As far as lounges go, you cannot beat the Centurion Lounge. The fancy food, the cookies, the bar, the shoe buffer in the mens bathroom (my husband was obsessed), this lounge just wins. Now, in full disclosure, I’ve only been to the one in the Las Vegas McCarran airport, but I was sold. I know there is one in LaGuardia, but if I’m ever going to that airport, it’s at the last possible moment before I have to board my flight. Unlike some others out there, I really don’t enjoy hanging out in the airport.
The past two times I’ve been in Las Vegas I made sure to make a visit to the Centurion Lounge as I’ve heard so much about it. Since I had the Amex Platinum for Business credit card at the time (I’ve since cancelled the card due to the outrageous $450 annual fee – related blog post on my retention offer), I was able to get complimentary access to the lounge. You also receive complimentary access if you have the American Express Platinum (personal card) American Express Centurion Card. On one of the visits Mr. Deals was with me and he was able to access the lounge for free as well since the cardholder is allowed to bring their spouse and all children under 18 or two guests.
I am not going to lie, the lounge was AMAZING! Maybe because I am more used to the American Airlines lounge at JFK which is absolutely horrible. Both times I was there during the breakfast hours, so wasn’t able to experience the food selection during the rest of the day. There was a nice selection of both hot and cold food items – a variety of fruits, salads, eggs, potatoes, yogurt, sandwiches, and desserts. Probably even much more which I am leaving out!
The space is well spread out so you do not feel like you are on top of other travels. There are a bunch of work stations and private rooms as well. There are even showers, if needed! There is plenty of outlets to plug into and wifi is free. A nice add on is the kids room which allows your children to run free if need be!
The lounge is open between 5am and midnight and located in the D Concourse. This might require you to take the airport train to another concourse and if you are flying Southwest be prepared for a decently long walk. Now, if you do not have one of the three cards I listed above, you can purchase a day pass for $50 per person. I personally do not think this is worth it unless you happen to get stranded at the airport for the day. You also must have another American Express card to purchase this pass.
This is the only Centurion Lounge I’ve visited so I have nothing to compare it to, but from what I’ve heard they are all pretty similar. Of course, now that I no longer have my Amex Platinum card it will probably be awhile before I step foot in another one.
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How much was your annual spend on your Business Platinum that they tried so hard to convince you to stay?
@jediwho – Not sure off my head, but pretty low. I’d say not more than $3,000.
Wow! I would have guessed at least 15K to 20K considering you had to speak to four people before you could cancel your card. But I also guess that Amex needs to be aggressive given the loss of Costco and significant inroads made by Citi Prestige.