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Most of the time when I am connecting in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), I find myself in a Delta Sky Club®. I had some time this week, so I made the trek from the T Gates to the E Gates to check out the new Centurion® Lounge by American Express. This is the largest lounge that American Express operates at over 26,000 square feet and it’s gorgeous. American Express was the first credit card issuer to open a US lounge back in 2013. The concept was novel at the time, but both Capital One (review here) and Chase (review here) have opened their own lounges since.
Access
Access to the Centurion® Lounge is given to customers carrying The Platinum Card®, The Business Platinum Card®, The Centurion® Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card, or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card. Cardholders are entitled to bring two guests (or immediate family with a Centurion® Card) as long as they spend over $75,000 a year on their card. If that threshold is not hit then only the cardholder can enter for free with a fee of $50 per guest ($30 for children ages 2-17) per visit.
Anthony’s Take: The Centurion® Lounges have been some of my favorites since they opened. American Express continues to offer a great experience with restaurant-quality food and cocktails, comfortable spaces to work and relax, and other amenities that vary by location. While some aspects have slipped across the network, Amex outdid itself with this gorgeous lounge. I love the two outdoor terraces filled with greenery and the olive tree that is the centerpiece of the space. While this location does not have a spa, it offers showers and lots of room to stretch out.
Bar
You’ll find the main bar just past the buffet. There is a second bar called The Reserve. Unlike most airline lounges, all alcohol here is complimentary. This includes premium spirits and wines. American Express even has cocktail menus that vary by location.
The Reserve is a whiskey lounge, but has a full bar.
There are three drink stations spread out around the lounge. One of several coffee machines is pictured above.
Brewed coffee and tea.
Iced tea and citrus-flavored water are in the center room.
More cold drinks and brewed coffee are to the side.
Coffee machines are nearby.
Another coffee and tea bar is in a side room.
Food
There are two buffets in this lounge. One has hot dishes and the other is salads, soup, and dessert. There are multiple hot dishes, salads, veggies, meats and cheeses, soup, and a few desserts.
Tuscan Chicken with Collared Green Alfredo
Broccoli Pesto with Linguine
Squash and Polenta Casserole
Roasted Asparagus
Buttermilk Cornbread
Tomato Basil Soup
Crudité
Salad ingredients
More salad ingredients
Caesar Salad and Tomato & Mozzarella
Meat and cheese
Chocolate Chip Cookies
White Chocolate Cranberry Tarts
In addition to the buffets, there were several other food stations around the lounge. These each held kumquats, dragon fruit, cannoli, fruit salad, juice, and more. One was by the olive tree.
Another was near the bar.
The third was tucked in another room.
Seating & Decor
As noted above, this space is huge. There are all sorts of seating configurations for working, socializing, and lounging. While I visited most seats were empty. I like that this lounge is split into several smaller rooms and also offers two outdoor patios. The olive tree steals the show and I found myself looking at it frequently.
It’s a pretty big tree.
One terrace overlooks the tarmac and runway.
The other is tucked away in the back and filled with plants.
This is a great spot to get some sun before a flight.
There are some phone booths and a conference table in one room.
There are lots of tables near the bar and buffet. The lounge has several smaller rooms with additional seating. I did not photograph those as they were pretty full of people.
These chairs and this picture seem to grace every American Express lounge.
Amenities
The Centurion® Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) features two shower suites, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and all of the food and beverages listed above. I love the amount of outdoor space that this lounge offers as well as all of the greenery.
Overall Impression:
I think this is my new favorite Centurion® Lounge. It’s big, well designed and has amazing outdoor space. This is the largest that American Express operates and is a great addition. I’m hoping it doesn’t get too crowded since there are so many Sky Clubs® here.
Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: I love the lounges where The Platinum Card® from American Express grants me access. It has had a prominent place in my wallet for many years now. While it does have an annual fee of $695, it provides many travel benefits and will always be my go-to for lounge access (both Delta Sky Clubs® and Centurion® Lounges) and booking airfare from the airlines to earn 5x points (up to $500,000 per calendar year). Learn more. Rates & Fees. Terms apply.
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5 comments
Wow, nice lounge and not nearly as crowded as Charlotte.
Visited it over the weekend. Your pictures do not represent reality. Tables littered with dirty dishes. Slim pickings for food. Bar littered with dirty drink ware. One of the dirtiest Centurion lounges. What a disappointment
THat’s sad to hear. I felt that way in Denver and Phoenix. I’m sure at peak times it can be crowded.
Pretty sad Pay-per-Review
It’s terribly located and you clearly just took pictures for your post. Did you try the shower after a red eye and still make your connection? Did you wait in line for the card scan? Cmon bloggers, go back to college.
Who exactly is paying for this review? I shared my experience. There was no line when I visited mid-day and I did not use the shower. I did take the pictures as I do for my reviews. I’m not sure your point there.