Review: American Express Centurion Lounge – Denver (DEN)

The new American Express Centurion Lounge in Denver is spacious, comfortable, and offers a great menu of food and drinks.

American Express Centurion Lounge Denver Review

While connecting in Denver this morning I had a brief opportunity to check out the recently-opened lounge. My takeaway is that this is a lounge I would deliberately schedule a longer layover for in order to visit. The food and drink are better than anything you will receive on a plane, especially during the pandemic.

Location + Hours + Access

The lounge is located in Concourse C, just above Gate C46. It’s located on the “mezzanine” level one floor above the gate area and accessible by escalator. All terminals are connected airside (past security) in Denver via train.

Currently, the lounge is only open from 7:00AM to 3:00PM. Hopefully the lounge will be opened later in the months ahead.

Access is reserved for:

• Centurion cardholders
• Platinum cardholders
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders

Other American Express cardholders cannot buy access. Platinums are allowed two guests for free, Delta SkyMiles Reserve members are allowed two guests for $50/each, and Centurion members can enter with two guests or their (larger) immediate family (spouse and children).

Furthermore, keep in mind:

• You can only enter the lounge with a confirmed onward boarding pass
• Centurion members and their guests can use the lounge upon arrival
• Those who are originating Denver cannot access the lounge more than three hours before their flight, though passengers connecting from another flight are allowed longer stays

Seating

The lounge is rectangular in shape and utilizes, if you can visualize it, the rectangle outside the central rectangle. In the center is a  floor-to-ceiling atrium that may not be an effective use of space, but provides great natural light. From the outer edges you can view the tarmac and enjoy a mix of couches, chairs, and desks. The majority of seats are currently blocked to promote social distancing.

There’s also a fairly large dining room near the main bar:

Game Room

Next to the craft beer bar, there’s a game area where you can play billiards or checkers while enjoying a drink.

Family Room

A family room offers a more private setting for families with small children.

Food + Drink

The lounge menu is inspired by cuisine from Northern Italy and designed by local Colorado restaurateur, Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served from 7:00AM to 11:00AM and offers. Menu items include:

Lunch

Lunch runs from 11:00AM to 2:30PM and includes:

Main Bar

The main bar includes a menu of craft cocktails especially designed for this location, including Rocky Fence, High Plains Sip Stir, and Cold Byrrh. Beer, wine, Champagne, and spirits are also available.

You can view the full bar menu here.

Craft Beer Bar

A craft beer bar in the game room area offers an additional menu of speciality beers.

Showers + Restrooms

Two showers suites are available, though not yet open due to pandemic guidelines.

Restrooms are adjacent to the shower suites.

CONCLUSION

I was very impressed with the tarmac views, natural light, and food and beverage options in this lounge. This is a nice addition to Denver International and far better than anything you will find in an American, Delta, or United lounge (the other lounges at this airport).