The Escape Lounge – Minneapolis

I left the Delta Sky Club about 15 minutes before my fight was scheduled to board. My plan was to walk the MSP Airport Mall that runs from the F Concourse to the E Concourse and back – and then down to gate F9. I’ve always enjoyed this part of MSP, the Mall that is. The MSP Mall is funky, looks like it’s been there a long time, and has a decidedly Minnesota feel to it. It is utterly unique to any airport or terminal I have ever visited and I love walking through it. When I got to the end of the Mall by the E concourse I noticed a sign for Escape Lounge.

Introduction: Business in Boston
Review: Delta Domestic First Class – Sacramento To Boston
Review: Delta Sky Club – Salt Lake City
Review: Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor
Review: Hyatt Regency Boston
Thoughts On Boston
Review: Delta Sky Club – Boston
Review: Delta Sky Club – Minneapolis
Drive By: The Escape Lounge – Minneapolis
Review: Delta Domestic First Class –  Boston to Sacramento

I had heard about this new lounge at MSP from some press releases and a review by Rene’ at Rene’s Points. I hadn’t thought much about it until that moment and I decided to stick my head in for a couple minutes to see what I could see. As I approached the reception desk the associates working that evening engaged me in a short conversation and couldn’t have been more sweet. They were excited about their new lounge and gave me permission to take some quick pictures.

After walking the space and photographing the lounge I could see why they were excited. The place was beautiful. It looks to be on par with the AMEX Centurion Lounges, maybe better. The place was empty with the exception of 2 guests. I caught myself thinking “I wish I had been able to spend my layover here as opposed to the crowded Sky Club by the F concourse”. Since I didn’t stay at the lounge I can’t call this a review, but more of a drive by. But from what I saw, I can’t wait to transition though MSP again for a proper visit, and review.

The sweet associates working reception

Plenty of stylish seating

The chairs and setup look inviting

Love the lighting and color palette

The booths look comfortable

These side chairs would be perfect with a guest

Another view

I wish I had been able to try the food

Dining and Bar space look fantasticc

More dining space

Views from dining

The place drips design

Very tasteful

One last angle

Some additional information. I have to really give credit to Rene’ for his scoop review of this lounge. No one else has covered it; and Escape looks to the best entry into the domestic lounge scene since AMEX opened their Centurion Lounge operations.

The parent company that operates the Escape airport lounges is MAG – Manchester Airport Group. MAG opearates 5 lounges in the United Kingdom; 3 in Manchester Airport (one each in T1, T2, and T3), Stansted Airport, and 1 close to the City of Leicester at the East Midlands Airport. In the United States, Minneapolis-St. Paul is the first airport to receive the new Escape Lounge. Later this month in July one is scheduled to open in Oakland’s Airport (California) and then this fall the Bradley International Airport in Hartford Connecticut is scheduled to receive one as well.

At the time I spoke with the associate you could only purchase a visit to the Escape lounge. Online it is $40, at the door it is $45. These are reasonable prices for a pay as you use lounge. Since my visit, the Escape Lounge Minneapolis-St.Paul has been included in the Priority Pass and The Club programs. I can only imagine this club as been “discovered”. Regardless I’m looking forward to my next visit at The Escape Lounge when I connect through MSP.