American Express The Centurion Lounge
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American Express The Centurion Lounge – Houston, TX (IAH)
The American Express Centurion Lounge at Houston Bush intercontinental airport, an exclusive retreat for American Express Platinum and Centurion card holders, is the latest addition to the burgeoning airport lounge network operated by the financial institution in the US.
By operating their own lounges, American Express offers an exclusive product for premium cardholders and bolsters its brand and image. The Centurion Lounges are luxurious havens which overshadow airline clubs–especially at Houston intercontinental airport where the dominant carrier, United, sets a low standard in terms of amenities and services at its five United Clubs. The few lounges operated by foreign airlines are also relatively modest.
The Centurion Lounge is located in Concourse D below the departures level, on the former customs and immigration level. Take the elevator inside the duty free store near gate D14–while the location isn’t obvious, numerous signs facilitate way finding.
The location in Concourse D isn’t ideal for the vast majority of passengers who flies United. (United operates from concourses A, B, C, and E.) However, the Centurion Lounge is close to the Concourse E security checkpoint which has a TSA pre-Check line, unlike Concourse D, so consider entering through Concourse E if you are eligible. All concourses are connected airside through the Subway (basement level) and SKYWAY (upper level), so all travelers may use the lounge–just be sure to allocate at least 10-15 minutes to reach your gate.
American Express The Centurion Lounge IAH design
The American Express Centurion Lounge at Houston Bush intercontinental impresses at first sight. A large blue double door contrasts with a gleaming white wall bearing an inset Centurion logo. The lobby boasts a striking living wall, with a delicate custom scent exclusive to American Express. Stress drifts away as the traveler enters an oasis of service and amenities.
American Express The Centurion Lounge – Houston, TX (IAH)
At 8,596 sq. ft., the Centurion Lounge Houston is one of the larger American Express lounges in the US. The décor is a hallmark of understated elegance and sophistication with hardwood floors, wooden ceiling beams, and elegant finishes. The ensemble is modern but timeless, thanks to the use of natural materials, Earth colors, soft tones, and sophisticated lighting.
The space is roughly divided into two major areas: next to the lobby is a seating area arranged like a living room, while in the rear is a dining area with a bar and a buffet. The former is dimmer and more serene, while the latter is brighter and more dynamic, with light background music. The separation helps confine noise in the dining area.
The layout is spacious yet efficient, and grants patrons a healthy amount of privacy. The main seating area features posh leather seats which come with pillows and oversized side tables or coffee tables. In the center are four cube chairs with small tables, which offer the ultimate in privacy. Behind a lightweight divider is a gorgeous natural wood communal table, which is a convenient place to work but also fosters impromptu social interactions. Our favorite spot is the TV area across the reception desk: the slightly secluded room boasts an exquisite design with hardwoods throughout, a sofa, and comfortable leather armchairs.
American Express The Centurion Lounge – Houston, TX (IAH)
The choice of seating options caters to every need, and the design manages to achieve a good balance between a vibrant and social environment and more private spaces to retire to. Power outlets are available at every seat.
Due to its location in the bowels of the terminal building, the Centurion Lounge at Houston Bush airport lacks windows. The only connection to the outside world is a few small openings at ceiling level. Behind is an immigration hallway, and American Express has rightfully chosen to block the view in order to maintain the tranquility of the lounge. While the absence of daylight is unfortunate, the combination of tall ceilings and a spacious layout compensates adequately.
The more vibrant dining area features an elegant bar with American Express memorabilia in the background, numerous dining tables, and an additional communal table. A bench with power outlets runs along the wall. A highlight amongst the photos and art pieces is the sculpture by local Houston artist Patrick Renner.
American Express The Centurion Lounge IAH amenities
The American Express Centurion Lounge at Houston Bush intercontinental features the signature Centurion Lounge amenities: complimentary full meals, an open bar, a shower suite, business amenities, a family room, and day beds.
American Express The Centurion Lounge – Houston, TX (IAH)
American Express has partnered with local chef Justin Yu of Oxheart to create a custom menu for the Centurion Lounge. The buffet spread includes a salad bar, crudités, soups, and a selection of hot entrees. We appreciate the variety and the focus on healthy fare: the selection includes tasty vegan and vegetarian dishes.
A full bar is available, and the friendly bar tenders are masters of their craft. Choose from the creative cocktail menu curated by mixologist Jim Meehan, or order any drink from the open bar. Several wines are also available, along with Prosecco (Champagne for Centurion card holders.) Note that the bar closes early at 8:30 PM.
Separate from the main seating area is a secluded zone with three day beds which come with small side tables and power outlets. There is no proper separation between beds, but the room feels private. Domestic travelers arriving from red-eye flights may find the amenity especially appealing.
American Express The Centurion Lounge – Houston, TX (IAH)
The Centurion Lounge features a single spacious shower suite which comes with a toilet, designer sink, fresh orchids, wall-mounted L’Occitane bath product dispensers, plush towels, and plenty of space to change. American Express also offers toiletry kits upon request. The bathrooms are equally elegant and well appointed, though there’s only a single urinal in the men’s room.
Business travelers will find an Internet-connected Mac computer as well as a printer. Fast Wi-Fi is of course available throughout the lounge. There is also a private phone room, though it is typically locked–inquire at the reception desk if you need it.
