Sleep Pods At Guadalajara Airport: Are They Available?

Guadalajara Airport (GDL) is a small, modern airport with two concourses (A and C). While the airport does not have sleeping pods, travellers can pay to access one of the airport's first-class or VIP lounges, which offer comfortable seating, WiFi, charging ports, complimentary drinks and snacks, and showers. Travellers seeking a place to sleep may also want to consider the large, comfortable couches in Concourse C, although it is recommended that travellers bring insect repellent as the airport is reportedly infested with mosquitoes. For those who do not wish to sleep in the airport, there are several nearby hotels, including the Hangar Inn and Hampton Inn by Hilton Guadalajara Aeropuerto.

Sleeping pods in other Mexican airports

Guadalajara Airport (GDL) does not seem to have sleeping pods, but travellers can pay to access one of the airport's first-class lounges, which may offer more comfort. There are also hotels located near the airport.

However, sleeping pods have been introduced in some other Mexican airports. The Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City has 40 IZzzsleep Capsules, which come with a bed, air and lighting controls, USB ports, Wi-Fi, and a flatscreen TV. They also offer access to a private bathroom with a shower. These pods can be rented for 104 pesos an hour (around $5) or 605 pesos per night ($34) plus VAT and a three per cent tax per room.

Reviews for the IZzzleep pods are mixed. Some travellers praise the cleanliness, quietness, and convenience of the pods, especially for early morning or late-night flights. Others criticise the temperature, pricing structure, and noise from other travellers. It is also noted that the pods may not be suitable for those who are claustrophobic, as they are quite small and require crawling to enter.

There were announcements in 2017 that sleeping pods would be expanded to other Mexican airports, including Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, and Cancun. However, it is unclear if these plans were realised, as no recent information could be found.

Sleeping in Guadalajara Airport

Guadalajara Airport (GDL) is open 24 hours a day and offers some possibilities for travellers spending the night there. The airport has a small, modern terminal with two concourses (A and C). While most terminal seating contains armrests, some travellers have reported finding large, comfortable couches in Concourse C. There are also some comfortable armchairs by Gate C. However, the airport is reportedly infested with mosquitoes, so insect repellent is essential. Other items to bring if you plan to sleep in the airport include a blanket, sleeping mat, noise-cancelling headphones, and an eye mask, as the airport remains cold, bright, and noisy overnight.

If you prefer more comfort and privacy, you can pay to enter one of the airport's first-class or VIP lounges. The VIP lounge opposite Gate C30 offers showers and costs $25 for a day pass. However, note that lounges may not allow overnight stays, so it's best to check with the airport directly.

There are also several hotels near Guadalajara Airport, some of which offer airport shuttle services. These include:

• Hangar Inn – Airport transfers are available for a fee.
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Guadalajara Aeropuerto – Free airport shuttle is available.
• City Express Junior Guadalajara Periferico Sur – No airport shuttle.
• Holiday Inn Express Guadalajara Aeropuerto – Free airport shuttle is available from 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
• Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport (0.6 km/0.4 miles from the airport).
• Hangar Inn Select Aeropuerto Guadalajara (1.2 km/0.7 miles from the airport).
• Hotel Bugari Aeropuerto Guadalajara (2.7 km/1.7 miles from the airport).
• Ramada Encore by Wyndham Guadalajara Aeropuerto (2.9 km/1.8 miles from the airport).

While Guadalajara Airport does not currently have sleeping pods, there were plans announced in 2017 to introduce them. The plan included building 60 IZzzsleep Capsules in Terminal Two, similar to those found in Japan, with beds, lighting and air controls, USB ports, Wi-Fi, and flatscreen TVs. However, it is unclear if and when these plans will come to fruition.

Nearby hotels

Guadalajara Airport does not currently have sleeping pods. However, there are plans to introduce them, along with several other Mexican airports. In the meantime, there are plenty of nearby hotels to choose from.

