I haven't seen the AA Admiral's Club, but while the UA Red Carpet Club is in the basement:
1) They just renovated it. There still aren't enough phones with power jacks nearby but at least it looks nicer.
2) You always walk by it. It may not be right next to the gate, but it's no more than a 3 minute walk to the gate and it's always on the way from the main terminal to your gate.