If you’ve recently traveled through Varanasi Airport, you’ll know that the airport is relatively small and, compared to major international hubs, it offers limited options for dining and relaxation. The airport has a single lounge, Take off Bar and Lounge, which serves as the only escape for travelers who are looking to rest, eat, and refresh before their flight. However, the experience there is quite unique, and it may not be exactly what you expect if you’re used to larger airports offering a wide variety of services.
In this review, I’ll share my personal experience at the Take off Bar and Lounge at Varanasi Airport. From the food and drinks to the lounge ambiance and accessibility, let’s dive into the details of what to expect when you visit this limited, yet functional lounge.
Lounge Location: After Departure Security Check
Take off Bar and Lounge is conveniently located after the departure security check at Varanasi Airport. However, there is a catch: it’s the only lounge available. There are no other restaurants or stalls within the terminal, so you’ll want to plan your meals carefully. Whether it’s a long wait or a quick stopover, the lounge is your only option for sitting down and grabbing a bite.
Key Takeaways on Location:
- Accessible after you pass through security.
- Single lounge, with no other restaurant or food stalls in the terminal.
- Plan your meals ahead of time as no other options are available.
Lounge Experience: Limited Space and Ambiance
When I first walked into Take off Bar and Lounge, I immediately noticed the limited space. The lounge, while functional, doesn’t offer a grand or expansive layout. There are a few chairs, a small seating area, and a basic bar setup. The overall ambiance is decent—nothing luxurious, but comfortable enough for a short stay.
Ambiance Details:
- Cozy yet cramped—not ideal for long stays.
- Decent lighting and overall cleanliness.
- Basic, functional decor with minimalistic furnishings.
While the lounge does offer a few amenities to make your waiting time more tolerable, the cramped space can feel overwhelming if you’re traveling during peak hours, especially with the increasing number of passengers flying out of Varanasi. The airport is seeing a significant increase in travel traffic, and the lounge feels the pressure, too. This means finding a good spot to relax can sometimes be a challenge.
Lounge Menu: Limited Options and Taste
Now let’s talk about one of the most important aspects of any airport lounge—the food. Unfortunately, Take off Bar and Lounge does not offer an a la carte menu or a wide variety of food options. The lounge has a fixed, limited menu for its guests. This menu typically features basic snacks, and occasionally, a few larger meal options, but they are very limited. You won’t find gourmet dishes or an extensive range of cuisines here.
However, what they offer does taste good, but the quantity of food served is noticeably small. You won’t leave this lounge feeling full, especially if you’re on a long layover and hoping for something more substantial.
Food Quality and Quantity:
- Taste: The food is surprisingly decent, but it’s not mind-blowing.
- Portion sizes: Very limited, leaving you still hungry after a meal.
- No a la carte: Only a set menu available, making it harder to customize your meal.
If you’re looking for a gourmet experience, you might be disappointed, as this lounge caters to passengers simply looking to get something quick and easy before their flight. That being said, the food provided is tasty enough for the most part, but if you have dietary preferences or restrictions, you might want to take that into account before visiting.
Credit Cards and Payment: Limited Acceptance
One of the more frustrating aspects of my visit to Take off Bar and Lounge was the payment options. While many airport lounges around the world are equipped to handle most types of credit and debit cards, this lounge only accepts a limited selection.
As per my experience, Dreamfolks cards, HDFC DCB, Infinia, and Tata Neu cards are the cards that work here. A user with a Regalia card was even told it wouldn’t work, though it’s unclear whether the limit had been exceeded or if the card simply isn’t accepted. The desk staff, unfortunately, doesn’t have clear information on which cards are accepted or declined, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to settle your bill quickly before your flight.
Credit Card Experience:
- Limited card acceptance: Only certain premium credit cards are accepted.
- Unclear information: Staff members are not well-informed about which cards are accepted.
- Recommended cards: Dreamfolks, HDFC DCB, Infinia, and Tata Neu cards worked fine for me.
For anyone hoping to use their Regalia, Visa, or other commonly used credit cards, you might want to carry an alternative or ensure that your credit card works in advance to avoid delays.
Overall Value for Money: Is It Worth It?
Given the limited food options, small space, and selective card acceptance, I can’t say that Take off Bar and Lounge offers great value for money—especially considering that it’s the only lounge at Varanasi Airport. The lounge may serve its purpose for short stopovers, but it doesn’t quite meet the expectations for longer stays, especially for the price you pay to enter.
Pros of the Lounge:
- One-stop option for relaxation and food in the airport.
- Clean and functional space to wait before your flight.
- Decent food taste, though limited in quantity.
Cons of the Lounge:
- Limited food options and small portions.
- Cramped space that can get uncomfortable, especially during peak times.
- Limited credit card acceptance, with some confusion about which cards are accepted.
Final Thoughts on Take off Bar and Lounge at Varanasi Airport
If you’re just passing through Varanasi Airport for a short layover or waiting for your flight, Take off Bar and Lounge will suffice. It’s the only place to relax, eat, and drink after you’ve passed security, but you should be prepared for a limited experience. The lounge could use some upgrades to better accommodate the growing number of passengers traveling through this airport. More diverse food options, better lounge space, and clearer information regarding payment methods would make this lounge a lot more appealing.
While Take off Bar and Lounge is functional, it’s clear that improvements are needed to truly meet the demands of travelers, especially given the high traffic through Varanasi Airport these days. If you’re looking for a truly satisfying lounge experience, I would suggest managing expectations and preparing for a more basic offering.
Conclusion
Take off Bar and Lounge at Varanasi Airport is a decent space to relax before your flight, but it’s far from perfect. The food is tasty, though not filling, the space is cramped, and the credit card acceptance is limited. For those in need of a quick stopover or a place to eat before boarding, it will do the job, but improvements are certainly needed to make this lounge a competitive option in the future.
