The Review: Elevated Experiences by Akeshi – Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport

Airports are rarely associated with relaxation, but the Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia completely redefines the pre-flight experience. From the spa to the menu, every detail is designed to make travelers feel both indulged and cared for.

Photo Credit: Chase.com

After a full week in New York overseeing a stunning wedding production with my Kesh Events team, I was looking forward to a smooth trip back to Chicago — maybe even a quiet moment before boarding. Two of us hold Chase Sapphire memberships, so our entire team was able to access the Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport, and honestly, I wasn’t prepared for just how beautiful the experience would be.

This was one of those rare times I actually wished my flight would be delayed — just so I could linger a bit longer, maybe even squeeze in a facial before takeoff.

Photo Credit: Chase.com

The Space & Ambience

The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at LGA offers a calm, design-forward sanctuary tucked away from the airport chaos. With warm lighting, curated seating zones, and a modern, residential aesthetic, it feels like stepping into a boutique hotel rather than an airport lounge.

Everything — from the soft, neutral palette to the art and textures — feels thoughtfully composed. There’s a perfect mix of function and style: plush seating for working or relaxing and quiet nooks for privacy.

You can get a glimpse of the space and experience in my latest reel → Watch it here.

Photo Credit: Chase.com

Features & Highlights

What impressed me most was the attention to detail across every touchpoint — exactly what I look for when reviewing hospitality spaces.

Here’s what stood out:

• Culinary Experience:
  The food selection was fresh, elevated, and beautifully presented — far from typical lounge fare. Every plate felt curated, with thoughtful portions and a focus on quality ingredients.

  The menu itself was delicious, offering a variety of elevated small plates in addition to the self-serve food stations. Every option we tried was fresh, flavorful, and well-executed — a true testament to the lounge’s commitment to quality.

• Bar & Beverage Program:
  The bar was exceptional — a perfect reflection of the lounge’s elevated design sensibility. From handcrafted cocktails to curated wines and thoughtful mocktails, every drink felt intentional and beautifully presented.

  One detail I especially loved? You can order food and drinks directly from your table, and they’re brought right to you — an effortless, personalized touch that makes the experience feel seamless.

• Wellness & Spa Treatments:
  One of the most unique features — the dedicated spa area. You can book treatments, facials, or even a chair massage before your flight. That alone makes this lounge a standout experience.

• Design & Comfort:
  The mix of textures — wood, marble, leather — paired with a warm, inviting color palette made the entire space feel luxurious yet approachable.

• Productivity & Relaxation Zones:
  There are distinct areas for both — quiet workstations with outlets and private corners for travelers who simply want to unwind.

Pros & Cons

What I Loved

✔️ Beautiful, calming design and exceptional service
✔️ Spa services and wellness amenities (a rarity in most U.S. lounges)
✔️ Quality food and drinks that rival boutique hotel dining
✔️ Inclusive guest policy that allowed my team to experience it too
✔️ The entire atmosphere felt intentional and well thought-out

What Could Be Better

Honestly, the only downside was not having more time. If my flight had been delayed, I would’ve happily stayed longer.

Who It’s Perfect For

The Chase Sapphire Lounge is ideal for travelers who appreciate design, comfort, and personalized service — anyone who believes the journey should feel as special as the destination.

It’s especially perfect for:

• Frequent flyers who value experience over efficiency

• Couples traveling for leisure or romantic getaways

• Creatives and business travelers who thrive in inspiring environments

• Hospitality professionals who appreciate thoughtful, guest-first design

As someone who travels a lot and spends her career designing experiences that make guests feel seen and valued, I can say that the Chase Sapphire Lounge does exactly that.

It’s hospitality done right — a reminder that luxury doesn’t have to be over the top. It’s about consideration, comfort, and craftsmanship.

Would I return? Absolutely.
Would I hope for another flight delay? Maybe just this once.

For Brands & Hospitality Leaders

Experiences like this are a masterclass in how design, service, and storytelling come together to create lasting impact.

If you’re a hotel, resort, airline, or hospitality brand looking to elevate your guest experience, this is exactly where my expertise lies — blending creative direction, experiential design, and global hospitality insight to help brands build meaningful, memorable connections.

Learn more about my consulting work → Kesh Events Global Hospitality Consulting

xx,
Akeshi