Great food and service remain the highlights of this stylish lounge
The summary
I was happy to revisit this Chase lounge, which like its counterpart at JFK, is a collaboration with Etihad Airways and Chase. These two lounges are smaller than the “regular” Chase lounges (LGA, BOS, PHL, SAN) but retain many of the design elements and other features that make these lounges so well regarded. Washington Dulles with all of its foreign carriers remains one of the best airports for lounge hopping – and also has 2 credit card branded lounges (Chase & Capital One)
The elegant entry is in Concourse A at IAD. In reality, Concourse A and Concourse B is really just one long terminal concourse divided in two sections. These concourses house most all foreign carriers and US carriers other than United and Air Canada (though United regional flights use a small pier off of Concourse A).
After presenting your credentials at the reception desk at entry, guests enter the lounge on its lower level. There are three seating areas: the area around the bar on the right; the area around the buffet to the left, and the upstairs seating area, which is the most luxurious. Floor to ceiling windows offer great views of the tarmac (lots of interesting airlines at IAD) and flood the lounge with natural light. The décor is modern and stylish. The upstairs seating area has a secondary beverage and coffee station, with an espresso machine.
Adjacent to the main buffet seating area are the three individual washrooms, the shower, and an attractive vanity with some products.
On my last visit, I recall not being to impressed with the buffet. That opinion changed. All items are pre-plated and they are varied: bowls with fruit and nuts, an egg and yogurt dish, French toast, and potatoes. To the left of the buffet is a large coffee and soft drink station. The espresso machine was out of service – but there was cold brew on tap. This section had a nice selection of pastries. There were plenty of dining tables, designed for two, right by the buffet.
I saved my appetite for a made to order option, which I selected from the digital menu that is accessible via QR code from any seat in the lounge. I ordered the Sapphire Sunrise Melt sandwich: turkey bacon, eggs, cheddar, sundried tomato chutney, avocado, arugula, on a roll. The menu allows for customization, and I deselected the cheddar. The sandwich was delicious! The menu also allows guests to select made to order cocktails – I declined that. Guests can, of course, order drinks directly from the bar. My sandwich was brought to my table within 10 minutes by a very pleasant server. The staff was attentive and proactive throughout. Also – note that the menu allows guests to reserve other amenities, like the shower.
Internet was quick and there were plenty of outlets. Some of the tables, especially in the bar area are good for working – but this remains a lounge better suited to dining and relaxing than working
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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