Miami Airport: Best Places To Sleep Over

Miami International Airport is a large hub for international travel and one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. The airport is open 24 hours a day and offers a range of services and facilities for travellers, including lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels. While the airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, there are some spots in the terminals where travellers can get some rest, such as the International Arrivals area near baggage carousels 1-6 and the North Terminal, which has a quieter, carpeted area outside the Auditorium. For those seeking more comfort, there is a hotel located inside the airport, as well as other nearby hotels connected by shuttles.

Sleeping spots in the airport

Miami International Airport is a large hub for international travel and one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. The airport is divided into three terminals: North (Concourse D), Central (Concourses E, F, G), and South (Concourses H and J). While the airport offers a range of shopping and dining options, finding a comfortable place to sleep can be challenging. Here are some sleeping spots to consider:

International Arrivals Area: Near baggage carousels 1-6 and the Besame Mucho flower artwork, you'll find some slim red couches that are relatively comfortable for sleeping.

North Terminal: Outside the Auditorium on the North Terminal, there is a quieter, carpeted area that offers a more peaceful environment for resting.

Terminal D: In Terminal D, there is a small, carpeted nook located above Gate D15, near the Admiral's Club. You can also find connected padded benches near TGIF Fridays, after gate D34.

Terminal H, Yoga Room: The yoga room in Terminal H, located in the baggage claim area, offers a quiet space to relax and stretch. It is recommended to bring your own blanket or towel, as the floor is not carpeted.

Terminal J, Level 4: On Level 4 of Terminal J, you may find some thin, starfish-shaped red couches that can provide a resting spot.

Miami International Airport Hotel: If you prefer more comfort and privacy, the Miami International Airport Hotel is located inside the Central Terminal on Concourse E, Level 2. The hotel offers soundproof rooms, premium beds, and various amenities for a more restful experience.

When sleeping in the airport, it is advisable to bring items such as noise-cancelling headphones, eye masks, warm layers, blankets, or even a sleeping bag to make your stay more comfortable. Additionally, be prepared for cold temperatures as travellers have reported freezing conditions inside the airport.

Hotels near the airport

If you're looking for a hotel near Miami International Airport, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the top picks:

Miami International Airport Hotel

This hotel is located inside the airport terminal at Concourse E, offering direct access to airline ticketing counters, departure concourses, and airport shops and restaurants. The hotel features soundproof rooms, premium beds, and contemporary decor. It is also pet-friendly and provides complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

Ramada by Wyndham Miami Springs/Miami International Airport

Conveniently located just 0.9 miles from the airport, this hotel offers an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar. It provides free WiFi and a free airport shuttle service.

Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon

This hotel is situated on a peninsula overlooking the Blue Lagoon and offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport. It is a popular choice among travellers and is known for its central location.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami Airport East, an IHG Hotel

Located 0.9 miles from the airport, this boutique-style hotel offers an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. It is known for its convenience, cleanliness, and welcoming staff.

B&B Hotel Miami Airport

This hotel is located in Miami Springs, just 0.9 miles from the airport. It is the first B&B Hotel in the United States and offers free parking and spacious, renovated rooms.

Wyndham Garden Miami International Airport

Wyndham Garden is located 0.9 miles from the airport and features an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre, and a shared lounge. It is a good choice for plane spotters, as guests can watch airplanes from the hotel.

In addition to these options, there are several other hotels near Miami International Airport, such as Days Inn by Wyndham Miami Airport North, Comfort Inn & Suites Miami International Airport, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport, among others. These hotels offer various amenities and services, including free airport shuttles, outdoor pools, and complimentary breakfast.

Lounges and clubs

American Airlines Admirals Club:

This lounge has two locations, one on the third floor above gate D15 and the other across from gate D30. The lounge offers conference rooms, premium food and drinks for purchase, and soft drinks. It is open daily from 5:30 am to 10:30 pm (D15) and 5:30 am to 11:00 pm (D30). Access is available to Admirals Club members, AAdvantage Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum elites, and first and business-class passengers on qualifying international itineraries.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge:

The Flagship Lounge is located near gate D30 and is open daily from 5:30 am to 11:00 pm. It offers a business centre, a self-serve food station and bar, showers, and a first-class dining room. Access is available to first and business-class passengers on qualifying international and select domestic flights, as well as AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members on qualifying long-haul international itineraries.

The Centurion Lounge:

The Centurion Lounge is located near gate D12 and is open daily from 5 am to 10 pm. It offers spa treatments, a premium bar and self-serve drinks, hot and cold dishes, and semi-private workspaces. Access is available to holders of the Platinum Card from American Express, the Business Platinum Card from American Express, and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, as well as their guests.

