United Airlines’ Denver hub is getting a major facelift.
As well as adding stunning new gates with Instagram-worthy bathroom areas, the airline is also unveiling three new and revamped lounges in the coming months.
It all starts this summer with the opening of a new club in the A West Hall between Gates A25 and A27. This will be United’s first lounge in Denver’s A Hall. This is also a big improvement for passengers departing from this pier, as they no longer have to take the train just to use a lounge.
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Later this summer, United will reopen the B East club, which has been closed for refurbishments in recent months. When completed, it will be the largest club in the network, covering a whopping 36,500 square meters.
Once the B East club opens, United will close the existing B West club and refurbish it in a similar style to their other Hall B club. Completion is scheduled for 2024. United will then build a Polaris lounge in Denver, but that’s still a couple of years away.
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Ultimately, United will have over 100,000 square feet of club space in Denver, including its novel Club Fly concept. But the improvements aren’t just about a larger footprint.
Each new club will be designed to reflect the Mile High City and Colorado and there is much to be excited about. Do not believe me? Come by and get a first look at the Hard Hat Tour of the new A West Club.
2 story floor plan
United’s A-West Club will feature a two-story floor plan – one of the few lounges in the network that spans multiple levels.
As soon as you take the escalator up to the reception area, you will find touchless entrance gates that lead you into the lounge. From there you have the choice of staying on the first or second level.
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Both offer fantastic views of the concourse and runway, as well as plenty of natural light. The lounge’s west-facing window seats are sure to be most popular during Denver’s dramatic sunsets over the Colorado Rockies.
The new A-West Lounge will be 24,900 square feet on both levels.
Colorado style design
As soon as you step inside, you’ll definitely notice a lot of improvements compared to United’s existing clubs in Denver, starting with the design.
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United have chosen a Colorado theme for this lounge and if you look at the displays you are sure to be impressed. Expect lots of natural wood, as well as gray carpets, blue accents, and tan leather surfaces.
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The lounge is currently under construction, but you can already see the Colorado inspiration. For example, United installed gabion walls around the entrance hallway, a nod to the rock-filled walls that line Interstate 70, to keep boulders from falling onto the road.
This club will also feature two fireplaces – one on each level. A wood-filled wall decoration flanks the fireplaces under the natural oak-clad ceilings. Assuming the finished product looks anything like the renderings, it will likely feel like you’re in a cozy ski lodge rather than a busy airport terminal.
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In fact, Alex Dorow, United’s General Manager of Lounges, Premium Services and Hospitality, designed this new space to be exactly that. “If Ralph Lauren had to build a ski chalet, what would it look like?” he asked the team during the design process.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Comforts for the post-pandemic world
Aside from the surface designs, United are consciously designing the space for a post-pandemic world. That means you’ll find more private workspaces here than most other United clubs to support those who work remotely.
There will also be a couple of tall coworking tables perfect for solo travelers.
In addition, the dining area will feature a mix of tables and banquettes with one, two or four tops, accommodating both solo travelers and those traveling with friends and family.
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Speaking of dining areas, United is working to improve lounge catering, Dorow said, announcing locally-inspired options that will rotate seasonally. “When we say ‘local’, it’s not just about the look and the atmosphere, it’s also about what you taste,” explained Dorow.
The three new Denver lounges will all feature United’s signature drinking walls and refill stations for personal water bottles. According to Dorow, the airline has received feedback that more and more travelers are wanting spouts to fill their own water bottles – a request United is happy to accommodate in its newest offices.
Notably, the new A-West United Club will not offer shower suites, which is a shame given the airline plans to move its long-haul international flights to the A area in the coming years.
On each floor you will find gender-specific restrooms (with private floor-to-ceiling restrooms), an all-gender restroom and a family room.
As in United’s existing lounges, expect fast and free WiFi, as well as convenient access to power outlets and USB ports.
A surprise is coming
While the new lounges appear to represent a major upgrade to United’s Denver hub, Dorow didn’t give everything away during the hard hat tour.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
In fact, he announced an all-new amenity that will be rolling out to all three new Denver clubs. “As we open these lounges, you will see new opportunities that allow customers to get to know each other as well,” he said.
He didn’t give any details, but kept mentioning “funny artifacts” and “games”. What that means is anyone’s guess, but the good news is that we’re only a few months away from finding out.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Better still, while this surprise is a dud, at least the rest of the lounge will bring some much-needed upgrades to United’s Denver hub.