New Amsterdam Airport Lounge
American Express Opens Its First Continental European Lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
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The lounge’s artwork includes specific Dutch contributions: Mieke Jonker painted an American Express bulldog displayed at the entrance, while works by Reinder Schmidt, Geesien Postema and Thirza Schaap appear elsewhere. Other Dutch motifs include Delft Blue plates, floral designs and silhouettes of former Dutch queens.
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The Amsterdam lounge’s Blue Roast Coffee Bar is the fourth dedicated coffee bar in the Centurion network, following locations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport.
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Despite its floor-to-ceiling windows, the lounge does not offer particularly impressive views of the airport tarmac, according to a reporter who previewed the space. It also has a phone nook rather than a fully private phone room.
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American Express Travel President Audrey Hendley said the company deliberately used local artisans for elements including the wall art, fixtures and ceramics, adding that the design was intended to make every customer feel welcome and cared for.
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The lounge’s locally focused design reflects a broader travel trend: American Express said its 2026 Global Travel Trends Report found that 83% of surveyed Millennials and Gen Z travelers prioritize unique, authentic experiences over popular tourist attractions.
American Express is opening its first Centurion Lounge in continental Europe at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on September 17, making it the 33rd location in its global network Business Traveller. The nearly 6,000-square-foot lounge will serve eligible American Express cardholders daily from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., featuring Amsterdam-inspired design with blue, green and earth-tone colors, warm wood, and works by Dutch artists NerdWallet.
Dutch Artists and Local Design Details
American Express deliberately chose local artisans for the lounge's distinctive elements. Artist Mieke Jonker painted an American Express bulldog displayed at the entrance NerdWallet. Works by Reinder Schmidt, Geesien Postema and Thirza Schaap appear throughout the space. Delft Blue plates, floral designs and silhouettes of former Dutch queens add authentic touches.
Amex Travel President Audrey Hendley explained the strategy: the design was intended to make every customer feel welcome and cared for Business Traveller. This approach reflects a broader trend. Amex's 2026 Global Travel Trends Report found that 83% of surveyed Millennials and Gen Z travelers prioritize unique, authentic experiences over popular tourist attractions.
Amenities Include Coffee Bar and Dutch Cuisine
The lounge offers varied seating and workspaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging outlets, private restrooms, a full bar and a buffet serving seasonal Dutch and regional European dishes NerdWallet. A barista-staffed Blue Roast Coffee Bar will serve locally sourced coffee, making it the fourth dedicated coffee bar in the Centurion network.
The other coffee bars are located at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport Business Traveller. The lounge sits between Concourses E and F, a central location designed for easy access.
Limitations Despite Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Despite its floor-to-ceiling windows, the lounge does not offer particularly impressive views of the airport tarmac, according to a reporter who previewed the space NerdWallet. The lounge also has a phone nook rather than a fully private phone room, a notable gap compared to some competing premium airport lounges.
Expansion of Amex Lounge Network Across Regions
The Amsterdam opening marks Amex's first continental Europe lounge, but the company is also expanding in North America. American Express and Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality are launching new Aspire Amex Lounges in Calgary and Montreal PAX News. A transborder lounge in Montreal is scheduled to open by early 2027, extending the partnership across Canadian airports.
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