Lounge Review: Airport American Express Centurion Lounge - Hong Kong International
HKIA American Express Centurion Lounge
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has absolutely no shortage of lounges for travelers to choose from, with many major airlines operating their own branded spaces, along with a host of independent lounges passengers can pay to access.
Amex’s Centurion lounge is not aligned with any airline, instead it allows guests holding the premium American Express platinum card access with up to two guests and boarding passes for same day travel to access this space, regardless of airline, or travel class for that matter.
The Centurion Lounges are the flagship locations for Amex, and two dozen exist worldwide with more planned for the future, but cardholders can access some 1400+ additional affiliated lounges worldwide, similar to the Priority Pass program.
Lounge Availability and General Access Information
The entrance way into the lounge after ascending the stairs or elevator.
With some of the worlds best travel lounges at HKIA, you may be wondering if its worthwhile even checking this offering out. Hopefully, this review will help you make that decision!.
For those looking to visit the Centurion lounge ahead of their next flight from, or transiting through HKIA, the following information details some general info:
The lounge is located in terminal 1 around gate 60 and can be accessed via elevator next to some shops on the main concourse. It’s not hard to find by any means, but you could easily walk by without noticing.
This lounge operates between 7am and midnight, Monday through Sunday.
Guests may enter 3 hours before their flight departs, however guests can enter earlier if making a connecting flight.
Certain Delta Reserve American Express cards may pay a fee for additional guest access, and must be flying Delta Airlines specifically to access.
Overall Lounge Atmosphere and Layout
Opening in 2017, the Centurion lounge is modern in its overall look and feel with an open air ceiling helping to create a feel of spaciousness, in what is not the biggest lounge footprint you’ll have ever been in.
In terms of layout, once you gain access through the front desk, you’ll walk past a conference room that is available to hire, and into the main dining area/bar. The lounge features:
Shower suite available to book
Members services desk to assist with any enquiries
High speed wi-fi with printing facilities
Full tended bar with buffet food options
Some TV’s (sound off) and flight monitors in the main lounge area
In through the open dining and bar area is the buffet, and restrooms are located to the right of the bar itself.
The space features cooler tones of white and mid-grey floor tiles and light grey bar styling, and darker features around the food buffet. The wall coverings are mostly off-white with some timber features to provide some warmth.
The lounge features a open view of the tarmac from most areas, which again helps to contribute to the feel of open spaciousness, and you can also people watch below you, as the lounge overlooks a number of dining areas along the main concourse.
Expansive view of the tarmac on a cloudy HK afternoon.
Food and Drink Offering at the Centurion Lounge
A sample menu illustrates what level of dining is on offer at the Centurion lounge, as you can see the fare is quite varied, with something to hopefully suit most palates.
Sample menu of food options available at the lounge.
The food is presented buffet style, but is very well done, certainly not a rushed free-for-all, and the food is constantly refreshed with excellent hygiene standards.
The variety of food on offer can be seen below, with the honeycomb being a lovely touch:
As mentioned, the lounge features an impressive tended bar with many drinks available. its certainly a welcome sight to see champagne available, with the lounge serving Mumm Cordon Rouge NV. The beverage menu is very extensive as you can see:
A lovely selection of cocktails are made to order, and if you prefer to go with a classic, that’s no problem either!.
Lavazza barsita made coffee is also available from the bar, and as you can see, Movenpick ice cream for the sweet tooth.
SUMMARY
Overall, I was highly impressed with the HKIA Centurion lounge. It really has everything you could need in a space to spend a few hours waiting for your flight, and the quality of food and drink I found to be of a high standard.
While the lounge is not as large, or overly impressive as say, the Cathay Pacific Pier lounge, you probably wouldn’t expect it to be, given it’s Cathay’s home hub.
For eligible card holders, I think its a wonderful way to start your trip. The space was not overly crowded, was reasonably quiet and certainly comfortable. Definitely worth checking out on your next journey to or through Hong Kong!.
Thanks very much for reading and I hope this review assists you through HKIA.
