The 5 best lounges at HKG

Hong Kong is the rare airport where the lounge you can get into with a Priority Pass is also the highest rated. Hong Kong International carries more strong lounges than almost anywhere we track, and the gap between first and eighth is three tenths of a point.

My read of the ratings#

Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 35) leads at 4.8. It is on Level 6 of Terminal 1, one floor down from the departures concourse, with a full bar and four showers. It takes a 5 on eleven of fourteen metrics, dropping to 4 only on drinks, service and wifi. Do not confuse it with Plaza Premium First at the same gate, which is a separate product and not yet fully scored.

Emirates Lounge rates 4.7. It opened in 2010 next to gate 40 on Level 7, was renovated in 2024, and has a full bar and four showers. Its hours only run from mid-afternoon, which matches Emirates' departures.

Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 60) also rates 4.7, in the West Hall on Level 7 and open around the clock. Full bar, four showers, and a 5 for drinks where its Gate 35 sibling takes a 4.

The Centurion Lounge matches 4.7 on thirteen rated metrics, with craft cocktails, four showers and a 2017 opening near gate 60. Cathay Pacific The Deck takes fifth at 4.6, but it shares that score with seven other lounges, including both Pier lounges and the Wing First.

One terminal, two halls#

Everything here is in Terminal 1. Three of the five sit in the West Hall around gate 60, reached by the people mover from the East Hall. Gate 35 is roughly central. Two Cathay lounges are temporarily closed and are left out.

Getting in at Gate 35#

Entry is through Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass or Plaza Premium, and walk-up entry is sold by the hour. Overall rating is a straight average of every metric, as our methodology explains. For the wider picture, see the best airport lounges everywhere.

Putting this into practice#

The names I'd check against the actual boarding pass include Plaza Premium Lounge (Gate 35), Emirates Lounge. I would start with the terminal and the time available after security. That turns a directory into a realistic shortlist. A lounge can be excellent and still be a poor choice for this departure if reaching it uses most of the waiting time. The location notes above should do as much work as the overall score.

The access check comes next. I'd identify the exact card, membership, status or ticket being used and read the conditions for that route into the lounge. A lounge appearing on a card's map is a starting point for that check. It is not a reason to assume every fare, guest or departure will qualify in the same way.

I would decide what I want from the stop before comparing amenities. For a meal, the food available during the actual visit matters. For work, I'd look for a suitable seat and power. For a short connection, simply finding a comfortable place near the gate may be the better result. There is little value in an amenity I cannot use.

Related reading#

• How to use DragonPass lounge access at HKG
• The Platinum Card lounge access at HKG: every lounge it opens
• How to use oneworld status lounge access at HKG