Military Hospitality Lounge:

The Military Hospitality Lounge is located on Concourse E, Level 2, and is open from Thursday to Monday, 9 am to 5 pm. It offers complimentary snacks, beverages, magazines, TV, and free WiFi. Access is available to active-duty, retired, and reserve US and allied military personnel, as well as their authorised dependents, with a valid military ID and evidence of same-day travel.

Turkish Airlines Lounge:

There are two Turkish Airlines Lounges in Miami Airport. The first is located in Central Terminal E, Level 2, and is open daily from 5 am to 10 pm. The second is in South Terminal H, Level 3, and is open daily from 4 am to 10 pm. Both lounges offer newspapers, magazines, hot and cold buffet food, and soft and alcoholic drinks. Access is available to business and first-class passengers on Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance-operated flights, as well as Priority Pass members.

Club America:

Club America has two lounges, a First Class Lounge and a Business/Priority Pass Lounge, both located in Concourse F, after security on the third floor. However, please note that as of 2022, the Club America lounges were temporarily closed. The First Class Lounge offers snacks, sandwiches, and soft and alcoholic drinks. The Business/Priority Pass Lounge offers a similar selection, with the addition of a full bar. Access to the First Class Lounge is available to first-class passengers on various airlines, while the Business/Priority Pass Lounge is open to business-class passengers on various airlines and Priority Pass members.

Pros and cons of sleeping in the airport

Pros and Cons of Sleeping in Miami Airport

Sleeping in airports can be a convenient option for travellers with layovers or flight delays. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to sleep in Miami Airport:

Pros:

• Convenience: Sleeping in the airport can be more convenient than finding external accommodation, especially if you have an early morning flight or a short layover. You won't need to pass through security/immigration again, and you'll have direct access to airline ticketing counters and departure concourses.
• Cost: While there is a hotel inside the airport, sleeping in the airport is free. This can be a significant saving, especially if your stay is extended due to flight delays or cancellations.
• Facilities: Miami Airport is open 24 hours and offers various facilities that can enhance your comfort, including lounges, yoga rooms, 24-hour food options, mobile charging points, and luggage storage.

Cons:

• Discomfort: The terminals tend to be cold and noisy, with limited comfortable seating. While there are some couches and carpeted areas that can be suitable for sleeping, bringing your own sleeping gear like blankets or sleeping bags is highly recommended.
• Security: Sleeping in any airport comes with a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. You need to be vigilant about the security of your valuables, and it's recommended to stay near other travellers or close to security.
• Disturbances: Airport staff may wake you up in the middle of the night to check IDs and tickets, and you may also be disturbed by loud announcements and advertisements. Additionally, security personnel make early morning rounds to wake up travellers as others arrive for morning flights.
• Limited dedicated sleeping areas: Miami Airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. You'll need to find suitable spots in the terminals, and even then, you may be disturbed.

Pros and cons of sleeping in a hotel

Miami International Airport is a large hub for international travel and one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. The airport has three terminals: North (Concourse D), Central (Concourses E, F, G), and South (Concourses H and J). While the airport offers a decent range of shopping and dining options, good sleep options are relatively limited. The terminals tend to be cold and noisy, with little armrest-free seating. However, there are a few spots that may be more suitable for sleeping, such as the International Arrivals area near baggage carousels 1-6, the North Terminal outside the Auditorium, and Terminal D above Gate D15.

If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there is a hotel located inside the airport at Concourse E in the Central Terminal. The Miami International Airport Hotel offers day-use rooms from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and provides direct access to airline ticketing counters, departure concourses, airport concession shops, and restaurants. The hotel boasts soundproof windows, blackout curtains, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms.

Pros of Sleeping in a Hotel:

• Comfort: Hotels offer a more comfortable sleeping environment with proper beds, pillows, and blankets. This can be a significant upgrade compared to sleeping on the slim red couches or padded benches available in the airport terminals.
• Quiet: Hotel rooms provide a quieter space, allowing you to get uninterrupted sleep. The airport terminals tend to be noisy, which can make it difficult to rest.
• Amenities: The hotel has soundproof windows, blackout curtains, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. These amenities can enhance your comfort and convenience during your stay.
• Proximity: The Miami International Airport Hotel is located directly inside the airport, providing easy access to the ticketing counters and departure concourses. You won't have to worry about transportation or navigating to a different location.

Cons of Sleeping in a Hotel:

• Cost: Staying at a hotel incurs additional costs, which may not be feasible for all travellers, especially those on a tight budget.
• Time: Checking into a hotel and travelling to and from the airport can take up valuable time, especially if you have a short layover.
• Availability: Hotel rooms may not always be available, especially during peak travel seasons or if there are unexpected delays or cancellations.
• Preference: Some travellers may prefer the convenience of staying close to their gate or may not want to deal with the hassle of checking into a hotel for a short layover.

Frequently asked questions