Lounge Review: EVA Air The Star (Star Alliance Gold) Lounge - Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

While First and Business Class passengers traveling on a Star Alliance carrier typically have access to The Infinity Lounge at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), it was closed when I visited back in March 2020. I checked out The Infinity Lounge last year but unfortunately it was way too crowded for me to take any photos (I typically try to avoid taking photos when there are too many people) so I really wanted to make use of the opportunity this year to cover it. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 outbreak and reduced air traffic, EVA Air decided to operate only The Star lounge (typically used for Star Alliance Gold members traveling in Economy or Premium Economy). Even though my flight back from Taipei to Singapore was in Business Class, I only had the option of using The Star which I briefly checked out before heading over to the nicer Plaza Premium Lounge located just a short stroll away.

Click HERE to read about my Singapore Airlines Business Class experience from Taipei to Singapore!

Seating Area
EVA Air The Star (Star Alliance Gold) Lounge - Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Firstly, I have to apologise for the quality of the photos in this review as it was taken using my iPhone as I was not planning on reviewing this lounge initially. However, the global restriction on air travel has made me miss traveling so much that I have started writing about my previous aviation experiences (and soon, hotel reviews). The Star is located in Terminal 2 of Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and it is directly across from The Infinity (which is a comparatively nicer and more premium lounge). All Star Alliance Gold (including BR Infinity MileageLands Gold card) members will be able to access the Star Lounge when departing on a flight operated by a Star Alliance carrier. 

Dining Area
EVA Air The Star (Star Alliance Gold) Lounge - Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

The decor in The Star lounge is extremely dated and the furniture reminds me of cheap massage parlours or sleazy KTV outlets. Don't get me wrong though - when I visited, the lounge was actually really clean and everything was probably maintained pretty well but the interiors were uninspiring and I felt as though I was trapped in time. With that said, there is one particular area of the lounge that I liked - the one that overlooked the airport.

View from The Lounge
EVA Air The Star (Star Alliance Gold) Lounge - Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

For some reason, this entire area feels newer and a lot more modern that what you see in the main lounge area. There are various seat configurations which will cater to different groups of travellers - the table facing out also have power outlets for you to charge your devices while waiting for your next flight.

Self-Serve Buffet Area
EVA Air The Star (Star Alliance Gold) Lounge - Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

The dining area of The Star is where it gets really weird for me - check out that galaxy-inspired ceiling above! The food options were limited and definitely carbohydrate-driven so I would not bother with them here. Now, The Infinity Lounge across the room also features a rather future-inspired design (like something that came out of Tron) but the interiors in The Star feels archaic and old-fashioned. 

Wine and Spirits
EVA Air The Star (Star Alliance Gold) Lounge - Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Now the good news is despite being a Star Alliance Gold lounge, The Star actually has a decent bar with a small selection of wines and spirits. Trust me, you will probably want to have a couple of glasses if you are planning to stay in this lounge. It goes without saying that your regular caffeine options like coffee and tea are also available but honestly, if you have The Platinum Card or any other credit cards that give you complimentary airport lounge access, check out the Plaza Premium Lounge instead - much nicer decor, cook-to-order food with a really spacious and comfortable seating area.

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For whatever reason, if you are planning to stay in The Star lounge, the food is not exactly inspiring so do manage your expectations a little before heading in. If you are feeling hungry, there is a foodcourt located just a minute away and you will find what I think is Taipei's best beef noodles there.

Seating Area
EVA Air The Star (Star Alliance Gold) Lounge - Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

The Star lounge at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is not terrible but if you are a savvy-traveller, you have other options to choose from. If you are traveling in First or Business Class, head on over to The Infinity lounge instead for a nicer (albeit a little wacky) interior and dining experience. Otherwise, if you hold a premium credit card like The American Express Platinum Card, there is a good chance that you have a Priority Pass membership (or equivalent) that will get you into the Plaza Premium Lounge located just a short stroll away for free. The Star lounge is adequate for a short layover and it does have the right facilities for a good airport lounge (e.g. complimentary WiFi, shower rooms and a small baggage storage area just to name a few) but it is highly uninspiring and I would not bother to spend much time in it if I had a choice.