Inside Amex’s new – and stylish Centurion Studio lounge in Fort Lauderdale

Location

The new Escape Lounge is located in the airport corridor between Concourses E and F. The airport is working to modernize the area, and several new shops and restaurants have opened here in recent months.

Now, the waiting room will be the featured utility located at the connector.

It’s nearly impossible to miss the entrance – just look for the large sign or the blue Amex logo. Glass doors also give you a preview of what’s inside.

The concourse location in Terminal 3 is ideal for anyone flying on American, JetBlue and Spirit, as well as a number of other smaller international and domestic airlines. Gates E, F, and G are all post-security connected, so if you’re flying from any of these gates, the lounge will be no more than a 10-minute walk away.

This Centurion Studio Partner Lounge is open daily from 5:30am to 9pm

Access

The universe

From the moment you step into the 5,000-square-foot lounge, you might think you’ve entered a signature Centurion Lounge. Although this space bears the moniker “Studio”, the design and furniture resembles a top Centurion outpost.

The design itself is inspired by life in South Florida, and it shows. From the colorful couches to the bright lighting, this space blends right in with the surrounding residential areas.

The lounge reception area is inspired by sand dollars, which can be found on beaches along the area’s coastline. Two front desk staff will welcome you to the lounge, after which you will be invited to find a seat.

The main seating area is located just behind the foyer and it is divided into three seating areas. There was a row of benches, a small room with a couch, and another room with its own chair and high desk.

A decorative partition with eight chandeliers separates the seating areas, which makes the living room feel more spacious and luxurious.

There is another seating area that runs along the perimeter of the lounge near the window. Here you’ll find salmon-colored chairs and green couches.

Those looking to catch up on work may want to sit in the business area near the entrance with two tall tables.

Note, however, that there are no phone booths or personal workstations in the lounge, which is why the airport primarily serves the entertainment market.

Therefore, most of the lounge area is designed as a dining area.

Around the buffet area are a variety of double-sided dining tables and the design of the chairs is inspired by coastal living (think textiles and lots of white and cream).

Even the ceiling has a unique wood treatment with a zig-zag geometric pattern that is sure to impress.

No matter where you sit, you’ll always have a power outlet and USB-A port within reach. The lounge did a great job making sure that each seat had easy access to power.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the space with download and upload speeds of 30 Mbps and 15 Mbps, respectively.

The lounge just set up the buffet and bar area during TPG’s visit. The bar is surrounded by stylish green wallpaper and frosted glass mirrors that combine to exude a sophisticated vibe.

Most alcoholic beverages are provided free of charge, however some require additional purchase.

Meanwhile, the food on offer is curated in collaboration with Chef Laurent Tourondel, the man behind the popular DUNE by LT restaurant in Fort Lauderdale.

While I didn’t get a chance to taste the dishes, the lounge did get to do a tasting together during my visit. The presentation looks pretty slick, and dishes like the royale french toast and the impossibly meaty slider look delicious.

Wherever you sit, you’ll enjoy plenty of natural light thanks to the lounge’s tall west-facing windows. Aviation enthusiasts are sure to appreciate the view of the ramp and runway in the distance, while others may only appreciate the last minutes of Florida sunshine through the stained windows.

In terms of amenities, the lounge has two individual restrooms. Since the lounge can comfortably accommodate more than 200 people, there is a possibility of having to queue for the restroom when busy.

There is also a single shower set next to the washroom that can be versatile as a third bathroom if needed.

There is a small meeting room in a corner near the bar. It can be rented by the hour, although it would be nice if it was used as an overflow space when the lounge is crowded.

Speaking of crowding, I expect this space to be full all day. Many passengers from South Florida have an Amex Platinum card, and as the only lounge option in Terminals 3 and 4, the card is poised to become quite popular.

During the tour, I noticed a lot of people shouting and sighing in the lounge from outside. Many people approached the (closed) doors to ask when it would open.

If this small sampling over a two-hour period on Monday morning is any indication, people are clearly excited.

Key point

The new Escape Lounge in Fort Lauderdale can’t come anytime soon.

The airport’s terminals 3 and 4 previously didn’t have a lounge option, and the new American Express Centurion Studio Partner outpost fills that void – and then some.