There isn’t a lounge that I could use with Priority Pass at Lyon airport, but they did have a restaurant credit at Alpage where I could spend €23.
Sometimes the allocated budget is a little tight, but it wasn’t unreasonable here and the menu showed that I had a few different options.
It was a little busier when I entered, but it was never packed and there was a relaxed atmosphere. The seating was comfortable and the fans above reduced the temperature slightly, as it was too hot.
The bar area and I was served nearly immediately. I mentioned Priority Pass and the team member asked which bank my card was provided by and he was relieved when I said I had it directly with Priority Pass. He mentioned the number of Amex customers who tried to use it and it’s not valid for them. I spent about 5 cents less than the allocation on my food and drink so that was all rather convenient.
The chicken Caesar salad was perfectly reasonable and was a large portion and was at the appropriate chilled temperature. The beer was the La Blonde from Brasserie du Mont Blanc which was light and refreshing.
Just to prove the Amex point, a family of four came in and a customer tried to use his card, but was refused by the same team member who had served me. The same team member explained that it was not valid, leaving the English speaking customer looking distinctly unimpressed and rather confused. Several negative online reviews appear to have resulted from the same issue, although the terms of the offer do seem reasonably clear for anyone feeling adventurous enough to read them.
I like these restaurant credits as it gives a bit of variety to proceedings and it’s just as easy to get work done. There weren’t any power points available in the restaurant, but there are plenty in the airport terminal so this didn’t prove to be an obstacle. Anyway, I’d quite happily pop here again if I was back at the airport and it was a pleasant enough place to spend an hour or so.