Brussels Airport: Sleeping Pods For Weary Travelers?

Brussels Airport offers a range of options for travellers with layovers or overnight stays. The airport is open 24 hours, with some services available throughout the night. While there are no specific sleeping pods, travellers can find benches and couches in Pier A and Terminal 1, as well as in the Schengen Zone and the duty-free area. Additionally, the airport offers VIP lounges, which can be accessed by paying at the gate or through memberships. These lounges typically close at 9 pm and reopen at 5 am. For a more comfortable option, the Sheraton Hotel Brussels Airport is located opposite the terminal and offers day rooms. Other nearby hotels also provide shuttle services.

The Loft at Brussels Airport

Officially called The Loft by Brussels Airlines and Lexus, this Schengen lounge is the flagship lounge of Brussels Airlines. It offers a range of amenities and ample space to relax in Brussels Airport, which has been described as one of Europe's most depressing major airports. The Loft is located in Pier A, across from Gate A42, and is open daily from 5:00 am to 8:30 pm, unless the last flight departs earlier.

Access to The Loft is reserved for Business Class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, and Miles & More Frequent Travellers (but not other Star Alliance Silver members). Paid access is also available for €39 during off-peak hours for economy class passengers (with a maximum stay of three hours). Those travelling on Economy Flex or Premium Economy tickets can purchase access at a reduced price of €29.

The lounge is L-shaped, with seating areas including couches, chairs, and a room with desks at the rear. There is also a work area with desks and a pair of "Skype" booths for making phone calls. Plugs are widely available and universal, so there is no need for an adapter.

Food and beverages are provided in two different areas of the lounge, with catering by Aramark. During one visit, the breakfast spread included scrambled eggs, and Belgian chocolates were available later in the day in the Neuhaus Corner. Coffee is provided by Belgian family-owned Rombouts, although it is only available from automatic machines.

The spa area includes showers and restrooms with deluxe Grohe toilets, which have a bidet and other options. The shower area is available upon request and can be accessed by seeing a lounge attendant. The spa area also includes several sleeping rooms (available on a first-come, first-served basis) and a pair of massage chairs. While no pillows or blankets were provided, and the beds were very firm, this area can still offer a quick nap.

There is a special section of the lounge reserved for HON Circle members of the Miles & More program, which is sponsored by Miele and includes a Miele kitchen.

Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel

The hotel is pet-friendly, with trained pets welcomed for a fee of €50 per stay. There is an on-site restaurant, Gullivers, which serves authentic local cuisine. The kitchen remains open until 10:30 pm, and there is also a train connection to Brussels downtown for those who wish to dine elsewhere.

The hotel features one of Belgium's largest hotel conference centres, with hi-tech meeting spaces, superb catering, and a talented events team. There is also a modern fitness centre, which is open 24/7, and a Sheraton Club Lounge, where guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, evening bites, and exclusive perks.

The check-in time is 3:00 pm, and check-out is at 12:00 pm. Parking is available on-site for a fee, with a maximum height of 1.90m.

VIP lounges

Brussels Airport offers a range of VIP lounges for travellers seeking a premium airport experience. One such offering is ALTITUDE, which provides an exclusive, secure, and comfortable environment for its guests. The ALTITUDE team takes care of all the formalities, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey. The private terminal features elegant refurbishments, comfortable seating, and a range of services, all away from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal.

The Diamond Lounge & The View are another set of VIP lounges located in Terminal A and B, offering breathtaking views of the runways. These lounges can be accessed by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. They are typically open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.

Brussels Airlines Lounges are also available for passengers flying with Brussels Airlines or holding Star Alliance Gold membership. These lounges provide a unique setting and convenient access to meeting and conference rooms.

In addition to the dedicated VIP lounges, Brussels Airport offers pay-per-use and single-visit passes for various lounges. The "Lounge Pass," for example, provides access to a calm and relaxing atmosphere with food, drinks, real-time flight status, and shower facilities. This pass can be purchased online and accessed via a QR code.

Free resting zones

Brussels Airport is open 24 hours a day and offers free resting zones for travellers spending the night there. The airport is generally quiet during the early hours of the morning, with few late-night flights. The boarding area is a good option for sleeping, with several comfortable seats and couches to lie down on. The Schengen passenger area also has plenty of comfortable seating and charging points for electronic devices. There are also good resting places near the duty-free shops and the connecting zone B.

The airport provides free and unlimited Wi-Fi access, and there is a 24-hour Starbucks in the Departures Hall. Luggage lockers are available on the ground floor, and other services available around the clock include emergency medical services, ATMs, children's play areas, and baby changing facilities.

If you're looking for a more comfortable resting place, there are several hotels near the airport that provide free shuttle services. The Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel is located right across the street from the terminal. Other nearby hotels include the Novotel Brussels Airport, Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport, and Park Inn Brussels Airport.

Nearby hotels

There are several hotels near Brussels Airport, some of which provide shuttle services to and from the airport. Here is a list of some nearby hotels:

Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel

Located just opposite the airport terminal, the Sheraton is the closest hotel to the airport. It is only 39 steps from the terminal and offers day rooms on request.

Novotel Brussels Airport

Novotel Brussels Airport offers a free airport shuttle service that operates on a schedule.

Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport

The Crowne Plaza provides a complimentary airport shuttle service from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Van der Valk Brussels Airport

This hotel offers an airport shuttle service for a fee.

NH Brussels Airport

The NH Brussels Airport Hotel is praised for its excellent value and helpful staff. It provides a complimentary airport shuttle service from 4:00 AM to 11:45 AM and 4:00 PM to 11:45 PM.

Tangla Hotel Brussels

The Tangla Hotel is a business hotel located in the outskirts of Brussels. It offers Chinese-style accommodations and is convenient for those travelling to and from the airport.

Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Airport

The Park Inn is a convenient and family-friendly option for those wanting to explore Belgium and South Holland by car. It is located near the Brussels Airport and offers easy access to major highways.

Holiday Inn Airport Brussels

The Holiday Inn is another option near Brussels Airport, offering a spacious lobby and comfortable rooms.

Gresham Belson Hotel Brussels

The Gresham Belson Hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.

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