What I Liked

• Lots of Seating
  
• Some alcoholic drinks were complimentary
  
• Nice views of terminal
  
• Smart and modern lounge
  

What Could Be Improved

• Food options were limited
  
• Most drinks were chargeable
  

The Entry Requirements

To get access, you can purchase an Admirals membership with American Airlines. The price for an individual is $850. If you fly domestic first with American, then you don’t get access.

If you fly international business class with a OneWorld airline, then you do get access. This is how I got access.

Priority Pass Options in Denver Airport

Another option for lounge access is with a Priority Pass Membership. Priority Pass is a global network of over 1,600 airport lounges. You can signup here and get a 30% discount on membership. Prestige membership costs $422, and provides unlimited visits for a year.

This isn’t a public offer. Thanks to Priority Pass for providing this generous offer to my readers.

At Denver Airport, there are two options for Priority Pass holders. The SweetWater Mountain Taphouse and Mercantile Dining and Provision. You receive $28 off your bill at each restaurant. You could visit both restaurants, if you wanted to. To get a $56 credit.

These restaurant credits are provided as an alternative to lounge access. Most airports have a Priority Pass Lounge Option. However, some airports have no 3rd party lounges. So Priority Pass offer a restaurant credit as an alternative.

The Location

The American Airlines Admirals Club is on the A concourse. Next to the Delta Sky Club. It’s on the upper floor, above all of the food outlets.

There’s a McDonald’s and a few other restaurants close by. There’s a train to the B or C concourse. It takes around 10 minutes.

The Lounge

The lounge is mid sized. It has the following features:

• Five different seating areas
  
• Bar area with high seating
  
• Buffet counter in the centre
  
• Business zone with computers and printer
  
• Small kids play area
  

There was a variety of seating. Low style lounge chairs, restaurant style tables and chairs and bar seating. The seats were all in leather and in excellent condition. The lounge decor was smart and modern.

There were no windows to the outside. The lounge has windows overlooking the terminal. The view of the terminal was really cool. There's a photo in the 'What I Liked' section. There was a small amount of light coming from the terminal roof.

There was a kids play area. But it was tiny. Just a very small room with some baby chairs. I don’t really understand who uses facilities like these. My kids weren't interested.

There’s also a small business room. With some PCs and a printer.

Lounge access has been a revelation for me and my family. Growing up, I never visited an airline lounge with my parents. They had a (limiting) belief, that lounges were only for rich people. These days, I nearly always visit a lounge when I’m at the airport.

My family can get a meal and something to drink. We also have our own personal space to sit down, for an hour or two. We save money, compared to the airport terminal. We also get our own space to relax.

The Americans Admirals Lounge just about did the job on this occasion. The buffet was limited, but I was about to go on a business class flight. Where I would be fed well. If I’d been travelling in economy, I might have been disappointed with the food offerings.

The Food

There was a buffet counter in the centre of the lounge. The offering was limited.

• Salad bar
  
• Chicken soup
  
• Veg soup
  
• Cookies
  
• Brownies
  
• Bread pudding
  

I had some veg soup. It was ok. It was reheated from a can.

I also had some salad. Some olives, cheese and crackers. Nothing wrong with it. But definitely not a meal.

The lounge has a menu of paid food. Menu is below. My wife got a quesadilla. She said that it was very good. We paid $17.50, with tip.

The Drinks

Tea and coffee was served from a machine on the buffet counter. There was also a separate counter with drip coffee. I didn’t have a tea or coffee. So I can’t comment on the quality.

There was a manned bar serving alcohol. Most drinks were chargeable. There was a small selection of complimentary drinks. One complimentary option for each type of drink, e.g. red wine, vodka, whisky... The rest of the drinks were chargeable.

This is very common at lounges in the US. You have a small selection of complimentary alcoholic drinks. Premium alcohol is chargeable. This is different to international lounges. Where all drinks are usually complimentary. Lounge access is also more expensive in the US.

Thankfully, this situation is changing. American Express Centurion Lounges provide all drinks for free. Including premium cocktails. Click here for my review of the Centurion Lounge in LAX airport.

Also, the Virgin Clubhouse in JFK Terminal 4 provides restaurant quality food and champagne on tap. Here is my review. That lounge can also be accessed with a Priority Pass Membership.

Conclusion

The American Airlines Admirals Club is fine, although a little limited. You’ll get a snack, something to drink and somewhere to sit down.

You definitely won’t get a full meal. So either eat before hand. Or if you’re ok with airline food, then eat on your flight.

If you need an airport hotel near Denver Airport, I can recommend the Hyatt House. Review here. The hotel has a swimming pool, American breakfast for all guests and free airport shuttle. I only paid $104 + taxes for my family of four to stay for one night. In a one bed suite. Now that’s a result!