I had a < 60 minute layover recently in PHX and I was determined to see the new lounge that I am missing out on, now that I've relocated out of the area. It took me a little less than 10 minutes to get from the low As (second concourse) to the lounge (fourth concourse), and about 15 minutes to get to the high A's (first concourse) for my connection. These are at a brisk pace using the moving walkways, so plan accordingly for your layover. I didn't time it but the C gates would be about the same time; D gates probably longer than the high A gates because you have the same length, plus that long North-South connector. With TSAPre, you could probably exit and re-clear security at "B" faster.
On arrival, there were three agents manning the two separate booths (one desk for Escape, one for Centurion). I asked for the Escape, was checked in and handed a pass, and was pointed up the stairs or elevator.
At the top you exit the elevator facing Centurion, and the woman at their desk pointed me to turn left to find the Escape lounge behind me. I had not asked, she saw the card that I was given when checking-in. At the entrance to the Escape Lounge, the agent welcomed me warmly. In fact, all of the staff were friendly and accommodating during my brief visit.
The lounge is split into two 'rooms', the first being the main area you see here upon entering. A nice variety of high and low back chairs and good natural light. Not pictured is a small counter with cookies and some candies, including bags to take with you for your flight.
The second space is the bar + dining area
I really liked the abundant power ports in the dining area!
My first stop was to the bar, where I was informed that all alcohol is included for Plat/Cent cardholders when you present the card, otherwise just the middle shelf was included (standards like Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, JW Red, Bacardi, Beefeater, and Svedka). There is also a house red, white, and a Coors Light available with paid entry. I was very pleased to see an Oban 14 available to me as a Platinum cardholder, that's nicer than most of the single malts I have found in actual Centurion lounges! I commented to this effect and the bartender told me that because there are paying customers in the lounge, "they" (Escape) can up their selection above what I would find across the hall. Nice touch.
After ordering my drink I stopped at the buffet, where small tapas-style plates were dished up. It's nice presentation but since each is barely a few bites, I would prefer the communal style so I would dirty less dishes. Phoenix is in a desert, where's the water conservation? Speaking of water, there is filtered water available next to the self-serve coffee machine, available room temperature or chilled. I know the lounge menu was designed specifically for PHX but I was hoping for the mac & cheese that I had in OAK. The flavors of the chicken and the beef (which I was told is the only dish that isn't shared with Centurion) were both good.
A quick peek in the restroom found the same L'occitane toiletries that Centurion Lounges use.
Here are a few views from the lounge
In summary, I thought it was quite a nice lounge, comparable to the MSP and OAK Escape Lounges which I also enjoy. I was surprised that Escape has the higher end alcohol and an exclusive dish; I would have thought it the other way around but paid entries apparently bring in more money than Amex allows. I would definitely stop in here again when traveling through PHX, unless flying Southwest from the D gates which would be too far for my preferences.