Hello again from the United Polaris Lounge. I’m currently sitting in the lounge waiting to board my Lufthansa First Class flight to Frankfurt. I’m flying to Frankfurt tonight to begin my trip to Stockholm.
I have access to this lounge because I’m flying in a premium cabin on a Star Alliance operated flight. Those flying internationally in either Business Class or First Class on United or Star Alliance partner have access to the lounge. Although Lufthansa is an international carrier, Lufthansa flights depart from Terminal 1 which means premium cabin passengers on Germany bound flights can use the Polaris lounge before departure.
I arrived at the airport quite early to spend as much time as possible in this lounge before my departure. Shortly after clearing security I first visited one of the other United Clubs. When checking into that lounge the lounge agent informed me that I would be better off visiting the Polaris Lounge. I personally love when lounge attendants go the extra mile and tell guests of better options as they may not otherwise be familiar with the departure airport.
United Polaris Lounge Entrance
Terminal 1 in Chicago O’Hare (Untied’s Terminal) is divided into two concourses. You enter the first concourse (B gates) just after clearing security, The Polaris lounge however is located in the C concourse. To get to the C concourse you must head downstairs and pass through the infamous tunnel of light.
After ascending the escalators at the far end of the tunnel you’ll find the entrance to the Polaris lounge immediately to your left on the far side of the terminal hallway.
As you enter the lounge there is a greeter who glances at your boarding documents, but to get into the lounge you must scan your boarding pass once inside.
As you pass through the sliding glass doors you’ll find a large Polaris branded wall which reminds you that you’re in the right place.
As you enter the lounge the first sing you’ll see is the beautiful starry chandelier. Immediately to your right as you walk into the lounge is the reception counter where you need to scan your boarding card to enter.
These lounge agents can also provide some assistance if you should have any issues with your itinerary.
As you enter the lounge there is metal map of Chicago on the wall. It’s an interesting piece, but overall it feels small compared to the massive wall on which it hangs.
After scanning your boarding card and entering the lounge you’ll find a second set of customer service desks. These lounge agents are the people you’ll want to talk to if you have major issues with your reservation.
United Polaris Lounge Seating
Once you pass the above customer service counters you’ll be inside the first (of many) sitting areas within the United Polaris lounge. The first sitting area of the lounge consists of several angled cubes which offer a ton of privacy.
Inside each cubicle is a large table, power outlets, a reading lamp, and of course a chair. The only issue with this first set of cubicles is the constant foot traffic. As you are located next to the entrance of the lounge there are always people walking by. This makes these little pods feel much less private than they are.
Along the far wall as you enter the lounge is a large restaurant/bar style sitting area. Sitting alone against the wall is quite awkward as you again face directly into the cubicle across from you. Overall, I’d skip sitting in this first sitting area of the lounge as better options await.
A little further into the lounge is the bar area (which I’ll get to in a second), but just off the bar is an odd line of two-top tables.
Again, I would skip sitting in these first few seating areas and instead head toward the rear of the lounge. At the back of the lounge you’ll find a second set of cubicle seats as well as more traditional lounge seating along the rear window.
Don’t worry if this center section of the lounge is full as there is ample seating in the last room of the lounge.
This far back room is home to the Polaris Dining Room, but also home to large seating area.
United Polaris Lounge Chicago Bar
As you may have noticed prior, about halfway down the first hall of the lounge is the full-service bar area. The bar uses the same backlit marble design as used throughout the lounge. Overhead is a massive blue lighting effect which pays homage to the Polaris brand.
While the liquor display isn’t quite as impressive as other premium cabin lounges there are still plenty of options. Likewise, there are several beer options on tap other than the standard domestic beer offering found in traditional airport lounges.
Along the back wall of the lounge are two large recessed cabinets which house various liquor and wine bottles. The counter to the left appeared to be a self-service drink station for those who can’t be bothered to wait for a drink at the bar. Along the far wall of the bar were more two-top tables.
United Polaris Lounge Chicago Beverage Station
For those looking for non-alcoholic options there were two beverage stations located at either end of the lounge. Toward the rear of the lounge, just before the dining room, is a narrow hallway which houses several drink stations.
From these drink stations guests could pickup a can of soda or a glass of fruit infused water. Next to the above drink station was a coffee station with three carafes of different coffee blends.
Next to the carafes were two espresso machines which were capable of producing specially espresso drinks such as a cappuccino. Just beyond the two espresso machines was a selection of fresh plastic wrapped fruit.
At the end of the recessed beverage area was a small grab and go food station which offered various dishes of nuts, corn nuts, chips, and pub mix.
While the snack selection in this area of the lounge is quite limited there is a much larger buffet located across from the bar area of the lounge.
United Polars Lounge Buffet Dining
In the center of the buffet area is a large circular buffet which, during my visit, had soups, pasta, and small warm skillet dishes on offer.
Along the two walls which surround the circular buffet area were other buffet stations. The first offered metal flatware and various salad courses. At this area you could either prepare your own salad or pick from one of the pre-prepared salad dishes.
Along the back wall of the buffet area the salad theme continued with a large caprese salad offering.
At the far end of the back wall was the dessert station which wasn’t that great if I’m honest. During my visit there were only small cake squares available. Beneath the cake square area was another set of mini-refrigerators which carried a selection of soft-drinks and waters.
I didn’t end up eating anything from the buffet area as I instead opted to dine in the formal sit-down dining area of the lounge.
