Travelers passing through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport now have a new way to spend their waiting time. Portal Lounge, a high-tech space designed by the founders of Gameway, opened on May 28, offering a blend of gaming, dining, and entertainment.
A New Kind of Airport Lounge
Portal Lounge aims to transform the traditional airport waiting experience by incorporating technology and interactive design. The lounge spans 3,800 square feet and can accommodate up to 114 people. It features 17 dedicated gaming stations with popular consoles like Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation, as well as custom-built gaming PCs. This setup caters to the growing demographic of adult gamers, particularly those aged 30 to 39, who are also frequent travelers.
Emma Walbridge, one of the founders, explained that the goal was to create a space that feels both welcoming and energetic. “We wanted the atmosphere to be experience-driven while still offering the comfort expected from a premium lounge,” she said. The lounge’s design includes art deco-inspired interiors, curated music, and social seating areas, making it a vibrant place to relax before a flight.
Innovative Features
One of the standout features of Portal Lounge is its robotic bartender, the first of its kind in a U.S. airport lounge. Developed in Italy, the robot works alongside a traditional bar program, preparing cocktails and mocktails while providing visual entertainment for guests. This tech-enabled hospitality element adds a unique touch to the lounge experience.
The menu at Portal Lounge also offers a local twist, with chef-driven small plates and regional drinks that highlight Minnesota’s flavors. Signature offerings include the “Lag Free” margarita and “Prince’s Lemonade,” a zero-proof cocktail inspired by the state’s musical icon, Prince.
Access and Pricing
Portal Lounge operates as an independent common-use lounge, accessible through Priority Pass and participating credit card programs like Chase, American Express, and Capital One. Walk-in access is available for around $70, depending on availability. While the price may seem steep for a short visit, it offers value for those with long layovers or delays, providing a more engaging way to spend time at the airport.
As airports evolve to meet the changing expectations of travelers, Portal Lounge represents a shift towards more interactive and memorable waiting experiences. For those flying through Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, it offers a chance to enjoy games, food, music, and a robotic bartender, turning airport downtime into an enjoyable part of the journey.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
