Review: Escape Lounge – Hartford Bradley (BDL)

by Adam Stuart | April 20, 2025 | 3 Comments

The only lounge in Hartford’s Bradley International Airport is a stylish space highlighted by an excellent buffet and a staff that works hard and performs several functions.

The summary

This small space remains the only lounge at Bradley Airport. Escape Lounges have partnered with American Express and are sort of a light version of Centurion Lounges. They are often in smaller airports, like Bradley and Providence (although there in some larger hubs too).

The lounge proved to be a rather relaxing oasis from what is a very busy Bradley terminal before 6 AM. The lounge is located by the entrance to the pier where gates 1- 12 are located (Delta, Jetblue, Southwest). However, this is a small airport – so it’s easily walkable from whatever airline you are departing from. The entrance is marked by a little sign – and it’s easy to miss. The reception desk is placed immediately after the doors open.

A reviewer once described this lounge as being like a suburban Starbucks. While I agree that size-wise, the comparison is apt. It’s a bit unfair given all the seating options and the food on offer. I find the décor to be perfectly suitable: casual and modern.

To the left of the reception desk is a surprisingly extensive buffet. For breakfast there were scrambled eggs, sausages, potatoes, hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit, hot and cold cereal, and pastries. Across from the buffet was the coffee station, with an espresso machine and urn for drip coffee. There were also a few juices available.

To the left of the buffet was the small bar, which was seemingly well stocked. The bar is not completely complimentary – there is a small charge for more premium liquor. Since it was early, no one was sitting at the bar.

Behind and to the right of reception was the seating area, which had a rather large variety of seating, with tables perfect for eating, high top tables, more private seats and other typical lounge style seating. One wall of the lounge is all windows that offer tarmac views – but this is not JFK, so do not expect a huge variety of carriers. There are very attractive chairs with tables overlooking the tarmac.

My favorite seats are the semi private circular booths…but I did not see any outlet at those booths. So, I parked myself at the hightop table underneath a large mural. Generally, outlets are rather easy to find. The internet works fast and does not require a password. There are two individual washrooms. There has been a wait at busy times. During this most recent visit, the lounge was nearly empty. At busy times, I went into the concourse and used the larger washrooms.

The nice staff in this lounge performs numerous functions: refilling the buffet, checking travelers into the lounge, cleaning up dirty plates, working the bar. I have noticed this at other Escape Lounges I have visited (MSP, PHX).

The wrap

The details. Date – April 20, 2025. Rating 6.10 – Worth the visit. Access: American Express Platinum card.

