Review: American Express Centurion Lounge  – Houston (IAH), Terminal D

Hard to find but still crowded, with a nice bar

The summary

Without a doubt, this is the most challenging lounge to find in the US. It is located in terminal D of Houston Intercontinental and is literally tucked behind a duty free store. It amazed me that there was, nevertheless, a wait to get in.  Guests have to find the elevator, descend one floor, and walk along a long hallway (with some cool art) to reach the reception desk. Before I could go to reception, there was a small desk (not pictured) where a representative took my name and mobile number and told me there was a 10 minute wait. I waited only 5 minutes.

The reception desk itself is behind two blue doors. To the right is a green wall, which the receptionist proudly told me was adorned with live plantings that were irrigated through the wall – which I admit was neat.

To the right past reception is the main lounge seating area, mainly in two rooms. They were both richly furnished as per most Centurion lounges but were very crowded. A world cup game (Canada v Morocco) finished earlier and there were a lot of fans in the lounge. Adjacent to these two rooms were a room reserved for Centurion Card (fka Black card) holders and another for families (I think)

Past the seating area was the bar and buffet. This area had plenty of tables for eating: both high-top bar tables for two and tables along the rear of the room backed by a long sofa. The bar itself was the nicest thing about the lounge. The bartenders were friendly, and there is an extensive menu – and drinks are complementary.

Adjacent to the bar was the buffet. While I liked the salad fixings, especially a watermelon salad, the selection and presentation paled in comparison to the other Centurion lounges I have visited (ATL, DEN, LGA). I will let the pictures speak for themselves. There was only one hot protein on offer at this visit. There were some sweets here too. To the right was a nice soft drink and infused water station.

Behind the buffet were the washrooms and the shower suite, which was occupied at the time.

To be truthful, this lounge was so odd. I know lounge space is a challenge – but this lounge is mainly hidden in a basement. This obviously prevents views of the tarmac. But the Sapphire Lounge at LGA is also in a basement – and it’s an incredible space. And the Centurion Lounge at LGA only has views of the check in hall – but that lounge is still has a great open feel. Something about this space seemed claustrophobic. It may have been the crowds – which itself surprised me considering how challenging this lounge was to find. On the plus side, the internet worked fast, I easily found an outlet, and the staff were on the ball – friendly, professional, and always working.

The wrap:

…the details: Date: July 4, 2026. Rating: Worth the visit.  Access: American Express Platinum Card

….what I like: The bar, staff, the green wall, some artwork

—what I don’t like: The entry, the crowds, the limited buffet, the location.