When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Escape Lounges
Why Escape Lounges is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Escape Lounges provide travelers with a premium, relaxing respite from the busy airport environment. Originating at Manchester Airport in the UK and expanding to the US in 2015, Escape Lounges have become highly rated common-use lounges known for their excellent amenities and local touch. Each lounge is thoughtfully designed to reflect the local culture and heritage, featuring hand-selected artwork and seasonally inspired menus made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy inclusive dining with freshly prepared hot and cold dishes, as well as complimentary beverages such as coffee, tea, wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks. Beyond food and drink, the lounges offer ultra-fast WiFi, power outlets, printing and copying services, and access to a digital library with thousands of publications from around the world. Whether travelers want to work, relax, or refresh with a shower, Escape Lounges provide cozy, well-appointed spaces tailored to different needs. The lounges welcome all passengers regardless of airline or class, offering a seamless way to escape airport hustle and begin a journey in comfort and style.
Here's what people think of Escape Lounges
As of recent, Escape Lounges holds a 4.7-star rating based on 116 reviews.
Customer reviews of Escape Lounges overwhelmingly highlight the lounges as excellent places to relax and unwind before flights, praising the comfortable environment, high-quality food and drink offerings, and attentive service. Positive feedback emphasizes the inclusive nature of the lounges, the atmosphere inspired by local culture, and the convenience of amenities like high-speed WiFi and charging stations. Guests appreciate the thoughtful touches that make their stay memorable, such as freshly prepared meals and curated beverage selections. However, some employee reviews found on Indeed present a contrasting perspective regarding the internal work environment. These reviews mention challenges including poor work-life balance, limited pay and benefits, management issues, and a culture perceived as unfavorable, suggesting that while customer experience is strong, employee satisfaction may vary. In conclusion, Escape Lounges are highly rated by travelers for delivering a premium airport lounge experience, though certain internal operational areas could benefit from improvement according to staff feedback.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Zeynep K.
This airport lounge was a lifesaver during my long layover. It’s spacious and thoughtfully designed, with very comfortable seating options that make relaxing easy. The business corner is a great touch if you need to get some work done, and the shower facilities are clean and refreshing. There’s also a well-stocked bar and plenty of other amenities to make the wait enjoyable. While the food variety wasn’t particularly wide, everything I tried was genuinely tasty. What really stood out was the staff at the entrance : warm, welcoming, and incredibly professional. Their hospitality set the tone for a great experience.
Daniel Adeyemi
Great lounge - PDX needed this one for a moment! Love food and drinks. Staff is very friendly. Views are fantastic and they have arts and nice decor. Not overcrowded and pretty quiet. Child area is cute too. Bar seats are very comfy and they also have different type of seats around. Definitely worth to check
Shrek Wynn
Very nice airport lounge. Get complimentary access for the family. The lounge interior decoration is new and modern. It also has different sections and including kids friendly zone. The bathroom also has kids friendly toilets as well. Food is pretty good. Much better than the Alaskan lounge. The staff are very friendly and always looking for help needed. Highly recommend to check it out if your flight is in concourse D
Brian S
Great location , very clean with a Pacific Northwest architecture. Food options we limited but fresh and delicious. Every employee I encountered was friendly and helpful. Seating was plentiful with ample charging options for your devices.
Christie Ritter
Amazing spacious lounge with comfy seating and wonderful friendly customer service! Nice selection of food and drinks.
How to reach Escape Lounges
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Why Escape Lounges may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Escape Lounges with your friends?
When planning a get-together or meetup with friends, choosing a venue that balances comfort, convenience, and a relaxing atmosphere is essential. Escape Lounges stands out as an ideal spot to rally with friends because it offers a welcoming environment within bustling airport terminals, designed to provide a peaceful refuge away from the hectic airport crowds. The lounge’s cozy seating areas allow friends to relax and engage in conversations without the distractions of busy terminals. For groups looking to spend quality time before a flight or during a layover, Escape Lounges offers complimentary food and drinks, which add to the sense of indulgence without the hassle or expense of dining out. Its notable 4.7 rating from over 100 reviews reflects customer satisfaction with the venue’s ambiance and amenities, suggesting that most visitors find value in the experience. Additionally, the overall atmosphere encourages a calm and enjoyable setting that is perfect for socializing, catching up, or simply unwinding together. Whether it’s a casual catch-up or a special celebration, Escape Lounges provides the right mix of comfort, convenience, and services that make it a great choice for meeting up with friends before journeys.
What activities are available at Escape Lounges for group meetups?
Escape Lounges offers a variety of activities designed to enhance the group meetup experience. Primarily, the lounge’s layout features distinct seating zones — from cozy sofas to café-style tables — that cater to different social needs, allowing groups to either engage in lively conversations or enjoy some quiet time. The presence of large windows offering runway views adds an interesting backdrop that can be a conversation starter and a unique way to watch airport operations with friends. Besides comfortable seating, the lounges provide a buffet with complimentary snacks and refreshments that encourage sharing and communal enjoyment. While the food options can vary in quality and availability, often including small bites such as sandwiches, soups, and salads, they serve as a pleasant addition to your gathering. Moreover, many Escape Lounges feature free Wi-Fi, enabling guests to stream music, share photos, or play online games together, fostering connectivity even in a waiting area. For groups seeking a relaxed environment with access to basic but essential amenities, Escape Lounges delivers a functional space to make time fly pleasantly during airport waits.
Why is Escape Lounges perfect for group meetups?
