Lounge Review: Escape Lounge – Bradley Int’t Airport – Hartford, CT (BDL)

..cute little lounge with good food

When: October 26, 2024

Rating: 6/10 – Worth the visit

Access: American Express Platinum Card

The only lounge in Hartford’s Bradley International Airport is highlighted by an excellent buffet and a staff that works hard and performs several functions.

The lounge is located by the entrance to the pier where gates 1- 12 are located (Delta, Jetblue, Southwest). However, this is a small airport – so it’s easily walkable from whatever airline you are departing from. The entrance is marked by a little sign – and it’s easy to miss.  The reception desk is placed immediately after the doors open.  To the left of the reception desk is a surprisingly extensive buffet. For breakfast there were scrambled eggs, sausages, potatoes, hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit, hot and cold cereal, and pastries. Just behind and next to the buffet was the small bar. The bar is not completely complimentary – seltzer water was free but it was $2 for sparkling water.

Behind and to the right of reception was the seating area, which had a rather large variety of seating, with tables perfect for eating, high top tables, more private seats and other typical lounge style seating. One wall of the lounge is all windows that offer tarmac views – but this is not JFK, so do not expect a huge variety of carriers. A reviewer once described this lounge as being like a suburban Starbucks. While I agree that size-wise, the comparison is apt. It’s a bit unfair given all the seating options and the food on offer.  I find the décor to be perfectly suitable: casual and modern.

The nice staff in this lounge performs numerous functions: refilling the buffet, checking travelers into the lounge, cleaning up dirty plates. The bartender was very friendly.

There are two individual washrooms. There has been a wait at busy times. During this most recent visit, the lounge was nearly empty. At busy times, I went into the concourse and used the larger washrooms.

I rate this lounge 6/10. Best features: The food and staff. Flaws: The washroom situation during busy times.