Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll review my experience at the Marhaba Lounge in Terminal 3.
Marhaba Lounge is one of three Priority Pass lounges in Changi Airport Terminal 3. I didn’t have the best experience at its counterpart in Terminal 1, so let’s see if the Terminal 3 outpost can redeem itself.
Marhaba Lounge – Video
If you’re interested in seeing some hands-on footage of my experience at Marhaba Lounge, do watch the YouTube video below:
Marhaba Lounge – Review
Marhaba Lounge is located on the 3rd Floor of the Departure Hall of Terminal 3, opposite Singapore Food Street.
The lounge felt dated and cramped, with a carpet that looked like it hadn’t been changed since the 1990s. During my visit, I noticed that it was mostly empty—a stark contrast to the bustling SATS Premier Lounge in Terminal 3.
The seating area also feels pedestrian and not very comfortable—there are no private nooks like those at other Priority Pass lounges.
Food selection was also limited, with confectionary limited to cereal, bread, and a couple of biscuits. A variety of Dilmah tea was available, but there was no dessert (cake, ice cream, etc.).
There is the standard coffee machine, so you can still get a nice cup of Joe before your morning flight.
Interestingly, fresh fruits are available, a feature that’s not very common in the other lounges. Finger sandwiches are also available for those looking for a quick nibble.
Marhaba Lounge also has a salad bar, but calling it a “bar” is really stretching the term. It’s one of the most pathetic salad bars I’ve encountered and definitely pales in comparison to the other Priority Pass lounges.
The Marhaba Lounges offer Somerton wines (both red and white). They cost about $19 locally and have a 3.2 rating on Vivino.
If cheap wine isn’t to your tastes, then you’ll be happy to know that Absolut Vodka, Beefeater Gin, Bacardi Rum and Chivas Whisky are all available as well, along with lemon slices and ice cubes.
For the non-alcoholics, there is also a wide array of soft drinks to choose from, as well as Vitasoy milk (the first time I’ve seen it served in a lounge). Of course, Tiger beer is also available, and you can use the soft drinks as mixers for your hard liquors.
I tried some of the buffet food, and I have to say that it was mediocre at best. It really tastes like army cookhouse food/rations—edible but nowhere near enjoyable. The Somerton sauvignon blanc was passable, if only as a palate cleanser.
The Marhaba Lounge’s saving grace is that the toilets have free showers, so guests can freshen up if necessary.
All in all, the Marhaba Lounge in Terminal 3 is a letdown. It’s marginally better than its counterpart in Terminal 1 (at least there’s no visible mold here), but it has subpar offerings and a decor that looks like it hasn’t been changed since the previous century. With the SATS Premier Lounge in Terminal 3 being recently refreshed, I’m hard-pressed to find a reason why anyone would visit the Marhaba lounge over the newer, sleeker SATS Premier Lounge in Terminal 3 (which also serves the iconic laksa).
Marhaba Lounge Opening Hours: 24 hours daily (Only beverages will be provided from 02:00 to 05:00 daily).
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