I spend more nights in airport hotels than I’d care to admit. Over the years, I’ve developed some strong preferences, and I tend to have pretty polarizing takes on them. I love some airport hotels so much that I’d almost want to vacation at them (purely for aviation geek reasons), while there are plenty I just wouldn’t return to.
In this post, I want to talk about that in a bit more detail. What makes a great airport hotel, and what are my favorites? I’m not going to do a ranked list, but rather will just share some overall thoughts and highlights.
In this post:
What makes a great airport hotel?
In recent years, we’ve seen a lot of changes to the hotel industry, largely for the worse — rates are higher than ever, while many hotels are offering less than ever before. Arguably the situation is even worse at airport hotels, where hotel owners often feel justified with cutting costs to no end, because they’re not reliant on repeat business.
Broadly speaking, people stay at airport hotels because they absolutely have to, and not because they want to. While there are exceptions:
- There’s often not much repeat business, since people don’t plan their airport hotel stays in the same way they might plan their vacations
- Often airport hotels are booked at the very last minute based on irregular flight operations, and in some cases, airlines put people up in the hotels, so it’s not like consumers actually have control over their stays, or do much research
So that’s why I have a lot of respect for airport hotels that go above and beyond to offer a pleasant guest experience. What makes a great airport hotel? If you ask me:
- There’s huge convenience to a hotel being connected directly to the terminal, or being within walking distance; airport hotel shuttles are just so unreliable, and often I’ll just choose to stay in the city if I have to wait on a shuttle anyway
- As an aviation geek, I love airport hotels with views, as it’s a dream to be able to plane spot from your room
- I appreciate all the things that I like to experience at other hotels, from friendly service, to proper staffing levels, to great restaurants and bars, to an awesome gym
My favorite airport hotels around the globe
Of the airport hotels that I’ve stayed at, which are my favorites? I’d say that I probably have three favorites:
- The Fairmont Vancouver Airport (YVR) is incredible, and the hotel clearly doesn’t take its guests for granted; it has awesome apron and runway views, is connected directly to the terminal, and has a phenomenal restaurant and bar, with live music most nights
- The Grand Hyatt San Francisco Airport (SFO) is probably my favorite airport hotel in the United States, also with incredible views, a direct connection to the terminal, and beautiful rooms
- The Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport (ZRH) is my favorite airport hotel in Europe; it’s walking distance from the airport terminal, and is modern, has a solid restaurant and bar, and the hotel is also good with elite recognition
Beyond that, there are several others that come to mind as well:
- The Grand Hyatt Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) and Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport (MCO) have unbeatable convenience, being connected directly to the terminal, and they also offer great views; however, they’re not really cutting edge otherwise
- The Hilton Munich Airport (MUC) is nice as well; it’s walking distance from the terminal, and the rooms have been recently renovated, and I like the club lounge, including the outdoor terrace
- The Crowne Plaza Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is a popular one as well; I’m not quite as blown away by this property as others, but it’s still very nice, with solid dining, a nice pool, and potentially great views
- The Grand Hyatt Incheon Airport (ICN) has modern rooms, is good with elite recognition, and has an incredible club lounge; while it’s not connected directly to the airport, at least shuttles run reliably in South Korea
Beyond the above airport hotels, I’m also a huge fan of any sort of transit hotel concept, where you can get some proper rest in a terminal, without even having to leave the secure area. These can come in all kinds of forms, from full-size hotel rooms, to mini sleeping cabins.
The world’s best, worst airport hotel
The TWA Hotel New York (JFK) should be the world’s best airport hotel. Physically, it’s an incredible property with endless history, and it’s almost like a TWA museum. Add in the direct connection to the terminal, plus the airplane views, and you’d think this would be at the top of my list. Unfortunately it isn’t, though.
I have too much self respect to stay here (and to be honest, I don’t have that much self respect). The problem is that the owners of this hotel charge sky high rates in the first place, and then on top of that, nickel and dime as if they’re a subsidiary of Ryanair.
While I loved my stay here when it first opened, everything about the way this hotel has evolved rubs me the wrong way. For more on that, see my post about my second and last stay at the TWA Hotel JFK. I can’t think of another hotel I’ve stayed at that’s as “ungenerous” as this property.
If you’re connecting at JFK, you absolutely should pop in here to walk through the lobby, and maybe even have a drink onboard the Connie. But do yourself a favor, and don’t actually stay here.
Bottom line
I’m a huge of a good airport hotel, since there’s such variance in terms of the quality of these properties. For me, the two most important things are convenience (being connected directly to a terminal) and views (since I’m an aviation geek). If you can add in friendly service, quality restaurants and bars, and good elite recognition and club lounges, then it’s a winning combination, in my opinion.
