Lounge Review: Capital One Lounge – Washington Dulles (IAD)

…Art deco stunner – with a couple of flaws

When: April 24, 2024

Rating: 8/10 – Awesome

Access: Free access with Capital One Venture X Card, Fee otherwise. Access limited to 3 hours before departure

Like its sister lounges in Dallas and Denver, this lounge has so much going for it in terms of food, drinks and décor. However, a couple of notable features knock this lounge down a little (only a little). The lounge is located right after TSA entry. Dulles is not an easy airport to navigate – as a connecting passenger it was hard to find the lounge – I almost exited into baggage claim. Even for originating passengers, the lounge is not easy to find, unless you have TSA precheck. Also, a lounge with so many amenities should have showers, and it does not. Enough of the negative! This lounge is a brilliantly designed art deco space with great tarmac views. The food is superlative, the staff is outstanding, and I have never seen more inventive drinks at the bar. The lounge also has a barista bar near the entrance – the best coffee at Dulles!

Upon entry, the prepackaged to go items (perfect for those who do not have time to linger) and the barista bar (with pastries and poptarts!) are to the left. Most people veer to right and come upon the main seating area, with a variety of table and lounge like seating. As is typical, the buffet is tremendous with heated pre-plated items of an incredible variety. I like that the portions are not that big – so I never left the lounge feeling stuffed! I ate at the bar – since I was not drinking, the bartender served me coffee and when he realized he did not have skim milk (which I prefer), he went to the other side of the lounge to the barista station to get some. How is that for service.

I have never seen such inventive drinks. A fellow sitting next to me ordered something called a Bees Knees – not sure what was in it – but LOVED the glass it came in. Past the bar and buffet is additional seating and the individual washrooms.

The staff in this lounge is amazing, always cleaning and asking if I need anything else. Electrical outlets are everywhere.

I rate this lounge 8/10. Best features: The food, drinks, coffee bar staff, staff. Flaws: The location and lack of showers.