- Introduction: The Long Way To Spain
- Review: Avianca 787 Business Class Los Angeles To Bogota
- Review: Avianca Diamond Lounge Bogota Airport
- Review: Avianca 787 Business Class Bogota To Madrid
- Review: Marriott Madrid Airport Auditorium Hotel
- Review: Sala VIP Cibeles Terminal 1 Madrid Airport
- Review: Aeromexico 787 Business Class Madrid To Mexico City
- Review: Aeromexico Lounge Mexico City Airport
- Review: Amex Centurion Lounge Mexico City Airport
- Review: Aeromexico 787 Business Class Mexico City to Los Angeles
I’m used to using Amex Centurion Lounges in the US, including the locations in Dallas, Las Vegas, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle. The lounges are consistently excellent, much nicer than anything offered by a US airline. Many people don’t realize that Amex also has a few lounges internationally, including in Delhi, Mexico City, and Sydney.
These lounges are open to those with The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Cardmembers can take two other guests. This is hands down one of my favorite benefits of a premium cards with lounge access.
The lounge was located just down the hall from the Aeromexico Salon Premier, which I had visited prior.
Walkway to Amex Centurion Lounge Mexico City Airport
The Centurion Lounge was located one level up from the other lounges, and featured the typical Amex branding.
Stairs to Amex Centurion Lounge Mexico City Airport
Amex Centurion Lounge Mexico City Airport signage
Amex Centurion Lounge Mexico City Airport exterior
Upon presenting my Platinum Card, boarding pass, and ID, I was warmly welcomed into the lounge. That being said, the associate didn’t really explain how the lounge “works” (given how much they differ by airport), as I find them to consistently do in the US.
Immediately to the right of the entrance was some partitioned off seating, as well as some semi-private couches, which I found kind of cool.
Amex Centurion Lounge Mexico City Airport seating
Amex Centurion Lounge Mexico City Airport seating
The rest of the lounge was just one big room. The lounge was initially significantly less crowded than the Aeromexico Lounge, though it filled up pretty quickly as well.
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport seating
Due to the lounge being just one big room, there’s not really much in the way of privacy.
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport seating
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport seating
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport seating
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport seating
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport seating
In the far corner of the lounge was a small business center.
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport business center
Then back near the entrance was the bar.
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport bar
I continued to explore the lounge’s other features.
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport signage
The bathroom was in good condition, much better than the one in the Aeromexico Lounge.
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport bathroom
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport bathroom
However, the paper towel holder had the most poorly designed sensor I’ve ever seen. The paper comes out with a five second delay. What on earth?! Perhaps it’s an attempt at preventing impatient people from grabbing a second paper towel?
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City Airport bathroom — five second delay, really?!
Past the bathrooms was the spa, which I didn’t initially realize this lounge had.
Amex Centurion Lounge spa Mexico City Airport
The spa area smelled great, but had a strange waiting room. I’ve never seen a tree trunk used as a decorative plant before.
Amex Centurion Lounge spa seating area Mexico City Airport
The friendly associate presented me with a menu, though explained that if I wanted to make an appointment, I’d have to do so at reception. As you can see below, the 15 minute massage was free, while a 40 minute massage costs ~32USD. They also perform other paid services, like manicures, pedicures, etc.
I headed up to the reception desk to see if there was any availability, figuring there wouldn’t be for several hours. In the US, I’m used to the next available appointment being after my flight leaves. Much to my surprise, she told me an appointment was available right away, and escorted me back to the spa.
While the US Centurion Lounges with spas (those in Dallas and Miami) have massage chairs, this one had a legitimate massage table. I was instructed to take off my shirt and lay down, and had a fantastic 15 minute massage.
Amex Centurion Lounge spa Mexico City Airport
A shower was also located inside the spa, and it looked to be very nice, so if you want to shower at the airport, this lounge may be the place to do so.
After that I sat down in the main lounge area, trying to figure out where the food spread was. Well, as it turns out the lounge doesn’t have a buffet. Instead I was presented with a menu, exclusively containing items available for purchase.
I find that to be a rather strange system — you can get a free spa treatment, but have to pay for food? Hmmm…
The breakfast menu read as follows:
On the plus side, everything looked great, and I was surprised at just how many people were ordering food. I’d say about two thirds of the people in the lounge were ordering full meals.
The server came by to take my order, and I figured I’d order something just to get a sense of the system and overall quality. I ordered a cappuccino, and then the french toast (~7USD).
The cappuccino was very good, and seemed to be freshly made.
Amex Centurion Lounge cappuccino Mexico City Airport
The french toast was fantastic as well.
Amex Centurion Lounge french toast Mexico City Airport
Once my meal was done the server came back to get my payment. He explained that they only accepted American Express (not other cards, and not cash), and specifically told me that “you have to tip in cash.” Well, I didn’t have anything less than a 20USD bill, so that was a bit awkward, since I couldn’t really tip him (unless I was going to tip him 300% of my purchase price).
I don’t know whether the servers actually expect tips, or if he just figured I’d want to tip since I’m American. If they do expect tips, Amex really should let you add that to your card, in my opinion, especially given how many passengers are likely in international transit.
I spent about an hour in the lounge, at which point I headed to my departure gate.
Amex Centurion Club Mexico City bottom line
It’s interesting how Centurion Lounge policies seem to vary by region. I didn’t love that this lounge was just one big room, which made it feel more like a gate area than a private lounge.
I did love that the lounge offered complimentary spa treatments, and this was probably the best 15 minute treatment I’ve received at any airline lounge.
