Flying Internationally with Alitalia recently to London via Rome, we had the opportunity to experience the new Casa Alitalia Lounge situated in the heart of the airport’s G gates in Rome FCO’s Satellite Terminal.
Taking place of the older Sala Giotto lounge, the new space is totally reimagined featuring the new bold colours of the Alitalia brand. On entering, while it may be evident there are no windows, the space is well lit, and impressive. The entrance, resembling the large oak doors of a grand Italian palace leads to a leather clad reception area with its very own renaissance-style cloudy sky.
To the left is a very stylish private VIP room, only used by the airline’s top guests, by invitation only. However, to the right, the reception area opens out to the main lounge area which is sectioned into a variety of different areas.
The first section is the fully stocked and fully serviced bar, which offers coffees to order in the morning, and a selection of wines and Italian sparkling wines and cocktails from lunch onwards.
The general design features a muted colour palette of greys, stones and wooden veneers, mixed with highly polished black finishes and red, orange and grey seating. The overall effect is very Italian and relaxing, and although the orange colour matches the Poltrona Frau leather in the newly renovated business class cabin, it feels a little out of place in the lounge.
The red seats, however, fit perfectly, and surround two large communal tables, designed and laid out for dining during lunch and dinner, just a couple of steps from the live cooking station that makes a mix of pizzas and pastas.
The lounge also features a range of self-service food offerings, including fresh juices and pastries in the morning and salads and breads in the afternoon. Designed by Marco Piva, the lounge seats approximately 120 people and with a careful rearrangement of the lounge floor plan, have managed to give the illusion of more space for each passenger.
The seating is comfortable and the wifi is easy to use and fast, meaning the lounge has the passenger experience at its heart, and isn’t a matter of design over function. There are also four shower rooms, which are beautifully appointed with Terme di Sirmione products. There is also a library area and for the first time (in alignment with partner Etihad) a multi-faith prayer room.
The lounge is one of three lounges, with Venice and Milan already featuring similar designs and more lounge refurbishments are on the horizon. Alitalia has done a good job in adding a distinctly Italian personality to the passenger experience, and its the ideal place in Rome to enjoy before your flight.
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