoy a few hours – and the food alone makes it worth a visit.
If you’re flying out or just transiting through NBO it’s a good option to sample some Kenyan hospitality in relative comfort before your departure.
Faze, founder of Wander Up Front and Elevate Your Stay, is a London-based travel specialist with a deep passion for aviation. With over 2 million miles flown, he has spent the last 7 years focusing on First and Business class experiences.
Faze provides straightforward, no-frills insights into premium airline products and services, sharing what matters to help travellers make informed choices.
Follow him on his adventures and behind the scene stories on Instagram !