Lounge Review: United Club, Terminal C (C74)– Newark (EWR)

…A lounge reborn with a New York vibe

When: September 17, 2024

Rating: 7.5/10 – Delightful

Access: United Club Member

The United Club at gate C74 is the most recently reimagined lounge in the airline’s Newark hub. As in all newly opened lounges, the mid-2010s uniform aesthetic has been replaced with a lounge that design-wise is a homage to New York City (the other 2 lounges sport an urban New Jersey vibe). Highlights of this lounge include a stunning reception area (that reminds of the ceiling at Grand Central terminal), an art deco bar, and an expanded buffet.

Near gate C74, take the escalator up to the reception area. There is scanned entry or agents to assist. But don’t enter the lounge without looking up…the ceiling that adorns the entry is reminiscent of the constellation motif that is a hallmark of Grand Central Terminal.

This large lounge is mainly shaped like a donut overlooking the food court below – though frosted glass inhibits actual views. The first thing you see upon entry is an infused water and iced tea station and a nice display with some vases and plants. Moving to the right, you will notice a variety of seating: sofas, tables for one, tables for two, communal tables, lounge style seating etc. As per usual, outlets are everywhere.

In the midst of the seating area is a large coffee/snack food station. Keep moving along you will arrive at the very large buffet. The buffet has two sections: one for hot food and the other for cold. The hot food section has your typical hot chicken dish, some other proteins and grilled vegetables. In addition (when I was there), there was a warm grain bowl section where a server actually created the bowl for you. The second section has a combination of cold food items and a cheese/fruit board.

Keep moving around the donut, you will arrive at another lounge highlight: the art deco bar. With the art deco design and lighting, it might be the nicest bar in the United Club system. As per usual, there is charge for premium drinks. Walk past the bar, you will find the washrooms and more seating. If you want to shower, you will have to venture over the C3 concourse and use the United Club at gate C123.

I rate this lounge 7.5/10. Best features: The buffet and bar.  Flaws: This lounge gets very crowded. This a large hub for United with a lot of connecting passengers.