Centurion lounge HK is my favourite airport lounge and let me tell you why.
I am so fortunate to have married my husband, who holds a black Amex card (Centurion card), granting us access to the Centurion Lounge every time we depart from Hong Kong. The Centurion lounge HK surpasses any other I’ve visited, and for numerous compelling reasons.
Some people rush through airports, barely making their flight. To me, that’s not just a rushed start to a trip; it’s missing out on the chance to enjoy the journey. Regardless of the type of trip—be it leisure or business—I opt to arrive at the airport early. I relish the process of checking in, always trying my luck for an upgrade (you don’t ask, you don’t get), but most importantly, I absolutely adore visiting the American Express Centurion Lounge.
Access to the Lounge
American Express boasts a vast network of lounges spanning domestic U.S. destinations and key international hubs. Among its international flagship locations is the Centurion Lounge in Hong Kong, providing travelers with a well-equipped sanctuary where they can enjoy complimentary food, beverages, relaxation areas, workspaces, and restroom facilities.
Despite its smaller size compared to other lounges, the Centurion Lounge Hong Kong stands out with its upgraded amenities, offering many first-class options available at the airport, particularly those affiliated with Cathay Pacific.
Accessing the Centurion Lounge HK is reserved for cardholders of select American Express cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Centurion® Card from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (when booking a Delta flight with the respective card), or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (when booking a Delta flight with the respective business card).
Your American Express card can be issued from any country, and co-branded versions such as the American Express Platinum Card for Schwab® are also accepted. However, certain rules apply due to its Centurion Lounge status, such as access being limited to the day of departure and restricted entry to within three hours of your flight unless you’re connecting.
Guest policies vary depending on the card, with allowances for complimentary guests based on annual spending thresholds or additional guest passes available for purchase.
Location
Centurion lounge HK is situated in Terminal 1, adjacent to airlines like Cathay Pacific, the lounge can be accessed via an escalator near Gate 60. Operating hours typically span from 3 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., accommodating most flight schedules.
Ambience
Walking into the American Express Centurion Lounge HK feels like a breath of fresh air before the chaos of travel. It’s not just about finding a seat; it’s about finding a moment of calm amidst the airport frenzy. The lounge has this vibe that instantly relaxes you—the soft lighting, the comfy chairs, and the subtle hum of conversation all blend together to create this cozy atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.
For me, it’s a chance to slow down and savor the moment. Whether I’m catching up on emails, enjoying a leisurely meal, or simply people-watching, there’s always a corner of the lounge that feels just right. It’s these little moments of tranquility that make the whole travel experience feel a little less hectic.
Customer Service
What sets the Centurion Lounge HK apart for me is the genuine hospitality of the staff. It’s not about flashy gestures or over-the-top service; it’s about those small interactions that leave a lasting impression. From the warm welcome at the door to the personalized recommendations at the bar, the staff here make you feel like a valued guest, not just another traveler passing through.
But what I appreciate most is their attention to detail. It’s the way they remember your favorite drink or offer a friendly smile as they clear away your plate. It’s those little moments of connection that make you feel seen and appreciated, even in the midst of a busy airport.
The Space
The lounge has two areas, one main area with the main bar and buffet is for the platinum cardholders and if you are a black amex holder, you get VIP tickets to go to the back of the lounge where there is a whole area with exclusive seating for card holders only.
The Main Lounge
Upon entering, guests are greeted by lounge attendants who verify credentials and provide essential information, including Wi-Fi access. The lounge has various amenities, including phone rooms, computer bars, locally-inspired cuisine, premium bar selections, shower suites, and dedicated work areas.
For those looking for meeting spaces, the lounge offers two meeting rooms and a phone room, available on a first-come-first-served basis. To reserve these facilities, guests can inquire with guest services upon arrival.
The bar area features a selection of complimentary cocktails crafted by expert mixologist Jim Meehan, alongside a curated wine list and non-alcoholic beverages. Food offerings range from breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs to lunch and dinner options such as pan-fried sole fillet and gnocchi with Pomodoro sauce.
Restrooms and showers are available, with shower rooms equipped with complimentary toiletries and refreshed after each use. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the lounge, complemented by Mac computers for internet browsing and print, fax, and copy services.
Food & Drinks
For breakfast, you can anticipate dishes like
- Scrambled eggs
- Chicken sausage, bacon, and sautéed vegetables
- Yoghourt and fruit bar
- Pancakes, maple syrup, mixed berry compute, whipped cream, and butter
- Chicken congee with condiments, shredded ginger, pickled turnips, and spring onion
For lunch and dinner you can expect dishes like
- Pan-fried sole fillet with caper cream sauce
- Gnocchi with Pomodoro sauce
- Beef bourguignon with baby onion and mushrooms
- Baked broccoli and cauliflower with a Mornay sauce
- Kale Mediterranean and olive salad
- Wild rice and barley salad with almond and dried apricots
- Spaghetti meatballs
- Spring rolls
- Dim sum including Siu Mai and a variety of dumplings
- Chicken skewers
- Pasta salad
For dessert
- Tiramisu
- Baked caramel mousse cake
- Cookies
The VIP Area (Centurion Cardholders)
A private Centurion cardholder section offers an exclusive experience, featuring an à la carte menu by Michelin star chef Lau Yiu Fai.
To get to the VIP area, you walk through the main lounge, on the left of the buffet table, you’d see a lady sitting at a reception greeting you. You have to show your VIP tickets before you can enter the area.
If you enjoyed reading the part about the main lounge, this private area is 10x times more luxury with designated staff for table service. The atmosphere is amazing because there’s usually only a couple of people around and there’s enough room to fit 30.
I want to talk about the food and drinks menu because they are the reasons why I go to the airport 3 hours before my flight so I have enough time to sample all the dishes and drinks.
Starters
- Caviar
Local cuisines
- Wonton noodle soup
- Sweet sour pork
- BBQ pork rice
Western
- Wagyu Beef cheek
- Oven Baked Halibut Fish
- Vegetarian Curry
Desserts
- Seasonal fruit
- Lemon Cream Cake
In conclusion, the American Express Centurion Lounge in Hong Kong provides a tranquil escape within the bustling airport environment, offering a range of amenities and services for discerning travelers. While airline-specific lounges may offer superior amenities, the Centurion Lounge remains an excellent.
