2025 Priority Pass Lounge of the Year Awards: Global Excellence in Airport Hospitality
Discover the best Priority Pass airport lounges worldwide, ranked by traveler reviews and celebrated for service, innovation, and excellence.
2025 Priority Pass Lounge of the Year Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Airport Hospitality
The Priority Pass Lounge of the Year Awards have become the definitive honor for the world’s leading airport lounges, where premium hospitality meets service innovation. The 2025 awards, determined by a poll of travelers and over 781,000 member reviews, spotlight the finest lounges and most impactful staff members worldwide, recognizing exceptional commitment to guest experience, culinary distinction, and technological advancement.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the winners, regional champions, special category honorees, and the insights shaping world-class airport lounge experiences.
Why the Priority Pass Excellence Awards Matter
As airport lounges transform travel by offering relaxing havens away from the hectic terminal environment, the Priority Pass Excellence Awards set new benchmarks for comfort, service, and innovation. Winners and commended lounges represent the best-in-class experiences, whether through gourmet dining, architectural inspiration, or seamless guest journeys. These awards not only guide travelers to top-rated lounges but also drive industry standards upward across five major geographic regions.
How the Winners Are Chosen: The Selection Process
- Member Reviews: 781,000 Priority Pass member ratings and reviews collected between March 2024 and 2025.
- Criteria: Facilities, customer service, food and beverage quality, cleanliness, technological enhancements, and overall satisfaction.
- Three Award Categories:
- Lounge of the Year
- Pioneer of the Year
- All Star of the Year (Individual Honorees)
Industry Leadership
“The Priority Pass Excellence Awards celebrate the extraordinary efforts of our lounge and experience partners who continuously go above and beyond to make travellers’ journeys special,” notes Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International, the company behind Priority Pass.
Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer at Collinson International, adds: “Through these awards, we are proud to recognize our lounge partners’ efforts in creating notable moments for our members worldwide. This year’s award winners embody a collective dedication to enhancing every traveller’s experience through outstanding service and innovation.”
2025 Global and Regional Winners
Below are the top-performing lounges and individual honorees of 2025, organized by geographic region and category.
| Region | Lounge of the Year Winner | Highly Commended | Pioneer of the Year | All Star of the Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global | Advantage VIP Lounge, Terminal 1, Belo Horizonte Tancredo Neves International Airport, Brazil | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| North America | The Grand Lounge Elite, Terminal 1, Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport, Mexico | Escape Lounges, Concourse A, Kansas City International Airport, USA | N/A | N/A |
| Europe | Vienna Lounge, Vienna Airport, Austria | Marco Polo Club, Venice Marco Polo Airport, Italy | – Infinity Lounge (T2) & Library Lounge (T1), Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, France – Kepler Hotel & Lounge, Riga International Airport, Latvia | N/A |
| Latin America & Caribbean | Advantage VIP Lounge, Terminal 1, Belo Horizonte Airport, Brazil | VIP Lounge Punta Cana, Terminal B2 Domestic, Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic | N/A | – Cristina Isabel Escobar Sánchez, Cumbia Lounge, Barranquilla Airport, Colombia – Nanci Quintana, AMAE Lounge, Rosario Airport, Argentina – Guilherme Queiroz da Silva, BRT Lounge, Porto Seguro Airport, Brazil |
| Middle East & Africa | Primeclass Lounge, Muscat International Airport, Oman | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Asia Pacific | Kyra Lounge, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport | Oriental Club Lounge, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport | – 080 Domestic & International Lounges, Kempegowda International Airport, India – Kepler Club, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia | N/A |
About the 2025 Global Lounge of the Year: Advantage VIP Lounge, Brazil
The Advantage VIP Lounge in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, stands out for its exceptional staff, stunning architecture inspired by Brazilian cultural landmarks such as the Pampulha Church, and a culinary menu intertwining regional favorites like chicken with okra, vaca atolada (short rib stew), and cheese with guava.
The lounge is praised for:
- Fast-Track Service: Dedicated x-ray passage for swift entry and relaxation
- Cultural Design: Architecture and décor inspired by Minas Gerais gems and local heritage
- Culinary Excellence: Authentic regional dishes and quality international fare
- Personalized Guest Experience: Kind, attentive staff fostering a welcoming atmosphere
“Being recognized as the Global Lounge of the Year winner is the fulfillment of a dream that began in 2015, when I founded Advantage,” said Rute Scheliga, CEO of Advantage VIP Lounge, in celebration of their 10th anniversary.
Regional Highlights and Trends
North America
- Winner: The Grand Lounge Elite, Terminal 1, Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport, Mexico
- Highly Commended: Escape Lounges, Concourse A, Kansas City International Airport, USA
Mexico City’s Grand Lounge Elite has raised the bar for personalized service and ambience in North American airport lounges. Kansas City’s Escape Lounges are honored for consistently high marks in hospitality and guest amenities.
