Inside Amex’s new — and classy — Centurion Studio lounge in Fort Lauderdale

When most individuals consider visiting South Florida, odds are that they think about flying out and in of Miami.
Whereas the Miami Worldwide Airport (MIA) is actually the area’s largest airport, the close by Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport (FLL) has grown significantly in recent times.
South Florida as a area has turn out to be extra widespread than ever in the course of the pandemic, and, to cater to the elevated demand, FLL has seen expanded service from each legacy and ultra-low-cost carriers in recent times.
JetBlue and Spirit depend Fort Lauderdale amongst their largest bases, and Delta lately grew its presence in FLL with the opening of a renovated terminal that features a brand-new signature Sky Membership.
Traditionally, Fort Lauderdale hasn’t had a lot in the best way of airport lounges as a result of the airport has been primarily dominated by low-cost carriers. Aside from a lounge outpost for Delta and United, premium flyers on different airways haven’t had any particular locations by which to calm down and get refreshed earlier than their flights.
However, that’s about to alter in a giant manner. American Specific and its Centurion Studio accomplice Escape Lounges have been busy constructing a brand new lounge within the airport’s Terminal 3.
The lounge has been hotly anticipated by locals and guests alike, and its doorways are lastly open as of Tuesday *Oct. 25). Right here’s a glance inside.
Location
The brand new Escape Lounge is situated within the airside connector hallway between Concourses E and F. The airport has been working to modernize this space, and a number of other new outlets and eating places have opened right here in latest months.
Now, the lounge would be the signature amenity situated within the connector.
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The doorway is almost inconceivable to overlook — simply search for the big signal or the blue Amex brand. The glass doorways additionally offer you a preview of what’s inside.
The lounge’s location in Terminal 3 is good for anybody flying on American, JetBlue and Spirit, in addition to just a few different smaller home and worldwide carriers. All E, F and G gates are linked post-security, so when you’re flying from any of those gates, the lounge might be not more than a 10-minute stroll away.
This Centurion Studio Associate lounge is open every day from 5:30 a.m. till 9 p.m.
Entry
American Specific inked a deal in July 2021 with Escape Lounges to rebrand the corporate’s community of airport golf equipment as Centurion Studio.
True to the identify, the entry insurance policies for these Centurion Studios largely resemble these of the signature Centurion Lounge community.
Prospects can entry a Centurion Lounge by flashing The Platinum Card® from American Specific, The Enterprise Platinum Card® from American Specific or the Centurion Card.
Platinum cardmembers can carry as much as two company into the lounge, although the visitor coverage is altering in 2023.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Specific Card cardmembers additionally obtain complimentary entry to the Centurion Lounge when flying Delta with a ticket bought on any American Specific card issued within the U.S. You may carry as much as two company for a price of $50 every.
The large distinction with Escape Lounges is that anybody can enter by buying a day cross. Pre-reserving a cross on-line prices $40, whereas walk-up entry prices $45 per particular person, pending availability.
The area
From the second you step contained in the over 5,000-square-foot lounge, you would possibly suppose you’ve entered a signature Centurion Lounge. Although this area bears the “Studio” moniker, the design and furnishings resemble a flagship Centurion outpost.
The design itself was impressed by South Florida residing, and it reveals. From the colourful couches to the intense lighting, this area suits proper into the encircling neighborhoods.
The lounge’s reception space is impressed by sand {dollars}, which might be discovered on seashores alongside the area’s shoreline. Two receptionists will welcome you to the lounge, after which you’ll be invited to discover a seat.
The principle lounging space is situated simply behind the foyer, and it’s break up between three seating zones. There’s a row of bench seating, a small room with couches and one other room with particular person chairs and a high-top coworking desk.
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A partition adorned with eight chandeliers separates the residing areas, which makes the lounge really feel much more spacious and splendid.
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There’s one other seating space that runs alongside the perimeter of the lounge close to the home windows. Right here you’ll discover salmon-colored chairs and inexperienced couches.
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Those that wish to atone for work will possible need to sit within the enterprise space close to the doorway that options two high-top tables.
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Be aware, nonetheless, that there aren’t any telephone cubicles or particular person workstations within the lounge, which is sensible on condition that the airport primarily serves a leisure market.
As such, a lot of the lounge’s footprint is designed as a eating space.
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There are a selection of two-top eating tables surrounding the buffet space, and the design of the chairs is impressed by coastal residing (suppose woven patterns and plenty of white and cream colours).
Even the ceiling obtained a novel wooden therapy with a zig-zag geometric sample that’s certain to impress.
No matter the place you sit, you’ll all the time be inside arms attain of an influence outlet and USB-A port. The lounge did an awesome job guaranteeing that every seat has quick access to energy.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi is obtainable all through the area with obtain and add speeds that measure 30 Mbps and 15 Mbps, respectively.
The lounge was simply organising the buffet and bar space throughout TPG’s go to. The bar is surrounded by trendy inexperienced wallpaper and frosted glass mirrors that mix to exude a complicated vibe.
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Most alcoholic drinks can be found on a complimentary foundation, although some require an extra buy-up.
In the meantime, the meals on provide is curated in partnership with Chef Laurent Tourondel, the person behind the famend DUNE by LT restaurant in Fort Lauderdale.
Whereas I didn’t get an opportunity to pattern the choices, the lounge was placing collectively a tasting throughout my go to. The presentation appeared fairly polished, and entrees equivalent to French toast royale and inconceivable meat sliders sounded tasty.
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Irrespective of the place you sit, you’ll get pleasure from loads of pure gentle due to the lounge’s tall west-facing home windows. Aviation fans will undoubtedly admire the view of the ramp and the runways within the distance, whereas others may admire the previous couple of minutes of Florida sunshine by means of the tinted home windows.
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When it comes to facilities, the lounge options two particular person restrooms. Provided that the lounge can comfortably seat over 200 individuals, there’ll possible be a queue for the restrooms when it’s busy.
There’s additionally a single bathe suite subsequent to the restroom that may be flexed as a 3rd toilet ought to or not it’s wanted.
There’s a small convention room situated in a nook close to the bar. It may be rented by the hour, although it’d be nice if it have been used as an overflow area when the lounge will get crowded.
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Talking of crowding, I’d anticipate that this area might be full all through the day. Many South Florida-based flyers maintain an Amex Platinum card, and because the solely lounge possibility in Terminal 3 and 4, it’s poised to be fairly widespread.
Throughout the tour, I observed scores of individuals oohing and aahing on the lounge from the skin. Many approached the (closed) doorways to ask when it opens.
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If this small sampling throughout a two-hour window on a Monday morning is any indication, individuals are clearly excited.
Backside line
The brand new Escape Lounge in Fort Lauderdale couldn’t come quickly sufficient.
The airport’s Terminals 3 and 4 haven’t traditionally had a lounge possibility, and the brand new American Specific Centurion Studio Associate outpost fills that hole — after which some.
The design is probably the nicest I’ve seen in any Escape Lounge so far, and vacationers are certain to understand the tasteful touches on the partitions and across the seating areas. Whereas I didn’t get an opportunity to attempt the meals and beverage choices, the eating expertise appears prefer it’ll be fairly tasty.
As with most airport lounges lately, your expertise will fluctuate significantly relying on the crowding ranges. With seating for simply over 200 company, this outpost is certain to be packed all through a lot of the day.
Nevertheless, with a stunning design, a trendy mixture of seating choices and engaging meals, it’ll possible nonetheless present a calming escape from the terminal.