That’s More Like It – Centurion Lounge ATL Highlights

Centurion Lounge ATL

I try to enjoy the little things that make travel a bit more satisfying, especially along the way to my destination.  Airport lounges are just one such item, especially newer ones.  Unlike some others who do stuff on the internet for money, I don’t think they’re all terrible or terrific.  Some are better than others, and they’re mostly all in the middle somewhere, in my view.  But plenty of good can come out of such experiences, though, and perhaps a few surprises.  And so it was with my recent visit to the Centurion Lounge ATL.

This Time, Bigger Is Better

It’s remarkable what a bigger space can do.  Perhaps this is why people add hours of commuting and mortgages to their lives.  But in terms of Centurion Lounges, a larger footprint in ATL has absolutely brought a fresh perspective to the brand.  The main space, along with its high ceilings, brings more of an art gallery than lounge feel, perhaps my favorite angle to this almost-year-old Centurion.  I found a small booth in the corner so I could take in the expansive area, all while eating the somewhat-better-than-usual-for-a-Centurion breakfast fare.

On the perimeter of that great room sit a few separate lounging spaces and rooms.  Of those, I preferred the corner with floor to ceiling windows of the airfield, bright in the morning but without the blaring sun.  The adjacent outdoor seating facing the same exterior felt welcoming, particularly since there wasn’t the unbearable drone of jet engines and fumes, at least not at my visit’s time of day.

Food and Drink

Again, I visited the Centurion Lounge ATL mid-morning after my early positioning flight.  Beyond the space and reasonably empty lounge, I found the food and drink experience superior to perhaps any other Centurion Lounge I’ve visited; admittedly, not exactly a high bar these days.  The eggs were fluffier, the fruit and veggies fresher, and the selection more vast than what I’m accustomed to receiving.  The club also sports a rarity in Centurion Lounges – multiple buffets serving a full selection of items.

Beyond, visitors are treated to a few additional service areas offering lighter bites along with standard Centurion items like coffee machines, juice, and water.  One is focused on raw veggies, and another with smaller bakery and dessert items.  I tried not to overindulge here, knowing that I wanted to take advantage of the lunch selection which turned over at the main buffets during my visit.  I wasn’t disappointed.  My personal favorites were the scrumptious dirty rice and pork.

I didn’t bother with the Reserve, the Centurion Lounge ATL’s much-touted whiskey bar.  I primarily stick to beer and wine, anyway, so short of the hard stuff, it just seemed like a smaller room with less of a view.  It’s a hard pass for teetotalers.

Centurion Gonna Centurion

Some things don’t change with Centurion Lounges, even in a bigger space such as this.  I’m still annoyed that I can’t get a Diet Coke without asking a bartender, and this club continues that trend.  Service can be inconsistent, with certain buffet items completely empty while others topple over.  And inconsiderate Centurion Lounge visitors lurk here in seemingly larger numbers.  You know them – they don’t wash their hands in the bathroom, cut in line at the buffet, and grab food with their hands.  Not that this doesn’t happen at non-Centurion Lounges.  It just seems to happen more with Amex clubs.

Mr. Stipe looks like he just visited the Centurion Lounge DFW.

Centurion Lounge ATL – Conclusion

So I have a new favorite lounge at ATL.  I’ve enjoyed my experiences at Delta Sky Clubs there, primarily the one near Gate B18, but I’ll seek out the Centurion Lounge ATL when I have the time.  This is noteworthy because in recent years, I’ve preferred Sky Clubs over Centurions.  I’d love for Amex to continue changing my habits.  Of course, I know many airports don’t have the facilities needed for such a grand space, so I can’t get overly excited for new Centurions.  But for a few hours, I enjoyed a Centurion Lounge much how I did in the early days, when they felt new and special.  We’ll see if they can turn back time again.

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