Come Inside AmEx’s Centurion Lounge, Opening Today at SFO

Photo Credit: Courtesy American Express

The Centurion Lounge, American Express’ dazzling retreat for travelers, opens today at San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 3. Haute Living was there for a sneak peek at this haute new space and to chat with three-Michelin star chef Christopher Kostow of The Restaurant at Meadowood, who whipped up a scrumptious sit-down dinner for us and curates the seasonal cuisine available to jetsetters stopping in The Centurion Lounge.

This marks AmEx’s first sanctuary on the west coast and the fourth location in a network that’s expanding in major airports across the United States. Miami International Airport, you’re next!

Those of you flying in and out of SFO can experience what is already the rage at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Don’t worry if you don’t have a coveted AmEx black card. Entry to The Centurion Lounges is complimentary for consumer, business and corporate platinum card and Centurion® members, and their immediate family or up to two travel companions. Other American Express credit and charge card members may purchase a one-day pass at The Centurion Lounge for $50.

To celebrate the opening of The Centurion Lounge at SFO, for today only, AmEx and Uber are offering complimentary black car rides to AmEx card members headed to SFO from San Francisco. Card members who have an eligible American Express Card as their selected method of payment should enter the promo code CENTURIONSFO in the Uber app for the free ride. Make sure you allow enough time to check out The Centurion Lounge.

The Centurion Lounge, open daily 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., is just to the right of the security clearance in front of door 13 from the street and near gate 74 once you’re inside Terminal 3. Here’s what you’ll find at the 8,200 square foot lounge, located on the mezzanine level and reachable via a sparkling staircase or glass elevator:

 Photos courtesy American Express

Here’s what you can do:

• Wine & Dine: Featuring Napa Valley inspired, seasonal cuisine curated by Kostow as well as signature cocktails by renowned mixologist Jim Meehan. A unique wine tasting area powered by Wine Emotion allows guests to sample different pours from Napa Valley, chosen by wine director Anthony Giglio.
• Work & Play: Connected work spaces include high speed Wi-Fi and outlets near every seat, and a sound-proof family room allows a safe and fun place for kids to play.
• Relax & Recharge: Thoughtfully appointed relaxation areas and luxurious shower suites provide an optimal place to refresh, and member services professionals on-staff can help assist with card inquiries and travel services.

In addition, there is a nook for napping and a business center that pays homage to Steve Jobs with only Mac computers and black and white photos of the late Apple co-founder. Sorry diehard PC users, you’ll have to adapt or bring your own.

Photo Credit: Kelly E. Carter

We loved the colorful decor and this nostalgic wall that reminded us of the days when traveling commercially was fun. At least the addition of The Centurion Lounge at SFO provides weary and stressed out passengers a chic place to unwind—not to mention a place to enjoy Kostow’s culinary creations.

Photo Credit: Courtesy American Express

At the sneak peek, Haute Living caught up with The Restaurant at Meadowood Chef to ask him why he wanted to join forces with American Express on The Centurion Lounge at SFO.

“It seemed like a really interesting opportunity to do food not necessarily for a different audience but certainly a different setting,” Kostow told us. “It’s interesting for us to have a bit of a storefront for a great set of clientele. I think there’s quite a bit to learn, operationally, in doing food in this kind of setting.”

From what we saw and tasted of Kostow’s, he appears to already have mastered his new environment:

 Photos courtesy American Express

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