I spent five hours in the The American Express Centurion Lounge in Mexico City and wished I had stayed longer.
I visited the Terminal 2 location during my recent extended layover in Mexico City, not really knowing what to expect. The Centurion Lounge in Buenos Aires was similar to U.S. lounges, but I had heard the ones in Mexico City were different. Indeed they were.
You can find the lounge by heading to the upper level of the main departures hall via stairs or elevator:
American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City Dining
Unlike the Centurion Lounges in the USA, food is not complimentary. Well, it is…but with a catch. Let’s start with that. There is no buffet: just a bar and dining area. Waiters and waitresses roam the lounge and bring you the drinks of your choice. They’ll also present you with the following menu.
That’s really not bad pricing considering this is an airport.
But when I entered the lounge I was given this small, laminated plastic card (on the basis of holding a platinum card) and told to use it for “free food”:
Turns out I could not just choose what I wanted on the menu, but was offered an additional special menu for platinum cardholders:
During my stay I enjoyed several waters, a cappuccino, a bowl of chicken soup, and a pizza. Oddly, you can order as many pizzas or soups as you want, but nothing off the other menu for free…
Both the soup and the pizza hit the spot.
When it came time to leave, I was presented with the following $0 bill:
I believe this is to encourage tipping, but there was no way to leave tip on the car. Thankfully, I was carrying cash this trip and handed the waiter a nice tip.
American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City Service
Speaking of the waiter, the service in this lounge was simply outstanding. While everyone was excellent, I want to single out Andreas in particular because he was absolutely attentive throughout the the visit. As I sat and worked, he frequently stopped by my table. “Mr. Klint, can I bring you another water or cappuccino? Are you hungry yet?”
When I did order food, he said, “Allow me to recommend the chicken soup. It is very hearty and delicious.” I appreciated that so much.
American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City Shoe Shine
An older gentleman roamed the lounge, asking guests if they would like their shoes shined. My shoes were overdue for a shine so I handed them over. He returned them about 15 minutes later: the shoes looked amazing. There is no charge for shoe shine (though I tipped him).
American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City Spa + Salon
While food is not technically free, you can receive a complimentary 15-minute back and shoulder massage in the lounge spa. Sign up when you come in.
The massage therapist was very kind, but spoke absolutely no English. She motioned for me to take my shirt off and lay down on the massage table.
The massage ended up lasting 17 minutes and was excellent (though this time I chose suave [soft] massage).
Again, bring tip money. Are you sensing a theme?
I also scheduled a haircut in the lounge salon. I love getting haircuts in other countries and now add Mexico to the list. The lady who cut my hair was lovely and she did a great job. A cut, wash, and blow dry ended up costing less than $8 (before tip). I love a great deal. Manicure and pedicures are also available.
American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City Tipping
I mentioned it above, but bring tip money. This lounge is driven by tips. I tipped four different people during my stay, always in USD. Bring tip money or at least your ATM card.
American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City Seating
The lounge seating and decor is similar to U.S. lounges, though a bit on the dark side. The lounge is split over two levels, with a dining area, bar, and couches on both levels. The spa is located on the second floor while the first floor has a children’s play area.
After taking these pictures, I was told to stop (politely). Thankfully, there was just a couple sections of downstairs seating I missed.
American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City Bars
This lounge offers two bars. One on the first floor:
The other on the second floor:
American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City Restrooms
Restrooms are monitored constantly and were clean. Showers are available upon request in the spa area.
American Express Lounge Mexico City Centurion Room
Finally, note there is a special area for Centurion (black) cardholders on the first floor. Not holding a back card, I cannot comment on the inside.
CONCLUSION
I found this lounge far better than the Aeromexico Lounge I would visit next. I’m surprised that this lounges receives so many critical reviews because I enjoyed it very much.
@ Matthew — I must have been delirious, because I thought this lounge was horrible.
What did you specifically dislike about it?
This lounge was recently renovated a few months ago. It looks much improved.
“I spent five hours in the The American Express Centurion Lounge in Mexico City and wished I had stayed longer.”
Hey, I get the appeal of luxury and premium travel, but if 5 hours in a lounge isn’t enough for you, and you’d rather spend time there than out in the “real world”…then something is wrong.
The lounge is in the real world.
This lounge is awful. The wait to get in was 20 minutes. I am a platinum cardholder. Not only is it NOT free food, the warmed up garbage that came out was disgusting. I immediately brought it to the Managers attention and they gave me the “So sorry Senor but we cannot do anything but bring you more food” (ie I didnt eat it and they wouldnt take off the bill) This place sucks in every way dont bother going. Buy your food at a real restaurant
The food was free for me (you see the picture of the bill) and I enjoyed it.
horrible and not free food
I am very confused – access should o my be for platinum or black card holders in the first place right? So who are they charging for food and why would they have a “special” card or voucher you have to present as a platinum card holder?
*should only be for…
Unlike in the USA, lower level AMEX cardholders are granted access in Mexico (cards must be issued by Mexican banks).
I understand that in November 2018 the new renovations are to be completed. Is this true? I hope so but
it sounded like above they are already done?
Also, I hold the platinum card as well…..and I am so confused. Please explain clearly what is free and for whom
and whether or not this club is the best option in Mexico City Airport for long lay overs (5 hrs.)
Thank you very much,
Joyce
This lounge is atrocious. I just went there for the second time tonight at 10:30pm with hopes of taking a shower before my 1:25am flight. They said that wouldn’t be a problem at all, and I was seated immediately and offered a drink and the complimentary food menu, so I thought maybe things turned the corner from the last time I visited. Well, the food I had was no where near on par with domestic Delta SkyClub food – definitely not something I would’ve wanted to pay for. Then I go up for my shower at 11:40 and the guy tells me they’re closed and that it’s “not possible”. After telling him about my appointment, I go back down to reception, and they assure me it’s fine and take me back up, only to be turned away yet again. All I know is that I won’t make the mistake of ever coming back a third time. Sure, it’s the flashiest looking lounge, but it’s still lipstick on a pig.
They don’t allow gold card members, only platinum and black.
Not according the sign I saw.
I dont understand the free food option, I’m a platinum card holder but was only offered a menu with fairly standard prices.
The food quality was certainly sub standard and it was perhaps the worse meal we had during our stay in Mexico.
The atmosphere was nice, the staff attentive but they need to improve the kitchen.
There is a special complimentary menu for Platinum cardholders.
I use this lounge often – nothing but good things to say. – Does anyone have an alternate phone number – cant get through on hte one posted online – would like to schedule spa services in advance for an upcoming trip with long layover
I am flying out of Terminal 1 in MEX, but would like to go to the lounge which is in Terminal 2.
Can you get from terminal 1 to terminal 2 after I have cleared immigration and customs?
If so, do we walk or do we take a shuttle? How long is it to get from Term 1 to Term 2?
Thank you
Is the alcohol complimentary?
No.
Don’t tip in USD. That’s a rookie move.
Carry pesos. You’re in CDMX. You wouldn’t go to the UK and expect them to take USD.
I’m not changing money for a brief transit. AMEX, of all lounges, should allow credit card tipping.
Why if it supposed to close 12, at 11.40pm do not have service. Just drinks ? Is it really a centurión Lounge ? Not having food it is
Ok, but not even snacks?
I guess they want the workers to actually leave at midnight.
Matthew i am glad your visit was a good experience. I have used this lounge frequently over the past few years. My first experience was great as well. The second was abit less great. I have ordered off the menu and had the standard pizza and soup as well. The lounge can be quite tranquil at times and abit boistrous other times. While the food was ok to the question of alcohol i always enjoy several glasses of complimentary wine.