REVIEW: Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge – Montreal (YUL)

Air Canada (AC)

Class: Business
Access:
- First and Business Class Passengers on Star Alliance Carriers
Date visited: March 2017

Intro

Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge – entrance.

The entrance to the Maple Leaf Lounge is very sleek and inviting. The dark wood and lighting almost makes it feel like you’re approaching the entrance to a private members’ club.

The Lounge

Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge – Montreal.

Immediately upon entering I was struck by the elegance of the design. The combination of black marble and polished wood is quite impactful, especially when combined with the abundance of greenery and natural light.

Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge – Montreal.

The combination of details like the textured walls and ceilings really makes it feel as if thought has gone into the design here.

Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge – Montreal.

Seats are partitioned off into small clusters, effectively breaking up the large footprint of the lounge.

Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge bar – Montreal.

The bar is the undoubted centrepiece of the lounge and features an extensive cocktail list in addition to the usual wines, spirits, draught beers and barista-made coffee.

Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge views – Montreal.

The enormous windows afford guests expansive views across the tarmac.

Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge – Montreal.

Along from the bar is a larger atrium filled with a brighter seating area, including numerous semi-private loungers facing out towards the views.

Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge – Montreal.

For those that value a private workspace there are several sofa cubicles featuring fold out tables and power.

Dining

Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge – Montreal – buffet.

The lounge features an extensive buffet with a surprising number of healthy options. Something that can be a real lifesaver if you’re spending extended periods of time on the road.

*not so healthy options are also available*

Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge – Montreal – buffet.

I was surprised to see self service draught beer taps, especially the Guinness!

Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge – Montreal – wine.

A selection of very mediocre wine.

Conclusion

Modern, thoughtful design featuring ample power sockets, a variety of different seating options and abundant natural light. This lounge is a genuinely pleasant place to sit and relax in, or indeed charge your devices and get some work done.

The addition of a fully staffed bar, DIY draught beer and healthy food options pushes this above the mass of generic business class lounges that I’ve experienced on my travels. I wouldn’t go out of my way to arrive early just to enjoy the facilities but conversely I’d be happy to spend 3 or 4 hours here on a layover without any hesitation.

Short of adding table service or a spa I can’t really see how AC could have done much better with the space. A great lounge.