13 Luxe Airport Lounges You can Access with a Credit Card

Traveling can be stressful -- but less so if you can unwind between flights with a massage, cocktail, a movie and maybe even a nap in a private room.

Around the globe, there are hundreds of private airport lounges. Most of them are open only to first- or business-class fliers, elite members of frequent-flier programs or to those willing to pay up to $70 for a day pass.

But there's another way in: having the right credit card in your wallet. Rewards cards with lounge privileges typically don't come cheap -- annual fees are more than $300 a year in most cases. Some come with automatic access to an airline's airport lounge program, while others give you a way in through other international lounge networks.

To find the top airline hideaways available through credit cards, we consulted with the airlines. We scoured online reviews on sites such as Yelp and FlyerTalk. We examined online photos on blogs. We talked with makers of an app called LoungeBuddy, which breaks through complicated lounge-access rules to guide travelers to their "airport oasis."

Most ordinary clubrooms offer drinks, snacks, comfortable seats and workstations. But in building this list of the top 13 airport lounges accessible with credit cards, we looked for features that made a lounge stand out. Think distinctive architecture, stylish furnishings, innovative food and uncommon services.

Click here for the map that shows what airports have to offer.