Lounge Review: American Express Centurion Lounge at Seattle Airport
Introduction
Welcome to one of my favorite US lounges. This newly renovated lounge opened in February 2023 after a series of attempts at addressing overcrowding and the lack of space for its many customers. After visiting a couple times, this is probably within the top 3 lounges and my favorite in the Centurion Lounge network, as if features unique offerings that other lounges simply don’t have.
Location
The Amex Centurion Lounge is actually located in a sweet spot in Seattle’s main terminal. The lounge is located on the mezzanine level above the food court, so once you clear security, you can easily head over to the lounge. When you’re facing the food court, head towards the back left (you can actually see the sign and the lounge once you exit security) and either take the stairs or elevator up to the lounge. The reception desk is located at the top and the check-in attendants were incredibly kind.
The Amex Lounge currently is open daily from 5:00am to 10:00pm and even during peak hours, it didn’t feel as crowded as before. Those with the Amex Platinum Card, Amex Centurion Card and the Amex Business Platinum Card will have access to the lounge. Due to changes in the guest policy, Platinum members cannot bring guests into the lounge unless they meet the new $75,000 annual spending requirement, as you will need to pay $50 per adult guest and $30 per child. Children under 2 can enter free.
Lounge Layout
As this is the third iteration, the lounge has grown to 14,000 square feet compared to the initial pop-up lounge back then with 4.500 square feet. There are various seatings everywhere, and even a spot for those with the coveted Amex Centurion Card. There is the bar once you enter to the right, and is incredibly beautiful and well-designed. The area has great seating, a dozen of communal and private tables.
Head back and there are a few more dining tables and several couches for families to sit down and relax. The dining area is right in the middle of the lounge and features of the prettiest design that I’ve been seen in an domestic US lounge. The space has a ton of dining tables spread across a longe walkway. Heading all the way back is the final room of the lounge, which features several sofas and lounge chairs for those that want a place to rest and unwind.
I quite like the design of the lounge, and really love the decor of this place. It’s definitely a step up from US domestic lounges and has a brevity of space for people to move around, which is a blessing when the lounge gets packed. Ultimately, the lounge feels incredibly premium and elevated compared to all its competitors in the Sea-Tac airport, and is easily one of the nicest lounges in the country - all while adding new concepts and seatings to their already busy lounge.
Food & Drinks
I was there in the morning and breakfast was being served. While the menu can change depending on vendor source and seasons, I’ve attached the sample menu from their website:
The buffet in this particular lounge is one of the best. This is indeed one of my favorite breakfast selections as the food isn’t just some cookie cutter menu, but one that’s actually curated and well-developed. Amex definitely is elevating airport lounge food through their partnership with Chef Kristi Brown, owner and chef of Communion Restaurant and Bar in Seattle.
Breakfast options are plentiful - there are a plethora of fruit, yogurts, granola, oatmeal, bagels and light pastries. On top of that, you have a hearty selection of hot foods such as egg scrambles, french toast, paprika roasted potatoes, local sausages and more. As much as I wanted to eat another plate, I had to hold myself back, haha. In addition, you can also get healthy choices towards the coffee shop, which I’ll get to later on.
You also have self-serve drink stations that include coffee, espresso machine, several teas, water and orange juice. Overall, this was fantastic and a place I’ll find myself coming back to every time I fly out of Seattle.
There’s also the lounge bar, which i didn’t have a chance to try. However, the cocktails are quite nice and featured a series of pretty good drinks that I’ll aim to touch on next time.
The Coffee Bar | Wellness Cafe
Perhaps my favorite part of this lounge is the wellness cafe, which is a first I believe for the Amex Centurion Lounge. There are two coffee baristas that make some of the best honey lavender lattes. There is a selection of coffee drinks that one can ask for, and they’re relatively quick at making it. They also feature several well-designed small plate bites, which featured burrata, power bowls and more. In the afternoons, they switch it to sandwiches, kale ships and other healthy alternatives. It’s a great vibe and the Blue Roast coffee bar is an immediate selling point fro me.
I absolutely love the inclusion of this concept and hope Amex will continue to expand this to their other lounges, as this would be major perk for those visiting Amex Centurion lounges.
Conclusion
The Seattle Amex Centurion lounge is the newest location in the Amex Lounge portfolio, and the lounge was fantastically well designed and incorporated several cool concepts like a coffee and wellness bar, fantastic food and great service. It’s a lounge that is absolutely worth visiting and a massive improvement over their old Centurion lounge, which was small by all standards.
Without a doubt, it feels more luxurious, has better views and openings, more seatings and a great bar selection of cocktails and drinks. It’s one of the best airport lounges in the US, and a great perk for those with the Amex Platinum Card.