Amex Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas! [Review]

American Express finished its (much needed) expansion and remodel of The Centurion Lounge – Las Vegas at McCarran International Airport (LAS). My family visited a few days ago — and were very impressed. Well, most of us were.

Here’s what the lounge looks like now — and what kind of experience you can expect during your visit!

Where is The Centurion Lounge – Las Vegas?

The Centurion Lounge – Las Vegas hasn’t moved locations. It’s still on the D concourse (“the D Gates”). You’ll find it across from gate D1 and next to the Alex and Ani shop.

 You can access the D gates from the rest of the airport via the tram that connects the terminals. For example, we flew Southwest from the C Concourse that day — and the commute to our gate took about 10 minutes.

How Do You Get Access to The Centurion Lounge – Las Vegas?

Four publicly available American Express cards give primary cardholders complimentary access to the Centurion Lounge:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • Cobranded Platinum cards (i.e. Mercedes-Benz, Schwab, etc) also receive the benefit.
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card 
  • Only when flying a same-day Delta Air Lines marketed or operated flight; the trip’s ticket must be purchased with a U.S.-issued American Express card.
  • Up to two guests are permitted — at a price of $50 each.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
  • Only when flying a same-day Delta Air Lines marketed or operated flight; the trip’s ticket must be purchased with a U.S.-issued American Express card.
  • Up to two guests are permitted — at a price of $50 each.

And, of course, the invitation-only American Express Centurion Card.

Cardholders may access the lounge only within three hours of a departing flight on which they have a confirmed seat (or boarding group position, if you’re flying Southwest).

Inside The Centurion Lounge – Las Vegas

Seating was often difficult to find before the club’s expansion (at least, when I visited). Amex, though, has done a seemingly great job at eliminating or significantly reducing that problem.

The Centurion Lounge is much bigger than before — and received some nice aesthetic touch-ups.

Inside the entrance is, of course, the signature ivy wall you’ll find at Centurion Lounges.

In my travel group were my wife, our daughter, and me. (I presented The Business Platinum Card® from American Express to get us in.)

Social distancing rules were in effect when we visited. However, the usual six-foot rule was reduced to just three feet.

After checking in, a Centurion Lounge hostess asked us where we’d like to sit (dining room, near a window, or somewhere else). We told her somewhere with a view. She showed us a few available options before we selected this area.

But here’s a quick walk-around of the “new” Centurion Lounge.

There’s a private phone room for you to make calls, FaceTimes, Zooms, etc.

There are two drink stations: one at the buffet (which we’ll visit in a minute) and another toward the front of the lounge.

The area where you once found daybeds now features some dining tables.

Speaking of that, let’s head into the dining room for the bar and buffet!

Buffet and Bar at The Centurion Lounge – Las Vegas

In the expanded dining area is where you’ll find a bar, buffet, and more seating.

The buffet is no longer self-serve. A staff member is stationed behind the counter and plates whatever food you choose.

The menu was created by James Beard Award-nominated chef Kim Canteenwalla. Mr. Canteenwalla owns Vegas restaurants Honey Salt and Andiron Steak & Sea. He’s also a managing partner at Buddy “The Cake Boss” Valastro’s Buddy V’s Ristorante inside Palazzo.

The first thing you choose is dessert! (Perhaps more people enjoy a sweet treat than a full meal when visiting the lounge and this setup keeps the lines short?)

After that are some salads and other starters.

Then the hot food appears.

Then come the mains.

A beverage station with coffee and an espresso machine is located behind the buffet. An employee will get you something from there if you wish

If you’re in the mood for something with some alcohol in it, then head over to the bar (just to the left of the buffet).

All drinks are complimentary. You can order whatever you want — but if you have a hard time deciding, here are some of The Centurion Lounge’s signature cocktails you may enjoy:

The wine list was selected by Anthony Giglio. Mixologist Jim Meehan created the cocktail menu.

I ordered an Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark bourbon. It was prepared by a bartender by Eric — a Centurion Lounge – LAS mainstay. I enjoyed a conversation with him before heading back to my table. Eric has worked in a number of airport club lounges; it was fun to hear about his experience and insights. (And he makes a darn tasty beverage, too!)

The meal was so good. The chicken could’ve maybe been a touch hotter — but it certainly was cooked. For my fellow bland-palated diners: have no fear. The chicken was quite flavorful but not spicy.

And the banana foster pie — oh my goodness. I was full and couldn’t finish it. I ate about half — and it was wonderful.

A Gripe About The Centurion Lounge – LAS

My daughter was not pleased with the lounge.

Why?

The family room with books, toys, and a TV has been converted to a private room reserved for Centurion Card members.

Given that American Express announced a very family-unfriendly move effective in February 2023, this change isn’t completely surprising.

But she got over it. 🙂

Final Approach

I’m very impressed with The Centurion Lounge – LAS. The staff is great, the seating plentiful and comfortable, and the food & beverages are delicious.

Sadly, most of my business travel has disappeared — and a chunk of it went through Las Vegas. I’m disappointed I won’t be able to enjoy the Centurion Lounge as often as I hoped. And if you have a qualifying Amex card to get you in the club, it can save you a pretty penny on a meal and drinks you’d have to buy on The Strip or in the airport.

• To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this link.
• To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, please visit this link.
• To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link.
• To see the rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link.