American Express does a great job with their Centurion Lounges. In my opinion they are the most consistently good lounge experience. I had a long layover at DCA, due to a delay, so I stopped into the Amex Centurion Lounge. This lounge isn’t super convenient if you’re traveling from any concourse except for the B gates. E and D in particular are quiet a walk, but DCA is all connected airside so if you have the time, anyone can use the Amex Lounge.
Bottom Line: Once inside, the DCA Centurion is solid, there’s lots of seating space, the bar is well stocked, and the buffet is heavy enough to make a meal.
I’ve visited several Centurion Lounges over the years if you want to see those reviews:
IAH(Houston Intercontinental) Amex Centurion Lounge Review
LAS(Las Vegas) Amex Centurion Lounge Review
PHL(Philadelphia) Amex Centurion Lounge Review
LAX(Los Angeles) Amex Centurion Lounge Review
DCA Amex Centurion Location
The Centurion Lounge here at DCA is located at just across from the entrance to the B gates. If you’re flying from the A, B, or C gates, this lounge isn’t too far. If you’re flying from D or E, expect a good 10-12 minute walk down to this part of the airport.
The lounge is located on the second floor. There’s a set of stairs or there’s an elevator.
DCA Amex Centurion Lounge Space
Walking into the lounge, the space is a long but narrow space. The windows to the left look out onto the terminal below. There’s seating down the long corridor, to the right is the buffet and bar, at the back is more seating.
This is the back of the lounge. There’s the Amex board room style tables that seem to be in all of their lounges.
There’s a pretty good selection of seating around the lounge.
More seating at the Amex Centurion.
DCA Amex Centurion Lounge Buffet
The buffet for the DCA is located in the bar area. This is where I found a seat because I wanted a real table to sit at and get a bite to eat.
You can see the buffet on the left facing the outside windows and the bar in the back.
The buffet selection at the Centurion Lounges is always pretty solid, you know you’re in an airport lounge, but there’s more then enough to make a light meal. They have a selection of hot and cold items that changes at different meal times.
I made myself a salad and got a beer from the bar. At this point during the visit my flight is getting more and more delayed so I’m also a little nervous if I’m going to actually make it home tonight.
DCA Amex Centurion Bar and Drinks
The Amex Bar is well stocked with drinks. There’s a few draft beers, plenty of wine choices, and of course liquor. The majority is complementarily but there are some buy up options.
There’s also a coffee selection that includes some automatic espresso machines.
DCA Amex Centurion Lounge Final Thoughts
The Amex Centurion Lounge is a great spot to kill a few hours while here at DCA. The space is large, clean, and comfortable. The bar is well stocked and so is the buffet. The only downside is the location can be pretty inconvenient if you’re flying out of the D or E gates. If you’re at B this is a great spot and not a far walk.
I really do think that Amex does a great job with their lounge offering and a reason that I like their premium credit card offering more than other banks. (I don’t sell credit cards, have affiliate links, or other BS).