For families, American Express offers a spacious colorful room with an assortment of toys.
American Express The Centurion Lounge IAH bottom line
The American Express Centurion Lounge is by far the best lounge at Houston Bush intercontinental airport. The combination of an elegant design, comfortable seating area, complimentary hot meals, open bar, and well-appointed shower room and family room is unparalleled.
American Express The Centurion Lounge – Houston, TX (IAH)
The location in Concourse D is a mixed bag–it is convenient for passengers of foreign airlines and United customers departing on international flights from Concourse E, but relatively impractical for domestic United passengers departing from concourses A, B, and C. On the bright side, the location slightly out of the way helps mitigate crowding. Centurion Lounges are excessively popular; the Houston location is busy but typically not crowded. As a precaution, American Express reserves a few seats for Centurion card holders.
Houston travelers can look forward to an expanded Centurion Lounge in the future–American Express has already entered an agreement with Bush airport for a 10,000 sq. ft. space, though the construction timeline is unknown.
- The gorgeous décor.
- The vast selection of food, beverages and premium cocktails.
- The shower suite.
- The privacy offered by the cube chairs and daybeds.
- The lack of windows daylight.
- The early 9pm closing time.
American Express The Centurion Lounge at Houston, TX - George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) welcomes:
- American Express Centurion® Card holders (+2 guests or immediate family)
- American Express Platinum Card® holders within 3 hours of departure of their first flight, and at any connection points (no access at final destination.) (See notes below for guest policy.)
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card holders departing on a flight operated by Delta, within 3 hours of departure of their first flight, and at any connection points (no access at final destination.) No guests allowed.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card holders departing on a flight operated by Delta, within 3 hours of departure and at connection points (no access at final destination.) No guests allowed.
Notes:
- Access requires confirmed travel plans. Standby boarding passes are not eligible.
- American Express Platinum Card® holders may not bring guests on a complimentary basis but can may purchase access for guests for $50 per adult and $30 per child (ages 2-17, proof of age required.)
- American Express Platinum Card® holders who spend $75,000 or more on eligible purchases during a calendar year receive complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit for the current calendar year, the next year, and through January of the following year.
Cards accepted
American Express Platinum/Centurion card
4.0 / 5, based on 143 reviews
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Overall ratings
Not the best lounge, but it’s one of the few non-United lounges at IAH. Was very busy mid-afternoon, and I had about a 30-minute wait on the waitlist to get in. There was also some confusion since they started the waitlist between when I got my eligibility code and when I got to the lounge, and I missed the “cancel eligibility code” option in the Amex app to get out and join the waitlist.
Layout-wise, wouldn’t exactly call it spacious. I ended up sitting in the dining room area which had big-time cafeteria/breakroom vibes. The main lounge area looked much more comfortable, but (understandably) was packed and I couldn’t find a seat.
Food options were minimal (lots of salad-type options plus some cookies and cake and some braised beef) but tasty. Bar wasn’t bad, and my old fashioned was fine if not life-changing.
The real selling point for this lounge IMO is the staff. The front desk person who I had originally checked in with as they were opening the waitlist was super friendly and even remembered me when I returned and apologized for me having to wait. Everyone inside the lounge was also friendly even with the busyness when I was there.
Overcrowded and low rent. This lounge just seems to get worse and worse every time I use it.
Not as crowded as it was before they implemented the guest and 3 hour restrictions, but still crowded at 3pm on a weekday, with a slight wait. Food not quite as good as it was years ago, but bar is still good, with some local beers.
Not a lot of choices at Houston airport. This lounge used to be an oasis in an otherwise busy airport However with the end of the pandemic the lounge is more crowed than ever. It has now extremely busy and often hard to find a seat.
None the less the staff is extremely courteous and will help you find a seat if there is one available. Some people behind me had to wait in line before they could be seated due to the crowds.
Still the service is great and the staff extremely friendly. Just don’t expect a calm quite place with only a handful of people. None the less the best domestic flight lounge out of IAH
Excellent lounge. Well designed. Comfortable. Really good selection of hot dishes. Staffed bar and good selection of drinks. Only snag is that it can get a bit crowded and busy.
Some of the tastiest hot dishes I have had in an airport lounge.
All the amenities;washrooms,tv,papers,work stations ,comfortable chairs etc
The Centurion Lounge is the best club at Houston Bush airport. While the lounge lacks windows, it is beautifully decorated, and the amenities — free hot meals, open bars, shower, family room — are second to none.
Finally the long lost eligance of air travel returns! I recently was regretting a lengthy (5 1/2 hour) layover in Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport. What a thoroughly enjoyable experience it turned out to be. I took the opportunity to spend my time at the American Express Centurion Lounge. This what the best airline clubs used to be and alas, none of the major ones still are. Between James Beard Award winning chef designed hot food to a full premium bar that doesn’t charge for the premium bar. Even the staff display the quality of hospitality that is all too rare in this day of airlines innovating ways to charge extra for what used to be standard appropriately upscale service. My hostess’s name was appropriately named “Joy.” It was she that introduced me to the quiet comer of the lounge with three day beds put there just for travelers like me who got up way too early and had way too long to wait for a connection. Except now I may plan my trips around an extra long lay over at the Houston Centurion Lounge.