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Best Luxury Lounges at Denver International Airport
December 12, 2024
Travelers passing through Denver International Airport (DEN) – often called DIA – might be surprised to find a handful of truly luxurious lounges hidden among its concourses. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat, upscale amenities, or first-class service, Denver’s best lounges deliver comfort in style.
Below, we spotlight the top luxury lounges at DEN, what makes them special, and how you can access them (often with the right credit card or ticket). Sit back and relax – your first-class airport experience starts here.
Denver’s Lounge Landscape: Denver may be one of the world’s busiest airports (over 80 million passengers a year), but it has a limited number of lounges – quality over quantity. There are six main lounges open to airlines and cardholders, plus a military-only lounge.
For a truly premium experience, we’ve narrowed down the “best of the best” in terms of luxury:
1. United Club – Concourse B (East, Gate B44) – The Giant of Denver
When it comes to luxury at DIA, the United Club B-East (“Club West”) takes the crown for sheer scale and amenities. Opened in late 2022, this is United’s largest lounge in the world, spanning 35,000 square feet across three levels. It can seat over 600 guests in style. The design feels like a chic mountain lodge meets modern lounge – complete with two fireplaces, local art installations, and even a dramatic chandelier of Colorado blue spruce pine cones overhead.
Why it’s luxurious: Beyond its size, this lounge offers perks like a craft beer bar with 10 local beers on tap(a nod to Denver’s famed breweries), expansive buffet stations, and relaxation rooms. Premium amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, wellness rooms, and plenty of workspace, all in a sleek setting of concrete floors and handcrafted decor for a modern Colorado vibe. It truly feels a step above a standard U.S. airline lounge.
Access: Despite the luxe feel, this is a United Airlines lounge, so access is mainly for:
- United Club members.
- Star Alliance Gold elites flying any Star Alliance airline.
- Passengers in United or Star Alliance long-haul business/first class.
- Holders of one-time United Club passes – day passes can also be bought for ~$59 if space is available.
2. American Express Centurion Lounge – Concourse C (Gate C46) – Upscale & Exclusive
The Centurion Lounge by American Express in Denver is the definition of exclusive luxury. Tucked in Concourse C, this 14,000 sq.ft. lounge is Amex’s second-largest Centurion location. From the moment you enter, you’ll notice elegant furnishings and touches of local Denver flair. There’s even a bespoke game room and an interactive cooking station – unique amenities that set it apart.
Why it’s luxurious: Centurion Lounges are known for gourmet dining and craft cocktails. Denver’s outpost features a chef-designed Italian-inspired menu (with a live cooking station) and a dedicated craft beer bar highlighting local brews. The seating is plush and varied – whether you want to socialize at the bar or curl up in a quiet nook.
Access: This lounge’s exclusivity comes from its access rules:
- You must hold an eligible American Express card.
- You need a same-day departing flight (any airline) and can only enter within 3 hours of departure (Centurion policy).
- No day passes for purchase – it’s cardholder-only. That means the lounge is less crowded than airline lounges, preserving the luxury feel (though peak times can still get busy).
3. Capital One Lounge – Concourse A (Gate A34 Mezzanine) – Modern Comfort with Premium Perks
Denver’s Capital One Lounge is the newest contender on the luxury scene, opened in late 2023. While slightly smaller (about 11,200 sq.ft.), it’s packed with premium amenities and a fresh, modern design. Work travelers will appreciate the abundance of workstations and even private conference rooms, while all guests love the locally-inspired food offerings.
Why it’s luxurious: Two standout features:
- Culinary experience: The lounge offers a high-quality buffet plus made-to-order menu items that celebrate Colorado flavors.
- Thoughtful spaces: You’ll find a wellness room, parents’ nursing room, and shower suites, alongside the usual comfy seating. The decor is sleek and calming. There’s even a relaxation room with nap pods, so it rivals the best lounges in helping you truly unwind.
Access: Capital One has made this lounge surprisingly accessible:
- Unlimited free access for Capital One Venture X cardholders (and Venture X Business) plus two guests.
- Two free visits per year for Capital One Venture and Spark Miles cardholders, with additional visits at $45.
- If you have no qualifying card, you can buy a day pass for $65 – pricy, but it’s one of the few pay-per-entry options at DEN and might be worth it for the luxury (availability may be limited by crowding).
