Review: American Express Lounge at Stockholm (ARN)
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Our journey to Faro took us through Stockholm Arlanda Airport, where we had the pleasure of experiencing the American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof. This marked our second visit to an Amex Lounge, and it continued to exceed our expectations. Read more about our lounge experience.
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American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof
The American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof is one of the many airport lounges at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. It offers a premium retreat for American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders. The lounge is named in collaboration with renowned Swedish chef Pontus Frithiof, ensuring a top-tier culinary experience. Guests can enjoy a luxurious environment with food and beverages curated by Frithiof.
The lounge is in the airport's Marketplace between Piers E and F in Terminal 5. Since terminal buildings are interconnected, visitors can easily reach all gates except the ones in Terminal 2. It is good to know that the lounge is post-security and in the Schengen zone. If heading to a non-Schengen destination, you must reserve more time to clear the passport control.
Our Visit to American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof
We visited the American Express Lounge in November 2024. With an early morning connection from Helsinki to Faro, we initially planned only to grab an Amex-provided lounge-on-the-go packet from La Girafe restaurant. However, discovering that the Amex lounge was upstairs at the same location, we decided to enjoy breakfast there instead. Below, we share our experiences with the lounge.
Locating the Lounge
Since we had a connection from Helsinki, we were already within the airport's secured area. There was no need to go through passport control as Helsinki, Stockholm, and Faro are all within the Schengen Zone. Initially, we had planned to pick up a lounge-on-the-go food package from La Giraffe restaurant. However, we decided to visit the Amex Lounge instead. It was easy to locate between Piers E and F, being in the same area as La Girafe but on the upper level.
Access
The American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof is exclusively for American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders. You can't access the lounge with a regular lounge membership.
Upstairs, we found a small reception desk. After a friendly membership and boarding pass check, we were granted access to the lounge through the door on the right. The luggage storage area got our attention as soon as we stepped inside. We found a nice table in a moment, and a friendly staff member promptly offered us beverages. The arrival at the lounge was warm.
If you intend to use the lounge services on the spot, do not scan the Amex QR code downstairs at La Girafe.
Premises
The American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof felt more like a restaurant than an airport lounge. It featured restaurant-style tables and a bar counter, with lighting that enhanced the restaurant ambience. It was spacious enough to create a calm atmosphere.
The lounge had been renovated, resulting in a larger space. During our visit, there was plenty of room, and the atmosphere was relaxing. It felt more like arriving at a restaurant for an early breakfast than a typical lounge experience. Since this lounge is quite different from a traditional airport lounge, we recommend that everyone eligible visit it at least once.
Food and Drinks
Breakfast was served buffet-style with sandwiches and other cold items. Other online reviews mention an à la carte menu, but we did not get one. Food ordered from the menu may incur an additional charge.
The bar counter served as the point of order for all beverages. We chose to enjoy the complimentary non-alcoholic drinks provided. Alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, and liquor, were available, though they may have incurred an additional cost.
Services
The lounge had restrooms inside but lacked shower facilities. There were no special areas dedicated to children. The lounge was kind of like a fine dining restaurant.
Amex offered complimentary Wi-Fi, as expected in Nordic countries with strong internet connectivity. We found power sockets under the tables. While flight information screens were available, televisions were absent, which made the dining environment more peaceful. Guests had access to a small selection of magazines.
The Amex Lounge resembled a high-end restaurant more closely than a traditional airport lounge.
Rating
We rate the American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof as a 5-star airport lounge. However, those expecting a traditional lounge with extensive amenities may be disappointed. The Amex Lounge prioritizes dining and relaxation but lacks typical lounge services such as showers. We believe the lounge caters more to the discerning adult traveller, making it ideal for business professionals.
How to Get Access
The American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof is exclusively for Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders. Access to the lounge may be challenging if you're not part of this group. For non-Amex members, we suggest checking out other lounges at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, many of which accept standard lounge memberships.
There are many ways to access airport lounges.
- Infrequent travellers may book lounge visits on Lounge Pass.
- Frequent travellers may benefit from a lounge membership. Read our Priority Pass review.
You will find more helpful information from our Airport Lounge Guide.
Bottom Line
Our visit to the American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof was an enjoyable experience. Initially, we had planned to grab a takeaway meal but ultimately decided to indulge in the lounge's services. Our choice was the right, as the lounge provided a remarkably comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
As the lounge does not participate in standard lounge membership programs, it may not be the most convenient option for travellers relying on such memberships for airport lounge access. Families with children might prefer a more traditional lounge with a broader range of services. However, we highly recommend experiencing the Amex Lounge, as its quality is exceptional.
Have you visited the American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof? Did you like it? Please share your experiences below.
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