Both the Star Alliance Lounge (Paris Charles de Gaulle) and Capital One Lounges offer premium lounge experiences, but they cater to different audiences and have distinct features. The Star Alliance Lounge emphasizes its Parisian design and wine selection, while Capital One Lounges focus on modern amenities, chef-inspired food, and family-friendly features. The best choice depends on the traveler's access eligibility, location, and preferences.
| Attribute | Star Alliance Lounge (Paris Charles de Gaulle) | Capital One Lounge |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge Location (Terminal) | Terminal 1, airside, after passport control for non-Schengen flights (gates 10-38). Level 11. | Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW): Terminal D, near Gate D22; Washington Dulles (IAD): Main Terminal, just beyond TSA PreCheck; Denver (DEN): Concourse A, near Gate 34 on the Mezzanine Level; Las Vegas (LAS): Concourse D of Terminal 1, near Gate D51; New York (JFK): Terminal 4, in the middle of the retail hall. |
| Access Type (Membership, Class of Service, Paid) | Business Class or First Class passengers on a Star Alliance flight, Star Alliance Gold members traveling in any class on a Star Alliance flight, United Club "All-Access" or Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members, Priority Pass (access to the Business Lounge). Day passes may have been sold previously, but it seems this is no longer the case. | Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Business cardholders: Unlimited complimentary access; Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles for Business cardholders: Discounted entry (e.g., $45 per visit); Non-cardholders: Can purchase a day pass (e.g., $90 per visit). |
| Operating Hours | 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily. Some sources list slightly different hours, so it's best to confirm directly with the lounge. | Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW): 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; Washington Dulles (IAD): 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; Denver (DEN): 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; Las Vegas (LAS): 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily; New York (JFK): Starting July 17, 2025, it will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
| Seating Comfort and Availability | Can accommodate over 300 guests. Variety of seating options, including private nooks, dining tables, comfortable lounge chairs. Enclosed cubicle-style workstations for phone calls. | Mix of seating options like couches, individual seats, and tables. Luxurious and homey vibe. Can get crowded during peak travel times. |
| Food and Beverage Selection (Hot Meals, Snacks, Drinks) | Self-service. Welcome bar with beverages. Wine room with a selection of wines. Hot food (e.g., beef dish, chicken in mushroom sauce). Salads, bread, meat, and cheese. Breakfast options: yogurt, donuts, muffins, croissants, Danish, crepes, fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, cooked tomatoes, fried potatoes, croque monsieur, meat and cheese slices. Tea, coffee (though some reviews mention the coffee from the machines isn't great), water, soft drinks, beer, and juice. | Hot Meals: Chef-inspired small plates with options for various dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free); Snacks: Grab-and-go sections with sandwiches, salads, yogurts, chia puddings, and pastries; Drinks: Full-service bar with craft cocktails, local beers, and regional wines, Coffee bar with made-to-order coffee drinks, including cold brew on tap, Non-alcoholic options like sodas, sparkling water, lemonade, and sweet tea. |
| Wi-Fi Speed and Reliability | Wi-Fi works well. | Dedicated Wi-Fi networks. Generally fast and reliable, suitable for streaming, video calls, and uploading files. |
| Shower Facilities | Shower suites are available upon request. Ask for a key at reception (you'll trade your passport or boarding pass). | Some lounges have shower facilities. DFW: Has one shower room; Denver (DEN): Has two shower suites; JFK: One bathroom doubles as a shower suite. Shower amenities often include shampoo, conditioner, soap (in water-soluble film pods), and Dyson hair dryers. |
| Restroom Cleanliness | Large and clean restroom facilities are available. | Generally clean, spacious, and well-lit. Many locations feature individual, gender-neutral restrooms. |
| Business Center (Printing, Computers) | Workstations. Some reports mention a business center with a printer. | Co-working tables with plenty of outlets. Workstations. High-speed Wi-Fi. Some locations (e.g., Denver) offer private rooms and phone booths with dedicated workspaces. |
| Family/Children's Area | Some reviews mention the outdoor patio is a great space for people traveling with kids. | Family-friendly environments with lower tables and chairs for kids. Some lounges have dedicated family areas. Parent's rooms with changing tables. |
| Noise Level | Generally calm and relaxed atmosphere. | Generally calm. |
| Overall Ambiance and Design | Inspired by Parisian aesthetics. Designed by Gensler (also designed the Star Alliance Lounge in Los Angeles). Features arched doorways, wall mouldings, and local artwork. Glass fa cade with natural light and runway views. Distinct zones, including a wine bar and tea salon. Smoking terrace. | Modern and airy designs. Intentional design with luxurious amenities. Some lounges incorporate local art and design elements. |