First Look: The New American Express Centurion Lounge at JFK

Sliced steak at the Centurion Lounge

The kitchen offers a selection of presentations throughout the day, from breakfast to lunch, to cocktail hour, to dinner, featuring a menu by Chef Ignacio Mattos.  During my visit, I enjoyed a very satisfying chicken broth, a delicious sliced steak, and a wonderfully rich piece of chocolate cake. 

In addition to the bars on each level, the lower level features a hidden speakeasy, 1850 (the year in which American Express was founded), which has a completely separate bar menu that includes a delightful espresso martini made with Absolut Vodka, Kahlùa Especial, and of course espresso.  The atmosphere is exactly what one would expect from a speakeasy: Indeed, it felt deliciously illicit to be there.

Before leaving, I visited the Equinox Body Lab and underwent a 25-minute sound therapy session using technology by Satori.  It was extremely relaxing and rejuvenating and I can’t wait until my next session.

A seating area in the new Centurion Lounge with seats blocked for social distancing

BOTTOM LINE

The Centurion Lounge concept has come a long way since the first three opened in New York (at LaGuarida Airport), Las Vegas, and Dallas/Fort Worth over six years ago. The concept remains sound but the amenities have raised the bar for all airport and airline lounges to come.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)

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