I haven't visited this Polaris Lounge in a long time and I was connecting via SFO to Dulles and on to Lisboa, Portugal and had an hour to kill and dinner to eat. Checked out the sit down restaurant which was empty when I sat down and filled up quickly as the hour got later. Had a crab salad with large lump crab minimally adorned and a burger with the works. Except for an overcooked egg on top (I do love a runny egg) it was a solid meal and the espresso martinis hit the spot ! Strong work !! Highly recommended. read more

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I was at the Dulles Airport on May 9th via United Airlines. The lounge nearest me is a "United Club" in the D gates. Upon seeing my boarding pass, the staff informed me that we qualify to visit the Polaris Lounge instead, a 5 to 8 minutes' walk away, near Gate C17. I asked which will be less crowded. She said they are both crowded, but the Polaris is much nicer. We decided to hoof it over to the Polaris since it's supposed to be a big deal, ignoring the fact that we probably have 45 minutes only to stay there. She wasn't kidding. The place was packed. It was very difficult to get a pair of seats, and we basically were stalkers waiting for folks to leave. Meanwhile, we were sweating from the walk and from the many people inside the lounge. After finally having seats, we looked at the food and drinks selection. I have to admit the food selection is impressive. They have a dining section that is full table service. Then there is a buffet section with good selection of proteins and produce in addition to the usual snacks. I was too hot to be hungry by then and chose only several cocktail prawns plus a few asparagus stalks. After a cold soda with ice from the bar, it was time to leave. There was also a line to wait for the bathroom. Next time, we won't fancy a Polaris Lounge when we don't have the time to stay. read more

I was looking forward to my lounge visit as I had a long layover on my way to Lisbon. I'm used to the crush of the regular lounges so was thinking this might be a peaceful way to pass 6 hours. I arrived around 4pm. There wasn't one seat free in the entire place. Food choices were bare minimum and the bar had a line 3 people deep. The agents at the door said 3-5pm are the busiest. They weren't wrong about that! read more

What an experience! Flying first class to Greece allowed me access to the United Polaris lounge. The Customer Service was five out of five. The food was a 10 out of five. Especially the curried coconut cauliflower bisque in the sit down restaurant part. My neighbor thought it smelled so good, he ordered it as well. The shrimp and grits were delicious too. There are lovely and clean private bathroom 'rooms'. My flight was delayed, so I came back and sat at the bar and enjoyed good conversation with fellow passengers. I hope to come back! read more

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I had high hopes for this lounge. While I fully understand Dulles is a busy airport-- I feel the designers of this lounge should account for maximum capacity. Upon entry it took me 20 minutes to find a place to sit. Many passengers use their carry-ons to occupy up to three seats.... At a time when the lounge is busy, this type of behavior is just rude, and I feel someone should be around to curtail it from United Airlines. The buffet options were not that appetizing, and the desserts were really not appetizing. I wish there was a quiet room with proper capacity so that one could relax a little before the flight. I think United needs to up their game in comparison to other competing airlines lounges, especially in terms of their offerings. read more

United Polaris Lounge - Lounge with customers clearly not being thoughtful to fellow travelers by occupying multiple seats/chairs unnecessarily! - Airport Lounges Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

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Arrived early for departure. They served breakfast until 11am. The made-to-order Omelet Your Way came with various ingredients of eggs, meats, vegetables and cheese per choice. It was also served with potatoes and peppers. The Maryland Crab Cake was still tender with running egg on its top. They did not have the Peach Bellini, so to take the Classic Mimosa. The service was friendly and professional. read more

United Polaris Lounge - Omelet with Potatoes - Airport Lounges Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

Nothing but picked over dregs to eat. Bar tender not at post, and four ounce plastic water cups only thing available for liquid refreshment.

It's an overpriced buffet with an open draft, well, & wine bar. No comfortable seating anywhere. How is this considered a lounge?

This place is a lot better than the standard United Club. I was flying International Business class and took advantage of this place. It's large and has many different sitting areas and a sit-down restaurant. I was there early for international departures, so the place was empty. That being said, plenty of hot food was still on the buffet, and the coffee and regular bar service were available. It's a lovely place, and if you are flying United biz class abroad, take advantage of this beautiful lounge to relax before your flight. I highly recommend it! read more

United Polaris Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

Seems new or modernized Polaris lounge in Dulles international airport. Was not crowded when I arrived but got very busy around boarding time for me (4P or so) -- so much so that it was difficult to find seats. The buffet was pretty good -- typical United Polaris lounge fare and the ambiance was very nice -- good views of the runway. read more

