…Still one of the best
Capital One’s first lounge remains a standard setter, highlighted by its inventive pre-plated buffet, standout bar, superb amenities and a tireless staff.
The lounge is in Terminal D, near gate D22, sharing an elevator entry with American’s Flagship Lounge. There is an attractive lobby area before the entering the elevator – but the seating in this area has been removed. After presenting your credentials and boarding pass (entry not more than 3 hours before flight time), you are welcomed into the lounge. I am glad to report: the quality of this lounge, which set a new standard for domestic lounges when it opened a few years ago has, not diminished. I saw no signs of “wear and tear” .
Just to the right of the reception is a large co-working table, with plenty of outlets. Literally just behind the reception are coffee urns and a soft drink fountain.
The next thing guests see is one of the lounge’s highlights: the food station. Instead of one long buffet, the food is arranged in a rectangular donut-shaped display unit. This display would not look out of place in a department store. The side of the donut immediately facing reception (and right behind the co-working table), is branded as “refuel” and contains grab and go items – perfect for those who sadly do not have time to linger in the lounge. Items include a variety of sandwiches and small salads.
On the two adjacent sides of the station are the hot and cold pre-plated items (set up for lunch/dinner). Items on offer include small servings of chicken marsala, apricot salad, mozzarella caprese salad, Italian wedding soup, mac & cheese, edamame succotash, roasted pepper baba ghanoush, small bagels and lox, and something called a fruit bagel. I cannot reiterate enough how much more I prefer buffets like this, as opposed to everyone sharing utensils and placing the food on your plate.
The far side of the food station contains is a large fountain soft drink station (sodas, iced teas, still water, etc,). On the right, across from the main food station is a dessert bar, filled with a variety of items to satisfy any sweet tooth. Items included lemon poppy cakes, gluten free brownies, cinnamon strudel cake (yay!), lots of cookies, beignets, and croissants.
On either side of the food station is a variety of seating options, mostly tables with both chairs and sofas. The light- colored furniture has a very modern and playful design – less corporate looking than American Express Centurion Lounges and maybe not as luxurious as some of the Chase Sapphire Lounges I have seen. The seating area on the right has excellent views of the tarmac, flooding the room with natural light. The right seating area has a long hi-top table, with plenty of outlets. Both seating areas are adorned with interesting artwork.
Across from soft drink station is the very attractive bar. There is a huge selection of cocktails on offer in addition to wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages. One interesting note is that some of the cocktails are poured via a fountain behind the bar. The bar includes drinks tailored to the local market (the Capital One Lounges in DC and Denver also have “local” specialty cocktails). Thanks to my neighbor who allowed me to take a picture of the butter pecan old fashioned. The bar staff can make any drink – even ones not on the menu. Seating around the bar includes tables (some backed by sofas) as well as seats at the bar. Artwork also adorns the walls in the seating area.
On the far left side of the lounge, behind the seating area, is a small hallway with doors to all the individual washrooms. A small hallway to the left leads you to the shower suite (you might want to request a shower upon entry if the lounge is busy) and some of the unique features of the lounge: a Peloton bike and a sleep pod, both in separate rooms. I have not seen this in any other lounge. The sleep pod is not a typical reclining lounger – but an actual pod, with a space-age vibe, that vibrates to give yourself a massage. In addition, I cannot recall being in another lounge with exercise equipment; well it’s good there is a shower for a quick post work out rinse! I did not avail myself of the exercise room or the pod. The pod picture was from a previous visit. I did take a shower, but since the water was lukewarm at best, I did not take the allotted 30 minutes. The shower suite is very well appointed.
Internet access is free (you can get the password upon entry) and worked well. Outlets are everywhere. Like the other Capital Lounges, the staff is among the best I have seen in any lounge. Everyone seems to take pride in working here. This is a lounge worth spending time in – but note that access is generally limited to 3 hours before flight time. At times, there may be a wait to enter – due to crowding. The Capital One app can tell you if there is a wait for the lounge, and you can add yourself to the waiting list (which is what I did).
…The details. Date – May 29, 2025. Rating: Exceptional. Access: Capital One Venture X card.
…What I like: The staff, the buffet, the bar, interesting amenities.
…What I don’t like: Crowds at peak times.
