SLC Amex Lounge review: Definitive proof that the best airport lounges are in Utah?
I recently visited the Amex Lounge at the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) for the very first time. Perhaps it was because I let my expectations fall lower than they should’ve been, but I was shocked by how nice it was.
As a matter of fact, I think that it may be my favorite Centurion Lounge that I have visited so far.
It’s very well lit, quiet as a library, beautifully designed, and the food was excellent. And the lemonade? OMG.
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Location
You’ll find this American Express Centurion Lounge adjacent to gate 31 in Concourse B at SLC. Yeah, it’s a bit of a trek from the security checkpoint. But it’s totally worth the walk!
How to get in
The most common and convenient way to access this lounge is to be an American Express card holder. Both personal and business versions will work:
- American Express Platinum Card
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
- American Express Centurion Card
Guest access depends on which card you have. Things change from time to time, so I highly recommend checking the latest official entry requirements before you go.
Layout
Despite how the overall floor plan is sectioned off into many individual rooms, this lounge felt large, bright, and spacious. The decor is rustic, the windows are large, and I like the multi level aspect of it. There is only one level to this lounge, but some rooms are elevated several feet above others. It’s a neat space.
Compared to the IAH Amex Lounge I recently visited, the textures and materials used in this one seemed very high-end. It felt like a completely different experience.
This is a fully featured lounge with showers, a business center, and really strong Wi-Fi. All of that (combined with the really great food) makes this one of the best domestic US airport lounges I have ever visited.
Food and drinks
Prior to this visit, I considered the old Amex Lounge at SFO to have the best (and most creative) food of all the Centurion Lounges. This one topped that. Bigly.
There’s an entire room dedicated just to food and drinks. Almost all of it is presented in one long self serve (buffet style) bar in the center of the room, with non-alcoholic drinks along the far wall.
Food quality (and quantity) was excellent. Everything was prepared fresh in the adjoining kitchen, with chefs and lounge attendants constantly topping off and replacing anything that was running low.
To get an alcoholic drink in this lounge, you will need to go to the bar. It’s unlikely you will be disappointed considering how nice (and well stocked) that bar looked.
Pros and cons
Let’s be honest. The annual fee for an American Express Platinum Card is bordering on ridiculous these days. However, this lounge was so good that it kinda (sorta) justifies the cost of that annual fee. Especially if you travel often and access Amex lounges on a regular basis.
Pros
- The design and decor is top notch. It just doesn’t get any better than this for a domestic US airport lounge IMHO.
- Very high-quality food. And there’s a lot of of it!
- Large windows and skylights provide a lot of natural light.
- The sectioned off floor plan makes it really easy to find a quiet little corner to settle into.
Cons
- It’s a long walk from the security checkpoint. RIP to your precious feet if you’re not wearing comfortable walking shoes.
- This lounge does get busy sometimes (for a very good reason). There might be a queue to get in.
- Those of you who prefer wide open spaces might not like the layout of this lounge. It’s cozy.
