HOLR is diving into the latest offerings travellers can experience at Plaza Premium Lounge. Say hello to the two newest renovated airport lounges and Root98 dining experience as the award-winning network continues to expand across Canada.
With travel season taking off, the award-winning airport lounge network recently reopened its doors to its Toronto Pearson Terminal 1 Domestic and Vancouver US Transborder lounges.
Today, HOLR is diving into the latest offerings from the network and how it is continuing to enhance the overall traveller experience through renovated spaces, updated dining options and so much more. Check out our full conversation with Pascal Bélanger, Senior Vice-President, Commercial Development and Operations for Plaza Premium Group (PPG) in Canada, below to learn all about the network’s Canadian expansion efforts and why it’s a go-to for travellers everywhere.
Plaza Premium Lounge launched two renovated airport lounges and a new Root 98 dining experience as part of the brand’s recent Canadian expansion. Tell us more about Plaza Premium Network in Canada.
The newly renovated lounges arrived just as Plaza Premium Lounge (PPL) saw a 570% increase in its airport lounge services across its Canadian network as compared to the past year. In addition, Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has added Root98, one of the group’s premium airport dining destinations to Vancouver’s US transborder terminal to suit every traveler’s needs. The new YYZ lounge joins the existing network of Plaza Premium Lounges in Ontario, being the 6th full-service lounge in Toronto. With additional lounges located conveniently across Canada in Vancouver (YVR), Edmonton (YEG), Montreal (YUL), and Winnipeg (YWG); Plaza Premium Lounge continues to offer travelers an elevated and comfortable airport experience with accessible airport lounges available to all types of travelers, regardless of flight class. With optimal offers, partnerships, and deals to access the lounge, travelers will always have a way to escape into bliss before takeoff. The world’s first and largest independent airport lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounge offers pay-per-use lounge access to all travelers, no matter their ticket status or credit card.
What can visitors expect when experiencing the newly renovated Plaza Premium Lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport? Talk to us about the latest lounge offerings.
Conveniently located just past security screening, the new lounge expands to over 4,900 square feet and can seat up to 120 guests. Comfortable sofas and leather-covered swivel chairs provide the ultimate relaxing environment while plush carpeting, soft lighting, and high-end design features present a warm and inviting environment. Guests will receive premium hospitality services and amenities such as WI-FI, charging stations, flight information displays, TV services, shower room*, baby changing stations, printing and photocopying services*, and much more. While visiting the full-service bar, travelers can indulge in a Premium Pour menu that includes a selection of house beer and wine, and delicious signature cocktails*.
*services available at an additional fee
The T1 Domestic Lounge at Toronto Pearson International is also home to a newly added exclusive VIP area. Tell us more about this unique service.
The new Plaza Premium Lounge T1 Domestic will be the first to offer guests the opportunity to upgrade their entry fee to gain access to a newly added exclusive VIP area. This new service located in the lounge will provide guests with their very own private oasis by reserving a dedicated seating area that includes elevated privacy thanks to elegant partitions and dividers, special snacks, premium beverage selection, shower access, and a dedicated bar. The new VIP service can be added on to a guest’s entry fee for as little as CAD $19.99.
Talk to us about the latest updates made to enhance the Plaza Premium Lounge at the Vancouver International Airport.
The newly renovated lounge in the US Transborder Terminal has been expanded to accommodate 132 guests, double the amount based on its previous layout thanks to an added 2,000 square feet. Upon entering, the new lounge offers a restorative environment with the help of a contemporary and refined design featuring clean-lined wood paneling, soft neutral tones, and forest green accents to reflect the natural environment of Vancouver. Unique screen partitions, a feature ceiling over the bar, and unique light fixtures add a touch of brass, elevating the space to exude refined luxury. A thoughtful floor plan design of the main lounge has a variety of zones, including a dining area, as well as a lounge area and bar, creating a natural focal point for the space. Clusters of lounge seating are spaciously located, offering guests a non-intrusive atmosphere and a sense of privacy. New amenities include a nursing room along with added shower rooms, a full-service bar featuring premium drink offerings*, and an updated dining menu. In keeping with Vancouver’s green initiatives, sustainability has been carefully woven throughout every aspect of the design approach. Locally sourced reclaimed and FSC-certified wood products are used throughout the space, as well as upholstery and solid surface countertop materials containing recycled materials.
*services available at an additional fee
Root 98 is Plaza Premium Group’s premium airport dining experience at Vancouver International Airport. Walk us through the inspiration behind the restaurant and what travelers can expect when dining in terms of design and cuisine.
Root 98 is one of Plaza Premium Group’s premium airport dining experiences. An herbs and seeds-inspired dining concept, it is designed to suit and accommodate every traveler’s dining tastes and needs by offering an international culinary selection. Taking reference from the word’s “origin” and “beginning,” “route” is a play on the airport journey travelers will embark on, while “98” pays homage to the year Plaza Premium Group was founded. The concept places emphasis on the theater of artistically plated dishes through live preparation experiences and a combination of delightful flavors. Bringing light to the importance of well-being, health, and nutrition education is woven into the design to promote better eating habits and lifestyle changes. Benefiting from a corner location, the design is open and inviting, enticing the traveler to sit down or make a purchase to go. Behind the front counters, packaged goods for purchase are displayed in a décor punctuated by green potted plants. The new Root98 location features two components. The Marketplace invites travelers to sit down, relax and take in a warm meal before embarking on their journey while the Grab & Go offers a variety of healthy and tasty packaged meals to take on the go and enjoy either in flight or upon arrival.
How do the Plaza Premium Lounges elevate the overall traveler experience?
Besides its extensive network of lounges, Plaza Premium Group also offers guests ALLWAYS*, the bespoke airport concierge service that delivers the perfect tailor-made airport experience for each guest upon arrival, transit, or departure. With ALLWAYS, guests can take advantage of its many amenities including, baggage handling, security fast lane access, immigration-designated assistance, and limousine transfer to buggy service, to ensure a smooth coordination at every point in the airport. Plaza Premium Group’s Smart Traveller app – a Global travel membership program for those who find the airport as a home second to none, can help travelers unlock special member benefits from offers on Lounge access, passes, and more.
*ALLWAYS Meet & Assist is currently only available at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada
How can travellers experience the new Canadian Plaza Premium lounges and offerings?
All travellers can view offers, details, and purchase passes via this link. View more details and book the ALLWAYS concierge service here.
Published by HOLR Magazine.