As you probably gathered from my previous post about the American Express Centurion Lounge in Mexico City, Dan and I did a bit of lounge hopping when flying back from our trip to Mexico City earlier this year. We had a bit of time to kill in the airport (although not as much as I would have liked…), so we first hit the American Express Centurion Lounge and then jumped to The Ground Lounge Elite, a few minutes walk from the Centurion Lounge, via our Priority Pass.
Flying out of CDMX.
Like the American Express Centurion Lounge, the Grand Lounge Elite is airside not too far from the departure gates. The entrance is marked by a visible sign and entrance is complimentary to Priority Pass members. We checked in quite quickly despite the lounge being crowded.
The Set Up
The Grand Lounge Elite is set up in what I would describe as a large single room. The room consists of lots of comfortable seats with tables and is ringed by a buffet, a bar, and a fancy coffee bar. As you can see below, some of the seats were “reserved,” which was a bit annoying, as it made an already crowded lounge more crowded. It was unclear how to reserve a seat in the lounge – possibly by making a reservation online. In addition to the main room, there were a few extensions in the corners of the room, making the lounge a little roomier. According to its website, the Grand Lounge Elite offers some other, fancier rooms to certain passengers with certain types of Visa cards or flying certain airlines in first or business class – we did see these areas.
The main room.
Bar in the back.
More seating.
The Food
Unlike the Centurion Lounge, the Grand Lounge Elite has a complimentary buffet set up on one side of the lounge. The buffet had some interest choices – a pretty decent looking salad, hotdogs (?, it was Memorial Day weekend in the US), sandwiches, a variety of chips and salsas, fruit, and a popcorn machine, among a few other things. While it was a bizarre array of foods, it was nice that they were complimentary and self-serve. This definitely helps if you are rushing to catch a flight and want a quick snack!
Popcorn.
Chips and stuff.
Sandwiches – the tuna ones actually looked really good up close!
Fresh fruit is always a winner.
Salad.
Hotdogs ?
In addition to the buffet, the Grand Lounge Elite offers a menu of hot food from 14h – 17h. You can see the menu below, and it indicates (in Spanish) that guests are entitled to one plate free of charge, with additional plates costing extra. We did not order hot good, so I cannot confirm if this is correct. Quite a few patrons seemed to be order from this menu.
Hot food menu.
The Drinks
Similar to the Centurion Lounge, the drinks were complimentary at the Grand Lounge Elite. In connection with the buffet, there is a self-serve selection of sodas and Mexican beers. In addition, there is a menu with cocktails and wine to order. Dan ordered a delicious looking Margarita and I ordered another glass of Mexican wine, paired with a Diet Coke! Both were served via a waiter, who came and took our drink order as soon as we sat down!
Drink menu.
Grab and go mini fridge.
Dan’s marg.
Other Amenities
In addition to food, drink, and a respite from the general public, the lounge offered a small computer area, a departure screen, TVs playing soccer, restrooms in the lounge, and a coffee bar!! I cannot attest to the wifi, as this was a quick visit, but the Grand Elite Lounge claimed to have it.
Small business center.
Dotcom Cafe – a coffee bar!
Summary
Overall, the Grand Elite Lounge in Mexico City is a bit dated, but it is certainly a decent place to wait for a flight if you have a Priority Pass. The waiters were a nice touch, as was the coffee bar, and the pretty cocktails. The down sides were the crowds in connection with the reserved seats, and the prohibition of photographs in the lounge! I got in trouble for taking these pictures… In any case, I probably would recommend the Grand Elite Lounge over the American Express Centurion Lounge in Mexico City, as it has free food and in-house restrooms.
STEAL OUR LOUNGE
Grant Lounge Elite: Airside, in the International Area. Open 24 hours daily. Complimentary drinks and food. Complimentary entrance for Priority Pass holders (3 hour limit). You can also purchase access, but I am not sure of the cost.
In the alternative, check out my review of the American Express Centurion Lounge here.