…What I like: The surprisingly extensive breakfast buffet, the hardworking staff

…What I don’t like: The bathroom situation – only 2 single use bathrooms

Also on BoardingArea
One Mile at a Time
Buy Finnair Plus Avios For 40% Off (1.47 Cents Per Point)
Strategically buying points for premium travel can be a great value. Finnair Plus has just launched its newest promotion on purchased Avios, offering up to a 40% discount. This is the fourth offer we’ve seen from the program this year, and it’s among the best deals we’ve seen from the...
One Mile at a Time
Save On Hyatt Regency Hotel Stays With Amex Offers (Targeted)
The Amex Offers program frequently has promotions for hotel stays, which can save you money or earn you bonus points for stays youd make anyway.
One Mile at a Time
Delta Plans Atlanta To Riyadh Flights, Chasing Saudi Arabia Subsidies
In July 2024, Delta and Riyadh Air announced plans to launch a partnership, which would include the Atlanta-based airline adding flights to Saudi Arabia. Well, that’s now official, as Delta has formally announced plans to fly to Saudi Arabia.
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Accor Hotels: Earn 4x ALL Rewards points for stays at 41 new and renovated hotels worldwide
The latest set of Accor’s 4x ALL Rewards points offers for stays at their new and renovated hotels became available today. There are 41 locations to choose from in Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. The 4x points offer: Earn 4x ALL Rewards Points for stays at participating new and...
Frequent Miler
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria: Bottom Line Review
Half of my wife’s family is from Maui, and she grew up going to Wailea Beach with her mom and brother. Unlike many beaches in Hawai’i, Wailea gradually drops off into the water, making it a terrific place for younger kids, which is why her Mom took them there. The...
The Alviator
All Of The Chinese Airlines Currently Flying To London [2025]
Mainland Chinese airlines can often represent a great deal for Asia-London travel – here are all of the ones that fly to London. The post All Of The Chinese Airlines Currently Flying To London [2025] appeared first on The Alviator.
Points With a Crew
The Most Ridiculous Landmarks in All 50 States
How many of the most ridiculous landmarks in all 50 US States have you been to? Personally, I can only count 2 - can you top that?
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Are More Slow Drivers in the Fast Lane on Highways Recently?
When I first wrote and published the article Should Drivers Moving Vehicles Slowly in the Left Lane on a Highway Be Ticketed? here at The Gate With Brian Cohen back on Monday, May 18, 2015, I did not believe that the issue would actually become be worse — but are...
Economy Class & Beyond
Airplane Art – Air France Airbus A200-300 decelerating at London Heathrow
It’s Sunday again, so it must be time for some more Airplane Art. This week, we have an Air France Airbus A200-300 decelerating as it arrives at London Heathrow Airport, completing the short hop from France to England. Air France operates a fleet of 47 Airbus A220-300 in its single-aisle...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Porter Airlines VIPorter Reward Flight sale: Save 25% on flights booked by November 6
Porter Airlines has launched a sale that provides a 25% discount on VIPorter reward flights. The discount appears to be applicable to standard & flexible PorterClassic fares across the entire Porter network and for flights with their partners Air Transat and Alaska Airlines. If you don’t have enough points for...
Your Mileage May Vary
The Funniest Airline Complaints Ever Written
Complainers gonna complain. And if they can find a place to complain to (here’s how to get an actual person when you contact travel companies), complain they will. Sometimes their…
Economondo
Remembering when a Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Flew to Mallorca: Palma to Frankfurt
Flying onboard a Lufthansa Jumbo Jet on a short haul flight from Palma de Mallorca to Frankfurt
View from the Wing
Britain Found A New Way To Stay Stagnant—Kill Airport Growth With Climate Laws That Don’t Change The Climate
Britain’s economy has flatlined — now lawmakers want to ground airport expansion, pretending it’s about saving the planet. Heathrow’s “illegal” runway won’t change global emissions, but it might keep the U.K. stuck on the tarmac. Continue reading Britain Found A New Way To Stay Stagnant—Kill Airport Growth With Climate Laws That...
One Mile at a Time
Which Planes & Routes Feature Lufthansa Allegris? Here’s A Rundown…
In 2024, we saw Lufthansa’s new Allegris passenger experience take to the skies, several years behind schedule. With these cabins flying, it’s understandable that people actually want to experience this product, and see what it’s like.
Points With a Crew
Should you buy Choice points with a 40% discount? (Offer Ends Monday)
Choice Hotels is offering a discount on buying points. Buying points can be a great way to boost your balance, but only if it makes sense for your patterns of earning and redemption. Does this new promotion fit that criteria?
Your Mileage May Vary
Long Island City – A Great Alternative to Expensive Manhattan Hotels
Hotel prices in Manhattan have continued to climb — and they’ve now surpassed the already sky-high rates we were seeing in late 2023 and early 2024. During our most recent…
Live and Let’s Fly
Second Guest Dies at Disney World’s Contemporary Hotel
A guest death at Disney’s Contemporary Resort casts a shadow over the magic of Walt Disney World. The Scene Behind the Headlines Last week at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort at the edge of its Magic Kingdom park the atmosphere turned somber when a yet another guest was found dead....
2PAXfly
SCOOT: Disgusting passenger — feet on my armrest
I just had my first experience of SCOOT on a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Singapore. Besides all the falderal with option selection that you have to go through to complete or manage your booking, it was largely a pleasant and efficient experience. The exception was the behaviour of a...
One Mile at a Time
American’s Premium 787-9Ps With New Cabins: Which Routes Do They Fly?
Over the summer, we saw American Airlines introduce its long awaited new Boeing 787-9Ps, featuring all-new cabins. This is an exciting development for the airline, as it represents a significantly upgraded passenger experience over what you’ll otherwise find on the carrier’s long haul flights.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Why You Should Head to the Galley During an International Long-Haul Flight
The time is 1:30 in the morning. Your flight of 12 hours is only halfway complete; and the last meal service concluded four hours ago. You are seated in the economy class cabin as you try to go to sleep, and topping off your stomach would go a long way...
View from the Wing
New Fintech Turns Your Credit Card Into A Dopamine Slot Machine — Win 100% Cash Back Or Lose It All
A new fintech startup wants to make every credit-card swipe feel like a Vegas pull. It promises dopamine hits and the chance to win 100% cash back — but the catch is simple: you could also lose it all. Continue reading New Fintech Turns Your Credit Card Into A Dopamine Slot...
{Tech} for Travel
New 44mm Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro Joins Original 48mm Version
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro now comes in a smaller 44mm version, offering a titanium case, AMOLED display, offline maps, HYROX training modes and long battery life. The post New 44mm Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro Joins Original 48mm Version appeared first on {Tech} for Travel.
Your Mileage May Vary
How to Beat the TSA 3-1-1 Rule (Without Breaking It)
Ever since the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been enforcing what is known as “3-1-1 for carry-ons,” wherein travelers are allowed to carry liquids through…
Miles To Memories
Terrific Travel Terror – My Favorite Horror Movies Along the Way
Travel's often about embracing the new, but why not enjoy a bit of familiar, too? I enjoy these comfort horror movies along the way. The post Terrific Travel Terror – My Favorite Horror Movies Along the Way appeared first on Miles to Memories.

3 thoughts on “Review: Escape Lounge – Hartford Bradley (BDL)

  1. I’ve been to this lounge on several occasions and agree with this review fully. It’s a nice space. But since the AA lounge was closed years ago, it’s usually crowded. I wish a second lounge of whatever iteration would open at this airport.

  2. Bradley is a small international airport so it’s nice to know it has a worthy lounge. The bathrooms do need renovation. Great review-will check out next time we’re there.

  3. Thank you for this useful review. I occasionally fly through Hartford, but usually try to schedule my flights with shorter layovers. I will look for my first opportunity to visit this lounge the next time that I have a few hours in Hartford.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers