Review Centurion Lounge Phoenix, looked like a kindergarten under occupation
In recent days we wrote that the world's largest Centurion Lounge, nearly 2,500 square meters, will open in Atlanta. What [...]
PHX
In recent days we wrote that in Atlanta to open world's largest Centurion Lounge, almost 2500 square meters. What are these halls owned by American Express we have already explained it. Unfortunately, in Europe at the moment. there is only one in London, all others are concentrated in the US and South America.
Access
In this article:
Access is granted to personal Platinum cardholders and business and also to additional cards. Of course Is also free for Amex Centurion holders, the famous black card.
We Italians are lucky because. each owner can also let in one guest for free, Americans have to earn this benefit every year. If you spend more than $80k with the card you get it, otherwise every companion, including children, pays for it.
Location
The lounge is located in the gate area B. The airport in the Texas capital is an immense square, and the various boarding areas are connected by piers with treadmills.
One can then move from one side to the other without much trouble. The lounge is located in front of gate B22
There is a first reception on the ground floor and a second on the second floor, the one that houses two lounges. Centrurion and Escape, both owned by Amex.
Just as I arrived at the second reception desk, the receptionist greeted me with a smile (her eyes were smiling, because she was obviously wearing a mask) and told me if I would like a gift:a ceramic beverage cup, the classic American ones with the cap.
On the internet the same model sells for about 25€, not bad.
The lounge is not large and the facility It is not the classic open space and that makes it even smaller: many small rooms, corridors, and other small rooms.
The main part is the part that houses the bar counter and the buffet. It is the first time entering a Centurion Lounge. so crowded and mostly dirty and messy.
Of course, in the U.S., domestic travel has virtually never stopped and since the borders were reopened in November this is my third visit, but the first where I see the airports busy again and the planes full.
In some American forums I read. Criticism of the fact that children are considered adults by Amex and so they count when it comes to guests. As a father I felt it was excessive, but after seeing the amount of children and chaos they were making I don't feel like saying Amex was wrong.
However, I would also expect more education from passengers, some people should really be kicked out for their behavior in some situations.
PS As you enter to the left there are a series of tables and a couple of chairs reserved for Centurion holders, they come in even when the room is sold out, and they should be missed given what the card costs.
Food & Beverage
They probably have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels as personnel, it was clear that the situation was not optimal.
The hall was cluttered, when I arrived they were removing what was left of the breakfast, and when I left, about 60 minutes later, the lunch buffet had not yet been set up.
The only service working, as always and at full capacity, is the bar. Amazing how Americans drink at any time of day. I've been on Caribbean cruises and seen passengers by the pool at 10 a.m. drinking Tequila and Wiskey cocktails like they were Starbucks frappucinos. The same thing happens in the lounges, Amex knows this and focuses so much on the bar. The list of available spirits is literally endless, the two bartenders unmold glass after glass, and on the bar rises the tip tower.
That's because this is America, and the fact that it's free for the user doesn't mean that the staff is paid 100%, that's why Americans know this, and they tip all the time.
In conclusion
The worst Centurion Lounge I have ever visited, I would say in all aspects. The style is the classic one we have come to appreciate in London as in New York, but everything else is a 4 on the report card. As some passengers rightly pointed out, with what it costs for an entrance fee to have nothing to eat is unacceptable.
This is just one of many reviews you can read on our site. Every Wednesday we publish a review of a lounge airport, while every Friday you can read the review of one of our flights or a hotel where we stayed.
Pro
- None, apart from the gift
Against
- Dirty
- Messy
- Chaotic
- Nothing to eat