Lounge Review: Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner (CVG) (New Location)

Today, was the opening day for the Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner (CVG) at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). I happened to be traveling through the airport and got to check out the beautiful new space. It’s 5x larger than the previous lounge (review here), cost $6.3 million to build out, and was bright, spacious, and not crowded.

Signs were in the concourse to hype the new space.

You need to take an elevator to reach the lounge.

Access

The lounge is located upstairs between Gates B8 and B10. Access to the Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner is given to customers carrying The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, and The Centurion® Card. These cardholders are entitled to bring two guests. Those with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card are granted free entry (when traveling on a Delta flight), but must pay $30 for each guest. Day passes are available for $45 if booked in advance or $60 upon arrival. This Escape Lounge is also part of the Priority Pass network. A desk to check credentials is immediately inside the lounge once you exit the elevator.

I loved the opening day balloons.

Anthony’s Take: I liked the old lounge even though it was tiny and crowded. It’s nice to have the new Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner (CVG) as an option in the airport (there is also a Delta Sky Club® a few gates away). The food was pretty tasty and the staff was very attentive. There were almost as many employees working as there were guests during my time there.

Bar

There are both complimentary and paid spirits, wine, and beer. This is a similar setup to what you’ll find in United Clubs℠, Delta Sky Clubs®, and American Admirals Clubs®. The bar is in the middle of the lounge and offers a good number of seats around it. There are also a few tables near the bar.

A coffee machine and water dispensers are found on a separate counter near the buffet and on the other side of the lounge in the snack/pantry area.

I liked that there was a soda machine with ginger ale.

Food

There were multiple hot dishes, salads, sandwiches, soup, meats, cheeses, and desserts on offer. The food was much better than the old location and I enjoyed an Indian dish as well as some soup before my flight.

Smoked Pork Loin with Mushrooms and Whole Grain Mustard Sauce

Rustic Mashed Potatoes

Basmati Rice

Butter Chickpea and Zucchini

Garlic Naan

Oven Roasted Zucchini

Tomato Bisque Soup

Sandwiches and salads

Cheese, meat, hummus, and vegetables

Desserts

Snacks

Seating & Decor

There is a ton of seating for working, socializing, and relaxing. It’s broken into several smaller spaces. The lounge was fairly empty during my visit and there were plenty of open seats. Decor is minimal, but fun.

Seats near the bar and buffet with great views of the tarmac.

I liked the design of the lounge.

There were lots of great spots to relax and work.

Amenities

Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner features free Wi-Fi, departure boards, and all of the food and beverages listed above.

Overall Impression:

This is a huge upgrade and such a big win for the Cincinnati airport. I can’t wait to return and spend some time in this great lounge.