Lounge Review: United Polaris Lounge – EWR

When: March 5, 2025

Rating: 9.5/10 – Exceptional

Access: Polaris class to London

It’s been a year since I have last visited the United Polaris Lounge in Newark, and I am glad to report that my concerns about the lounge slipping in quality are unfounded. This is my most frequented “luxury” lounge and sets a benchmark for what a US lounge can offer – though I have yet to visit a Delta One Lounge. This lounge (like all Polaris Lounges) offers a la carte sit-down dining for all travelers, nap rooms, free bars, and elegant décor. Access is restricted to those departing or arriving on a Polaris flight or flyers departing on a business or first-class ticket on another Star Alliance carrier. The best features of the Newark lounge continue to be the bar, dining room and buffet, showers and variety of seating options. The staff at the Polaris lounge is friendly, proactive, and professional.

My concerns about the lounge were based on wear and tear – this lounge gets a lot of traffic especially in the afternoon/evening. Also – they are about to start on a major renovation to the dining area – taking over a lovely space that used to be an invite only restaurant.

The lounge is in Terminal C, near the entrance to pier C3. Upon entering by presenting your boarding pass (for your eligible flight), passengers are greeted by a familiar design, large seat pods with desks that are ideal for working or eating, seats designed for traveling in pairs or groups, a beautiful bar, coffee barista station, and extensive buffet. This lounge even offers a few private office/phone suites, which are perfect for phone calls and virtual meetings. The lounge sports incredible views of the tarmac. I especially like the individual seat pods – great for working or eating. I am happy to report that the lounge has added newer sofas and seats that seem to be a bit more luxurious than what was previously there. As per all United lounges these days, outlets are plentiful!

I arrived in time for breakfast – when the lounge was blissfully quiet. I typically don’t eat breakfast, but I did walk through the buffet. It contained your typical breakfast fare: scrambled eggs, egg whites, cereals, fruits, yogurt, breads, pastries, some sliced meats, etc. What I was not expecting was the baked donuts with raspberry jam. It took a lot of will power to resist. I also appreciated the infused water stations throughout the lounge.

After working a bit, I took a nap in one of the nap rooms (the beds could be a bit more comfortable). They are not like the bedrooms in the Singapore Private Room – which come with real beds and total privacy, but they suffice. It was very quiet in the nap room area late morning.

I headed over to the restaurant for lunch. I had an excellent salad with lettuce, radish, onions, and butternut squash and then a small chicken dish. Polaris lounges are one of the few lounges anywhere where business class passengers can eat restaurant style. You can order as much as you like – the portions on offer are not very large – so feel free to order as much you like. Early afternoon, the bar was empty – though it was staffed and, like all Polaris lounge bars, it was faux marble and illuminated from below. I had a delicious cucumber and ginger infusion – non-alcoholic.

After lunch, I took a shower. Polaris lounge showers are luxurious (not to the extent of Singapore’s Private Room) but filled with great products and anything else you might need. If the lounge is crowded – as it could be in evenings before flights to Europe depart – I suggest reserving a shower upon entry. Bathrooms in this lounge are all individual rooms (great for privacy and changing attire) and are located in two places: near the bar and closer to the buffet.

I rate this lounge 9.5/10. Best features: The dining room, the baked donuts, shower suites, the pleasant décor. Flaws: Crowds – finding a seat in the evening before the flights to Europe depart can be a challenge. Note: I do not know how the construction, which is supposed to start soon, will impact the lounge. The former Classified restaurant, which was very posh, will be the main dining room, and the existing dining room will be converted into additional seating, which this lounge could definitely use later in the day.