What Is It Like to Visit The Centurion Escape Lounge in Fort Lauderdale
A detailed review of the Escape Lounge, The Centurion Studio Partner, at South Florida's second-busiest airport
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
The rapidly growing and increasingly busy Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) can be a congested and unpleasant home for the regular business traveler seeking to get in and out of its terminals swiftly. With customs and border protection immigration lines that can extend to up to two hours and TSA queues that often beat other regional airports, finding ways to reduce stressing points is usually mission impossible.
However, in the busy Terminal 3—home to American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, Avelo—and other international airlines like Azul, BermudAir, and El Al—there’s a small haven capable of welcoming up to 380 guests in a setting that’s nice, convenient, and, most importantly, away from the crowds.
Also, it is one of the airport’s three lounges—apart from the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 2 and the United Club in Terminal 1—making it a sizeable alternative.
Location
The Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner Lounge at FLL is located between Gates E and F in Terminal 3.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
Open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., it provides a convenient escape for travelers flying domestic or international flights. Given the terminal’s heavy traffic and long security lines, this lounge is a much-welcome respite.
Access
Entry to the lounge is available to American Express Platinum Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card holders, for both personal and business use. Guests without these cards can purchase day passes for $45 per person if booked online or $55 for walk-ups. Reservations can be made through the lounge’s website, offering additional flexibility for those planning their visit.
The Lounge
The lounge exudes a neat and contemporary design, thoughtfully segmented into distinct areas that cater to the diverse needs of passengers looking to relax, work, or socialize. Behind the sleek check-in desk is a collection of plush, sofa-style seating accompanied by oversized chairs designed for comfortable lounging.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
The decor embodies a serene and soothing aesthetic, harmonizing with a South Florida beach theme. Spanning the back wall is additional seating that boasts expansive views of the runway, allowing ample natural light to cascade in and enhance the overall ambiance, creating a somewhat refreshing and serene atmosphere.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
To the left of the lounge, guests will discover high-top tables that provide a casual dining option, leading to the main buffet and bar area, which features a good selection of gourmet offerings and premium beverages.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
The lounge showcases a remarkable amount of seating, especially for a Centurion-studio concept, ensuring travelers have ample space to unwind.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
A notable highlight of the lounge is the exclusive, closed-door Centurion Room, which is reserved solely for Centurion card members—those distinguished American Express “Black” card holders. This private area offers a secluded experience, further elevating the lounge’s appeal.
Amenities
The lounge offers several amenities designed for convenience and relaxation. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available with ultra-fast connectivity, and the lounge is equipped with numerous charging ports. Print, scan, and copy services are also accessible for business travelers, and guests can enjoy digital publications via PressReader.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
There is a single shower room located in a small hallway adjacent to two unisex restrooms. While the presence of only two bathrooms for a lounge accommodating up to 380 guests is a downside, the facilities are well-maintained. Access to the shower can be requested at the front desk.
Food and Beverage
During breakfast hours, the lounge offers a diverse selection of items. Guests can start their day with a yogurt and granola bar, accompanied by fresh fruit options such as strawberries, pineapples, and blueberries for a light beginning. Additionally, a variety of cereals is available next to the drip coffee station.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
A full digital coffee machine is also provided, with the capability to prepare 12 different coffee beverages, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, and decaf.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
Alongside the coffee machine, guests can enjoy three refreshing beverage choices: unsweetened iced tea, orange juice, and cranberry juice. A water fountain is available for bottle refills.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
For those seeking a heartier meal, the breakfast menu includes scrambled eggs, sausages, seasoned breakfast potatoes, and roasted tomatoes. There is also a “Chef’s Choice” featuring pepper jack cheese grits and oatmeal topped with brown sugar, dried bananas, and granola. To complete the morning offerings, apple cinnamon muffins are available.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
Lunch and dinner selections feature a seasonal soup, hominy and corn salad, and a tomato and cucumber salad with feta cheese, as well as a Sicilian sub filled with salami, provolone, and pepperoncini.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
Hot options include roasted broccoli with parmesan cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, and garlic herb chicken served with rice and sundried tomatoes. Light snacks such as pinto bean dip with chips and salsa, chocolate chip cookies, and assorted desserts are accessible throughout the day.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
The bar provides a comprehensive selection of complimentary alcoholic beverages. Options include Absolut, Absolut Peppar, and Absolut Citron vodkas; Tanqueray and Beefeater gins; Bacardi, Malibu, and Captain Morgan rums; Jim Beam whiskey; Espolon Blanco and Espolon Reposado tequilas; and Dewar’s White Label scotch.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
Guests with American Express cards enjoy upgraded selections that include Tito’s and Ketel One vodkas; Bombay Sapphire gin; Captain Morgan rum; Crown Royal and Maker’s Mark whiskeys; Tres Agaves Tequila Blanco; and Johnnie Walker Black Label scotch.
Verdict
For travelers flying through the frequently congested Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the Centurion Escape Lounge in Terminal 3 is a valuable retreat. The comfortable seating, peaceful atmosphere, and thoughtful design make it an excellent choice.
Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez
The varied food offerings and complimentary drinks add to the appeal. While the lounge’s limited number of restrooms is a drawback, its many strengths more than compensate. American Express Platinum and Centurion Card holders, in particular, will find this lounge a reliable and enjoyable pre-flight stop.
