HKG: American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong Guide

The American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong is located in Terminal 1 near gate 60. It is approximately 8,000 square feet and is open daily from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

Layout and Seating

The lounge features various types of seating arrangements and furniture, although they may not be the most ergonomic for extended work sessions. Wire chairs with minimal padding are common, along with some bar seating, benches, and a limited number of more comfortable armchairs that tend to get occupied quickly.

The space includes a main lounge area with the bar as the centerpiece. Tables and chairs are spread throughout this central space. Additional seating can be found in a separate area off the main hallway.

While the design is attractive, the lounge tends to get very crowded, making it difficult to find a quiet spot to relax or work. Nap rooms are not available.

Amenities

The Centurion Lounge offers a solid range of amenities for guests:

Meeting Spaces: The lounge has two bookable meeting rooms and a phone room equipped with computers and printers. 

Shower Suites: Two private shower suites are available and stocked with L’Occitane bath products. Reservations are required.

Bar: A full bar anchors the main lounge space, serving a variety of cocktails, wine, champagne, and coffee. 

Food and Beverage

Food and drink options are a highlight, though the spread has room for improvement.

Food: The buffet offers a variety of breakfast items in the morning such as fruit, cereal, eggs, breakfast meats, pastries, and dim sum. Later in the day, soups, salads, and hot entrees are provided. The selection has some local flair but is not overly extensive or gourmet in nature.

Beverages: The drink options are more impressive, with a full bar serving wines, beer, spirits, and craft cocktails designed by mixologist Jim Meehan. In the morning, baristas prepare coffee drinks. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

My Mini Review

The American Express Centurion Lounge in Hong Kong provides a welcome retreat from the bustling terminal with its sleek, modern design. However, the lounge has some notable shortcomings that detract from the overall experience.

Seating is the biggest issue, as the space regularly becomes extremely crowded, making it difficult to find a place to sit and relax. The lack of cushioned chairs or nap rooms also means there’s nowhere to catch some shut-eye.

While the food offerings are appreciated, the buffet selection is relatively pedestrian compared to some other lounges. Dishes incorporating more local specialties would be a nice addition.

On the positive side, the bar is excellent, with a great selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits. The bartenders mix up delicious drinks from a menu created by a famous mixologist. It’s a focal point of the lounge.

The lounge also offers a solid set of amenities like Wi-Fi, workspaces with computers and printers, private phone rooms, and shower suites. However, power outlets are surprisingly limited and not universal.

Service from the lounge staff was friendly and attentive during my visit. Used dishes were promptly cleared and the buffet was continually refreshed.

Overall, the Amex Centurion Lounge is a big step up from the average airline lounge and one of the better options at HKG. But the crowds and lack of ample comfortable seating means it may not always provide the peaceful oasis you’re seeking before a long flight. Plan to arrive early to snag a seat and fully enjoy the bar and amenities.