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 American Express Platinum Card® 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?
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