When: October 18, 2024
Rating: 8/10 – Excellent
Access: United Club Member
Opened in 2022, the new United Club at Newark near gate C123 marked a significant upgrade and enormous change for the United Club system. This was the first new lounge that eschewed the uniformly used mid-2010 aesthetic of clean lines, beiges, faux white marble in favor of a design that is tailored to the specific location. Serving United’s large hub at Newark, this huge lounge sports a urban-loft vibe (lots of exposed brick) with nods to New Jersey and New York, expansive runway views, a barista bar, expanded food offerings, a large bar, and (as of now) the only showers in the domestic United Club system (excluding Polaris lounges).
Near gate C123, take the escalator up to the reception area. There is scanned entry or agents to assist. You immediately enter the lounge in what is dubbed the library area, with attractive book cases and infused water stations and some fruit. To the left, there is a small station with snack food and soft drinks. You are immediately struck by the large variety of seats: single person booths, typical lounge seating, high-top tables, conventional dining tables, sofas and more. Take a right, you follow the main path and pass the large washrooms on the right.
Continuing on the path you will notice entry to the hallway to the left where there are the six shower suites. These showers are well appointed (although not as luxurious as those in the Polaris lounge) and a significant upgrade for domestic United Clubs. The showers feature Sunday Riley products. Considering the large number of connecting passengers at Newark on United, the showers are a much -needed amenity.
To the right you will notice a customer service desk, to help with connections and then you arrive at the main dining area. You will immediately notice the expanded L-shaped buffet. One section has a huge variety of sandwiches, which the staff will heat up for you on demand. The other side of the L has a salad and charcuterie bar and several hot food options. Today’s featured items were grilled citrus chicken, rice and cooked veggies. There is also a free-style soda machine in the dining area. There are lots of table seating near the buffet. Just past the buffet near the back of the lounge is more seating, including individual booths which are great for working or eating. The staff in the lounge was always cleaning and refilling the buffet. But they have their work cut out for them – this lounge is crowded. Love the subway tiles that adorn the wall that backdrops the buffet. It gives a great sense of place.
On the other side of a divider/wall from the buffet is the very large bar, which is also L-shaped. The bar is very attractive and like all domestic United Clubs, there is a charge for premium drinks. On the far end of the bar, is the barista station, which is rarity for United Clubs. People were lined up for lattes. The barista staff were very engaging.
Opposite the bar and to the right was additional seating, with loungers and sofas offering great views of Manhattan in the background as well as the tarmac. My favorite seats are the lounge chairs with ottomans – but they are everyone’s favorite. This is also the quietest part of the lounge. There are comfortable sofas in this section too.
Keep walking and you arrive back where you started: The library!
I rate this lounge 8/10. Best features: Showers, the buffet, updated décor and views. Flaws: This lounge gets very crowded. This a large hub for United with a lot of connecting passengers.
