What Is It Like to Visit the Award-Winning El Dorado Lounge in Bogotá?

Navigating one of the continent’s busiest airports can be quite challenging, especially if you’re not accustomed to walking long distances at an altitude of 8,600 feet above sea level. However, in Bogotá, my hometown, you can find the award-winning El Dorado Lounge, located in Terminal 1 of El Dorado International Airport (BOG).

This lounge provides weary travelers with a spacious sanctuary filled with various amenities and comforts, though it has a few quirks of its own. Here’s what you can expect:

Location

Located airside in Terminal 1’s International Departures area, the El Dorado Lounge is situated in front of Gate A8. After passing through security and heading to the right wing of the terminal, travelers can access the lounge via an elevator or escalator on the lower level of this bustling terminal.

Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez

Its central location makes it a convenient stop for passengers departing from any gate in the terminal, providing easy access back to boarding areas when it’s time to board their flights.

Access Options

Access to the El Dorado Lounge is available through Priority Pass membership, a perk of certain premium credit cards like the American Express Platinum. Guests with Priority Pass, like myself, can enjoy the lounge at no extra cost, with unlimited guest privileges.

Alternatively, non-members can purchase access for $39, granting them three hours of use.

The Lounge

This lounge is one of the largest in Latin America, boasting an impressive array of seating options designed to accommodate all types of travelers. Among its many features are cozy private nooks that provide an intimate setting for solo visitors and spacious communal areas that invite groups to gather and socialize.

Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez

The design of the lounge is a blend of modern and eclectic styles. Some areas exude a sense of whimsy with their bold colors and mismatched decor, offering an almost playful ambiance. However, a few sections lean towards a kitschy aesthetic, which may not appeal to everyone’s taste.

Having visited this lounge over a dozen times, I’ve noticed that the quality of the experience can vary significantly based on the lounge’s crowd levels. On my latest visit, the atmosphere was bustling and heavily crowded, making it quite difficult to find a tranquil spot to unwind.

Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez

Moreover, the temperature inside the lounge was warm and humid, which added to the discomfort and somewhat detracted from what could have been a more relaxing experience.

Food and Beverage

The lounge presents an intriguing blend of complimentary and paid dining options, accommodating a variety of tastes. For Priority Pass members, there’s an enticing perk: two free drink vouchers that can be used at the lounge’s inviting general bar. Here, travelers can indulge in refreshing beverages, including beer, fine wine, or cocktails crafted to enhance the pre-flight experience. For those searching for even more variety, a lively sports bar awaits at the opposite end of the lounge, offering an extended menu to please every palate.

Photo: Courtesy of El Dorado Airport

Complimentary snacks are limited, consisting primarily of light cold plates, including a delightful assortment of pastries, fresh fruits, and carefully prepared sandwiches. However, for guests craving something more substantial, a hot buffet is available for $11, showcasing a range of flavorful dishes designed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites before heading to their flight.

On this particular visit, I found myself quite famished and eager for a decent meal. Despite having my Priority Pass membership, I was still required to pay the $11 fee for the hot food option at the buffet. As I approached the spread, a somewhat anxious server requested to see my voucher before allowing me access to the offerings. When I instinctively reached to serve myself, he swiftly took the utensil from my hand and insisted on serving my choices for me. This peculiar situation escalated when the guest behind me attempted to touch a utensil, prompting the server to nervously shout, “Please allow me to do it for you,” creating an atmosphere of discomfort.

Photo: Courtesy of George Gomez

Ultimately, my dining experience was rather underwhelming. The food quality was mediocre at best; the proteins lacked flavor, and the dishes were disappointingly lukewarm. My meal consisted of a bowl of tomato tortilla soup, a slice of roast beef, a small salad, and some grilled vegetables, accompanied by a Diet Coke that offered little consolation.

To my dismay, my spirits sank further when I subsequently visited the LATAM Airlines lounge on my way to the gate. Their food options were not only superior in quality but also offered at no charge, leaving me to ponder the missed opportunity I had in the previous lounge.

Amenities

The lounge offers a wide range of amenities that cater to different types of travelers. Upon entering, you’re greeted with inviting seating areas featuring plush reclining chairs that create a welcoming atmosphere for relaxation. If you’re traveling with kids or just in the mood for some entertainment, the lounge includes a cinema room, a games area, and a playroom designed specifically for children, making it an enjoyable place for families.

Photo: Courtesy of Priority Pass

One of the highlights of the lounge is the full-service spa and salon, where a skilled team offers various rejuvenating treatments, such as massages, haircuts, and shaves. The pricing feels reasonable considering the quality of the services, allowing you to indulge in some well-deserved pampering before your flight.

If you need to freshen up, the lounge provides private shower facilities for a small fee. This is a thoughtful touch, especially for those on long journeys or long layovers, which is the case with most late-night/early-morning connections to/from deep South America.

Another interesting feature is the complimentary access to the Gold Museum Exhibit, which showcases remarkable pre-Colombian artifacts. It’s a nice way to experience Colombia’s rich cultural heritage while waiting for your flight.

Photo: Courtesy of El Dorado Airport

For business travelers, the lounge has dedicated workspaces and conference facilities. While some areas require a reservation or a fee, they offer a quiet environment conducive to productivity and meetings.

Verdict

The El Dorado Lounge stands out among international airport lounges, providing a wide range of amenities and ample space to ensure comfort for all visitors. While some services, such as the buffet and spa, incur additional fees, their quality makes them worthwhile for those seeking a premium pre-flight experience.

However, the lounge operator needs to address issues with consistency, particularly during peak times when crowds are larger. Additionally, the quality of the food offerings should be significantly improved, especially considering the prices charged.