Adventures in New York LaGuardia Airport Lounge Hopping

LaGuardia Airport Lounge Hopping

Up until last week, the only LaGuardia Airport lounge I’d visited is their solid Delta Sky Club.  I don’t have many reasons to come through LGA, but recently meeting up with DDG was one of them.  And my visit also coincided with the opening of the Chase Sapphire Lounge LaGuardia, a simply remarkable space.  But similar to my DFW and IAD moves, I took the opportunity to hop around various LaGuardia lounges.  Here are the highlights from my experience, in sequential order.

Be Relax Spa

Things started poorly.  Priority Pass entitles members to receive a Be Relax Spa service at LGA.  Based on my experience, the terms and the reality of the situation are vastly different.  First, here’s what this Be Relax Spa location supposedly offers, based on the Priority Pass description:

Cardholders can use their lounge visit entitlement to take advantage of one of the following options: Be Back 15-minute Massage plus O2 (a US$38 value); Be Back 30-minute Massage (a US$38 value); Polish Change plus Hand Massage (a US$38 value); Be Feet on lounger 10-minute plus O2 (a US$44 value).

Beyond the receptionist, I noticed only one worker at the location, busily giving a hand treatment.  The nice-enough receptionist cited understaffing.  I noted Priority Pass and asked what services were currently available.  She pointed to a few chairs.  That’s right, the kind in every mall next to the kid rides, with a great view of the tumbleweed blowing by.

My “must realize full value” mode almost activated.  But hubris took over, instead.  I just couldn’t do it.  I thanked the receptionist and walked away.

Admirals Club

I quickly forgot about the Be Relax non-starter when I arrived at the Terminal B Admirals Club.  Refreshed and expanded in 2022, this sprawling club snakes around many of the American gates from above.  The windowed sides of this elevated lounge reach ten or so feet, simultaneously providing a sense of seclusion and oppenness.

This club doesn’t quite have the updated decor of the newer DCA or DEN versions but is pleasing enough.  There’s plenty of light and area to relax.  Seating, in terms of number and variety, abounds.  A fun game room is available, but I noticed one console was down – AA gonna AA.  Beyond the inviting main bar, the lounge offers a few other beverage stations and plenty of food options.  I found the salad bar particularly impressive.  Wi-fi connectivity was reliable.  The lounge also offers two conference rooms, a relaxation area with Eames-like chairs, and plenty of workspace.  After water and a few baked sweet treats, I was on my way to the next stop.

Amex Centurion Lounge

I didn’t have high expectations entering this (or any other, actually) Centurion lounge.  I’ll keep managing them to prevent disappointment while also leaving room for pleasant surprises.  I experienced the latter here.  After checking in without a wait, I abruptly entered the dining area.  Before I knew it, I was amidst the plug-and-play Centurion buffet island and cramped tables and chairs in a Taco Bell configuration.  Still, everything seemed clean and in order – not a safe assumption in airport lounges.

This Centurion location has most everything you’d expect – bar (seemingly smaller than average), somewhat private business work areas, a variety of seating options, standard Centurion decor, and presumptuous visitors using their hands instead of utensils.  Perhaps my favorite spot in the LGA Centurion is what they call the Study.  I enjoyed the distinctive book wall accents, dimmer lighting, soft music, and functional seating and tables.  Multiple private parties can enjoy this space without bothering the others.  But I had it all to myself to enjoy my hangar steak, garlic green beans, and a bit-too-sweet-but-why-not guava lemonade.  I took this small win and hoped for a bigger one next.

Chase Sapphire Lounge

Sitting right next to the Centurion Lounge is the neighbor it probably didn’t want, the brand new Chase Sapphire Lounge.  You can check out my full review here.  The lounge exceedingly delivers in all aspects – interior decor and design, food and beverage, service, and amenities.  But it pulls off one of the trickier items to accomplish – the lounge was busy without feeling crowded.

My favorite part of the Sapphire LGA is ordering food and drink to my dining table.  The highly efficient ordering mechanism, personal touch with the delivery, and better than average food offering makes me want to visit again probably more than any other aspect of the space.  As with any lounge, I’m interested to see if/how it’s maintained, but I’m confident they will do better than others.

LaGuardia Airport Lounge Hopping – Conclusion

Out of the three lounge hops I’ve written about so far, the LGA experience has probably been my favorite.  In terms of the quality of the lounges and their services, LGA definitely has a better collection than the other two, in my experience.  And that’s including the Be Relax Spa disappointment.  Indeed, when I’m at LGA next, I’ll opt to arrive early to partake again.  While it’s a solid location, I’ll probably leave the Admirals Club out next time and opt for more relaxed stays at the Centurion and/or Sapphire lounges.  What’s your favorite LaGuardia Airport lounge and why?

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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