United Polaris Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

Slightly better than a United Club. The restaurant is nice but with a very limited menu. The bar carries a few premium wines and spirits but none of the recharging outlets work. A bartender told me the problem has been known for a while but fixing it is not a priority. It gets ridiculously crowded in the afternoons. As I was leaving the lounge for my flight, every single restroom was full and there were 15 people waiting in line. read more

United Polaris Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

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Another week of travel and another lounge! This was the second Polaris lounge for the day but unfortunately my first visit to the IAD location and only had five minutes to see the inside before boarding my flight. It was busy as expected with the evening crowds and the lunch menu looked tasty. The buffet had an international focus with Mediterranean mezze, chicken tikka masala, miso salmon and more. I finished my quick walk around and grabbed their chocolate chip cookies to go. The cookies were really crispy and chocolatey. I could've eaten more! Front desk staff was quite friendly and asked my thoughts before I dashed out. Hopefully will spend more time here on a future trip transiting through IAD. read more

Two options for food (buffet and table service), and a full bar all included in your access to this lounge? Oh hell yes I'm coming back. The huge payoff with my access during my last trip was that my flight was delayed for five hours so I was able to come back for my second dinner. That was pretty awesome. Top rail drinks and great bar staff make the time pass quickly too. read more

United Polaris Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

Really enjoyed my experience in this lounge before a long flight. Food is buffet style, but there were some serious gems. There was a stewed chicken dish that was absolutely delicious, and a pepper and cheese soup that was similarly out of this world. I ordered an espresso martini to drink and they were able to put a cute design on top (they have one of those machines that can put an actual image/writing on drinks). There's a ton of seating ranging from restaurant style seating to lounge chairs to work spaces. Staff was incredibly friendly and on top of things-- clearing dishes, helping me find things, etc. Bathrooms are definitely nicer than elsewhere in the airport. I advise arriving a few hours early if you really want to take full advantage of the lounge. It's a big place, but it fills up later in the afternoon prior to overnight flights. read more

E X C E L L E N T! The staff = amazing, beyond accommodating. The environment = perfection. When we first arrived, it was almost filled to capacity. Apparently busy day here at Dulles. Once the rush cleared out, the place took on a peaceful, tranquil vibe. We were able to eat in the dining room and take showers! It worked out beautifully. We forgive you United for the 5 1/2 hour layover. This experience and accommodations make up for it. Thank you to the staff at the United Polaris Club/Lounge! read more

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We tried SFO a few weeks before for our trip out and this is leagues ahead. Even when it's busy the staff here are lovely and keeping things moving in a classy way. They even had people walking around offering tapas in the form of empanadas. The bartenders were competent and efficient with recommendations and drinks service. The food stations were well maintained and delicious options. I loved our asparagus soup and meats and cheeses to go with wine service. Plenty of seating, although, while we were here they did get slammed around 4:30 pm. We noticed a couple people circling to find a seat, but not for long as one would open up. People were well mannered and polite and didn't take advantage. It was great to see after SFO experience . I would pay extra to come here again. But honestly, this might be enough for me to choose united business flight out over other carriers. read more

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The best lounge in IAD if you can afford to fly Polaris class on United. On my way to Madrid and I had a layover in IAD. The dining room served within 10 minutes,ordered the salmon and tagliatelle before my flight. Excellent food, superb service, peaceful ambiance. I can't wait to return. read more

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I've been United Polaris Lounge in New York, D.C. and Houston. Each was clean, food was good, ambiance plus and people great. My Orginal flight was delayed, then missed my Orginal flight to Europe, and I was watching everyone and everything! Polaris Lounge did not disappoint this weary traveler. Thank you! read more

World class United Polaris Lounge. There are good foods and drinks. 20 pr so unisex bathroom s. There is plenty of room to stretch out before our flight to San Francisco. read more

A very new and very large United Polaris lounge, with a huge bar and restaurant and tons of comfortable seating. The food buffet isn't great, but the "restaurant" had plenty of comfortable seating, quick service, and far superior food. It can get packed in the afternoon before the international departures, but then it clears out really fast. If you have to layover on your way to Europe, this lounge is worth planning to fly through Dulles. read more

