Need a hotel that’s close to the airport? Business Traveller suggests 25 airport hotels from around the world
Airport hotels don’t always have the greatest of reputations, but across the globe hoteliers are doing their best to change that. Properties are now providing much more than a simple bed for the night in a convenient location for an early flight – they’re offering top-class business, dining and fitness facilities as well as making the lives of guests easier with services such as flight check-in, boarding-pass printing, and arrival and departure screens.
On the following pages, we recommend 25 hotels for your airport stay. All those listed are in a good location, either on airport grounds or within close proximity, and offer good facilities for business travellers. We’ve also tried to select properties that suit a range of budgets. If you think we’ve left a great one out, visit www.businesstraveller.com/discussion and let us know.
Asia-Pacific
BANGKOK
1 Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
This four-star hotel is 10 minutes’ walk from the airport or three minutes by 24-hour shuttle (Gate 4, level two of the terminal). It has 612 rooms, two bars, four restaurants (one is 24-hour), six meeting rooms, a business centre, Wi-Fi, a pool, gym, spa and 24-hour room service. The hotel has recently introduced hourly rates (minimum two-hour stay at THB2,000/US$59). Rooms from THB4,708 (US$139).
BEIJING
2 Crowne Plaza International Airport Beijing
The 601-room hotel is 4km from the airport – give your flight number to staff and a free shuttle will pick you up. There are three restaurants, 24-hour room service, a bar, gym, indoor pool and spa. There’s also a staffed business centre (7am-11pm) and eight meeting rooms. Guests staying on the Executive Level have a separate check-in area and free breakfast, snacks, cocktails and business services. Rooms from CNY480 (US$70).
HONGKONG
3 Regal Airport Hotel
The 1,171-room Regal Airport Hotel is the only hotel within a two-minute walk of Hongkong International airport – it’s connected to the main terminal (Zone A of the arrivals hall) by a covered air-conditioned bridge. It has a flexible 24-hour accommodation policy regardless of check-in time, as well as a 24-hour fully serviced business centre, free wired and Wi-Fi internet access, 29 function rooms, six restaurants, a bar, a gym, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and 24-hour room service. Rooms from HK$1,683 (US$217).
KUALA LUMPUR
4 Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport
This five-star 441-room hotel is connected to the airport by a covered skybridge. It has a 24-hour gym and restaurant, a pool, a tennis court and spa. International arrivals can check into the hotel while waiting for their luggage at carousel F. Frequent flyers can earn miles and those with Singapore Airlines boarding passes at check-in are offered breakfast free (until December). Rooms from RM504 (US$144).
MUMBAI
5 Leela Kempinski Mumbai
The five-star hotel planted 2,000 coconut trees on the 1.5km stretch of road from the international airport to its location in the Sahar business district, and it’s set within 4.45ha of landscaped gardens.
There are 390 rooms, a business centre, a gym, a pool, four restaurants – including a 24-hour offering – and three bars. The Executive Floor and Lounge were refurbished in 2007 and a new spa will be unveiled this year. Rooms from Rs10,450 (US$223).
SEOUL
6 Hyatt Regency Incheon
Located at the International Business complex, this Hyatt property is a three-minute free shuttle ride to the terminal. The shuttle runs from 5.07am until 11pm every 15 minutes. The 523-room hotel has 51mm-thick double glazed windows, 24-hour room service, a business centre, fitness centre, indoor pool and sauna, and a variety of bars and eateries open 6am-midnight. Rooms from KRW240,000 (US$191).
SHANGHAI
7 Ramada Pudong Airport
This 370-room hotel is five minutes from the airport by free shuttle bus. The Gallery restaurant and function rooms have recently been renovated. Also new is the free internet access for Executive-Floor guests and free Wi-Fi in the public areas. TVs show live flight information, and a health club and spa is open until midnight. Rooms from CNY780 (US$114).
