Lounge Hopping: Prague Airport – Citigold and Ertse Premier Lounges

Day 5 (Around the World in 8 Days), Monday, January 12th: Prague, CZ to Amsterdam, NL

I spent three nights at the Radisson Blue Alcron Hotel in Prague.  Monday morning, I made coffee using the Nespresso machine in my room.  The hotel bill was less than $100, since the first two nights were on Club Carlson points.  I walked to Woodrow Wilson train station where I caught the Airport Express Bus for less than $3.  I arrived at Prague’s Václav Havel Airport (PRG), and it was time to lounge hop again.  For a description of all business lounges at PRG, see here.

Citigold Lounge

Location: Landside, Entry: Citigold

Say what? A Citigold Lounge!

I’ve seen American Express Lounges and Mastercard lounges, but I have never seen a Citigold Lounge.  Since I am a Citigold customer, I walked right in, gave my Citigold credentials, and voila- I was in!

The lounge was fairly empty, but it had wi-fi and some food.  It even had Becherovka, a fabulous liqueur made in the Czech Republic.  If I was going directly home, I would have bought a bottle, but of course, I wasn’t going straight home – I was going to Amsterdam and then to Tokyo.  The lounge was comfortable and included a children’s play area.

Going Thru Airport Security

This was the most exciting part (you know I’m a geek, if I’m saying that).  I decided it was time to leave the Citigold Lounge and proceed to the next lounge which was through Security.  I asked the best way to get there, and was escorted through the glass doors of the lounge to a special, almost private, airport security screening station.  I passed through and then proceeded to the next lounge.

Erste Premier Lounge

Location: Airside, Entry: Priority Pass.

I was looking forward to seeing what this lounge, a premier lounge, had to offer.  I was a little bummed to find that the food and alcohol offerings were almost identical to that offered at the Citigold Lounge.  Still, I’d say that both of these lounges were above average!

 

The Massage

I still had some Czech Korunas in my purse.  I threw the coins in a massage chair machine.  It was pretty lame, but, hey, even a bad massage is better than no massage.

Amsterdam

I flew on a KLM flight to rainy Amsterdam.  I must have been tired, as I remember that the flight was fine, but I don’t remember any details. These layovers are always so rushed, I question their worth. I used to live in Amsterdam, so I didn’t need to sightsee.  I took the train from Schipol Airport to Centraal Station, and then took a tram to my friend Marijntje’s home.  We caught up on our lives and had dinner at De Plantage.  I recommend it!

Here are related posts in the Around the World in 8 Days series:

Another Crazy Adventure Begins….

Around the World in 8 Days — > It’s Genesis, Planning, and Costs

Around the World in 8 Days – Day -1 including JFK Air France and Alitalia Lounges

Airport Layover: Workout at Malpensa Sheraton Fitness Center

Lounge Review: Sala Respighi – Malpensa Airport, Italy

Lounge Review: Sala Monteverde – Malpensa Airport, Italy

What’s a Wine Drinker in the Czech Republic to Do?

Radisson Blu Alcron – Prague, Czech Republic – Blend of Art Nouveau and Old World Charm

Lavish Breakfast: Radisson Blu Alcron, Prague

Plzen, CZ – A Journey Through Bohemia

My Day in Prague: A Glorious Day of Running and Sightseeing!