Gone are the days when an airport hotel was little more than a purgatory for delayed passengers. Lavish spas, gorgeous restaurants and enticing décor are making overnight layovers into big fun. Here are fifteen great hotels that'll take the sting out of any extended airport visit.
Hyatt Regency Incheon ICN
The sleek, organic design that Hyatt fell for back in the early '00's works well everywhere, but particularly at the airport, where all that simplicity becomes downright soothing. Nothing like showing up here completely out of your mind with exhaustion, then sinking into slumber in gorgeous surroundings.
Sheraton Malpensa Milan MXP
A fashionable city like Milan deserves a smart overnight option at the airport – this recent addition is connected directly to Malpensa's Terminal 1, featuring soundproof rooms, 24-hour room service and fast connections to the center of town. Like so much in Italy, this hotel is truly easy on the eyes.
Alt Hotel Toronto YYZ
A free monorail whisks you from your terminal to this affordable-chic find that's a recent and welcome addition to the previously pedestrian airport scene. If you've stayed at Canada's fashionable Le Germain hotels, you might recognize the vibe – this is the group's first trip to the airport, with pleasing results.
Sofitel Heathrow LHR
An easy walk from Terminal 5 through covered walkways, you might want to stay here even if you'll be spending most of your time in the city, since it often has the best rates of any London hotel in its class (central London is just a 45-minute Tube ride away). I love the breakfast buffet, the fitness room, the free WiFi, the high-intensity bedside reading lights (a rarity these days). Definitely deserves its 4.5-star TripAdvisor rating.
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport SIN
Steps from the embarrassment of riches contained in the terminals at Changi, this resort-like property boasts cutting edge design, cocoon-like rooms, a gorgeous pool area and decent dining. Good transit links to the city and a well-equipped fitness room make this a place you might just want to call home for your entire stay in Singapore. And the club room option is well worth the upgrade.
citizenM Amsterdam Airport AMS
Pod hotels have yet to appear at every airport, and likely for a reason – nothing like a night's stay in one to bring out your inner claustrophobe. Pint-sized rooms at this terminal-adjacent property have an edge, though: windows. Décor is modern, the beds are comfortable and the price is right.
Fairmont Vancouver YVR
One of the best things about this Northwest city? Seemingly endless mountain and water views. One of the worst things about Vancouver? Seemingly endless traffic. At this in-terminal hotel, you get all of one and none of the other. Stressed about your extended stay? The on-site spa is excellent. (So is the pool.)
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport BKK
The "24 Hours Flexi" policy here eliminates the "will they, won't they" anxiety on your flight about what's going to happen when you get to check-in. (Ever been there? You know what I'm talking about.) Luckily, there's more to this property, located a 5 minute walk (in air-conditioning, don't worry!) from the terminals.
Hilton Frankfurt Airport FRA
Part of an architecturally fascinating addition to one of Europe's most handsome airports, this slick (but never chilly) overnight option offers some serious connectivity – guests are sleeping right on top (almost literally) of Terminal 1 and the airport rail station, which links you to, well, most of Europe.
Westin Detroit Metropolitan Hotel DTW
Everything about this in-terminal hotel is designed to take the sting out of your longer-than-planned airport visit, starting with the hotel's very own security checkpoint, which delivers you directly to the concourse of one of the world's largest airline hubs (Delta).
Langham Place Beijing PEK
Just a couple of minutes via free shuttle bus from your terminal, you've got one of Beijing's most plush hotels. Seriously – this is five-star material, from the on-premises fine dining to the art collection to the deep-soaking tubs in the rooms.
Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway ATL
A quick hop on the airport's free SkyTrain brings you to this expansive, modern property that more than does the job for a short stay, offering a great fitness center, pool and not-half-bad food. Tip: If prices are too high here, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott next door offers excellent value.
Grand Hyatt DFW
In a destination where airport-adjacent can be a lengthy ride away (seriously, DFW is so big!), let the booker beware when it comes to finding a convenient place to spend the night here in Dallas. This one, you're right at Terminal D – and a SkyLink ride away from the rest. Touches like a steam room and a 24-hour coffee bar make this more than just a place to flop.
Marriott Hong Kong SkyCity HKG
If you don't mind the short hike, the best hotels at Hong Kong's often-transited airport aren't at the airport at all – they're at nearby Hong Kong Disneyland. They're fun, but they're also expensive, and, if you've got an early flight, you might want to stay closer. No problem. Adjacent to the new SkyPier (quick trip to Macau, anyone?) and a pretty golf course – and just a couple of minutes via shuttle from the terminals
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