Jazmin Li
Airport hotels have traditionally been seen as a convenient and practical option for travellers, but in recent years, they have undergone a transformation, with many now offering luxurious accommodations and resort-style amenities. This evolution has elevated the perception of airport hotels, making them a desirable choice for travellers seeking both comfort and convenience. The shift towards more luxurious airport hotels can be attributed to the increasing demand for convenient and comfortable travel options, as well as the growing popularity of planespotting, with many hotels offering prime views of the runways and control towers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport hotels becoming cool | A new breed of airport hotels is changing the art of the layover, thanks to ultra-luxe amenities, cutting-edge tech, killer design, and top-notch food. |
| Design | Ultra-luxe, cutting-edge tech, killer design |
| Design elements | Tripod floor lamps, mint tile kitchenettes, an all-night gourmet pantry, colorful rooms with customizable LED lights, poolside cabanas, hammocks, ergonomic furniture, Bluetooth speakers, heated indoor pools, saunas, hot tubs, well-equipped gyms, butterfly gardens, zen gardens, etc. |
| Food | Top-notch food, fresh fruit, cappuccino, self-serve refueling stations, fruit baskets, complimentary chocolates, canapés, and beverages |
| Location | Inside the airport or very close to it |
| Views | Runway views, views of the North Shore Mountains, Tokyo Bay, and the ocean |
| Other amenities | Day spas, swim-up bars, rooftop bars, infinity pools, vintage aviation posters, working rotary phones, TWA amenity kits, vintage flight attendant uniforms, old Hollywood-inspired interiors, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Airport hotels with runway views
Airport hotels have evolved from their once cookie-cutter design and "downer continental breakfast" reputation. Now, they are ultra-luxe, with cutting-edge technology, killer design, and top-notch food.
One of the unique selling points of airport hotels is their runway views. Here are some airport hotels with impressive runway views:
Grand Hyatt DFW
The Grand Hyatt DFW sits atop the international terminal at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. It offers some of the best runway-view rooms in the world. The hotel has recently introduced a special plane-spotting guide that gives guests details on the aircraft types that may pass by daily.
Renaissance London Heathrow
The recently renovated Executive rooms at the Renaissance London Heathrow offer an enormous variety of international airlines taking off and landing. Guests can even watch the action from the comfort of their beds.
Renaissance Concourse Atlanta
The Renaissance Concourse Atlanta is located directly in front of the airport's busy runways.
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Singapore
The Crowne Plaza Changi Airport in Singapore offers direct views from its Premier Rooms with Runway Views. The vistas from the showers or tubs are enhanced by travel-sized binoculars in the room. The outdoor pool is a favourite for those who love to hear roaring jet engines.
Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport
The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport is located inside the terminal of Detroit's international airport, offering exceptional views of the terminal and adjacent concourse packed with Delta and SkyTeam partner aircraft coming and going all day.
InterContinental Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport
The InterContinental Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport is the only hotel connected to the airport terminal and offers excellent views of the runway and taxiway from its guest rooms. The penthouse-level observation bar is a great place to sit back with a drink and pretend to be an air traffic controller.
Sheraton Gateway Toronto Pearson
The Sheraton Gateway Toronto Pearson has rooms on higher levels offering panoramic views of aircraft from Air Canada, WestJet, and many other airlines passing by. Guests who stay on the Club Floor have access to a 24-hour lounge with snacks, Starbucks coffee, and other drinks, perfect for late-night viewing.
Hilton Miami Airport
Just south of Miami Airport, the Hilton Miami Airport faces the intersection of two of the airport's runways.
Hampton by Hilton London Stansted
At London Stansted's Hampton by Hilton, you won't get much closer to the aircraft. The airport-facing rooms offer a unique perspective, with two of the terminal's three piers stretching out beneath you and the runway just beyond.
TWA Hotel, New York-JFK
The TWA Hotel at New York-JFK's Terminal 5 is a retro-futuristic hotel built onto the original Eero Saarinen-designed TWA terminal, which first opened in 1962. The hotel features vintage aviation posters, working rotary phones, and TWA amenity kits. The rooftop bar and pool overlook JFK's runways and are a coveted spot for AvGeeks.
Haneda Excel Hotel, Tokyo
The Haneda Excel Hotel in Tokyo is well-positioned for plane spotting, located beside Terminal 2 of Haneda International Airport. For the best views, ask for a room on the fifth or sixth floors, where you can see the runways and Tokyo Bay.
Fairmont Vancouver International Airport
The Fairmont Vancouver International Airport is situated inside the airport, right above the US departures terminal. Many rooms offer views of the runways, mountains, and the ocean. The cool Jetside Bar mixes cocktails with cockpit-gawking.