United Polaris Lounge Chicago Dining Room
Located in the back room of the Polaris Lounge is the Polaris Dining area. There isn’t much fanfare surrounding this room and, honestly, if you weren’t looking for it you would probably miss it. Nowhere in the lounge did United make it know that a full-service meal was available to guests.
Only upon closer inspection of the dining area did I notice this lone sign which advertised the sit-down dining experience.
If you wish to eat all you have to do is simply grab an empty seat. Very shortly after sitting down my server stopped by to say hello and to drop off the Polaris Dining menu.
United Polaris Dining Menu
Inside the menu was first a wine list. When United introduced the Polaris concept a large wine offering was one of the premier selling points. When you sit down and start looking at the menu the emphasis on wine is apparent. In addition to the wine list is a Polaris branded star diagram which shows the flavor profile of each wine on offer.
The first page of the menu listed 9 white and sparkling wines while the second page of the menu listed 11 red and port wines.
If you’re not in the mood for wine, the third page consists of a cocktail list and a complete listing of beers on offer. The beers listed on this page are identical to those offered in the bar area.
A little further into the menu is the Lunch and Dinner menu. Breakfast is also served in the lounge in the morning. However, you cannot order breakfast after 11AM.
The dinner menu was a bit limited, but I most people should find something on the menu that they’d enjoy; even if it is just the chocolate mousse.
United Polaris Lounge Sit-Down Dinner
For my meal I decided to order the beet salad as a starter. The portion was small, but as I planned on eating on my flight I wasn’t too bothered.
After finishing the beet salad my server returned with my main course. For my entree I ordered the burger with a fried egg which I’ll admit, was an aggressive choice.
I had absolutely zero complaints about my entree other than the size. The burger was huge!
Overall, I really enjoyed the sit-down dining concept in the United Polaris lounge. As you’re sitting there you may quickly forget that you’re in an airport and not at a restaurant. The service was attentive without being overwhelming and although seating was limited I never felt rushed to move along.
United Polars Lounge Shower Suites And Daybeds
After a nice meal in the Polaris sit-down dining area I decided to head to the other end of the lounge to shower before my flight. Shower suites and day beds are available upon request through the Polaris Lounge Valet Services of the lounge.
Once inside the Valet Services waiting area you must check-in with the shower attendant.
When checking in the shower attendant requests to view your boarding card to make note of your departure to ensure you don’t miss your flight.
After checkin in the attendant will then direct you past the Daybeds area to an available shower suite.
As you walk to an available shower suite you’ll pass under an overhead light which houses hundreds of twinkling star lights, clearly a subtle nod to the Polaris brand.
If you would like to shower you need to request to do so before the valet services counter closes at 9PM (or so). I requested a shower at approximately 8:45PM and the lounge attendant made it a point to tell me not to feel rushed. The lounge simply stops accepting shower suite guests at 9PM, but the space remains open for enough time thereafter to make full use of the shower facilities.
United Polars Lounge Shower Suite
Once inside a shower suite you’ll find a large sink surrounded by an elegant marble counter.
Sitting next to the sink was a collection of Saks Fifth Avenue towels.
Toward the far end of the sink and counter is the shower suite toilet.
One of the most welcomed features of the Polaris Shower suite were the heated floors. You can adjust the temperature of the floors via the thermostat next to the sink.
Directly across from the sink was a large bench. I’ve mentioned this before, but often shower suites fail to provide an elevated surface to place a bag when inside. I always appreciate when shower suites have elevated surfaces for suitcases.
Perhaps the most unique feature of the United Polaris Shower Suite was the laundry service door. Just above the above bench is a two-way closet for you to hang your clothes for laundry service.
When you request the service the shower attendant will then open the door from the outside (don’t worry they can’t do so unless your door is shut) and take your clothes to be laundered. They only have the ability to steam and press clothes, but that’s still a nice touch when traveling. Laundry service takes approximately 15 minutes.
United Polars Lounge Chicago Shower
Along the far wall of the shower suite is the incredibly spacious shower. The shower offers both a traditional shower head and an overhead rain shower head. I’m honestly not sure if I’ve ever seen an enclosed shower quite as large as this one in an airport lounge.
On the floor in front of the shower was a very soft Saks Fifth Avenue bath mat.
Another thing I loved about this particular shower was the simple shower controls. To turn on/off each shower head you simply press the button of the shower head you wish to control. Also, you can press both buttons and use both shower heads at the same time. Then, just beneath the buttons was an easy to understand temperature control with 100F in the center.
Just beneath the wall mounted shower head was a recessed area which house the shower soap, shampoo, and conditioner bottles.
I must say this shower was absolutely excellent. Additionally, it was nice being able to have my dress shirt pressed while I showered.
Final Thoughts
Well, I have to admit I’m very impressed by the United Polaris Lounge in Chicago O’Hare. If you’re eligible to use this lounge making the trek to the C Concourse is well worth the walk. After all, by doing so you also get to pass through the neon light tunnel which is always fun!
I personally had a very nice time visiting this lounge. I arrived to the airport several hours early to make full use of the lounge which didn’t disappoint. Overall, I think there is case to be made in saying that this lounge is the best domestic carrier business class lounge in the United States.
The lounge itself is excellent. I loved the decor and seating choices made by United. The buffet offering was a little worse than what you can typically find in a business class lounge, but the formal sit-down dining area more than makes up for that. Lastly, the shower suites are excellent.
On thing to note, at the time of writing this is the only United Polaris Lounge in the United network. United was supposed to have several of these lounges open by this time, but due to massive delays this remains the only Polaris lounge in the world. However, on April 30, 2018 Untied is scheduled to open a second Polaris lounge in San Fransisco (SFO).
