The Aspire AMEX Lounge stands as the exclusive common-use lounge in the YUL Domestic terminal offering sophisticated table-side dining service. You can indulge in culinary creations from celebrated local chefs and signature cocktails crafted by the Montreal's most distinguished cocktail bars.
Overall, Aspire AMEX Salon/Lounge comes across as stylish, clean, and well lit with a calm ambience and friendly service, though experiences vary widely. Many guests praise the modern design, easy table service, quick drinks, and a strong coffee and cocktail program, along with comfortable seating and good views of the airport. Food experiences are more mixed: some dishes are described as fresh, well prepared and flavorful, while others note small portions, limited vegetarian options, and an ordering system that requires one item at a time via QR code, with kitchen pauses and occasional long waits. A common thread is the a la carte concept without a buffet, which some appreciate for variety but others feel reduces value when meals arrive slowly. Access can be busy and entry may involve waiting or pre booking; several reviews mention occasional understaffing and occasional slow service during peak times. Restroom availability is inconsistent across locations, which factors into the overall impression for some travelers.
We loved this lounge. Amazing food. There is a limit to order one plate at a time (&/or one drink), but as soon as you're done, you can order your next meal. Their chef knows what he/she is doing. Great meals!! Relatively large selection of drinks too.
I'm not giving 5 stars because: 1.) there are lots of bar chairs & tables with regular chairs & no actual lounges where you could lay down & relax. 2.) limited amount of plug-ins BUT you can ask for a portable charger if you need to charge you phone.
We are here now & almost at the end of our 3 hours
We were free to choose our own table based on other reviews I will say it's common sense to not get a 4 top if you are a 2 person.
We were immediately given water & walked through how to do the table service.
Food was all good. The menu is posted before you walk in so you know your choices. Food was quick. Drinks were quick. We did a 3-6 pm.
Manager went to every table to check in & make conversations with everyone about their trips. Staff were all nice.
View of the planes & the happenings were nice. Lots of places to charge comfy seats. & you only walk 30 feet to the washroom. I wouldn't skip by here I think it was a lovely experience.
They have a very bad food/drink ordering system that misses the orders & we keep waiting for a long time without knowing what is going on. I spent 1.5 h & only got one small dish. All my other orders were missed. Food is not good either.
Jan 27, 2026
on Google
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Bartender was very friendly & accomodating to my cocktail requests. The digital menu you order your drinks off of is limited, but if you ask him in person he's welcome to any manner of customization you'd like
I ordered a custom Negroni (whisky instead of gin, dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth), highly recommend
OK. This may be a contentious opinion given the recent reviews, but here goes.
The lounge is busy. Very busy. They are not only accommodating their own guests, but those from the AC lounge across the hall. Secondly, they are taking the overflow from the underwhelming AC Cafe that serves pre-packaged food & a limited offering of beer & wine (no spirits.)
So yes, there is a wait. If you can't get in quick enough for your liking, pay more for the premium AmEx, or fly more for higher status.
The lounge is well appointed, quiet, & clean. The staff are wonderful. The manager floating around the lounge accomplished dozens of small tasks & constantly checked in with guests to ensure they were comfortable. Kudos to her, I wish I got her name so I could publicly acknowledge her.
There are no restrooms; however, if you are comparing that against the AC cafe it's the same (no washroom,) & the Maple Leaf lounge restroom was usually so crowded / in such poor condition I would exit the lounge to use one of the terminal facilities anyway.
The food is fine. The dinner selections & breakfast options have a variety of plates for varied tastes. There are scads of drink options, including signature cocktails from local bars.
I suspect the majority of the complaints directed at this facility are coming from people that couldn't get in, had to wait to get in, or expected to be higher priority than the thousands of other travelers that have'status' flooding through here everyday.
It's great. The Google rating implies some of the clientele aren't.
Update Winter 2025:
Still busy, still great :)
Dec 22, 2025
on Google
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After trying this lounge & reviewing it as a Visa-Dragon Pass user, I can say that it is not worth the time you spend waiting to get in. The food quality is average at best, & in some cases poor. You must order everything through your phone, one dish or drink at a time, & each order takes around 10 to 15 minutes to arrive.
To even have the option of using the lounge, you need to join the waiting list at least 5 hours in advance, & they will only allow entry 3 hours before your flight. In my case, I arrived 5 hours early & was called only 2.5 hours before my flight. I don't think someone arriving just 3 hours before departure would have any chance of getting in.
Overall, I no longer think this lounge service is worth it.
