Lounge Access Question.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question. This is my first time having a CC of this caliber. I recently was approved for the Ritz Carlton card. Well today, I received a lounge access card in the mail. My question is, do you have to maintain a certain spending criteria in order to keep the lounge access? I wasn't sure if as long as I am a Ritz Carlton card holder I will always have the lounge access. Also are you charged for the access of the lounges?  I know if you purchase any of the refreshments you will be charged, but wasn't sure as to if there is a entry fee. Sorry I didn't find any information in the brochures. I'm sure its there I just must have over looked it. LOL. I'm looking for some more detail clarification on this. Thanks to all. 

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question. This is my first time having a CC of this caliber. I recently was approved for the Ritz Carlton card. Well today, I received a lounge access card in the mail. My question is, do you have to maintain a certain spending criteria in order to keep the lounge access? I wasn't sure if as long as I am a Ritz Carlton card holder I will always have the lounge access. Also are you charged for the access of the lounges?  I know if you purchase any of the refreshments you will be charged, but wasn't sure as to if there is a entry fee. Sorry I didn't find any information in the brochures. I'm sure its there I just must have over looked it. LOL. I'm looking for some more detail clarification on this. Thanks to all. 

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Nope.  You're not required to spend anything for the lounge access. Theres no entry fees to get in.  That's what the AF is for.

[Anonymous]

OK Thanks. Have you ever used the private lounges before? I was wondering if they will be worth using.

[CreditJim]

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@Anonymous wrote:

OK Thanks. Have you ever used the private lounges before? I was wondering if they will be worth using.

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It really depends whose lounge it is, but essentially, it's just a quiet place to sit. If you're in a lounge in the U.S. you might be lucky enough to get a couple of free pretzels and a coffee too. American Express Centurion lounges being the exception in the U.S, they're great.

[jsucool76]

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@Anonymous wrote:

OK Thanks. Have you ever used the private lounges before? I was wondering if they will be worth using.

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They're free. Of course they're worth using  

Only spending requirement the ritz has is the one for gold (or platinum status) You get free marriott/ritz gold status the first year, and you can maintain it by spending $10,000 a year, or get platinum status by spending $75,000 a year. Unrelated from airport lounges, but gets you marriott lounge access in hotels  

[NRB525]

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@Anonymous wrote:

OK Thanks. Have you ever used the private lounges before? I was wondering if they will be worth using.

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They are definitely worth seeking out, if you have any time between flights. It gets you out of the "bus terminal" environment. Useful not only the food and drink but comfortable chairs and real tables if you have work to do on a laptop. Showers and changing rooms in many of them as well.