Review: Escape Lounge – Hartford Bradley (BDL)

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