Hyatt Regency LAX
The Hyatt Regency LAX has a gym at the top of the building, giving maximum views of the airport action.
Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport
The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport is connected to the domestic terminals at Chicago's busiest airport and offers some of the best plane-spotting rooms in the country. Ask for a Runway View room to get the best views of takeoffs and landings through floor-to-ceiling, soundproof windows.
Calgary Marriott In-Terminal Hotel
The Calgary Marriott In-Terminal Hotel is one of Marriott's several onsite hotels at Canadian airports, offering excellent plane-spotting opportunities if you request rooms facing the runway through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sofitel Athens
The Sofitel Athens is the only hotel right at Athens Airport, situated directly across from the terminal building. For the best plane spotting, ask for a room on an upper floor (sixth to eighth) facing the terminal. You'll be able to catch planes from most rooms, but rooms facing the terminal offer sweeping views of the Attica landscape in the distance. There's also a great rooftop bar with runway-view action.
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
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The rise of luxury airport hotels
Airport hotels have traditionally been seen as a convenient option for travellers, but not necessarily associated with luxury. However, in recent years, a new breed of airport hotels has emerged, offering ultra-luxe amenities, cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and top-notch food. These hotels are changing the layover game and making "cool" and "near the airport" mutually exclusive no longer.
Another factor contributing to the rise of luxury airport hotels is their proximity to the airport and easy accessibility. Many of these hotels are strategically located within or connected to airport terminals, eliminating the need for lengthy transfers. This convenience factor is particularly appealing to business travellers and those seeking to maximise their time.
Some notable examples of luxury airport hotels include the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport in Singapore, which has been voted the world's best airport hotel multiple times. It boasts a gym, spa, several restaurants, and a swimming pool amidst rainforest-style gardens. The TWA Hotel at New York's JFK Airport is another iconic example, housed in the former TWA Flight Center designed by Eero Saarinen. The hotel exudes retro glamour, with vintage aviation posters, rotary phones, and staff in old-style uniforms.
Furthermore, the Hilton Munich Airport offers guests a range of leisure facilities, including a heated indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, and well-equipped gym. The Hotel Novotel Bangkok at Suvarnabhumi Airport provides a five-star experience with five restaurants and a thalassotherapy spa, eliminating the need to battle city traffic. The Airways Hotel at Jacksons Airport in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, offers a luxe yet understated experience, with panoramic views of the Owen Stanley Range from its open-sided restaurant.
In conclusion, the rise of luxury airport hotels has transformed the travel experience, providing guests with convenient access to high-end amenities, innovative technologies, and exceptional design elements. With their focus on comfort, convenience, and style, these hotels have elevated the traditional layover, making them a sought-after choice for discerning travellers worldwide.
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Airport hotels with ultra-luxe amenities
Airport hotels have come a long way from their dull and generic reputation. In recent years, they have transformed into destinations with ultra-luxe amenities, cutting-edge technology, and top-notch food, becoming a draw in themselves.
The Sofitel London Heathrow Airport hotel, for instance, offers direct access to Terminal 5 and a full VIP experience. Guests can enjoy a champagne bar, a state-of-the-art health spa, a gym, and a choice of 605 modern rooms. Similarly, the Crowne Plaza Changi in Singapore, located near the busy Changi Airport, provides a lush, green oasis for travelers.
The TWA Hotel at New York's JFK Airport, which opened in 2019, is another example of an airport hotel that has become a destination in its own right. The hotel, designed by Eero Saarinen, is a retro-futuristic throwback to the golden age of aviation. It features vintage aviation posters, working rotary phones, and TWA amenity kits. The hotel also offers a rooftop bar and pool overlooking the runways, six restaurants, and curated exhibits.
Convenience and proximity to the airport are also key features of these new airport hotels. The Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun in China, for instance, is just a 15-second walk from Terminal 1, and each room provides flight information. The Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong is directly connected to the airport's passenger arrival hall via an air-conditioned bridge and offers 1,171 guest rooms, several restaurants, and a luxurious spa.
These airport hotels are changing the layover game, offering travelers a chance to relax, recharge, and even indulge in some luxury during their travels. With their unique designs, convenient locations, and ultra-luxe amenities, they are attracting guests who want to make the most of their travel experience, whether it's for business or leisure.
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Airport hotels with convenient access
Airport hotels have evolved from their once cookie-cutter design and "downer continental breakfast" reputation. Today, they offer convenient access to travellers, along with luxurious amenities, cutting-edge technology, and stylish designs. Here are some airport hotels that provide convenient access and an enhanced experience:
Grand Hyatt, San Francisco International Airport
The Grand Hyatt at SFO is conveniently located on airport property and is directly connected to all terminals through its AirTrain station. It offers various amenities, including dining options, an all-day restaurant, a bar, and soundproof rooms. The hotel is highly rated, particularly by solo travellers, for its convenience and modern facilities.