What’s your favorite airport hotel you’ve stayed at?
The Grand Hyatt San Francisco Airport (SFO) and The Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport (ZRH) are my 2 favorite airport hotels as well!
It's baffling the TWA Hotel is so bad. As you said, it has the potential to be the worlds best airport hotel.
A 500-room airport hotel that doesn't offer room service?!? That is a license to print money they are missing out on.
Is there no ambition there? Surely the staff, dealing with all the complaints about how bad it is, wish they were working for a better hotel?
Staying 'in the city' if you've only got an overnight connection is a waste of time and money. The smart thing to do in the circumstances is look at the train/metro map and find a hotel that's next to a station 2-3 stops from the airport. The suburban stations are relatively quick and easy to navigate and the prices should be cheaper than the centre (unless you're unlucky enough to coincide with a trade fair held in the vicinity).
I recall you wrote a very favourable report on the Le Méridien Cairo Airport a few years ago.
Sheraton Manila -- next to terminal 3, attached to mall, resort pool
Intercontinental JNB -- 4 star hotel easy walk from arrivals hall and avoid all the Joburg hotel shuttle scams
Westin Detroit -- I don't think the TSA checkpoint is open much anymore tho.
Sheraton Hartford -- 60 second walk from lobby to Precheck
Intercontinental MSP -- Attached to airport and new
Sheraton Toronto -- Attached to terminal, very easy access to train into city
I would echo @Ben's assessment of the TWA hotel. The issue is that there really haven't been that many alternatives around JFK until very recently. The prices have thus been outrageous, and now that the novelty of the place is over for many, I suspect there won't be as many repeat visitors (though that's total conjecture!). If I need to overnight near JFK, I take a cab up to the Hyatt Place by LaGuardia...it's way...
I would echo @Ben's assessment of the TWA hotel. The issue is that there really haven't been that many alternatives around JFK until very recently. The prices have thus been outrageous, and now that the novelty of the place is over for many, I suspect there won't be as many repeat visitors (though that's total conjecture!). If I need to overnight near JFK, I take a cab up to the Hyatt Place by LaGuardia...it's way cheaper than the TWA, and it costs far less to get there than into the city; nothing special, but what you would expect from a well-run HP, and great dumplings around the corner :). Airport hotels I've liked include the Sofitel at LHR, the Clarion and Comfort hotels at ARN, the Grand Hyatt at ICN, and the Sheraton at YYZ, and the Novotel (now Hyatt) at BKK (though I usually got upgraded to a suite so that might make me biased...); the worst have included the Hilton at SEA, the Ibis Budget at AMS (you get what you pay for...but this was awful), the Ibis Styles at CDG (super convenient and fun Star Wars theme, but needs refurbishment), and Sheraton BRU (well taken care of and adjacent to the airport but they do not care...).
You lost me at Dallas eww
Singapore and Dallas on the same list? Nope Dallas is pure trash makes sense why AA is always trailing.
It's a shame you've never visited Hyatt Regency SZX & HGH, two excellent airport Hyatts with runway views, *and Category 1*, and SZX one literally world second best.
Wow going to say that. People who doesn’t give a shit about china are missing out a ton.
Even the hyatt place in those two airport are awesome.
I get rates below 500rmb for hyatt regency there.
Also these people who.
The only thing sucks about Chinese aviation rn is the lack of wifi, but i can see that as a good thing or else someone uncivilized will blast their douyin....
Wow going to say that. People who doesn’t give a shit about china are missing out a ton.
Even the hyatt place in those two airport are awesome.
I get rates below 500rmb for hyatt regency there.
Also these people who.
The only thing sucks about Chinese aviation rn is the lack of wifi, but i can see that as a good thing or else someone uncivilized will blast their douyin. Which happened more time than often in US flights as well esp on LCC like spirit or allegiant or even southwest..
I see some value to the TWA Hotel at JFK, not like some of the posters. The location and history are great. The extra services beyond the room are a little spartan but are fine with me. The room rate is not necessarily overpriced. I have seen dates where the room rate is less than some midtown Manhattan hotels. In fact, I was going to stay the first night at the TWA Hotel for one...
I see some value to the TWA Hotel at JFK, not like some of the posters. The location and history are great. The extra services beyond the room are a little spartan but are fine with me. The room rate is not necessarily overpriced. I have seen dates where the room rate is less than some midtown Manhattan hotels. In fact, I was going to stay the first night at the TWA Hotel for one business trip but the trip was cancelled for business reasons.
The Hilton at O'Hare is not mentioned. The exterior looks nice. I stayed there once many years ago. It was fine.
The Hilton in Seattle (SeaTac) is somewhat like an airport hotel. It is not connected to the terminal but it is across a small street from the Sound Transit light rail station. If you have a rollaboard carry on, you can walk. If you have heavier suitcases, then there is a free shuttle that is slower than walking with one carry-on.
