Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today (January 11, 2021): Top 10 most luxurious airport hotels in the world.
Staying overnight at an airport hotel is often considered a necessary evil for business and/or leisure travelers, since these hotels are associated with noisy rooms, terrible service, bad breakfasts, and overpriced rates. However, the last two decades have seen the addition of several high-end properties nearby or in airport terminals, changing the art of the layover with a cutting edge design and a new range of luxurious amenities. Here’s my pick of the 10 best airport hotels in the world (with the number one hotel being a destination in its own right).
There is more information (with reviews and YouTube videos) below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite airport hotel in the comments section, or take my poll below!
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10. INTERCONTINENTAL JOHANNESBURG O.R.TAMBO AIRPORT, SOUTH AFRICA
Africa’s only luxury hotel at an airport, the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport is perfectly and safely located for both business and leisure travel. You’ll find many complimentary services such as WiFi, gym, swimming pool and self-help business center. The well-appointed rooms are tastefully decorated with subtle influences of Africa. Spacious showers, comfortable king beds, blackout curtains and soundproofing ensure a night of relaxation. The hotel’s signature dining venue, Quills Bar & Restaurant, is one of the top restaurants near Johannesburg, offering everything from game dishes, to seafood and vegetarian fare.
- Hotel website: InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
9. HILTON MUNICH AIRPORT, GERMANY
The hustle and noise of Munich Airport is quickly forgotten upon entering the Hilton Munich Airport hotel – formerly known as the Kempinski Hotel Airport München. Enjoying a great location between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Munich Airport, the property offers easy access to the airport, city center and Munich’s attractions via convenient transport links. The 389-room, five-star hotel features a spectacular, light-flooded glass atrium with reception space for 1000 people. The stylish guest rooms or suites have sound-proofed windows and either courtyard or atrium views. There’s also a heated indoor pool, spa and 24-hour fitness center.
- Hotel website: Hilton Munich Airport
8. THE WESTIN DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, USA
As the only hotel connected to Denver International Airport’s Jeppesen Terminal, the Westin Denver International Airport’s award-winning design is revolutionizing the way travelers view airport hotels. With easy access to downtown Denver, Stapleton and popular ski areas of the Rockies, the hotel offers something for everyone. Each of the hotel’s 484 guest rooms and 35 suites offer a contemporary calming retreat after a long day of travel, with wall-to-wall windows framing iconic airport or mountain views. Guests can power up in the property’s fitness studio, relax in the heated indoor pool, or relish classic favorites at Grill & Vine.
- Hotel website: Westin Denver International Airport
7. REGAL AIRPORT HOTEL, HONG KONG
The Regal Airport Hotel is the only hotel directly connected to Hong Kong International Airport’s passenger arrival hall by an air-conditioned bridge. The hotel provides comfortable accommodations with 1,171 guest rooms as well as state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, including Hong Kong’s largest hotel ballroom with a built-in giant high-definition LED wall. Additionally, the hotel features a variety of authentic cuisines at its 6 restaurants and bars, and it has a complete range of recreational facilities, including a luxurious spa, an outdoor pool and an indoor heated swimming pool.
- Hotel website: Regal Airport Hotel
6. W ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Located adjacent to Abu Dhabi’s International Airport, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island offers an exhilarating island getaway. Set half on land and half on water, the property overlooks the Yas Marina and the Yas Marina Circuit (Host of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix). Inspirational architecture unravels in the form of a bold welcome area, bespoke welcome desks shaped like oil drops and jewel-tone furnishings depicting the colors of liquid gold. The vibrant 499 guest rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the race track or marina. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island offers seven restaurants and bars, and a gorgeous spa.
- Hotel website: W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
5. SOFITEL LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT HOTEL, UNITED KINGDOM
With direct access to Terminal 5, the Sofitel London Heathrow Airport hotel is ideally located for guests looking for a convenient trip. Guests can expect a full VIP service, wit facilities including a champagne bar, state-of-the-art health spa and gym, and a choice between 605 modern rooms. The hotel also boasts panoramic views of the airport, as well as secure parking for the duration of your stay, making your holiday as stress-free as possible. There are two restaurants – La Belle Époque and Tea 5 – with the former specializing in French cuisine while the latter serves fantastic breakfasts.
- Hotel website: Sofitel London Heathrow
4. CORDIS BEIJING CAPITAL AIRPORT, CHINA
Neighboring the Sir Norman Foster-designed Terminal 3, Cordis Beijing Capital Airport is a glamorous blend of fashion, art and luxury lifestyle. The 372 spacious guest rooms, including several lofts, townhouses and one ultra-luxurious penthouse, are appointed with signature “Blissful Beds”, oversized bathrooms and gadgets galore. Exciting dining options include an expansive buffet selection at Cordis Market, the sibling of the Michelin-starred Hong Kong Chinese restaurant at Ming Court, and the Tune Bar, the go-to venue for a light snack, after-dinner drink or cool cocktail. The property opened as a Langham Hotel before being converted into a Cordis.
- Hotel website: Cordis Beijing Capital Airport
3. CROWNE PLAZA CHANGI AIRPORT, SINGAPORE
Designed by multi-award winning Singapore-based architectural firm WOHA Designs, the 563-room Crowne Plaza Changi Airport – located at Terminal 3 – reflects a uniquely Singaporean environment: tropical, Asian, multicultural and comfortable yet also efficient, stylish, high-tech and global in outlook. The hotel features open corridors, courtyards and extensive rainforest-style gardens, creating a balmy tropical ambience. The unique architectural style even allows natural light to flow into the guest bathrooms. The hotel is located next to the Jewel, where guests can marvel at the spectacular Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
- Hotel website: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
2. FAIRMONT VANCOUVER AIRPORT, CANADA
Fairmont Vancouver Airport is the only soundproofed, luxury hotel & spa conveniently located within Vancouver’s International Airport. Steps from the airline gates, the AAA / CAA 4-diamond property offers 386 beautifully appointed rooms & suites with soundproofed floor-to-ceiling windows and unobstructed views of the runways, ocean, and North Shore Mountains. The award-winning restaurant and lounge, open daily, feature local coastal cuisine, set against the backdrop of mountain and runway views. With services designed to complement any journey, the hotel also offers day use rooms.
- Hotel website: Fairmont Vancouver Airport
1. TWA HOTEL AT JFK AIRPORT, NEW YORK, USA
Opened in May 2019, the TWA Hotel – JFK’s only on-airport hotel – pays homage to the sixties, also known as the golden age of aviation and travel. At the center of the unique hotel is Eero Saarinen’s landmark 1962 TWA Flight Center, which houses the lobby, restaurants, bars and retail outlets. Two hotel wings, designed to reflect and defer to the landmark TWA Flight Center, sit behind the historic building and contain 512 guestrooms with views of JFK’s runways and the TWA Flight Center. The hotel also has a stunning rooftop infinity pool, which remains open 365 days a year thanks to its ability to reach 100° F (38 °C) and turn into a pool-cuzzi.
- Hotel website: TWA Hotel at JFK Airport
- Review: read my review of the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport here.
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