Renovated lounge sports a refreshed décor, extensive buffet, expanded bar and an excellent staff
The summary
Travelers at Hartford Bradley had no lounge at the airport while the Escape Lounge was closed for months as it underwent a complete renovation. The wait worth it. The lounge is at located at the entry to the A concourse, which mainly serves Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest. But it’s an easy walk to and from the B concourse, which serves United, American and Breeze. The entry is clearly marked. Upon presenting your credentials at the reception desk to the friendly and professional attendant, returning visitors are immediately struck by the enhancements.
The extensive breakfast buffet is to the left. Items on offer included assorted berries/fruits, two types of hard-boiled eggs (I never saw seasoned hard-boiled eggs before), cheeses and sliced meats, regular scrambled eggs, scrambled eggs with cheese and sausage, sausage patties, garlic roasted potatoes, naan bread, oatmeal, and the highlight – sinfully delicious looking salted-caramel cinnamon rolls that were just brought out from the oven.
Across from this main buffet were a variety of muffins and pastries, an espresso machine, juices, and brewed coffee.
At the opposite side of the lounge (to the right past reception) is the expanded bar. The new bar is bright and seemingly well stocked with beer (some on tap), wines, liquors, and an extensive cocktail menu, which included seasonal offerings.
Between the bar and the buffet is the expanded seating area. There are small tables closer to the buffet, which are great for eating. There is a high-top table along the large windows from which you have limited tarmac views (a JetBlue A320) and a view of access roads leading to the terminal. Behind the high-top table (where I sat) was large variety of lounge seating, including several attractive semi-private seats, more typical lounge seating, and some tables around a sofa, which is better for groups of travelers. Not only is the lounge larger, but it seems much brighter than before.
Internet is not password protected and is very fast. The staff is this lounge is wonderful. Someone was always walking through and offering to remove dirty plates. It seems the staff proactively performs several roles. For instance, the cheerful receptionist also replenished the buffet.
There are two individual use washrooms. If there is a problem, it’s crowding. By 630 AM the lounge was near capacity, and there was a waitlist. In addition, they enforce a 3-hour before departure time limit when crowded. This is the only lounge at New England’s second busiest airport.
The wrap
…the details: Date: March 17, 2026. Rating: Enjoyable. Access: American Express Platinum
….what I like: The staff, the buffet, and the bar
…what I don’t like: Crowding and the small washrooms
Avid traveler/lounge aficionado, who looks to maximize the fun while traveling. The journey can be as fun as the destination!
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One thought on “Review: Escape Lounge – Hartford Bradley Int’l (BDL)”
Was in this lounge a few weeks ago in the afternoon. It was insanely packed. There was about a 15 minute wait to get in. I didn’t like how an attendant choses the seat for you instead of you deciding where you want to sit.
And did you notice there were no knives? Plastic of otherwise. “Escape Lounge policy” said one of the food preparers.
Matthew is an avid traveler, flying more than 200,000 miles per year. Live and Let's Fly shares the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs and promotions, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.
Travel Update is a collective blog of expert frequent flyers who write about the topics, experiences, advice and adventures of travel from around the US, Europe and the world. #flymore
Was in this lounge a few weeks ago in the afternoon. It was insanely packed. There was about a 15 minute wait to get in. I didn’t like how an attendant choses the seat for you instead of you deciding where you want to sit.
And did you notice there were no knives? Plastic of otherwise. “Escape Lounge policy” said one of the food preparers.