PHX Centurion Lounge Review: Delicious Food, Underwhelming Atmosphere

The American Express Centurion Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) delivers a stellar dining experience but falls short in terms of design and ambiance. While the food is among the best in the Centurion Lounge network, the odd layout and dated aesthetic leave much to be desired — especially when compared to newer, competing PHX airport lounges like the Chase Sapphire Lounge.

Most people gain AmEx Platinum lounge access by holding The Platinum Card® from American Express, which has an annual fee of $695 (see rates and fees). Here’s what it’s like inside.

Phoenix Centurion Lounge location

The Phoenix Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal 4, across from Gate B22. To get there, you’ll pass through a set of double doors shared with the Escape Lounge, which is also affiliated with American Express. As a cardholder, you might choose to visit that lounge instead, but more on that later.

For both lounges, check-in takes place on the main level. From there, head upstairs, where you’ll see two entrances: Centurion Lounge on one side and Escape Lounge on the other.

All the gates in Terminal 4 are connected post-security, which means you can walk to your gate without having to clear security again if your flight departs from Terminal 4. But if your flight is out of Terminal 3, you’ll have to take the PHX Sky Train and go through security again to reach your gate after visiting the lounge. This might not be worth the effort, especially if you don’t have TSA PreCheck or Clear, two programs that can help travelers speed through airport security lines.

» Learn more: Everything you need to know about AmEx Centurion lounges

The Centurion space features the same signature design elements found across the network, including the familiar blue color palette and suitcase wall. However, the main dining area looks more like a college cafeteria than a premium lounge.

The lounge also has a bar area, and a couple of work-focused rooms, including one with a long communal desk. There’s variety, but the overall atmosphere feels dated — especially when compared to the newly opened Chase Sapphire Lounge Phoenix. Chase’s lounge incorporates modern light fixtures, local art and an iconic fireplace that adds warmth and charm. While AmEx deserves credit for being the first major credit card issuer to have an airport lounge network, newer options, like Chase's, have set a higher standard.

The buffet

If there’s one area where the Centurion Lounge at PHX truly excels, it’s the food. The buffet features an exceptional spread, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, BBQ chicken thighs and tender smoked brisket.

These restaurant-quality dishes easily ranked among the best entrees I've had in the Centurion Lounge network.

And while this buffet would be most appealing to carnivores, the lounge also had strong vegetarian options including cole slaw, pesto tortellini and quinoa salad.

The desserts weren’t particularly remarkable, but still a good assortment of dessert bars and breads.

The bar and other drinks

Drinks at the bar are complimentary. Nonalcoholic options are self-service; there's an espresso machine and beverage dispensers for drinks like water or tea.

Here’s how to gain access to Centurion lounges:

Hold the right cards

You can get into the PHX lounge by holding The Platinum Card® from American Express. A few other American Express cards also offer access, including:

» Learn more: Which cards get me into AmEx Centurion Lounges?

Accompany a card member as their guest (maybe)

You can bring up to two complimentary guests into the Centurion Lounge with you by spending $75,000 or more in eligible purchases on your card each calendar year. AmEx also sells guest passes to the lounge, but they’re only available for purchase by card members for their guests. Those cost $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 2 through 17.

If you travel often with the same companion (and also won’t otherwise meet the $75,000 minimum spending requirement), consider adding an authorized user to your card, which unlocks the same lounge access privileges for them. But adding authorized users costs $195 and allows you to add up to three other cards. Terms apply.

Know the lounge entry rules

Even with The Platinum Card® from American Express, there are some strict rules around accessing AmEx lounges. For example, you’re only welcome within three hours of the stated departure time on your boarding pass.

Additionally, entry is only permitted before departing flights or during layovers, so if Phoenix is your final destination, you wouldn't be able to pop inside the lounge after your flight.

If you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express and are traveling with someone else (but haven’t met the minimum spend requirement to bring in complimentary guests), consider the Escape Lounge next door, which allows complimentary guest access for two others.

There’s also an Escape Lounge in Terminal 3, which would be more convenient for travelers departing from those gates.

You can also access the newer Chase Sapphire Lounge in Phoenix as a cardholder of The Platinum Card® from American Express, even if you don’t necessarily have a Chase card. That’s because The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with complimentary membership into Priority Pass, which is a program that allows members access to its roughly 1,700 airport lounges worldwide. Priority Pass members are entitled to one visit to a Chase Sapphire Lounge once per calendar year (subsequent visits for Priority Pass members cost $75 each).

The AmEx Centurion Lounge at PHX is a mixed bag. The thoughtful menu elevates the experience, making it worth a visit anyone looking for a solid pre-flight meal.

But while it boasts some of the best food in the entire network, the uninspired design and dated ambiance leave it lagging behind newer competitors. Cardholders traveling with guests may want to consider the Escape Lounge next door to avoid additional fees.

To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.

All information about the American Express Corporate Platinum Card®, The Centurion® Card from American Express and the American Express Business Centurion Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The American Express Corporate Platinum Card®, The Centurion® Card from American Express and the American Express Business Centurion Card are no longer available through NerdWallet.