Visited: November 13, 2025 (Opening Day) — Written by Point Me To Luxury
American Express has officially opened the doors to its newest — and most exclusive — Las Vegas pop-up: “1850 by American Express”, located at the ARIA Resort & Casino. Designed as a one-month-only luxury lounge experience for Platinum and Centurion members, this temporary concept blends the sophisticated charm of a high-end cocktail bar with the elevated service you’d expect from Amex’s Centurion Lounges — but with a distinct Vegas twist.
Access and Reservations: Exclusive, but Frustratingly Competitive
Access to 1850 by American Express is limited to Amex Platinum, Business Platinum, and Centurion cardholders, and advance reservations are required. Slots open 10 days in advance at 12 PM PST through the official Amex 1850 booking site — and they’re gone almost instantly.
I booked the moment reservations opened for opening day (November 13). Even then, I ran into issues with the confirmation not processing correctly, which caused some stress leading up to the visit. Fortunately, after arriving at ARIA and clarifying with staff, we were checked in smoothly and escorted inside.
Takeaway: If you plan to visit, set a reminder and book exactly 10 days out at noon Pacific. These slots vanish within minutes — and walk-ups aren’t accepted.
Design and Atmosphere: Modern, Intimate, and Unmistakably Amex
Stepping inside feels less like an airport lounge and more like a sleek Vegas speakeasy. The space channels Amex’s signature blue and gold aesthetic, complemented by plush seating, soft lighting, and ambient music from a live DJ. Despite being a pop-up, it feels surprisingly refined and permanent — a testament to Amex’s design consistency.
The atmosphere is far more intimate than the Chase Sapphire Lounge pop-up held last year during the Formula 1 festivities. With limited capacity and assigned seating, the vibe here is calm, exclusive, and perfectly suited for unwinding with a cocktail before a night out.
The Experience: A Curated One-Hour Escape
Each reservation allows for a one-hour experience. After check-in, my wife (also an Amex Business Platinum cardholder) and I were escorted to our table and greeted by our server, who promptly offered drink menus and explained the setup.
- Each guest receives two complimentary drink tickets redeemable for any cocktail, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage.
- Additional drinks are available for purchase after your two-ticket allotment.
Shortly after we ordered, small bites arrived: wasabi nuts, house-made potato chips, and kalamata olives. The presentation was refined and felt aligned with the Amex Centurion standard — minimal yet elegant.
Moments later, a beautifully arranged charcuterie board was brought to our table, featuring an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. The food quality easily surpassed what you’d find at typical airport lounges — this felt more akin to a boutique wine bar in Manhattan or a hidden lounge in Paris.
Drinks and Entertainment
The cocktail list was creative, featuring a mix of classics and signature creations exclusive to the pop-up. Each was crafted with care, and the presentation — branded coasters, elegant glassware, and balanced flavors — reinforced that premium Amex feel.
A live DJ spun relaxed house and lounge music throughout the evening, adding to the upscale Vegas energy without being overwhelming. Guests were also encouraged to visit the photo booth area — a fun touch that let visitors capture branded “1850 by Amex” moments for social media.
Gift Bag and Takeaway Perks
As the experience concluded, each guest received a complimentary Amex 1850 gift bag containing thoughtful branded items: a luggage tag, snack pack, and electrolyte packets — a clever nod to the Vegas nightlife that awaits just outside.
Service and Hospitality
Service was polished and attentive. Despite our early reservation hiccup, the on-site team at ARIA handled everything with professionalism and warmth. Our server was knowledgeable about both the menu and the concept behind “1850,” and timing between courses was just right for a one-hour session.
Final Thoughts: A Pop-Up Worth the Effort
The “1850 by American Express” lounge is a rare and rewarding experience for Platinum and Centurion members visiting Las Vegas this season. It’s less crowded, more intimate, and more polished than Chase’s Sapphire pop-up from last year — and the drink and food quality genuinely impressed me.
That said, securing a reservation is the biggest challenge. With only a handful of slots released each day and intense competition, many cardholders won’t get a chance to experience it. But if you do manage to book, it’s absolutely worth it.
Bottom line: “1850 by American Express” delivers exactly what Platinum and Centurion members expect — exclusivity, elegance, and impeccable service — all wrapped up in a temporary, ultra-Vegas setting.
How to Reserve Your Spot
- Visit the official 1850 by Amex page.
- Log in with your Platinum, Business Platinum, or Centurion credentials.
- Reservations open 10 days in advance at 12 PM PST — and fill up within minutes.
- Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time slot.
Verdict
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
- Atmosphere: 9.5/10 – Chic, modern, and intimate
- Food & Drink: 9/10 – Excellent bites and balanced cocktails
- Service: 10/10 – Attentive and professional
- Value for Access: 8.5/10 – Fantastic experience, but hard to book
For Platinum cardholders visiting Vegas during the Formula 1 and holiday season, this is an experience you’ll definitely want to add to your itinerary.
Follow Point Me To Luxury for more in-depth reviews of Amex and Chase lounges around the world — where points meet premium travel.
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