Escape Lounge

$45 pre-book gets you into RNO’s Escape Lounge Centurion Studio hybrid.

Escape Lounge sits in the central corridor between Concourses B and C in the Main terminal, airside, so you can use it before any RNO departure. Hours run 04:30–20:00 on Sun/Mon/Tue/Wed/Sat and stretch to 22:00 on Thu/Fri, covering the first bank of flights and most late departures. Access works via day pass or premium cards like Amex Platinum; walk-up is $60, while pre-booking starts at $45.

This is branded as a Centurion Studio but behaves more like a compact Escape bar with snacks. Regulars repeat the same line: food here is “appetizers vs entrees”, so think small bites instead of a full plated meal. Tripadvisor reports call out basics like salads, dips, finger foods, and some hot items early, with the spread thinning later in the day, so plan your main meal in the terminal if you need protein and volume.

The staffed bar is the stronger draw, with FlyerTalk users describing it as “more fun” than the food. Expect the usual well spirits, beer, and wine included, with some nicer brands at an upcharge of a few dollars per pour. Given the $60 walk-up rate, the math works best if you’re using complimentary Amex or Delta Reserve access and can get at least two drinks plus snacks in the 60–90 minutes before boarding.

Space is the main limitation. Reviews call the room small for an airport lounge, and it tightens during morning departures between about 06:00 and 09:00 and again around the early evening bank. The upside: multiple Tripadvisor users mention staff clearing plates and refilling drinks quickly, so tables turn over fast and wiped-down seats open up more often than the square footage suggests.

Regulars treat this as a short stop, not a half-day office. FlyerTalk posters say they usually pop in closer to boarding time, especially off B or C gates that sit only a few minutes’ walk away through the central corridor. Amex and Delta elites often comment that it’s solid value as a “free with card” spot but would skip the $60 cash buy-in unless they have at least an hour and plan to use the bar heavily.

Practical tip: if you care about food, eat a real meal in the Main terminal first, then use Escape Lounge for drinks and light bites in the 30–60 minutes before your flight out of B or C.