Westin Denver Airport Hotel, Denver International Airport (DEN)
The Westin Denver Airport Hotel is connected to the airport's Jeppesen Terminal by a short covered walkway, providing easy access for travellers. The hotel features an indoor pool, comfortable rooms, and discounted day rates for travellers who need a quick rest during long layovers.
Hilton Frankfurt Airport, Frankfurt Airport
Hilton Frankfurt Airport is a high-tech hotel linked to Terminal 1 by a skywalk. It offers convenient access to downtown Frankfurt and is surrounded by major autobahns. The hotel features luxurious amenities, including a resident tea master, a Cantonese restaurant, and a sports bar with rotating DJs.
TWA Hotel, New York-JFK Terminal 5
The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport is a retro-futuristic hotel built onto the iconic Eero Saarinen-designed TWA terminal. It offers convenient access to the terminal and provides a unique experience with vintage aviation posters, working rotary phones, and TWA amenity kits. The hotel also features a rooftop bar and pool overlooking the runways.
Los Angeles Airport Marriott, LAX
The Los Angeles Airport Marriott is a contemporary 4-star hotel located near LAX. It offers oversized guest rooms with soundproof windows and premium bedding. The hotel provides a range of amenities, including a resort-style pool, a 24-hour gym, and superb on-site California dining options.
The Venetian Las Vegas, Las Vegas
While not directly within the airport, The Venetian Las Vegas is conveniently located near the airport and offers quick access. The rooms are often available at affordable rates due to the seasonality of Las Vegas tourism.
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Airport hotels with historical significance
Airport hotels have evolved from their once "cookie-cutter design" and now boast ultra-luxe amenities, cutting-edge technology, impressive designs, and top-notch food. While airport hotels have become cooler, some have historical significance, offering guests a unique experience steeped in the past.
The TWA Hotel at New York's JFK Terminal 5 is a retro-futuristic hotel built onto the original Eero Saarinen-designed TWA terminal, which first opened in 1962. The hotel, which opened in 2019, is a throwback to the golden age of travel, featuring vintage aviation posters, working rotary phones, and TWA amenity kits. The rooftop bar and pool overlook the runways, offering a coveted spot for aviation enthusiasts. The TWA Terminal, an icon of mid-century cool, was once the world's most famous airport terminal and is now a time capsule of 1962, with vintage cars parked out front and staff dressed in old-style uniforms.
The Dearborn Inn, now a Marriott hotel, was the brainchild of Henry Ford's son, Edsel, and served as the 'front door' to Dearborn and the Ford Motor Company. It opened its doors in 1931, claiming to be the world's first airport hotel, and offered comfortable accommodations for guests, flight crews, and Ford employees. The inn features Colonial-style furniture and fabrics, and guests can choose to stay on "Pilots Row" or in replica Colonial-style homes of famous Americans.
The first hotel built at a U.S. airport, the Oakland Airport Inn (now known as the Oakland Airport Executive Inn), opened in 1929 on the grounds of what is now the North Field of Oakland International Airport. The structure still stands today, although it is no longer an active hotel. At opening, the hotel featured 37 rooms, a restaurant, a barbershop, and a ticket office, but it struggled to attract patrons due to airlines shifting flights away from the airport.
While not as historic, other airport hotels with unique designs and amenities include the Westin near Miami International Airport, with its eco-friendly features and modern functionality, and the Hilton Frankfurt Airport, which offers high-tech connectivity and luxurious amenities.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport hotels have been steadily increasing their appeal over the years, with a shift from being a place of convenience to a destination in their own right. By 2015, airport hotels were already offering ultra-luxe amenities, cutting-edge technology, and top-notch food.
The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in New York is a prime example of a cool airport hotel. The hotel, which opened in 2019, is a retro-futuristic design masterpiece, with vintage aviation posters, working rotary phones, and a rooftop bar and pool overlooking the runways. Other notable mentions include the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport in Singapore, the Hilton Munich Airport, and the Airways Hotel in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Cool airport hotels offer a range of luxurious amenities to enhance the guest experience. These may include day spas, gyms, swimming pools, high-end restaurants, and breathtaking views of the runways or surrounding landscapes. Some hotels also offer unique features such as interactive visual installations, eco-friendly initiatives, and aviation-themed decor.
When selecting a cool airport hotel, consider your priorities, such as proximity to the airport, the availability of specific amenities, and the overall atmosphere and design of the hotel. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from reputable sources can also help you make an informed decision. Additionally, planespotters may prioritize hotels with optimal views of the runways and control towers.