Europe
- Winner: Vienna Lounge, Vienna Airport, Austria
- Highly Commended: Marco Polo Club, Venice Marco Polo Airport, Italy
- Pioneers of the Year:
- Infinity Lounge (T2) & Library Lounge (T1), Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, France
- Kepler Hotel & Lounge, Riga International Airport, Latvia
Standout experiences in Europe revolve around elegance and variety—Vienna’s lounge incorporates modern comfort, while Venice’s Marco Polo Club merges local Italian flavors with luxury design. The Pioneers demonstrate advanced concepts in leisure and relaxation.
Latin America & Caribbean
- Winner: Advantage VIP Lounge, Brazil
- Highly Commended: VIP Lounge, Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic
- All Star Honorees:
- Cristina Isabel Escobar Sánchez, Cumbia Lounge, Barranquilla, Colombia
- Nanci Quintana, AMAE Lounge, Rosario, Argentina
- Guilherme Queiroz da Silva, BRT Lounge, Porto Seguro, Brazil
In Latin America, community spirit and genuine hospitality shine through. Punta Cana and Barranquilla lounge staff are recognized for their warmth and guest-centric approach.
Middle East & Africa
- Winner: Primeclass Lounge, Muscat International Airport, Oman
Muscat’s Primeclass Lounge impresses with refined interiors, diverse menu options, and attentive service tailored to meet both business and leisure travelers’ needs.
Asia Pacific
- Winner: Kyra Lounge, Hong Kong International Airport
- Highly Commended: Oriental Club Lounge, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
- Pioneers of the Year:
- 080 Domestic & International Lounges, Kempegowda, Bangalore, India
- Kepler Club, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
Hong Kong and Taiwan continue to shine in food quality, technology, and ambiance. Asia Pacific’s pioneers lead with smart design, digital check-in options, and wellness initiatives.
Innovation and Pioneers: Shaping the Next Generation of Lounges
The Pioneer of the Year category honors lounges for forward-thinking approaches to comfort and service. This year, notable innovators include:
- 080 Domestic & International Lounges, Bangalore, India: Combining digital convenience and wellness amenities
- Kepler Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Transforming lounge interiors with flexible seating, enhanced workspace, and integrated relaxation features
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, France: Infinity and Library Lounges promote mindfulness and productivity
- Kepler Hotel & Lounge, Riga, Latvia: Redefining airport hospitality through artful design and local hospitality
The “All Star of the Year” Individual Honorees
Exceptional staff often define the lounge experience. The 2025 All Star of the Year honorees were celebrated for:
- Creating memorable moments for travelers
- Exemplary service well beyond expectations
- Leading guest experience in Latin American lounges
Highlighted Honorees:
- Cristina Isabel Escobar Sánchez – Cumbia Lounge, Colombia
- Nanci Quintana – AMAE Lounge, Argentina
- Guilherme Queiroz da Silva – BRT Lounge, Brazil
Key Features of Award-Winning Lounges
- Personalized Hospitality: Attentive and friendly staff go the extra mile for each guest.
- Cuisine & Culinary Innovation: Menus highlight regional delicacies and international favorites.
- Design Excellence: Local inspiration informs each lounge’s look and ambiance.
- Technology: Fast-track entry, digital check-in, smart reservation systems, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Wellness Amenities: Quiet zones, nap pods, spa facilities, and fitness options.
- Sustainability: Use of local materials, waste reduction, and energy-efficient lighting and kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How are the Priority Pass Lounge of the Year winners selected?
A: Winners are selected based on over 781,000 member reviews and ratings, covering criteria such as facilities, hospitality, food and beverage, cleanliness, amenities, and member satisfaction.
Q: What makes the Advantage VIP Lounge in Brazil the global winner?
A: The Advantage VIP Lounge was praised for its architectural design inspired by Brazilian culture, an authentic menu of regional dishes, kind and attentive staff, and Fast-Track entry that enhances relaxation and convenience.
Q: What does the Pioneer of the Year award recognize?
A: Pioneer awards spotlight lounges that drive innovation in design, technology, wellness, and hospitality, setting new standards for comfort and experience in the airport lounge sector.
Q: Is Priority Pass available worldwide?
A: Yes, Priority Pass operates a global network of airport lounges, with partner facilities available at major airports in over 130 countries on five continents.
Q: Can individual staff members win a Priority Pass award?
A: Yes. The All Star of the Year category recognizes exceptional lounge staff for their outstanding contribution to guest experience and hospitality.
Travelers’ Take: Why Lounge Rankings Matter
- Lounge awards help travelers identify the best havens amid busy airports.
- Winning lounges provide a consistent premium experience—essential for frequent flyers and business travelers.
- The awards foster friendly competition among lounges worldwide, improving standards universally.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Airport Lounge Excellence
With traveler expectations increasing and demand for personalized, seamless experiences on the rise, future winners will likely excel in greener practices, advanced guest technologies, and ever-more sophisticated wellness facilities. The 2025 Priority Pass Lounge of the Year Awards have solidified a new gold standard for what premium airport hospitality should offer globally.