There are several hotels that are technically on airport property and well connected to transit. For example, Taoyuan airport (Taipei) has a Novotel, soon to change names, if not already. That is connect to the MRT, 1 stop. Toronto has a hotel on the train that connects terminal 1 and 3.
I really like the Sheraton LAX. It is walking distance from the Airport, has great elite recognition, and many of the rooms have exceptional views of the very interesting LAX runways.
The Sheraton Toronto Airport is extremely convenient as it is directly connected to the airport. It is a nice hotel but has limited views.
The Marriott SeaTac is also walkable from the Airport and light rail station though it is up a bit of...
I really like the Sheraton LAX. It is walking distance from the Airport, has great elite recognition, and many of the rooms have exceptional views of the very interesting LAX runways.
The Sheraton Toronto Airport is extremely convenient as it is directly connected to the airport. It is a nice hotel but has limited views.
The Marriott SeaTac is also walkable from the Airport and light rail station though it is up a bit of a hill (could be difficult with lots of luggage though it does have a reliable shuttle). The hotel rooms are comfortable and quiet though the Club Lounge is marginal and it has no views.
Think Price should really be a metric. Some of them are an absolute rip off. Sometimes the best airport hotel is the one with a free 5min airport shuttle to the same chain brand at half the price...
For the people who are not on expenses..
3 Bonvoy Canadian airports I think are good value for the points and convenience and Elite lounges for value are YYC Marriott, nice lounge in airport, YUL Marriott nice lounge Monday-Friday in airport but at the far end of the airport terminal by US Departures. Finally YYZ Sheraton- great lounge and one of the nicest lounges but does not have airport views. All of these I have redeemed my free night certificates at too.
The Sofitel at the Athens Airport and Hilton at Schipol airport are my favorites!
Can't say enough good things about the Fairmont Vancouver. It's just a great hotel regardless of being at an airport, and then add that they have terrific service, quiet rooms (the design and furnishings work well to reduce noise), etc., plus the convenience can't be matched. Also, the restaurant quality and service is superb. Hope they all know how good they are.
Sheraton CDG. Needs update but super convenient.
Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the Holiday Inn at the Santiago, Chile, airport.
+1 for Holiday Inn Santiago. Location is great, service is very friendly. Their restaurant has some fantastic ceviche, which seems like an insane thing to say about a Holiday Inn lobby bar and yet...
The Sheraton at CDG is very convenient in Terminal 2, and has great views onto the tarmac.
The Sofitel at Heathrow. I don't know how they manage to keep it so quiet! You would never believe you were at an airport
The Sheraton/Marriott at Frankfurt is extraordinarily convenient, has a great lounge, a nice gym, and it's perfect for an early morning longhaul flight.
I like the Loew's (former Intercontinental) at O'Hare. It's a pain to get over there, but it's far nicer than other options. The rooms are great.
And...
The Sofitel at Heathrow. I don't know how they manage to keep it so quiet! You would never believe you were at an airport
The Sheraton/Marriott at Frankfurt is extraordinarily convenient, has a great lounge, a nice gym, and it's perfect for an early morning longhaul flight.
I like the Loew's (former Intercontinental) at O'Hare. It's a pain to get over there, but it's far nicer than other options. The rooms are great.
And one secret: the Cedarbrook Lodge at Seatac. It's hidden in the forest but quite close to the airport. They have beautiful food and lovely surroundings. It feels nothing at all like an airport hotel.
Airports that beg for better options:
LAX: The Sheraton is probably the best choice with the Westin a close second. But none of them are good. I think I've stayed in all of them.
PHX: Nooooo. The Crowne Plaza is a dirt, tobacco, and weed-infused catastrophe. The Marriott is grim, dank. And it's still fairly far from the airport. It's best to stay in town.
CLT: The Sheraton is distant and sad. Like Phoenix, it's a massive hub and deserves a far better hotel.
IAD: the best choice (in my experience) is the Westin in Reston because it rhymes. It's quite far from the airport, and it just isn't that great.
Sofitel at Heathrow is awful. Yes, it is crazy quiet and yes it is connect to T5, but I found the hotel so unsanitary that I've stopped staying at Accor hotels all together.
The Loew's at ORD is fantastic!
Crowne Plaza Singapore Changi's main advantage is its very convenient location within the airport, which is a welcome sight for those arriving with significant jet lag. Stayed there a couple of times and found it to be perfectly adequate and reasonably nice by Crowne Plaza standards, even if not exceptional. A much easier trek than, say, Hilton Garden Inn at LHR, which requires quite a hike through terminals, tunnels, a parking garage, escalators, etc.