Escape Lounges is perfectly suited for group meetups primarily due to its combination of accessibility, comfort, and social-oriented amenities. Being located within airport terminals, it offers unmatched convenience when planning meetups around travel schedules. No matter if you’re meeting friends before a flight or connecting during a layover, having a dedicated lounge space removes the chaos of crowds and noise found in general airport areas. The lounge’s atmosphere encourages relaxation with its carefully arranged seating that can accommodate groups both large and small, making it versatile for diverse social gatherings. The complimentary food and drink offerings foster a hospitable setting ideal for sharing and bonding without additional expense or fuss. Also, attentive staff, although experiences can vary, generally aims to maintain a welcoming environment, enhancing the group dynamic. The quiet ambiance and thoughtful amenities also mean group members can take breaks, work on their devices, or enjoy casual entertainment together. Overall, the blend of a tranquil environment with practical conveniences creates a space where groups can come together harmoniously, making Escape Lounges a smart and comfortable destination for hosting reunions or casual meetups.
What kind of food and beverage options can groups expect?
Food and beverage options at Escape Lounges focus on providing a complimentary, light dining experience that suits the needs of travelers and groups alike. Typically, the lounge offers a selection of grab-and-go snacks such as sandwiches, salads, soups, and occasionally hot entrees, designed to accommodate a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Recent visitor insights have noted the availability of dishes like pulled pork, chicken entrees, deviled eggs, and seafood salad alongside comforting soup options, which add warmth and variety to the buffet selection. While some reviews mention that food availability can be inconsistent and occasional issues with temperature and freshness occur, the overall offerings are aimed at keeping energy levels up and enhancing the lounge experience. Beverage choices generally include a range of soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcoholic options for those wanting to unwind before travel. Importantly for groups, the ability to enjoy these complementary food and drinks in a relaxing setting adds to the social experience, allowing friends and family to share a casual meal or toast together as part of their gathering.
How comfortable and accommodating is the seating at Escape Lounges?
The seating at Escape Lounges is designed with comfort and group accommodation in mind, featuring a variety of seating arrangements to suit different social styles and group sizes. Lounges typically contain two main seating areas: one set up for relaxation with sofas and high-backed chairs that provide a cozy environment, and another resembling a dining or cafeteria space with tables and chairs suitable for meals and conversation. The sofas and window seats offer a quiet place for small groups to gather and enjoy the view of the airfield, which can serve as a calming backdrop during busy travel days. Tables and booths placed closer together support larger groups or those who want to chat without interruption. This multiple-zone design helps groups customize their experience according to their preferences—whether casually lounging or actively engaging. However, some travelers have noted that certain locations can feel cramped and busy during peak times, which might affect overall spaciousness and noise levels. Despite this, the lounge generally succeeds in offering a warm and functional environment conducive to socializing and comfort.
What about customer service and staff friendliness for group visitors?
Customer service at Escape Lounges can vary by location and time, but generally, the staff aims to support a pleasant experience for guests, including groups. Friendly and attentive service helps enhance the comfort and convenience of meetups, ensuring that group needs are met quickly and efficiently. Some travelers appreciate bartenders and staff who go out of their way to maintain the buffet, replenish food, and tidy the areas often, making the environment inviting and well-kept. Group visitors benefit when staff are proactive in clearing tables, refilling drinks, and providing information about lounge amenities. However, there have been instances of critiques regarding inconsistent service levels, with some comments pointing to shortages in staff attention during busy periods or slower food replenishment, which could impact larger group experiences. Despite occasional lapses, many guests find that the personnel generally strive to create a welcoming atmosphere, contributing to a relaxed and accommodating environment for social meetups.
How does Escape Lounges compare to other airport lounges for group meetups?
Escape Lounges offers a competitive balance of comfort, price, and service aimed at travelers seeking respite within airport terminals, making it a favorable option for group meetups compared to other lounges. While it might not boast the extensive luxury or high-end perks of some exclusive lounges, Escape Lounges stands out for its approachable atmosphere, complimentary food and drinks, and convenient central location within airports. Some reviewers have noted the lounge’s modest size and limited amenities in comparison to premium lounges; however, its affordability and access policy allow more travelers and casual groups to enjoy a quiet space before travel. Additionally, the layout designed with social seating areas and communal tables helps foster interaction among groups, an advantage over lounges focused primarily on individual relaxation or business travelers. Given its overall positive user ratings and consistent provision of fundamental lounge services, Escape Lounges is often viewed as a practical and comfortable choice for groups wanting to connect in transit without paying for more exclusive lounge memberships.
What practical tips should groups know before visiting Escape Lounges?
Groups planning to visit Escape Lounges should consider a few practical tips to maximize their experience. First, arriving early can help secure seating, especially during busy travel times when the lounge might feel cramped. Since some locations are relatively small with limited capacity, larger groups may want to split up or coordinate seating arrangements ahead of time. It’s wise to temper expectations regarding the food offerings, as availability can fluctuate throughout the day, so grabbing bites early is recommended. Another tip is to take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi for group entertainment, such as streaming music or sharing photos, which can keep everyone engaged while waiting for flights. Lastly, tipping the staff when possible is appreciated, particularly since bartenders and servers who provide attentive care contribute significantly to a positive atmosphere for group gatherings. Being prepared with these considerations can help groups enjoy the lounge comfortably and make the most of their time together.
In summary, Escape Lounges provides a well-rounded lounge experience ideal for groups who want to relax, socialize, and enjoy convenient amenities in an airport setting. With cozy seating, complimentary food and drinks, and a peaceful ambiance, it offers a practical and comfortable meeting point before flights. While the lounge is modest in size and amenities compared to luxury lounges, its high customer rating and accessible environment make it a great choice for friends and family looking to rally and make their travel time enjoyable.