…The best United Club in Chicago
The United Club in the C concourse of Chicago O’Hare is head and shoulders better than the four other United Clubs at the airport. The lounge sports a modern look, urban vibe, a substantial buffet, and an attractive bar. It does get crowded, however.
This lounge reflects the new iteration of United Clubs that feature a more modern, local flare and that eschewed the mid-2010s aesthetic of clean lines, faux marble, and lots of white.
The lounge is in Terminal 1, the C concourse near gate C16. Like all the newer clubs (think Denver, Newark), travelers just scan their boarding pass for entry. There is a manned reception desk for those who require assistance. Facing the reception desk is an attractive mural.
Upon entry, to the left is a series of individual booths – great for working. The washrooms are to the left, just passed the booths. On the right is more traditional lounge seating: blue egg chairs, sofas, small tables, ottomans. Further along on the right is a manned customer service desk to aid travelers with their flights.
To the left is the extensive buffet: one of the best I have seen in a United Club. Items on offer include Thai chicken, polish sausages, pasta, grilled garlic asparagus, sandwiches, salad fixings, tomato soup, and more.
After that, there is a coffee station, hot tea, fruit infused water, and a free-style soda machine (yay for diet crème soda!).
The far corner of the lounge is the very attractive bar. The bar is complementary for well drinks but a charge for premium drinks – like all United Clubs. To the right of the bar is another, smaller, coffee and soft drink station.
The rest of the lounge is a series of rooms separated by translucent dividers. The rooms feature communal tables, traditional tables for two, sofas, comfortable loungers and more. The lounge sports wonderful views of the tarmac as well.
It’s a shame that a lounge this nice does not have showers. Given all the connecting flights out of O’Hare – many to far flung destinations – showers would be nice. Alas, as of this writing, aside from Polaris lounges, Newark C123, and the Heathrow United Club, United does not provide showers. The other flaw is the crowding. Seasoned travelers know this is the nicest (if not the biggest) United Club at O’Hare.
With all the crowds, the staff has its work cut out for them, but they seem up to the challenge. Several lounge employees – managers included – were cleaning off tables as patrons departed. As per usual, United does an excellent job with outlets – they are everywhere. The internet is fast and is painless to connect.
…The details. Date – May 7, 2025. Rating: Very fine. Access: United club membership
..What I like: The buffet, the fresh décor, the nice bar
..What I don’t like: The crowds.
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