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Introduction – Atlanta Centurion Lounge
After a beautiful weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, I had the chance to experience The Centurion American Express Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), flying business class with Air Canada to Toronto. With ATL being one of the busiest airports in the world, the difference between economy and business class is stark, especially with security lines. While the regular security line had over 200 people waiting, the priority line was just five people deep. The Atlanta Centurian Lounge is the newest and most extensive in the Centurion network, opening on Valentine’s Day 2024. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my experience.
Entrance – Atlanta Centurion Lounge
Location and Access – Atlanta Centurion Lounge
The lounge is located in Concourse E, near Gate E11. Even though I was flying out of Concourse F, ATL’s efficient internal rail system made it easy to access. After clearing security, I took the sky train to Concourse E, about a 2-minute ride, followed by a 10-minute walk to reach the lounge. One of the benefits of ATL’s layout is that, once you’ve passed security, all the concourses are interconnected, so you can visit this lounge no matter which concourse you’re flying from.
Centurian Lounge – ATL Location
Lounge Hours
Access to the lounge is available to those holding an American Express Platinum Card (personal or business), Centurion Card, or Amex Black Card. As with other Centurion Lounges, you check in at the membership desk before entering.
Seating and Layout – Atlanta Centurion Lounge
The Atlanta Centurion Lounge is the largest in the network, covering nearly 26,000 square feet, and its design reflects the city’s reputation as “the city in the forest.” A 50-year-old olive tree anchors the main seating area, and a 3,850-square-foot custom light sculpture representing a forest canopy adds a unique touch. Multiple seating options throughout the lounge, from more formal workspaces to casual seating areas, and two terraces, a first for any Centurion Lounge, are available.
Main Lounge Area – Olive Tree
Lounge seating – Sofas and Sectionals
Lounge seating – Tarmac views
Window Views from the lounge
Personal Booths and more seating
After checking in, I found myself in an ample, open space with dark blue and gray couches facing the tarmac, offering great views of planes parked at their gates. If you prefer outdoor seating, one of the terraces is just to the left of the entrance, with heated lamps for colder weather. This terrace also offers views of the tarmac, though it’s a bit noisier due to the proximity to the planes.
Outdoor Terrace #1 – Tarmac views
Outdoor Terrace #1
Moving further into the lounge, you’ll come across “The Reserve,” the first whiskey bar in the Centurion network. The bar area has a warm, modern feel with dark finishes and caramel leather seating. Half a dozen chairs at the bar and about the same number of tables. This section also has its terrace, which is quieter since it’s on the opposite side of the lounge, away from the planes. The gray and beige outdoor seating is ideal for relaxing with a drink.
Whiskey Bar – The Reserve
Whiskey Bar
The Reserve – Outdoor Terrace
Outdoor Terrace #2
Seating – Outdoor Terrace #2
Continuing past The Reserve, you’ll arrive at the main bar, known for its extensive cocktail and wine menu. The bar serves Centurion Lounge’s signature cocktails and a variety of wines, hand-selected by sommelier and Centurion Lounge Wine Director Anthony Giglio. Just beyond the bar, you’ll find the buffet area.
Main Bar – Centurion Lounge
Lounge Bar seating
Lounger Bar in the lounge
Additional amenities include a quiet room with four private phone booths, perfect for taking important business calls or Zoom meetings. There’s also a multi-purpose room near the buffet, which is more family-oriented. While the room doesn’t have toys or play areas, it offers a small, contained space where families with children can gather. However, it’s important to note that the room has no door, so you’ll need to watch your kids. The lounge also includes showers near the buffet, a great option to freshen up before a long flight.
Quiet Room with Phone Booths
Private Phone Booths
Food & Drinks – Atlanta Centurion Lounge
The food selection at the ATL Centurion Lounge was varied but could have been slightly better, considering this is their newest lounge. Hot food options during my visit included a three-cheese mac and cheese, biryani, and a grilled chicken dish. For dessert, they offered cookies, chocolate cake, and buttermilk cornbread.
Cold Canapes
Canape and Juice
Mac and Cheese
Grilled Chicken
Black Eyed Peas Biryani
Vegetable Gumbo
In addition to the hot food, there was a cheese and meat board, a salad bar with various accompaniments, and a juice station. The juice options included pineapple and peach, apple, and beet smoothies. There was also a coffee station adjacent to the juice bar for those seeking a caffeine fix.
Cheese and Cold Cuts
Dips and Spreads
The main highlight for me was The Reserve whiskey bar. This dedicated whiskey bar offers various whiskeys, categorized by Bourbon, Rye, Tennessee Whiskey, and others. With 24 whiskeys on offer, I took the opportunity to sample three from each category, guided by the knowledgeable bar staff who ensured no one overindulged. The whiskey bar’s signature cocktail list also stood out, with options like the Mint Julep, Drink a Peach and Great Uncle. These cocktails are different from the standard menu available at the main bar.
Mint Julep
Cocktail – ‘Drink a Peach’
Cocktail – Great Uncle
Takeaway
Overall, I’d rate the Atlanta Centurion Lounge an 8.5 out of 10. While the drink options, especially at The Reserve whiskey bar, were excellent, the food could have been a bit more creative, especially given that this is the newest and largest lounge in the Centurion network.
The spacious layout, abundant greenery, and two outdoor terraces made for a relaxing experience, and the whiskey bar was a real standout. The Centurion Lounge at ATL is a great spot to relax or get some work done, and the “city in the forest” design adds a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other lounges in the network.
For whiskey lovers, The Reserve is a must-visit. Even if you’re flying out of a different concourse, it’s worth making the trek over to Concourse E to experience it. For those who prefer other cocktails or wines, the main bar won’t disappoint either. Given its size and the range of amenities, I doubt this lounge will feel overcrowded, even during peak travel times.
If you find yourself at ATL and have lounge access, the Atlanta Centurion Lounge is worth visiting—especially if you want to unwind with unique cocktails before your flight. Safe travels!
