Back in October on my way down to Buenos Aires, Argentina I had a chance to check out The Club at ATL. Using my Lounge Club membership that comes with the Ritz-Carlton credit card I was able to access the lounge for free and was pleasantly surprised by the quality. The lounge only opened a couple years ago and everything looks rather new and in great shape.
Trip Report: One-Way Down to Argentina
Lounge Review: The Club at ATL
Flight Review: American Airlines First Class Flagship Suites MIA to EZE
Hotel Review: Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
La Cumbrecita, Argentina: How to Get There, Where to Stay & What to Do
Guide to Mastering Bus Travel in Argentina
Hotel Review: Park Hyatt Mendoza
Hiking in Valle del Sol and the Mountains Around Mendoza, Argentina
Hotel Review: Posada Salentein – Valle de Uco, Argentina
Hotel Review: Tupungato Divino Wine Hotel – Valle de Uco, Argentina
The Club at ATL is located on the Mezzanine Level of the International Terminal/Concourse F at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. The lounge is open daily from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm.
Amenities that the lounge features include:
- Telephones
- Wi-fi Access
- Work Stations / PCs
- Internet / Dataports
- Free Snacks and Drinks
- Free Alcoholic Drinks
- Newspapers / Magazines
- TVs
- Shower Facilities
- Disabled Access
Everything in the lounge looks almost new and clean, including the bathrooms and shower suites. However, with more of a functional vs. extravagant style obviously don't expect a Lufthansa First Class lounge.
As it is a third party lounge it has rather lenient access requirements and you can enter as a Priority Pass member, Lounge Club member, Diners Club International cardholder, First/Business Class passenger on British Airways and Lufthansa, or by purchasing a $35 day pass.
The lounge has open floor plan with only two main seating areas that each have their own snack bar and refreshment bar. Given that the lounge is located on corner and has floor to ceiling windows it has a nice light and airy feel, plus you have a good outside view from almost any seat.
The lounge's bar tops most other domestic carrier lounges and offers a handful of complimentary alcoholic beverages including wine, beers, and a good selection of non-premium liquors. There are also two self-service refreshment bars where you can grab water, sodas, teas, or espresso. This makes it nice and easy to refill your drink and also keep crowds down at one area when the lounge is full. My visit was in the evening and it wasn't completely full, but I can imagine the space may feel cramped when it is at capacity.
I'd say the food options is above what most domestic lounges offer and you can get close to actually eating a real meal. There is an assortment of sandwiches, veggies, two soups, cheese selections, and your typical snack foods. The lounge also offers premium food options for around $10.
The second smaller seating area also has a small snack and drink area, plus offers a variety of reading material (magazines, newspapers, etc). There is a divider separating the main seating area from the smaller one which makes it a much quieter zone for relaxing or getting work done.
Overall The Club at ATL may be the best lounge to spend time in during a long layover at ATL. Not to mention the lounge may ATL's easiest lounge to gain access to as it's part of both Priority Pass and Lounge Club's network. This means you can easily get free access if you have the Ink Plus business credit card, Ritz-Carlton credit card, Amex Platinum credit card, along with others.
Overall I had a good visit at The Lounge at ATL and I wouldn't hesitate to stop by again on my way through ATL.