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The United Polaris Lounge is a must when flying out of IAD on an eligible flight. It's the only time I am okay arriving early to the airport because I know I am in for a good meal and good drinks. My flight was departing from terminal D and the lounge is located in C. The lounge is right by the entrance to terminal C so much better to head there if trying to get to the lounge. It is a nice walk from the lounge to many of the gates in terminal D. I was thankful there was a transport cart outside when I walked out and encourage you to leave ample time to make it to your gate. Okay, on to the lounge details. This is a spacious lounge with many different seating areas. There are also rooms that you can use for phone calls and quiet space. There is a beautiful bar that is a focal point. On either side of the bar are food options. Facing the bar to the right, you can go to the open food area that has a lot of hot and cold food options. I've never eaten there because I always go the left and choose to dine in at the restaurant. The restaurant is based on table availability. This time, my flight departed around 5:20pm, I reached the restaurant around 3:30pm and had plenty of time to enjoy a meal. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My server was Ejigayehu and she was the best. I was starving and she made excellent suggestions for me. I had the roasted mushroom tart to start which was yummy and the only picture I took. I then ordered the pan seared haddock but the were currently serving the dish with salmon. Ejigayehu let me know that the portions for this dish is small so she suggested ordering something else or an additional portion. I also ordered the burger, which never disappoints. Everything was delicious. My favorite was the pan seared salmon. It was indeed a small portion but every bite was full of flavor. Make sure to tip your server and bartender! The lounge also has showers and a quiet space that has two loungers in a dimly lit room. It's a great lounge and worth a visit. read more

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He Said: We've been fortunate enough to be in a Polaris Lounge before, in EWR and AMS, and the IAD one was above the rest on this visit. Why? The staff. Javier and Julian at the bar were great hosts and Escala at the restaurant was the perfect server: fun, friendly, accommodating, and patient with our silliness. We experienced an excellent staff and wonderful time during our 9 hour (!) visit. She Said: I'm not sure what I can add except to give my endorsement to the staff here. They were phenomenal. Javier and Julian ensured that everyone got exactly what they needed at the bar, and Escala did the same in the dining room. We also asked about the olive oil that was a beautiful accompaniment to our buffet experience and our soup in the dining room, and Escala brought the chef out to explain how he came to the unique flavors that we had. I wish we'd caught the chef's name: he was informative without being condescending and I could gave talked to him all night about food and his processes. Our meal in the dining room was terrific. Get the burger. Have the torte for dessert. You'll be happy. No photos of the meal because it was so good we ate it too fast. Potty Points: 5/5-like being at home but better. My thanks to the phenomenal and present cleaning staff. read more

United Polaris Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

My first ever visit to The United Polaris Lounge and it didn't disappoint. This one is Located in C Terminal. It's massive with many different books & crannies to explore. They have a gorgeous bar with a beautiful display of top shelf liquor and wines. We headed straight to the restaurant as we were prettying hungry. The service is top notch with a full menu available. We had lunch, consisting of Minestrone soup & burger with fries. Delicious. I love the fact that this lounge is super quiet, relaxing with minimal kids around. Relaxation at its finest. Showers also available if needed. In order to enter this lounge you must travel business internationally (Ex: Mexico & Canada). They ask for ID & a boarding Pass read more

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The buffet offerings here were quite nice and there was plenty to choose from however the lounge was jammed and there was nowhere to sit when you first arrive. You will definitely be searching for a table as has happened the previous two times I have been though. Your best bet would be to put your name on the sit down restaurant portion and then go to the bar area and grab a drink or two while you wait. read more

Dining area nice, food pretty good. 4 stars for the food. Quiet room, totally inadequate for its stated purpose. 1 star. Constant pounding on a side wall from an unknown source. Located next to dining so constant noise of chairs scraping and muffled conversations. Big disappointment. Lounge area with comfy chairs and cubicles was nice. read more

An amazing lounge and I do not have one bad thing to say about!!!! Julian and Javier are staples at the bar and always friendly and kind as are all the staff! The food has the allergies listed at the fresh buffet bar, the shower is huge, the restaurant is a great way to unwind, and you can take a nap in the quiet room!!! read more

Was w a companion who has fancy status to get us into the lounge. Very nice seating w lots of outlets and good lighting. Plenty of options at the buffets. Restroom facilities were very spacious and well stocked. Employees clearing plates and trash were kind and probably underpaid. read more

United Polaris Lounge - Airport Lounges Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

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Fancy with highly competent bartenders and tasty drinks. The main downside is the population density was too high, there were an insufficient number of seats. read more

