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We’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the Sala Galdós lounge at Gran Canaria Airport twice. The improvements between our 2018 and 2024 visits were remarkable. The layout and design had undergone upgrades, creating an inviting space. Accessing the lounge was convenient, with options for Priority Pass members and others. In this review, we’ll delve into why we believe Sala Galdós is a must-visit for your upcoming travels.
Sala Galdós – the Only VIP Lounge in Gran Canaria Airport
Sala Galdós is the only VIP lounge at Gran Canaria Airport. The lounge offers a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks before the flight. Sala Galdós is accessible to all travellers regardless of ticket category or airline, but entry is subject to a fee. Guests travelling with business class tickets will most likely be invited to this lounge by the airline without an extra charge.
We have visited Sala Galdós twice. The first time was a few years ago and our latest visit on 2024. Compared to our previous lounge experience, Sala Galdós felt like a mid-range lounge after renovations. The lounge premises were divided into two major sections, making the lounge more spacious and brighter. It had a major makeover with some improvements to its catering and the outdated furniture was replaced with more modern ones. This article shares some facts and experiences based on our last visit.
Location
Sala Galdós is on the 2nd floor at the departure area after the security check. You can take an elevator or stairs to reach the lounge. The lounge is easy to find just by following the signs at the airport.
Opening Hours
The lounge is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
How to Get In?
We have visited Sala Galdós with our Priority Pass membership. Priority Pass comes with premium credit cards or it can be bought separately with money. We recommend lounge membership for everyone who travels frequently. Priority Pass is not the only alternative but it may be the best.
Business class passengers are normally offered a complimentary lounge visit without extra charges. It is good to know that economy class ticket holders and passengers without lounge membership may also access Sala Galdós by placing a single booking on Lounge Pass that sells affordably airport lounge passes. As of the publication date of this article, a lounge pass costs 30 euros which entitles you to a maximum of 3-hour stay at the lounge. Lounge Pass allows free cancellation if your plans change.
There are also other ways to access Sala Galdós. For example, the lounge accepts Diners Club, previously mentioned Priority Pass, LoungeKey and DragonPass memberships.
Our Sala Galdós Experience
We visited Sala Galdós during our preflight to Madrid which was operated by Air Europa. Since the flight departed at 10 am, we had plenty of time to enjoy breakfast before boarding the plane.
Premises
The lounge offered a large space with buffet tables, divided into two main sections with an inviting terrace extension. Comfortable armchairs and tables were plentiful, while power outlets were conveniently located throughout. The overall design exuded a modern aesthetic with a touch of Spanish flair.
During our morning visit, natural light bathed in, making the bright surface shiny. The space was clean and thoughtfully laid out. In addition to comfortable seating and tables, numerous flight information screens kept us and other guests informed.
The lounge had its restrooms but lacked showers. They thoughtfully provided dental kits for guests’ convenience. The lounge itself was clean, with staff frequently wiping down surfaces. A nice touch was having table napkins readily available on each dining table.
The highlight of the lounge might be its open-air terrace. This was a perfect spot for guests who enjoyed soaking up the sun, watching planes take off and land (plane spotters!), or taking a relaxing cigarette break (smokers, please note local smoking regulations). The only downside was that aeroplane noise could be expected on the terrace.
PRO TIP
The lounge was also suitable for families with small children because, near the door to the open-air terrace, there was a children’s play area. During our visit, there were no children in the lounge but we are sure children would enjoy playing while parents are having drinks and snacks.
Food and Drinks
The drink selection in the lounge was comprehensive, offering bottled water, infused water, soft drinks, juices, and hot beverages. Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits were also available. Like many other lounges, Sala Galdós allowed self-service for alcoholic beverages without restrictions.
While the drink selection at Sala Galdós was impressive, the food options were more limited missing warm food. Luckily, the cold buffet was versatile and better than in many other lounges.
During our visit, the lounge served snacks like nuts, potato chips, and sandwiches. Additionally, there were bread, Serrano ham, cheese, single-packeted ice cream, and puddings. Sweet snacks and a bowl of chopped fruits were also available.
Sala Galdós offered also fruits.
Wi-Fi and Business Facilities
The lounge offered fast and reliable Wi-Fi, perfect for productive work sessions. Peaceful tables equipped with power outlets throughout the lounge catered to the needs of business travellers. Additionally, flight monitors were conveniently located within the lounge for easy access to flight information.
Rating
We recently visited Sala Galdós in March 2024, having previously been there in January 2018. With the renovations implemented, we can confidently say that the lounge now offers more comfort than before. We give Sala Galdós a 4-star rating. However, if warm food were available, the lounge would earn an even better rating from us.
PRO TIP
There are many ways to access airport lounges.
You will find more helpful information from our lounge guide.
Bottom Line
Based on our most recent visit, we believe Sala Galdós is an excellent choice. The lounge offers a perfect blend of relaxation and productivity before your flight. Guests can unwind on plush leather sofas flooded with natural light, indulge in an extensive drinks selection, and utilize conference facilities and Wi-Fi for business needs. Flat-screen televisions, international newspapers, an outdoor terrace, and a dedicated children’s play area cater to all interests, while the lounge’s spacious layout with ample seating ensures comfort for all guests.
Have you already visited Sala Galdós? Please comment below about your experiences in the lounge.
