Review: American Express Centurion Lounge at Denver (DEN)

Denver’s Centurion Lounge, one of the largest in the network, has a wonderful buffet, 2 bars, comfortable seating, showers, and views of the tarmac. Kudos to the live cooking station – which was not open when I arrived. It’s the only option out of Concourse C, but since all concourses are easily connected, it’s accessible to all travelers. And it’s crowded!

The summary

With a stellar Capital One Lounge, and some of the nicest United Clubs in the system, not to mention the Delta Sky Club and American Admiral’s Club, travelers have many options at Denver. This very nicely appointed American Express Centurion lounge, tucked into the C concourse remains an excellent choice for Platinum card holders. This lounge is especially convenient for travelers on Southwest Airlines, as Southwest’s very large Denver operations are based out of the C concourse.

The Centurion Lounge is located at gate C46. Passengers need to ascend an escalator to enter the lounge as it is located on the mezzanine level above the departure gates. I have been to this lounge several times and crowding, like all Centurion lounges, can be an issue. On this visit, there was no line to access. Other times, I did have to wait to enter. When this happens, passengers are let in – as people are exiting the lounge. These lounges are, suffice to say, a victim of their own success. This is why access is limited to those departing within 3 hours.

Let me add that when American Express entered the lounge business, the Centurion lounges set the bar on what a lounge, especially in the U.S., can be: from elevated food, drinks, design and amenities. Everyone else started playing catch-up.

The reception desk feature a great tree-mural back drop, which provides  a welcome dash of color. Once you present your credentials, you can enter the lounge and go either right or left. The lounge is mainly one larger rectangle that in the middle has views of the gate concourse below. Most passengers, myself included, entered to the left toward the buffet. One is immediately struck by the design of the lounge, which does not depart from the casually luxurious aesthetic familiar to most travelers. A variety of comfortable seating abounds. I also enjoy the Denver/Colorado themed pictures that adorn the lounge.

To the right is the large buffet. I can’t say enough how delicious and varied the food is! In all markets, Centurion lounges partner with local chefs so as to offer differentiated food offerings based on the market. There were soups, salad fixings, chicken legs, rice dishes, szechuan beef skewers, deserts and more. There were plenty of cookies and cupcakes as well. The highlight of this visit was when a food service manager brought fresh sorbet and green tea matcha out to diners! That said, I prefer the pre-plated buffets like Capital One and Chase Sapphire Lounges offer – they are cleaner and remove the need for shared serving utensils. Let me reiterate, however, that that food in the Denver Centurion Lounge was delicious.

Unlike other Centurion lounges is the live cooking station here at Denver. Sadly, I arrived at the lounge before it opened! I have not seen a live cooking station like this in the US. As I was leaving, it had opened and was offering some delicious looking dumplings! It reminded me of the Swiss Senator and Alpine Lounge in Zurich. Maybe live cooking is a feature of ski locations??? Short of table ordering, a live cooking station is my favorite way to have food in a lounge.

There is also an extensive beverage and coffee station here to keep folks hydrated. There are plenty of tables and other comfortable seats near the buffet. And this section of the lounge sports the best views of the tarmac where you can look out at all the planes and the United’s B concourse.

Past the main food station is the attractive and large main bar with all sorts of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on offer. Thanks for fellow passenger to let me take a picture of her cocktail!

Past the bar to the left is what I would call the main seating area with a communal tables, comfortable lounges, semi-private work cubicles, and more. Outlets abound – you will not have a problem staying charged. This section is where the familiar design motif really kicks in with the pictures and shelving units on the walls to break up this section of the lounge. There is also a second large drink and coffee station in this area. This area is also where you will find the washrooms and showers. I suggest reserving a shower upon entry given the crowds. The showers are very nicely appointed and feature products by L’Occitane.

Continuing along this section, you will come across the second bar. This bar sports (pun intended) a more casual sports bar motif (think beers). In front of this bar are two game tables. This entire area is unique to the Denver outpost. This area features some several snack items with thoughtfully placed plastic bags for those who want to take things to go. This area also has an attractive enclosed family room. To the left of this area – is the reception desk, where you can exit the lounge.

The staff worked diligently to keep up with the crowds! Always cleaning, refilling. Kudos again the manager who brought desserts to the tables!

The wrap

…The details. Date – April 20, 2025. Rating 8/10 – Excellent. Access: American Express Platinum card.

…What I like: The hearty lunch buffet and the hard at work staff.

…What I don’t like: The crowds