- Priority Pass membership does not cover this lounge, but notably Venture X cardholders get Priority Pass as well – a double win for lounge fans.
4. Delta Sky Club – Concourse A (Near A26) – Stylish and Newly Expanded
Delta’s Sky Club in Denver (opened 2023 after expansion) is smaller than the giants above, but it delivers a reliably premium experience for Delta flyers. It’s located on Concourse A, perched at the mezzanine (south end of the pedestrian bridge) – offering some views and easy access if you’re flying Delta.
Why it’s luxurious: The Sky Club’s design leans upscale and modern, with plenty of seating zones (some with great runway views). There’s a complimentary buffet with hot and cold options, a full bar including complimentary Starbucks coffee and local craft beer on tap. While it doesn’t have extras like showers at this location, it’s praised as a calm oasis amid DIA’s bustle. Delta also tends to keep Sky Clubs quieter by stricter access rules (no paid day passes for general public).
Access: To enter the Sky Club, you’ll need:
- A Delta Sky Club membership or be traveling in Delta One (international business class).
- Elite status/access programs: Delta Diamond Medallion elites (or SkyTeam Elite Plus) on international itineraries get in.
- Credit card access: Holders of The Platinum Card® from Amex or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card can access the Sky Club when flying Delta that day.
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5. American Airlines Admirals Club – Concourse C (Gate C30) – Classic Comfort
Rounding out the list is the Admirals Club, recently renovated and offering a solid, if not extravagant, lounge for American Airlines travelers. It’s a bit smaller and more basic than others above, but still a luxury compared to waiting at the gate.
Why it’s on the list: The Admirals Club provides comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a full bar. While food isn’t free (besides light snacks), they do have premium food for purchase and often local beer/wine selections. There are also conference rooms available – good for business travelers needing privacy. The lounge’s atmosphere is quiet and uncrowded most of the day, which itself is a luxury in a busy airport like DEN.
Access:
- Admirals Club members of course get in.
- One-day passes can be purchased (around $59) via AA’s app or at the door, space permitting.
- Eligible elites (Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire) and passengers flying AA or Oneworld partners in business/first also get access.
- Unlike Amex/CapOne lounges, no general credit card will grant Admirals Club access.
Kudos Tip: Travel Insurance in Luxury
Lounges can make flight delays comfortable – but you’ll also want to be protected if things go awry. Premium travel credit cards that grant lounge access often come with built-in travel insurance (trip delay coverage, lost luggage reimbursement, etc.).
For example, certain cards both offer these protections. Kudos can help you identify which card in your wallet has the best coverage when your flight’s delayed – so you can relax in that lounge knowing you’re covered. Enjoy the champagne, and let Kudos handle the fine print!
FAQs: Luxury Lounges at DEN
What is the most luxurious lounge at Denver International Airport?
The consensus pick is United’s new United Club in Concourse B – it’s the largest, with upscale amenities like a craft beer bar and fireplaces. The Amex Centurion Lounge (Concourse C) is a close second for luxury, known for its gourmet food and premium bar. Both offer a high-end experience, each in their own style.
Are there Priority Pass lounges at DIA?
No, DIA has no Priority Pass lounges. Priority Pass members can instead use their benefit at Mercantile Dining & Provision, a restaurant in Concourse A, to get $28 off their bill as a pseudo-lounge experience. For a true lounge, you’ll need airline status, buy a day pass (United/AA), or have an eligible credit card for lounges like Amex Centurion or Capital One.
Can you pay to get into a lounge at Denver Airport?
Yes, at some lounges. United Clubs sell day passes for ~$59 (if you’re flying United that day, at the door or via app). The Admirals Club sells a day pass (~$59) to anyone flying that day. The Capital One Lounge allows walk-in paid entry for $65 if capacity allows. In contrast, Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge do not offer paid entry to general travelers – you need the right card or ticket.
Which credit card is best for Denver airport lounge access?
The Amex Platinum Card is excellent – it gets you into the Centurion Lounge at DEN (and Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta). If you fly United often, the United Club℠ Infinite Card gives you full United Club membership (access to all United lounges, including DEN’s great clubs). The Capital One Venture X is another top choice – it grants unlimited free access to the new Capital One Lounge at DEN and comes with Priority Pass for the restaurant credit. (See Article 3 for a detailed credit card lounge guide.)
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