We visited Bermuda for Labor Day weekend at the end of August to celebrate the long weekend and, more importantly, our 8th anniversary! We visited Bermuda airport’s U.S. Departures Primeclass Lounge on our way home. While small, we found this Primeclass Lounge to be quite nice and relaxing. We would happily visit again. This post reviews the Primeclass Lounge for U.S. Departures in Bermuda St. George’s L.F. Wade International Airport. Note that there is a separate Primeclass Lounge for non-US international departures in the same airport, which we did not (and could not) visit.
Bermuda – only 2 hours from the NYC area.
THE BERMUDA PRIMECLASS LOUNGE – US DEPARTURES
The US Departures Primeclass Lounge is located past security, past passport control, and past US Customs (which one does in Bermuda – not on arrival in the US) on the second floor of the airport. It is located between the sole bar in the US Departures area and an overpriced Love Bermuda gift shop, just at the top of the escalator. The US departures area is not large, and the lounge is not difficult to locate. The Primeclass lounge is currently the sole lounge in the US departures area.
Entrance to the Primeclass Lounge in the US Departures area.
ACCESSING THE PRIMECLASS LOUNGE
The Primeclass Lounges (both US Departures and general international) at Bermuda International are open to the general public at a cost of $59 per person for a three hour visit. In addition, access is complimentary for Priority Pass card holders, which is how we accessed the lounge, and a number of other lounge clubs, including Lounge Key, Lounge Pass, Lounge Buddy, and Dragon Pass. Certain airlines also offer access to certain flyers. To enter the lounge, flyers simply present a pass (ours, the Priority Pass) and boarding pass. I would also point out that the US Departures lounge is only open until 4:00 PM, while the other Primeclass lounge for all other international departures opens at 4:00 PM.
THE PRIME CLASS LOUNGE (US DEPARTURES) SPACE
My first thought, even before I saw the Primeclass Lounge in person, is that it is small. In fact, according to the internet, it only holds 89 guests. Despite this, the Primeclass Lounge was not crowded during our visit, and we had no issue accessing the lounge immediately upon arrival. I would note for your own planning purposes that there were seven other flights departing for the U.S. from Bermuda around the time we visited the lounge.
A largely empty lounge in Bermuda.
The Primeclass Lounge U.S. Departures is essentially one square room. Guests enter through a normal door and checkin at a small desk, from which point you can see the entire lounge. The centerpiece of the lounge is a beautiful bar, that seems to be sponsored by Barcardi. Bar seating is available, and there are numerous comfortable seating options around the lounge. I describe the vibe as elegant, beach chic, with lots of pink, wallpaper, velvet, and light in the lounge. It was very much my style! On the far side of the lounge from the checkin desk is a small buffet and a non-alcoholic beverage station.
View of just over half the lounge.
The other half of the lounge.
The bar and buffet area.
Opposite the bar are decent sized windows with some outside views. If nothing else, this will make you sad to leave.
Views to the outside the lounge.
There are also very nice WCs in the lounge, including showers. I am not usually enamored with lounge WCs, but these were incredibly well decorated, warranting multiple pictures.
Wallpaper in the lounge.
THE PRIMECLASS LOUNGE DRINKS
Alcohol drinks are served from the main bar, which is manned with a real bartender. Most alcoholic drinks are complimentary, including cocktails and sparkling wine, but there are some upgrades for pay, such as Patron tequila. While only one bartender was working, she prepared drinks rather quickly and we never waited very long for a drink. We stuck to sparkling wine and margaritas. The bartender was not stingy with the drinks or the pours. That being said, we tipped her after the first drink.
A very decent lounge bar.
Sparkling wine and chips.
Aside from cocktails, beer, and wine, there is an espresso machine near the buffet and a cold brew machine (!). Water, Ginger Beer (very Bermuda), and juices are also available in a cooler accessible only via staff.
Coffee bar area, including espresso and cold brew.
The drink cooler.
THE PRIMECLASS LOUNGE FOOD
The Primeclass Lounge food was decent on our visit (during the lunch hour), enough for a full meal in a pinch. On offer during our visit were the makings of a salad, a cold pasta salad, rice, and some sort of hot sausage dish (Dan thought it was decent). The lounge also offered small bags of various US chips and a selection of three dessert cookies. Staff constantly replaced the food during our visit.
Part of the buffet.
Small area of hot food.
My plate. Not terrible.
A small dessert area.
OTHER AMENITIES AT THE COPA CLUB
The wifi at the Primeclass Lounge worked well and as I mentioned, the WCs were very nice. They were spacious, separate from the lounge, and provided enough room to change and “put yourself together.” The lounge also offered at least one shower for guest use.
The beautiful restrooms.
STEAL OUR TRIP
Primeclass Lounge – US Flight Departures: Bermuda St. George’s L.F. Wade International Airport. Located past-security on the second floor in the U.S. Departure’s area. Open daily 7:00 – 16:00. All guests can book access for $59 per 3 hour stay. Complimentary access for members of Priority Pass, Lounge Pass, Lounge Key, Dragon Pass, and Lounge Buddy.