If you're looking for a place to stay near Guadalajara Airport, there are several options available. Here are some of the closest hotels:

• Hotel Bugari Aeropuerto Guadalajara — This hotel offers free private parking, a terrace, and a restaurant. It is located in Guadalajara, about 10 miles from the airport.
• Ramada Encore by Wyndham Guadalajara Aeropuerto — This hotel features free private parking, a terrace, and a fitness centre. It is also located in Guadalajara, about 10 miles from the airport.
• Hotel ANB Aeropuerto Guadalajara — This hotel offers accommodations with a fitness centre, free private parking, a restaurant, and a bar. It is located in Guadalajara, about 9.4 miles from the airport.
• City Express Guadalajara Aeropuerto — This hotel provides free WiFi and free private parking. It is located in Guadalajara, about 8.1 miles from the airport.
• Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Guadalajara Sur — This newly built property is located close to the industrial and technological parks in the city, about 15 minutes from downtown Guadalajara.
• One Guadalajara Tapatío — This hotel offers free breakfast, free WiFi, and bright, functional rooms with air conditioning. It is located in the Tapatío district of Guadalajara, about 4.3 miles from the airport.
• Hotel Real Del Sol — This hotel is located in the Zona Expo Industrial area, about 1.5 miles from Parque Agua Azul. It features a business centre and a jacuzzi.
• Hampton Inn by Hilton Guadalajara Aeropuerto — This hotel offers a free airport shuttle.
• Holiday Inn Express Guadalajara Aeropuerto — This hotel also offers a free airport shuttle from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
• Hangar Inn — This hotel offers airport transfers for a fee.

Airport lounges

Guadalajara Airport (GDL) offers various amenities and services for travellers, including those seeking a comfortable airport lounge experience. While the airport does not have dedicated sleeping pods, travellers can find lounges that provide a relaxing environment to rest and recharge.

The airport features both National and International Lounges, known as VIP Lounges, where travellers can feel welcome and special. These lounges offer a selection of wine and spirits, prepared food, high-speed WiFi, comfortable furniture, and a smoking area. One traveller mentioned that the VIP lounge opposite gate C30 offers showers and costs $25 for a day pass.

In addition to the VIP Lounges, travellers can also upgrade their experience by paying to access one of the airport's first-class lounges. These lounges can be accessed by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. It is always a good idea to visit the individual lounge page for detailed information on access and amenities.

If you plan to spend the night at the airport, it is important to come prepared. Most seating in the terminal area has armrests, but some travellers have reported finding large, comfortable couches in Concourse C, which can provide a better resting experience. It is recommended to bring insect repellent as mosquitoes are commonly cited as an issue within the airport. Additionally, consider bringing sleeping gear, such as a blanket, sleeping mat, noise-cancelling headphones, and an eye mask, as the airport can be cold, bright, and noisy overnight.

For those seeking a more traditional sleeping arrangement, there are several hotels located near Guadalajara Airport. These include the Hangar Inn, Hampton Inn by Hilton Guadalajara Aeropuerto, City Express Junior Guadalajara Periferico Sur, and Holiday Inn Express Guadalajara Aeropuerto, among others. Some of these hotels offer free airport shuttle services, making them a convenient choice for travellers.

Traveller reviews

Most terminal seating contains armrests, which some travellers found uncomfortable for sleeping. However, reviewers also noted that there are some large, comfortable couches in Concourse C. Travellers should bring insect repellent, as the airport is reportedly infested with mosquitoes. It is also recommended to bring sleeping gear, such as a blanket, sleeping mat, noise-cancelling headphones, and an eye mask, as the airport remains cold, bright, and noisy overnight.

For those who prefer not to sleep in the airport, there are several hotels located nearby, including the Hangar Inn and Hampton Inn by Hilton Guadalajara Aeropuerto, both of which offer airport transfers. Other options include the Holiday Inn Express Guadalajara Aeropuerto, which offers a free airport shuttle, and the City Express Junior Guadalajara Periferico Sur, which does not have an airport shuttle.

Some travellers may prefer to pay for access to one of the airport's first-class or VIP lounges, which offer comfortable seating, WiFi, complimentary drinks and snacks, and even showers. However, one reviewer noted that the lounges are only accessible after passing through security and immigration, and an ongoing boarding pass and passport are required for entry.

Overall, while Guadalajara Airport does not currently have sleeping pods, travellers have a variety of options for resting or sleeping during their layover or overnight stay, including couches, nearby hotels, and VIP lounges.

Frequently asked questions