KLM Crown Lounge

The KLM Crown Lounge at Houston airport in Terminal D is located steps away from the Air France lounge – a rare instance in which the two airlines still operate separate lounges at the same airport. In addition to serving KLM and SkyTeam customers, the Crown Lounge serves as a pay-in lounge for passengers flying on any airline and in any class of service. Members of lounge access networks such as Priority Pass and Lounge Club members are also welcome.

KLM Crown Lounge IAH design

KLM Crown Lounge – Houston Intercontinental (IAH)

The space is fresh, modern, and spotless. The design, inspired by the KLM lounges in Amsterdam, features hardwood floors, warm tones, and clean lines. Curtains and individual lamps create a warm environment, while the indoor plants and four bright red high backed chairs on a round red carpet contrast with the ensemble to create a dynamic vibe.

The lounge is comprised of two rooms linked by a hallway. Overall, the space is on the small side, with seating for approximately 80 customers, though it doesn’t feel cramped. Both rooms feature open seating areas with power outlets and side tables at every seat. In the first room is also a small dining area (where power outlets are somewhat lacking.) A few more seats are available in the hallway – the setup is somewhat odd, but incidentally those seats might be the most private overall.

The smart design does a good job at hiding a major flaw: the lack of natural light. While the lounge does have windows, those merely look down on the neon-lit concourse – a rather sad sight.

KLM Crown Lounge – Houston Intercontinental (IAH)

KLM Crown Lounge IAH amenities

In the main room is a stylish island with a selection of food and drinks. The food selection varies throughout the day – it is sligthly more elaborate prior to the departure of the daily KLM flight – though it remains pretty basic overall. Expect snacks such as hummus and pita bread, potato chips, cheese and fruit throughout the day, and cold cuts, veggies and pasta salad prior to flight time.

The drink selection is a highlight, however: soft drinks, beer, wine, and liquor are all self-serve. An elaborate espresso machine is also available.

In the back room is a small business center with work cubicle and a couple of shared computers. Other amenities include a wide selection of international newspapers and magazines. Unfortunately, there are no showers.

KLM Crown Lounge – Houston Intercontinental (IAH)

KLM Crown Lounge IAH bottom line

Overall, the KLM Crown Lounge at Houston Intercontinental airport is a small but pleasant and stylish lounge with comfortable seating and an enjoyable selection of alcoholic beverages. With only one KLM flight a day, it is typically pretty quiet.

By world standards, the Crown Lounge is a pretty low key and rather unremarkable facility for an international business class lounge. However, in the Houston market dominated by United, it stands out as one of the airport’s better appointed lounges and a welcome alternative to the United Clubs a brief train ride away.

The pluses

• The simple yet stylish and bold design.
• The beverage selection.
• The calm environment.

The minuses

• The lack of daylight and views.
• The lack of showers.