...Crowne Plaza Singapore Changi's main advantage is its very convenient location within the airport, which is a welcome sight for those arriving with significant jet lag. Stayed there a couple of times and found it to be perfectly adequate and reasonably nice by Crowne Plaza standards, even if not exceptional. A much easier trek than, say, Hilton Garden Inn at LHR, which requires quite a hike through terminals, tunnels, a parking garage, escalators, etc.
Speaking of convenient location, a relatively new Hilton right on the BNA property looks like a solid option, literally a 60-second walk from the exit. Have not stayed there but noticed it a few months ago for the first time immediately after exiting and then saw it has accumulated many favorable reviews. Granted, not many people connect at BNA, but this appears to be a great option for those with an early morning flight.
Haven’t stayed there in almost 10 years, but the Westin Detroit Airport used to be a great airport hotel. Had (has?) its own TSA checkpoint so you could go directly from your room, take an elevator and go right into the terminal. Great tarmac views, a decent bar/restaurant and gym.
I would definitely include the Sofitel at LHR. Directly connected to T5, with a lounge and great rooms.
2nd this one Ralf Toenjes. Great airport hotel.
Ben, with your newly minted Accor Platinum status you could review the LHR Sofitel and review the hotel lounge as well.
Agree on TWA hotel. What a complete let down.
LHR T4 has several hotels directly connected to the terminal: Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express and Premier Inn. Some of those offer incredible views of the runway, and nothing beats the variety of planes you see at LHR. Whenever I stay there, I spend the entire day plane spotting
Come on, Ben. I don't know how anyone could compose a ranking that includes the Crowne Plaza at Singapore's airport, the Hyatt Regency at Zurich's airport (not actually inside the terminal), or the Hyatt Regency at Orlando (no club lounge!) without at least mentioning The Westin inside Detroit's main terminal used primarily by Delta. That probably is probably the best in-terminal airport hotel in the USA. The rooms and overall services/amenities are nicer than the...
Come on, Ben. I don't know how anyone could compose a ranking that includes the Crowne Plaza at Singapore's airport, the Hyatt Regency at Zurich's airport (not actually inside the terminal), or the Hyatt Regency at Orlando (no club lounge!) without at least mentioning The Westin inside Detroit's main terminal used primarily by Delta. That probably is probably the best in-terminal airport hotel in the USA. The rooms and overall services/amenities are nicer than the Hyatt Regency at MCO, though the Hyatt Regency does have a resort-like pool. Both Calgary and Montreal's airports have in-terminal Marriott properties. The Montreal property while a little tired even has a luxury spa.
The Westin at DTW even has its own dedicated TSA security checkpoint. For a domestic Westin, it's excellent.
There is literally a SkyTrax category for this:
https://www.worldairportawards.com/worlds-best-airport-hotels-2024/
We really liked the Novotel in Auckland. kids very entertained by the views.
While I wouldn't put it in the category of the "best," the Hilton at Heathrow is convenient and has a good selection of restaurants.
The Crowne Plaza and co-located Holiday Inn Express are very convenient if flying out of Terminal 4, although the club lounge is poor.
I've stayed three times at the DFW Grand Hyatt and have had problems each time. The front desk has an attitude. Want a coffee maker in your room? First visit: "Sorry, there isn't enough space in the room for one". Second visit: "We are a different hotel and we offer barista coffee in the lobby" (but I want a cup of coffee so that I can get a cup of coffee). Third visit: "We'll bring...
I've stayed three times at the DFW Grand Hyatt and have had problems each time. The front desk has an attitude. Want a coffee maker in your room? First visit: "Sorry, there isn't enough space in the room for one". Second visit: "We are a different hotel and we offer barista coffee in the lobby" (but I want a cup of coffee so that I can get a cup of coffee). Third visit: "We'll bring a coffee maker up, but it will take some time because we're really busy", and it never came. It also takes an engineering degree to figure out how to turn on the lights in the room. The restaurant staff has an attitude - only QR coded menus, and they don't like special requests or bringing you a paper check, etc. As Ben said, its as if they only rely on the fact that they are literally an escalator ride up from baggage claim.
Because of all this we've lately only stayed at the Hyatt Regency DFW instead and have received wonderful treatment. It's a little harder to get to, but still no more than 5 minutes - and if you arrive in the C terminal you can walk there.
I've stayed at numerous airport hotels over the years. Here's my list:
-Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong
-Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott
-Crowne Plaza Changi
-Pan Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur (Now Sama Sama Hotel)
-Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel
-Hotel Nikko Kansai, Narita
-Grand Hyatt Incheon
-Vancouver Airport Marriott
The Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi is now a Hyatt Regency.
I’m definitely a big fan of the Crowne Plaza at Changi!