As far as the food goes, I don’t mind the paid menu concept as such, if the food is actually good (which it was). However, I still think they should have a buffet with more basic things for free. It’s not just about cost necessarily, but not everyone wants a full meal. As it stands, there’s not really much to snack on.
Regardless, this lounge in Mexico City is definitely worth a visit for a quick massage, if nothing else…
Which lounge do you prefer in Mexico City — the Aeromexico or Amex one?
I’m at the T2 Centurion Lounge now. There is an absurd policy: Amazon Platinum PERSONAL cardholders get the meal voucher but Platinum BUSINESS does not! So if you have both cards, be sure to present your Personal card.
I'm at the Centurion lounge right now. At the entrance you get a voucher for a free meal & drink. No menu, he just told me what was available - an omelette and sth else i didn't understand.
No time to ask for a massage as i have very little time.
I was there recently, it was fine, but had to pay for a beer. So basically it's an airport restaurant, not a lounge.
I was at the MEX THE Centurion lounge last month. It was not crowded. I was presented the food menu, but I did not ordered anything. The waiter did not offer any free food and there was no self serviced food or drink on display. I read other articles that you can get some basic food and drink here. But given the waiter's stern look waiting to take my oder from the menu, I gave...
I was at the MEX THE Centurion lounge last month. It was not crowded. I was presented the food menu, but I did not ordered anything. The waiter did not offer any free food and there was no self serviced food or drink on display. I read other articles that you can get some basic food and drink here. But given the waiter's stern look waiting to take my oder from the menu, I gave up the idea of begging for free food and did not ordered any food on menu either. I just walked out of the lounge. To me, this system is an insult. I did not enjoy my visit to this lounge.
@Cathy is right! They have free food (small snacks, sandwiches, chips...), but you have to ask for it.
I have a MEX Terminal 1 flight to Cancun. I have Business Platinum AMEX card.
Can I access Centurian Lounge after I go through security for a domestic flight?
I guess what I am asking is this: Are the international and domestic departure sections in Terminal 1 on the secure side separated from each other such that each has its separate lounges?
Centurion at T1 has been resented renovated and looks great. They give you the menu with food to order but if you ask them for the food that is free they will bring it to you...sandwiches, chips, snacks, vegetable tray...I do not know how you are supposed to know that this is the system, but it is. There is free food, you just have to ask.
The Centurion Lounge in Mexico City at Terminal 2 is closed for renovations. According to a sign the closure started on January 17th and as of today it looks like heavy construction continues. Annoying that AMEX leaves the lounge listed on their website!
This is just a restaurant IMO. You have to pay for food and drink. That's not what a premium lounge is supposed to be, especially one with Centurion on the door.
I left my I pad on the airport of Mexico City close to 18 the door today September first can u hold it there
I believe this lounge allows gold cards in, hence the crowd, even though its not on the sign.
The Centurion Lounge compared to US Centurion Lounges is that if you have a Black Card in Mexico you go to a separate area were everything including food, drinks (two champagne types) and all the spa services are free, however, in the US at the at the AMEX Lounges the only perk for Black Card is one glass of champagne for each Black Card member. For Platinum probably its a a better deal in the US however they are much more crowded there, specially Miami.
The tip situation was completely irregular.
Did you double check the POS tab to see is there was a tip option? By standard etiquette tips should not be solicited. Hope you reported the rotten apple.
Speaking of tips, since you only had a larg bill left, did you tip the staff member who gave you the massage?.
Lucky,
I've read your articles on travel so some time now and find them insightful, detailed and fair handed. Keep up the good work.
Ted
Ther's allways sumbuddy hoo haz two pointe owt th speling missteaks.
@Sam: It was intentional. Re-read Adam's first complete sentence.
@Jo
Hmm.. Don't you mean "too?"
@Freddy: That's super high considering the value of the Centurion lounges. The one in GDL is the size of a closet and also charges for food.
Sorry I wrote in spanish
AMEX has a expensive annual fees in Mexico for cardholders (800 USD for Platinum and 375USD for Gold Card) and provides a very poor service in their lounges
American Express tiene unas costosas tarifas anuales en México para los titulares de tarjetas (800 USD para el platino y 375USD para Gold Card) y proporciona un servicio muy pobre en sus salones
Well @Adam u two need a spell check!
I'm surprised that this many people in Mexico City's airport have the Centurion card. I expected that place to be nearly empty.
"BAUTY SALON". So, AmEx is to cheap or lazy to spring for a signage proofreader, huh? I know it's super petty, but things like that bug the heck outta me. I'm paying a premium for a premium experience yet these little things slip through the cracks. I know, I know...the food and drink are great. But the lack of attention to detail on something like this irks me.
Centurion Lounge over Salon Premier.
Platinum members and up get premium liquor for free.
In Salón Premier, you get cheap alcoholic drinks and for meals midday you get stale sandwiches and cookies.
two comments; its not a smooth airport, but a new big one is being built (or planned?) outside the city; and Enrique Olvera is the country's top cheff (pujol in mexico city, cosme in ny), so you are not paying for standard food ; and the previous menu at centurion was by Martín Berasategui, one of Spain's top
LOL at the decorative tree trunk.
Those are the tiniest barstools ever. Or giants are sitting in them. Or both.
Great review, as always. It just took a little until I realized that Amex means American Express and not Aeromexico. ;-)
FYI, there are two Centurion Lounges in MEX. I believe you went to the one in T2? I'm just finishing my review of the T1 one, was there for breakfast. Paid 5USD for some great huevos rancheros.
Worth it IMO, but for somebody used to US locations with free food it can be shocking, indeed.