In addition to the American Express Centurion Lounge Network, American Express also operates ten International Lounges. Who’d have known?
This review covers one of these ten – The Centurion Club, Mexico City.
Review: The Centurion Club MEX (Mexico City, Mexico)
The Location and Operating Hours:
This Centurion Club is located at the Mexico City International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez) (MEX)  in the International Area, past security, Gate K, Floor 2.
Operating hours are from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm CST.
The Centurion Club is very easy to find, you can take the elevator or the stairs up to the second floor.
The Entrance:
Look for the American Express logo on the wall. You have arrived.
You will be required to show your American Express Platinum card to gain entry. The American Express Platinum card will also grant access for two fellow travelers or immediate family.
Note:Â ONLY holders of the American Express [personal] Platinum card will receive vouchers for free breakfast. Other cards may grant you access, but you will have to pay for your food and drinks.
The entrance to the Centurion Club MEX:
Inside the Club:
This club is quite large; it features a two-story layout inside a massive cylindrical space with an elevator through the center of the club.
Floor 1:
The first floor was brightly lit and had more of a “business” feel to it. With that said, it also had a family area with space for kids to play.
Floor 1, just after check-in
Floor 2:
Up the stairs, you’ll find the much darker “booze-friendly” second floor. There is a bar to the right of the stairs, and a dimly lit restaurant-like portion of the club on the left.
Bathrooms are also located on the second floor.
The Bar (at 5:00 am)
The club side (opposite the bar)
The Breakfast Options:
Breakfast was limited to a menu-only selection (read: no buffet). I found this to be a good thing because the quality of the food was great (and because I hate buffets).
You have your choice of several dishes off the menu – apparently expertly planned by a famous chef (whose name escapes me now) – as well as whatever fancy-pants coffee you could think of.
All I have to say is the Chorizo and Eggs was legit.
Breakfast was so nice, I ordered it twice! The Chorizo and Eggs
The Bottom Line Review: The Centurion Club MEX (Mexico City, Mexico)
Well, the Centurion Club had a very nice look and feel. The service was great too. It was clean and had nice amenities like showers, different seating options, and a variety of newspapers and televisions.
But – I was very confused as to what was free and what wasn’t. The voucher system was a mess, everybody was confused about what was covered. I still don’t know if alcoholic drinks were covered for voucher holders (they did do their very best to push the wine).
The menu prices were expensive – I wouldn’t have stayed if not for the voucher. It was also confusing if you are supposed to tip in this lounge. I was served a bill for $0.00 and they asked to swipe my card. I chose to err on the side of caution and tip because my server was attentive and quick with the coffee.
Nevertheless, I would rate this lounge just slightly above average due to the confusing setup and steep menu prices for a restaurant – let alone a lounge. Looks aren’t always everything. Next time I’m at MEX, I’ll try one of the Priority lounges and see how it compares.
Rating: 3.5 / 5 (Recommended if you can land a voucher with your Personal Platinum card)
Cheers!