The best airport lounge I have ever visited! This lounge is reserved for long haul business class passengers on United. My wife and I were traveling to Romania but unfortunately all of our flights were delayed and we missed a connection. By the time we arrived at Dulles, we were totally frustrated, that was until we were welcomed into this lounge. The concierge took care of our flight issues while we sipped sparkling wine. This lounge is sleek and offers many amenities from buffet or restaurant dining, to relaxation rooms and showers. They have it all. We started in the restaurant with cocktails. My wife had a Cosmopolitan while I had a Manhattan. They offer a wide variety of top shelf spirits. Time for dinner. We started with the arugula salad with asparagus. It was a great combination. For our entrees my wife had the shrimp and grits, it included some nice bitter greens. I wanted the chicken entree but they were out and so I ended up with their Polaris Burger. I'm not a burger person, but I would definitely have this again. It was beef short rib and was so tender. It came with JoJo like potatoes seasoned with Old Bay seasoning. Delicious! My wife enjoyed the warm brownie desert served in a small skillet with vanilla ice cream. Before we knew it our 4+ hour layover was behind us and we boarded our flight. The staff here was wonderful and exceeded our expectations from our server Javier, our bartender Christine, and the manager Cherri. Great job and thanks so much for the warm hospitality! read more

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Thank you lounge! The staff was so great they made it so comfortable for me traveling with my 6 month old. Found me a nice quiet place to hold him for a much needed nap before back to the hustle and bustle of the busy airport. Really great service, very clean and well stocked. read more

I only had about an hour layover at Dulles airport before my flight to Zurich, so I stopped at the United Polaris lounge next to gate C18 for a quick bite since I am flying Polaris Business class today. The winter salad was very refreshing, which was a good combination with the creamy potato soup. The pan-seared haddock was very good and cooked perfectly, and I asked for a side of potato purée that normally comes with the chicken breast entree. There were quite a few signature cocktails to choose from and I tried the Beet the Jet lag today which was very good. I didn't have time for dessert otherwise I would have loved to try the crème caramel. If you can't get a table at the Dining Room inside the lounge or are in a hurry for your next flight, the buffet has a lot of selections as well. Anyway, I am already full and am ready to just lay down and go to sleep when I get on my transatlantic flight. Last time when I was here a few months ago they had pagers to page you when the dining room table is ready. This time I didn't see them using that anymore so I just stood at the entrance and the waitress told me to give her a minute to get my table ready. read more

Beautifully designed lounge, but expect what you'd expect on a typical United flight. Flavorless burger in the a la carte order dining area. Server, though pleasant, got two items in our order wrong. Which wasted time having to correct. Never thought chicken thighs could be dry? Apparently it can be via United. The chocolate chip cookies looked like they melted on the tray. Liquor/wine selection is pretty decent. So pick your poison. If you're here to eat, bring snacks. read more

United Polaris Lounge - Flavorless burger - Airport Lounges Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

Polaris lounge for international first class travel and the food selections are miserable. Pre-made 1/2 subs, bread with no butter, rice, and burnt cookies. Not worth the visit and definitely not on par with the cost of my international first class ticket. Wow United, do better! read more

United Polaris Lounge - United needs to do something about their cookies in their regular club lounges and the Polaris lounge. They are always burnt. - Airport Lounges Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

One of the nicer United lounges. Looks like it was recently remodeled. Good food options off an a la carte menu which is rare...an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Dulles airport. read more

United flights may not be the best, but their Polaris lounges always impress me. Do not waste a second in the buffet area. Go straight to the dining room and get a complimentary restaurant experience! After (or before) the meal, go take a shower or a nap next door. The best lounge in IAD! read more

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Second time using the Polaris lounge before an overnight flight to Heathrow. Since I wanted to sleep on the flight..I had dinner in the restaurant portion. Good food , good service...one of the most beautifully decorated airport lounges I've seen. read more

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This was a short stop at this lounge on our way to Portugal. It was a very nice and relaxing lounge with some very good choices of food and drinks. Unfortunately, we did not have time to try the meal service, but I'm sure it was as good as all of the others that I have visited. read more

Good food, drinks, service, lovely showers . Really nice before long haul flights. read more

United Polaris Lounge - The restaurant - Airport Lounges Near Me - Sterling, Virginia

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If you are fortunate enough to have access to this lounge then you are in for a great pre-flight experience. It has almost nothing in common with the mediocre United Clubs. The lounge's highlight is the dining room with a la carte food service. They don't have the best food in the world but it's vastly superior to anything United serves in flight. The two times we've been here the service has been very friendly and they serve surprisingly tasty champagne. It really felt like date night for my wife and I before we got on our flight. Avoid the temptation to overindulge in the tasty drinks though, I've found that the thin air on planes gives me a hangover if have more than a couple. read more

The service and showers were great, dining room food was generally OK, none of the buffet food options looked worth it. There are only 2 nap/resting areas. read more