Reserved exclusively for Singapore Airlines Suites and First Class passengers, The Private Room represents the airline’s most exclusive ground experience—a place where attentive service, fine dining and premium wines replace the usual airport rush.
Flying from Singapore to Mumbai (SQ424), I arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 3, four hours before departure to experience one of aviation’s prestigious lounges.
A Seamless First-Class Check-in Experience
My journey began at the dedicated Suites and First Class check-in area at Terminal 3.
From the moment I arrived at the kerbside, a member of the Singapore Airlines team greeted me and escorted me directly to a check-in counter. Within minutes, my luggage was tagged, my boarding formalities completed, and I was handed the airline’s signature gold boarding pass—a small detail that immediately reminds you this is a different travel experience.
From there, I was guided to the dedicated immigration lanes reserved for Suites and First Class passengers, making the departure process remarkably smooth.
Entering The Private Room
After immigration, I made my way to the SilverKris Lounge, where a discreet entrance leads into The Private Room.
Walking inside, I was immediately struck by how quiet it was. There was almost no one else, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a luxury hotel lounge. There was no rush, no queues and none of the usual airport bustle—just calm surroundings and attentive service.
Within moments of taking my seat, one of the lounge hosts welcomed me and recommended starting the afternoon with a glass of Champagne.
As always, there is no other perfect way to begin the journey.
Wine & Champagnes
One of the highlights of my visit wasn’t simply the wine list—it was the people behind it.
Rather than simply asking what I’d like to drink, one of the lounge attendants took the time to introduce the different wines available, explaining their characteristics and encouraging me to compare them side by side.
It was a level of hospitality that felt genuinely personal rather than scripted. For me the two drinks that stood our were the Champagne and Sauvignon Blanc below.
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2013
Elegant, refined and beautifully balanced, the 2013 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne wasmy favourite Champagne of the afternoon.
Its fine bubbles, citrusy yet fresh character made it a fitting companion to the lounge’s refined atmosphere and meals.
Home Block Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023
For white wine, the 2023 Home Block Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc was equally memorable.
Bright and expressive, it offered vibrant tropical fruit and citrus notes with a crisp finish that made it exceptionally easy to enjoy before boarding. (Remember you do not want to be denied boarding for being too drunk!)
Dining at The Private Room
One of the luxuries of arriving four hours before departure is having enough time to enjoy a proper meal before boarding.
Wanting something relatively light, I ordered the Singapore Laksa—a decision turned out to be disappointing. The broth felt milder than expected, and it didn’t deliver the bold, aromatic flavours that make Singapore laksa such an iconic local dish.
Having previously enjoyed the laksa at the Qantas First Lounge in Singapore, I couldn’t help but make the comparison. Personally, I found Qantas’ version more flavourful and satisfying, particularly in the depth of its broth.
The dim sum, along with the chicken and beef satay, more than redeemed the meal. The satay was tender, well-seasoned and paired beautifully with both the 2013 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne and the 2023 Home Block Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc.
One lesson I learnt from this visit was not to arrive completely hungry. After several glasses of Champagne and wine, followed by the laksa, I felt fuller much sooner than expected. Next time, I’d pace myself, sample a few smaller dishes and leave room to enjoy more of the lounge’s menu.
Exploring the First & Business Class Lounges
With a few hours before boarding, I decided to take a quick walk through the rest of the SilverKris Lounge to see how the First Class Lounge and Business Class Lounge compared with The Private Room.
Both lounges were much busier, with buffet spreads and a more self-service concept. While the food selection appeared generous and the spaces were well designed, they naturally catered to a much larger volume of passengers. Compared to the calm, personalised service of The Private Room, the experience felt more like a premium buffet restaurant than an intimate dining room.
One pleasant surprise was seeing CHAGEE collaborating with Singapore Airlines at the Business Class Lounge. Unfortunately, the special drinks were only available later that evening, and by then I would already have been airborne.
I couldn’t resist sampling a few more bites before boarding. A selection of sushi, matcha cakes from the First Class Lounge and the ever-comforting fries made for the perfect light snack as I relaxed during the final 90 minutes before departure.
Refreshing Before the Flight
Before heading to the gate, I made use of one of The Private Room’s shower suites. The lounge team recommended Shower No. 3, mentioning that it was the largest of the available rooms.
The shower rooms were thoughtfully designed, with spacious interiors and small touches that made it feel intimate. A quick shower was enough to leave me feeling refreshed and ready for the journey ahead.
The Private Room also offers private nap rooms for guests looking to rest before their flight. I didn’t have enough time to make use of one, but the lounge staff explained that they can simply be arranged through the reception desk—another thoughtful feature for travellers with longer layovers.
How Early Should You Arrive ?
Before my visit, I’d read suggestions from frequent flyers recommending layovers of 8 to 12 hours to fully experience The Private Room, particularly because the à la carte menu changes throughout the day.
Interestingly, one of the lounge attendants shared a similar recommendation. He suggested arriving in the morning so I could experience both the breakfast and lunch menus, while leaving enough time to enjoy the lounge’s other facilities without feeling rushed.
Looking back, I understood what he meant.
Although I arrived four hours before my flight, time disappeared quickly. Between enjoying the wine, exploring the First Class and Business Class lounges, visiting the shower suite and simply taking in the peaceful atmosphere, I found myself constantly checking the time before boarding.
That said, I’m not entirely convinced I’d want to spend 10 or 12 hours here as a solo traveller. While the lounge offers exceptional food, drinks and service, there comes a point where the novelty naturally wears off without company or work to keep you occupied.
For me, the sweet spot would be six to eight hours.
That gives you enough time to enjoy multiple meal services, sample the wines and champagne at a leisurely pace, take a shower, perhaps fit in a nap, and still return to The Private Room without ever feeling hurried.
The Private Room isn’t just somewhere to wait for your flight—it’s an experience in its own right. And like any great dining experience, it’s best enjoyed slowly rather than rushed.