With lengthy TSA lines, frequent flight delays, and some airlines even shutting down (goodbye, Spirit), it’s no secret these are turbulent times for air travelers. No matter how many meditation apps I download, the airport tension is often so thick it feels like I could cut it with a knife whenever I fly.
As a frequent flyer, I’m certainly not immune to the frustrations that air travel brings. My Golden Rule for beating that travel-induced stress is staying at an airport hotel the night before my flight. When possible, I book early morning flights as they have—at least statistically—a better chance of being on time than flights that depart later in the day. Thanks to proximity to the airport, getting to my gate for a morning flight is a breeze.
Airport hotels can be a money saver, too, as they’re often competitively priced. Plus, I always return my rental car the night before my flight for additional savings. Not all airport hotels are created equally, though. I’ve spent many nights at airport hotels that fit the bland-and-boring stereotype. Luckily, I’ve found some with resort-style amenities and design-forward visuals. Here are five airport hotels with plenty of pizazz.
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A waterfront resort at the Sheraton San Diego Resort, San Diego International Airport, San Diego, California
Overlooking San Diego Bay, the Sheraton San Diego Resort has more than 1,000 guest rooms with décor inspired by the palette of the Pacific Ocean. Three outdoor swimming pools and complimentary daily yoga classes give the property a resort feel. Even better, it’s just a three-minute ride from San Diego International Airport via the hotel’s frequent shuttle.
When I stay there, I like to gaze at the yachts at the onsite marina from my guest room window. If you crave action, try stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, or kayaking in the bay just steps from your room. Tennis, pickleball, two fitness centers, and a car-free waterside path for cycling on the hotel’s loaner bikes provide recreational options.
With five onsite dining venues, including a Baja California-inspired menu at festive Rumorosa, you won’t go hungry. If you’re traveling with kids, lawn games, seasonal dive-in movies, and s’mores by the firepit should please the youngest members of your family.
Midcentury style at the TWA Hotel, JFK International Airport, Queens, New York
As a New Yorker who grew up with JFK as my hometown airport, staying at the TWA Hotel is a walk down memory lane. Hop on the 24-hour AirTrain to Terminal 5 (free of charge to ride within the airport), follow signs to the hotel, and you’ll be there in minutes. Built in 1962, architect Eero Saarinen’s former Trans World Airlines terminal is the only on-airport hotel at JFK. The landmark property celebrates the style of the sixties, when air travel still had a spark of glamor.
The hotel’s 512 midcentury modern rooms have views of active runways. Public spaces present exhibits that immerse you in the nostalgia of the Golden Age of air travel. The lobby’s retro Sweet N’ Glow Salon’s color scheme is as pink as a packet of Sweet N’ Low sugar substitute, complete with beehive hair dryers, vintage magazines, and a kitschy wig collection. Stop by the observation deck and rooftop infinity pool. The Connie Cocktail Lounge, a 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane that has been re-imagined as a bar, is another nice touch.
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Gourmet getaway at the Grand Hyatt DFW, Dallas Fort Worth International, Dallas, Texas
The Grand Hyatt DFW is situated right outside of Terminal D at Dallas Fort Worth. Enter one of the 315 guestrooms and suites and automatic blinds open to reveal striking runway views. Comfortable beds with stylish stitched-leather headboards, automatic blackout sheers and shades, and integrated lighting make for a restful ambiance.
I live to eat, and luckily Grand Hyatt DFW’s Grand Met restaurant caters to discerning palates with eclectic seasonal menus. The cacio e pepe pasta transports me to my favorite trattoria in Rome and the pan-roasted Chilean sea bass tastes like it was just fished out of the sea. Portions are Texas-size, so bring your appetite.
If you have a sweet-tooth, you’ve won the lottery. Chef Laura LeSire helms the hotel’s pastry and dessert program. Known for her thoughtful balance of taste, texture, and artistry, she has elevated the hotel’s sweet treats with the philosophy that desserts shouldn’t just complete a meal, they should be unforgettable. Inspired by her San Diego roots, where fresh produce is abundant, you can expect several fruit-forward options. I enjoyed her rich and silky caramel flan. And it’s worth waking up early to feast on her modern interpretation of classic European pastries at breakfast.
Fitness for flyers at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver, Canada
The luxurious Fairmont Vancouver Airport‘s location inside the airport allows you to roll out of bed and be at your gate in minutes, no shuttle necessary. The 386 guest rooms are completely soundproofed, so while planes are taking off just outside your floor-to-ceiling windows, inside it’s quiet enough to feel like a yoga retreat. Select rooms come with binoculars for plane-spotting.
I try my best to exercise when I’m traveling, but I’m not always successful. Fairmont Vancouver Airport makes it easy for me to stick to my fitness routine. The spacious, modern health club is open 24 hours. The indoor pool, whirlpool, and saunas are welcome perks. If you need extra incentive to exercise, book the Fit on the Fly suite with its own in-room gym equipment and a Nordic-style hydrotherapy experience.
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Art and architecture at the Westin Denver International Airport, Denver, Colorado
With 484 guest rooms and 35 suites, the Westin Denver International Airport is the only full-service hotel directly connected to Denver’s Jeppesen Terminal. I’ve walked straight from the hotel to my departure gate in minutes.
The hotel’s design is eye-catching as well. It’s inspired by flight, with soaring, winged architecture that echoes the spirit of travel. I’m an art lover and enjoy seeing original works of art by Colorado artists scattered throughout the hotel. You can explore it all via the property’s self-guided Westin Art Tour.
The hotel takes sustainability seriously. It is both LEED Platinum certified and a Four Green Key property, with a commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation, and responsible sourcing. It’s pet-friendly, too!
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