Scenes From a Lounge

Continental's Retro Sleek Lounge at Reagan National. Photo by Eric Taylor for MWAA

While waiting to board a flight, there's nothing better than kicking back in a cushy airline lounge while sipping a cool libation, nibbling on munchies and watching TV. Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International airports boast a slew of airline lounges, usually reserved for first-class passengers and airline club members. All of them offer comfortable waiting places with a variety of amenities, but two stand out for their unusual architecture and design: Continental's President's Club at National and Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse at Dulles. Both offer enough ambiance to transport you far away-long before your flight takes off. Continental-Retro Sleek

Back in the 1940s, this space was National Airport's main dining hall, a destination that drew locals out for a nice dinner where they could take in the new phenomenon of commercial aviation. Over the years, it was transformed several times and served as offices for airport contractors and even, in the '70s, as a disco spot. But now, the historic space has been painstakingly restored to its 1940 splendor and is Continental's most unique President's Club.

This is one amazing room, with tan wood paneling on the walls, a built-in chrome clock above the club's entrance and stainless steel doors to the bathrooms and bar with portal-like windows that evoke a cruise ship. Visitors also will delight in retro light fixtures, terrazzo floor tiles and a stucco ceiling accented by an art deco medallion in its center.

Continental worked closely with local preservation groups and consultants to restore the space nearly two years ago. The airline spent over $3 million and replicated what couldn't be refurbished. Everything from the furniture to the curtains had to be special ordered based on historic photos, some of which line the club's walls. Pale blue curtains dotted with white propellers are an example of the careful restoration efforts taken to get this project right. "The curtains were an extensive project," President's Club representative Terri Acey acknowledges with a laugh. "It wasn't easy to get the right texture, the right design, to make it identical."

The restoration is much appreciated by those with club access (Continental President's Club members and international business first-class passengers). Audrius Regis, a club member who lives in Arlington, Va., appreciates the vintage '40s décor nearly every weekend, even though he doesn't fly that often. Regis says he frequents the club to relax, "have a cup of coffee, write a few letters and watch the airplanes." He originally hoped the space would be restored and turned into a vintage restaurant. But when this history buff saw the restored Continental club, he was hooked. "I liked it so much that I had to join," Regis says.

Continental Presidents Club members, Continental international business first-class passengers and American Express Platinum Card holders have access to the Continental club at National Airport. Annual Presidents Club membership rates start at $300. For membership information, call 800-322-2640.

Virgin Atlantic-Hip & Happenin'

Walk into "The Clubhouse," Virgin Atlantic's VIP club at Dulles, and chances are you won't want to leave. Tunes from a mini Wurlitzer juke box, loaded with selections from Radio Head to Bob Marley (Elton John's "Benny and the Jets" was playing when I visited) will put even stressed business executives in the relax mode.

Fresh flowers, including orchids, roses and lilies, decorate the lounge as does an art exhibit that rotates quarterly. On the wall during my visit were photographs of pop culture celebrities on loan from Washington's hip Govinda Gallery (www.govindagallery.com). I sit in a sleek, comfortable armchair (it reminds me a bit of "The Jetsons") and stare at John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Andy Warhol and David Bowie.

Virgin's hip lounge at Dulles Photo by Virgin Atlantic

Whatever your age, this funky lounge is filled with fun and games-literally. On the first floor, one nook offers a chessboard for some serious play. Individually wrapped rock candy sticks jut out from little votive-vases scattered on tabletops throughout the club, and a self-service frozen yogurt machine dispenses Botanica frozen tea, an all-natural, nonfat creamy fruit and tea combination extremely popular with Virgin Atlantic passengers. "The Brits have to get their tea," chuckles lounge supervisor Clinton Harris.

Hungry? You can nibble munchies at the full bar or sit at a table and order a full meal from Chef Khanh, who will prepare it in the club's full working kitchen. From soup and salad to an exquisite entrée, the menu offers an ample number of choices. Then, of course, there's dessert, tea and coffee, including cappuccino and espresso.

Up the exposed staircase, you'll find cozy lounge chairs and a large screened TV. Just decide if you want to watch cable, dabble in Sony Playstation games or take in a flick. Games and movies are stored at the desk, and popcorn can be requested. Virgin Atlantic's first-class passengers who really want to relax might want to unwind in the white marble shower. For total comfort, request a sleep suit (extremely soft sweats) to wear during your flight across the pond. Your clothes will be tagged, put on the plane and offered to you just before your flight lands in London.

It's no surprise this club earned an award for interior architecture from the Washington chapter of The American Institute of Architects in 1998-the same year the club opened. The exposed stairs and innovative lighting contribute to a modern, carefree sensibility, and bright red, purple and yellow walls curve and arch in ways that simply beg you to smile.

Virgin Atlantic's "upper class," or premium class, passengers have access to "The Clubhouse," the airline's lounge at Dulles Airport. The Clubhouse is not a membership club.