f you’re flying through Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and have access to the Marhaba Lounge, you may be wondering whether it’s worth spending your pre-flight time there. While it offers complimentary food, drinks and a quieter environment than the busy departure hall, the experience is far from luxurious. Here’s what you can expect from the Marhaba Lounge in Manila, from its location and seating to the food and overall atmosphere.
Location and Access
The Marhaba Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is located close to Gate 9, making it a convenient option for eligible international travelers departing from the terminal. One thing to keep in mind is that the airport’s general lounge signs can be misleading. Instead of following every lounge sign you see, pay attention to the directions specifically leading to the Gate 9 to avoid unnecessary walking.
First Impressions
The first thing you’ll notice about the Marhaba Lounge is its size. This is a very small lounge with limited seating, and it can feel crowded even when passenger numbers are moderate. The interior is functional rather than inviting, with a rather gloomy atmosphere that doesn’t create much of a relaxing pre-flight experience.
The décor feels dated and lacks warmth, making it one of the less memorable airport lounges in Manila. If you’re looking for a spacious lounge where you can unwind for a few hours, this probably won’t meet your expectations.
Seating and Comfort
Comfort is another area where the Marhaba Lounge struggles. The chairs are firm and upright, resembling church pew seating more than the plush lounge chairs many travelers expect. Sitting for an extended period quickly becomes uncomfortable, especially if you have a long wait before boarding.
Combined with the limited space, the seating arrangement doesn’t encourage lingering longer than necessary. People continuously bumped into me and I bumped into them – there’s absolutely no space to walk around.
Food Selection
The food selection is modest. During my visit, there were a few dishes worth trying, especially the chicken skewers and the tofu, both of which stood out as the highlights of the buffet. Beyond those, the hot food consisted largely of noodle dishes, offering limited variety for guests looking for a more substantial meal.
A small selection of sandwiches and pastries was also available, providing a quick snack rather than a full dining experience. While the food is sufficient to satisfy some hunger before a flight, it isn’t a destination in itself.
Drinks
The beverage selection covers the essentials. Guests can choose from soft drinks, fruit juice, water, coffee and beer. The offering is adequate for a short visit, although it doesn’t include the wider range of alcoholic beverages or specialty drinks found in larger premium lounges.
Is the Marhaba Lounge Manila Worth Visiting?
The Marhaba Lounge in Manila serves its basic purpose by offering a quiet place away from the busy terminal, along with complimentary food and drinks. Its convenient location near Gate 9 is a plus, especially for travelers departing from nearby gates.
That said, the lounge’s extremely limited size, uninspiring atmosphere, and uncomfortable seating make it difficult to recommend for an extended stay. The food has a couple of pleasant surprises, particularly the chicken skewers and tofu, but the overall selection remains fairly limited.
