Lounge Frog guide
Emirates Lounge vs Essence by Escape Lounges
Emirates Lounge is the stronger lounge overall, rated 4.1/5 on Lounge Frog against 2.9/5 for Essence by Escape Lounges. Emirates Lounge is ahead on seating & comfort, food, coffee, wi-fi, restrooms, cleanliness, staff & service, views & light and exclusivity. Both are in Satellite 1 at STN. No program on Lounge Frog's record gets you into both.
Comparison updated October 2026. Scores are Lounge Frog's editorial ratings, explained in how we rate.
Side by side
| Detail | Emirates Lounge | Essence by Escape Lounges |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Seating & comfort | 4.0/5 | 2.0/5 |
| Quiet | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Space | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Food | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Drinks & bar | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Coffee | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Wi-Fi | 4.0/5 | 2.0/5 |
| Power outlets | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Workspace | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Showers | 4.0/5 | Not rated |
| Restrooms | 4.0/5 | 2.0/5 |
| Cleanliness | 5.0/5 | 2.0/5 |
| Staff & service | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Views & light | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Exclusivity | 4.0/5 | 1.0/5 |
| Terminal | Satellite 1 | Satellite 1 |
| Nearest gate | Gate 12 | Gates 1-19 (Satellite 1) |
| Hours | 11 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM daily | 4:45 AM – 8:15 PM daily |
| Bar | Full bar | Beer & wine |
| Shower rooms | 2 | None on record |
| Guests | Emirates First and Business passengers, plus Skywards Gold (+1 guest) and Platinum (+1 guest and children) members flying Emirates. Paid access available to other Emirates passengers. | Lounge-programme members may bring guests at the card's guest rate. Children under 3 free. Maximum stay 3 hours; bookings limited to groups of 4 in peak season (May-October). Pre-book from about £26-29, walk-up £35. |
Who gets in
- Both lounges
- None
- Only Emirates Lounge
- Emirates Lounge
- Only Essence by Escape Lounges
- DragonPass, Escape Lounges, LoungeKey, Priority Pass
Quick answers
Which is better, Emirates Lounge or Essence by Escape Lounges?
Emirates Lounge is the stronger lounge overall, rated 4.1/5 on Lounge Frog against 2.9/5 for Essence by Escape Lounges. Emirates Lounge is ahead on seating & comfort, food, coffee, wi-fi, restrooms, cleanliness, staff & service, views & light and exclusivity.
Can one membership get me into both Emirates Lounge and Essence by Escape Lounges?
Not according to Lounge Frog's record: Emirates Lounge admits through Emirates Lounge, and Essence by Escape Lounges through DragonPass, Escape Lounges, LoungeKey and Priority Pass.
Are Emirates Lounge and Essence by Escape Lounges in the same terminal?
Yes. Both are in Satellite 1 at London Stansted.
Which has showers, Emirates Lounge or Essence by Escape Lounges?
Emirates Lounge has 2 showers; Essence by Escape Lounges has none on record.