While many travelers assume airport hotels are drab and depressing, that’s not always the case. Some of these accommodations, particularly the new ones, are a lot more stylish than your typical hotel and often come with extras that make a layover more bearable. Plus, for true aviation geeks passing through an airport (or for those who simply want to see planes take off and land), some have spectacular rooftop infinity pools that are open year-round.
But the best airport hotels don’t stop there. Some of the world’s coolest properties are also home to museums, art galleries and restaurants that are worth a visit even if you don’t have an overnight stay in mind. Plus, a few have shuttles that offer direct service to the city center for those with long layovers or canceled flights.
Amid the rise of commercial air travel, airport hotels developed as an important sub-segment of the lodging industry, originally designed to serve flight crews and passengers but later becoming a convenience offered at most airports. With the advent of modern jetliners, flying quickly became the preferred mode of transportation and allowed a growing number of people to access more distant destinations than ever before.
As a result, more and more hotels began popping up near airports, especially as demand for a place to sleep before or after a flight surged. Airports, in turn, adapted by adding services like food, bars and lounges to provide a fuller hospitality experience.
But because of their proximity to aircraft routes, airport hotels are generally less spacious than standard hotels and have some restrictions on design, height and utilities, due to the commotion of airplanes and other noise. To compensate for this, most have been soundproofed to allow for more restful sleep.
While most of the airport hotels on our list are not located within the terminals, one of the best is in an historic relic of the Golden Age of Flying: Eero Saarinen’s iconic 1962 TWA Flight Center at JFK. Opened in 2019, the hotel pays homage to the past with its two hotel wings that reflect and defer to the original facility and 512 rooms featuring runway views. The property also includes a lounge housed in a 1958 Constellation plane, a 1960’s-style cafe and coffee shop, a modern restaurant, and a huge food hall, plus a gorgeous rooftop infinity pool that is heated and open year-round.
For those who don’t have Hilton Honors points, room rates start at just under $200 per night and include a free breakfast buffet and a gym with runway views. If you’re interested in getting a closer look at the runway, aprons and planes, though, be sure to book a suite for a little more; those have a view of the tarmac and can cost up to $350 per night depending on how nice you like your abode. There is also a free 24/7 AirTrain station nearby that connects to all the terminals, subway and Long Island rail road (free).