Background
Before my EVA Air flight from Taipei (TPE) to San Francisco (SFO), I had about 45 minutes to spare after clearing security before boarding my flight. I was going to visit the Infinity Lounge (which I reviewed here) as that is the business class lounge and the one I visited during my connection to Seoul 2 weeks prior, but it was quite full. So, the lounge attendant told me it would be easier to find seating at the adjacent Star Lounge. I decided to give the Star Lounge a try so I could compare the two. Overall, I prefer the Infinity Lounge versus the Star Lounge, as the Infinity Lounge seems more updated and “boutique” than the Star Lounge, but both have pretty expansive food options. What I enjoyed most about the Star Lounge was that it had Haagen Dazs Green Tea Ice Cream whereas the Infinity Lounge has Movenpick (and no Green Tea!).
Access & Location
All EVA Air flights depart from Terminal 2 at TPE, and the lounges are all in the same area one level above the concourse right after security. The EVA Air Star Lounge is one of 4 lounges EVA Air operates at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), and it shares an entrance with the Infinity Lounge.
To access the EVA Air Star Lounge, you need to be a Star Alliance Gold Member. Or it seems you can go here instead of the Infinity Lounge located next door which is for EVA Air Business Class or Star Alliance First/Business Class passengers. Current hours of operation for the Star Lounge are from 4:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
Also for Star Alliance Gold Members plus Infinity MileageLands Sliver members, the Club Lounge is available. Lastly, there is also the more exclusive Garden Lounge, which is only for the top-status EVA Air Infinity MileageLands Diamond Members.
Entering the EVA Air Star Lounge
Upon entering, the lounge shares a check-in desk with the Infinity Lounge. You would turn right for the Infinity Lounge, and turn left for the Star Lounge.
Along the hallway, you’ll pass by lockers, shower rooms, and restrooms to the left. The restrooms were on the dated side but kept clean. To the right, are some VIP Rooms that they just opened to general lounge-goers as the lounge was busy during my visit.
Then, the lounge opens up a bit, with the buffet area to the left, and seating options straight ahead and to the right.
In the middle of the lounge, were single chairs with tables in between, and towards the edges of the lounge were hightop seating with views of the terminal. The ceiling was interesting as it was painted as clouds, which goes with the “Star” theme. I did find the furnishings and lounge overall to feel on the dated side.
It seemed larger than the Infinity Lounge and I was able to find an empty hightop set to sit in. Despite the lounge being quite crowded, the service was really good and they came by my hightop at regular intervals to take away plates and help with trash collection.
Dining
I found the buffet area’s layout and decor to be nicer at the Star Lounge than at the Infinity Lounge, and the buffet still had an impressive spread of food selection, though a bit less than at the Infinity Lounge. Also, the food dishes were definitely different than what I saw for breakfast and lunch at the Infinity Lounge.
During my dinner visit, they had a station with a Taiwanese Cuttlefish Thick Noodle Soup. You would take a bowl of noodles, then fill it with the soup broth and lastly add scallion, cilantro, and/or chili. I gave it a try and enjoyed it. It was nice to see them have a different noodle soup here, while the Infinity Lounge had the Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup.
Additionally, they had Sauteed Tofu, Vegetables with Rice Noodles, Pad Thai, Pork Patties, Pumpkin Soup, a salad bar, and some bread offerings.
For drinks, there was a fridge stocked with canned soft drinks. Also, there were two coffee machines, a cold and hot water dispenser, and a section with a selection of liquors and wines.
Lastly, there was a Haagen Dazs freezer with 4 flavors. I loved the Green Tea Ice Cream, though I didn’t necessarily love the fact that it was self-serve. I just wonder about the cleanliness with everyone’s hands going in to scoop from a big container of ice cream.
The Verdict
Overall, I think the EVA Air Star Lounge at TPE was a decent lounge to visit before my flight. I did prefer the Infinity Lounge and found the Star Lounge to feel crowded and a bit dated. On the plus side, the food selection was solid, and the service was quite good.
Have you visited the EVA Air Star Lounge in Taipei (TPE) before? How was your experience? Comment below!
Cheers,
Ty
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