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Home » Reviews » Lounge Reviews » Review: American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City (MEX)
American ExpressLounge ReviewsMexico

Review: American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City (MEX)

Matthew Klint Posted onAugust 25, 2018November 14, 2023 26 Comments

a sign with a picture of a man

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:

a glass walkway in a building

a staircase in a building

a sign on a wall

a sign on a wall

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.

a close up of a menu

a menu on a table

a menu with black text

a menu with black text

a menu with black text

a menu of a restaurant

a menu with black text

a menu of a wine tasting

a close up of a 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”:

a card on a table

Turns out I could not just choose what I wanted on the menu, but was offered an additional special menu for platinum cardholders:

a hand holding a paper

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…

a cup of coffee and a glass of water on a table

Both the soup and the pizza hit the spot.


a bowl of soup with a spoon and small bowls of vegetables on a table

a pizza on a black plate

a pizza on a table

When it came time to leave, I was presented with the following $0 bill:

a black leather restaurant menu with white paper

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.

a massage table in a room

a white shelves with shelves and towels

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.

a room with a sink and a chair

a white shelving unit with a desk and chairs

a pedicure chair in a room

a hand holding a receipt

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.

a room with black chairs and a picture on the wall

a wall with plants on it

a room with a fire extinguisher and a couch

a room with tables and chairs

a picture on the wall

a room with chairs and a table

a table with chairs around it

a room with couches and tables

a room with a round table and shelves

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:

a bar with a table and chairs

The other on the second floor:

a room with a bar and people sitting at the counter

American Express Centurion Lounge Mexico City Restrooms

Restrooms are monitored constantly and were clean. Showers are available upon request in the spa area.

a bathroom with sinks and mirrors

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.

a hallway with a black door

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.

a sign on a wall

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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26 Comments

  1. Gene Reply
    August 25, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    @ Matthew — I must have been delirious, because I thought this lounge was horrible.

    • Matthew Reply
      August 25, 2018 at 4:00 pm

      What did you specifically dislike about it?

  2. David Reply
    August 25, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    This lounge was recently renovated a few months ago. It looks much improved.

  3. Aaron Reply
    August 26, 2018 at 12:48 am

    “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.

    • Grant Reply
      August 26, 2018 at 12:17 pm

      The lounge is in the real world.

  4. Chad Hart Reply
    August 26, 2018 at 5:33 am

    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

    • Matthew Reply
      August 26, 2018 at 2:43 pm

      The food was free for me (you see the picture of the bill) and I enjoyed it.

  5. chad hart Reply
    August 26, 2018 at 5:34 am

    horrible and not free food

  6. Kerry Reply
    August 27, 2018 at 3:28 pm

    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?

  7. Kerry Reply
    August 27, 2018 at 3:28 pm

    *should only be for…

    • Matthew Reply
      August 27, 2018 at 3:42 pm

      Unlike in the USA, lower level AMEX cardholders are granted access in Mexico (cards must be issued by Mexican banks).

  8. joyce trimper Reply
    October 7, 2018 at 12:54 pm

    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

  9. RH Reply
    November 17, 2018 at 12:58 am

    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.

  10. Nicholas Reply
    November 19, 2018 at 6:56 am

    They don’t allow gold card members, only platinum and black.

    • Matthew Reply
      November 19, 2018 at 9:10 am

      Not according the sign I saw.

  11. Daryl MacIntosh Reply
    February 6, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    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.

    • Matthew Reply
      February 6, 2019 at 9:55 pm

      There is a special complimentary menu for Platinum cardholders.

  12. Michael Reply
    February 21, 2019 at 12:01 pm

    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

  13. Ann Scarfo Reply
    June 14, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    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

  14. Ann Scarfo Reply
    June 14, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    Is the alcohol complimentary?

    • Matthew Reply
      June 14, 2019 at 12:39 pm

      No.

  15. Benjamin Reply
    June 16, 2019 at 1:11 pm

    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.

    • Matthew Reply
      June 16, 2019 at 2:46 pm

      I’m not changing money for a brief transit. AMEX, of all lounges, should allow credit card tipping.

  16. Alejandro Palencia Reply
    January 29, 2020 at 12:48 am

    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?

    • Matthew Reply
      January 29, 2020 at 12:58 am

      I guess they want the workers to actually leave at midnight.

  17. Simba Reply
    August 1, 2020 at 4:53 am

    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.

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