Plaza Premium Lounge — Terminal 2, London Heathrow
The Plaza Premium Lounge has been the default independent option at Heathrow Terminal 2 since 2014 — a decade during which it has absorbed a great deal of footfall and attracted a great deal of mixed opinion. Its core strengths are size, access breadth, and the fact that it is the only independent lounge at T2 to offer showers. Its weaknesses are equally consistent: no natural light, variable food quality during busy periods, and an atmosphere that struggles to justify the walk-up cash price when the lounge is at or near capacity.
Since the No1 Lounge opened in late 2024, Plaza Premium faces genuine competition at T2 for the first time. The two lounges serve slightly different needs: No1 is the better environment for a drink and a sit, Plaza Premium is the more functional option for a longer stay, a meal, or a shower. If you have Priority Pass and are choosing between them, the decision comes down to why you are there. Both share the limitation of having no windows, a fact that makes the main terminal's airline lounges — United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines in T2B — look considerably more attractive if your access routes allow it.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Plaza Premium Group · Terminal 2 · London Heathrow
Large independent lounge on the lower concourse near gate A3; hot and cold buffet, staffed bar, four showers at extra charge, private resting rooms — Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey and Amex Platinum all accepted, cash from ~£43.
At a Glance
Access Routes
Amex Platinum cardholders can bring one guest free, making this a strong value option for couples. Priority Pass charges per guest, so the Amex Platinum route is better value if you are travelling with a companion. Showers are not included in any access route — they are always an add-on, even for Amex Platinum.
Layout and Design
The lounge occupies a substantial footprint on the lower concourse of T2A, accessed by escalator from the main departures level — head down from security, past the duty-free shops, and follow signs towards the A-gate lounges. Unlike the No1 Lounge which requires a non-obvious lift, Plaza Premium is relatively straightforward to find and is well-signposted within the terminal. The space divides into distinct zones: an entrance reception, a left-hand corridor leading to showers, private rest rooms and massage facilities, and a right-hand turn into the main lounge and dining area.
The main lounge is a single large room without windows, lit entirely by artificial light. The design dates to 2014 and has received periodic refreshes but is now showing its age. Seating is varied: dining chairs, sofas, individual lounge chairs, raised workstations, and semi-private alcoves at the rear. There is more total seating than the No1 Lounge, which reduces the risk of being turned away, but during busy periods — particularly weekday mornings and the pre-evening rush — tables go uncleared and the lounge loses the sense of calm that makes it worthwhile. Off-peak, it is a genuinely comfortable and spacious place to spend an hour or two.
Food and Drink
The buffet is the Plaza Premium T2's most variable feature. At its best — typically at lunch and early evening — it offers a solid spread of hot mains, salads, cold items and snacks that compares favourably to the contract lounge standard. At its worst — during busy morning periods or when staffing is stretched — the buffet can be depleted, tables left uncleared, and the overall quality unremarkable. Reviewers consistently note that the afternoon and evening offering is better than the morning. Vegetarian options are present but have received criticism for inconsistency in preparation and availability.
The bar is staffed. A house selection of beers, wines and spirits is complimentary; cocktails are limited and some reviewers note the cocktail offering is weaker than the No1 Lounge. Premium beverages including champagne attract a surcharge. Coffee is available from machines as well as from bar staff. The drinks range is functional rather than ambitious.
Showers
Plaza Premium T2 has four shower rooms, making it the only independent lounge at T2 to offer this facility. Showers are not included in any standard access route — they are charged at approximately £27.50 for a 30-minute slot on top of the lounge entry fee, regardless of how you accessed the lounge. Shower-only access (without entering the main lounge) is available for approximately £25 for 30 minutes. Rooms include towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner and a hairdryer. At peak times shower slots are in demand and short queues can form; book at reception on arrival if you intend to shower.
Five private rest rooms with a full bed and en-suite shower are also bookable at an additional charge — useful for long connections or overnight layovers, and the only rest-room facility of this kind at T2.
T2B Satellite: Factor in the Walk
Plaza Premium (and No1 Lounge) are located in the main T2A building. Most long-haul gates — including those served by United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines and ANA — are in the T2B satellite, a 10–15 minute walk away with no connecting train. If you are departing from T2B, allow enough time to walk from the lounge to your gate. The Star Alliance airline lounges are located within T2B itself, making them considerably more convenient for passengers departing from that satellite.
Plaza Premium T2 vs No1 Lounge T2
These are the two independent lounges at T2 and the comparison is frequently asked. Plaza Premium wins on size (more seats, less risk of being full), food volume (a proper buffet with hot options versus No1's lighter spread), shower access (four rooms at surcharge), and the depth of its rest and spa facilities. No1 wins on design quality, cocktail programme, and general atmosphere when not at capacity. For a long wait with a meal and a potential shower, Plaza Premium is the better-equipped option. For a drink in a more stylish environment before a shorter departure, No1 is the more pleasant experience.
Getting In
After clearing security at T2, take the escalators down one level to the lower concourse (Level 4 of the terminal). Pass through the duty-free shopping area and follow the lounge signage towards Lounge A3. The lounge entrance is behind the airline service desks; signage within the terminal is clear once you reach the lower concourse level. No lift or unusual route is required — the lounge is more straightforward to locate than the No1 Lounge. Note that this lounge is in T2A; if your gate is in T2B, you will need to walk through to the satellite after your visit.
Plaza Premium T2 is the practical backbone of the independent lounge offer at Terminal 2 — large enough to usually have a seat, open early, and the only option in the terminal with shower access. It has been here for over a decade and the age shows. The design is tired, the food is inconsistent under pressure, and neither lounge at T2 offers the natural light that makes the Star Alliance satellite options so much more attractive if you qualify for them. For Priority Pass and Amex Platinum holders without airline lounge access, Plaza Premium provides a functional and reasonably comfortable base. If you need a shower before a long-haul connection, it is the only game in town. If you simply want a drink in a nicer environment and can get into No1, go there instead.