SINGAPORE
8 Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
The only hotel connected to Changi’s Terminal 3, this 320-room hotel has entrances in both the arrival and departure halls at the terminal. It has a 30m pool, a 24-hour gym, four treatment rooms, eight meeting rooms, and a business centre open daily until 10pm. Food options include two restaurants, round-the-clock room service and two bars, including the 24-hour lobby lounge. Rooms from S$165 (US$114).
SYDNEY
9 Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport
Opposite the domestic terminal and 3km from the international terminal (a shuttle bus costs A$6/US$5), this 315-room hotel has some runway views, a heated rooftop pool, a 24-hour concierge, a gym, 11 function rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a café. There is broadband access in the rooms and Wi-Fi in the public areas. Deluxe room rates include breakfast. The Jetlag Recovery and Business Saver packages are worth considering. Rooms from A$199 (US$159).
TOKYO
10 Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport
There are 548 rooms and 13 meeting venues at this hotel, which is 10 minutes by free shuttle bus to Narita International Airport (four times an hour during peak times). It has three restaurants, wireless internet access, a 24-hour fitness centre, a jogging track, tennis courts and an indoor pool. The hotel is introducing the new Hilton “Serta” bed in all its rooms throughout this year and early 2010. Rooms from ¥9,000 (US$94).
Europe
AMSTERDAM
11 Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Convention Centre
The 406-room, five-star Sheraton has direct access to Schiphol Plaza inside the airport. Sporting a sleek, contemporary design, it is ideal for the business traveller, with more than 20 meeting rooms, the Link@Sheraton facility (a lounge-style business centre where you can print boarding passes free of charge and surf the web), a fine-dining restaurant, Club lounge, 24-hour fitness centre with Technogym equipment, sauna and steam room, and 24-hour room service. Rooms from E175 (US$247).
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
FRANKFURT
12 Sheraton Frankfurt Hotel and Towers, Conference Centre
Connected to Frankfurt International Airport’s Terminal 1 by two walkways, this 1,008-room Sheraton has extended its meeting facilities to a two-level events centre, Skyloft for up to 200 delegates, in addition to the adjoining congress centre for up to 1,400 people, making 55 venues in total. Round-the-clock room and concierge service are on offer, as well as a business centre, same-day laundry, a fitness centre and four eateries. A free early-bird breakfast is served from 3.30am to 6.30am during the week. Rooms from E129 (US$182).
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
LONDON
13 Sofitel London Heathrow
The only hotel attached to T5, the Sofitel opened in August last year and consists of five atria joined by a central avenue, where the restaurants and bars are located. The 605-room hotel has one of the UK’s largest meeting and conference facilities, with 45 rooms. Sofitel also has a property attached to Gatwick’s North Terminal. Rooms from £114 (US$184).
MUNICH
14 Kempinski Hotel Airport Munich
The 389-room Kempinski sits between Terminal 1, a 10-minute walk away, and Terminal 2, three minutes’ walk. The entrance plaza of this five-star hotel has a 24m-high atrium with a glass roof and towering palm trees. Guests can take advantage of the Fit and Fly spa and pool, the 24-hour fitness centre, 24-hour room service, and the Nightflight bar, which serves international cuisine from 8am-1.30am. Rooms from E160 (US$226).
ROME
15 Hilton Rome Airport
A short stroll from Rome Fiumicino Airport on a moving walkway, this 517-room Hilton has extensive meeting and leisure facilities, including an indoor pool with an outdoor deck. All bedrooms have Wi-Fi, and breakfast is served from 5.30am in Le Colonne restaurant. Artists bar is open for snacks and cocktails until 1am. Rooms from E185 (US$261).
ZURICH
16 Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport
Opened last year, this was the first Radisson SAS to be rebranded as Radisson Blu. The 330-room hotel has direct access to Terminal 1 via an underground shopping centre. All bedrooms have room service and free Wi-Fi, and Business Class rooms also come with a Nespresso machine, a free daily paper and breakfast. Other facilities include a 24-hour gym and 16 function rooms, with a further 22 to be added by the end of the year. Rooms from Fr325 (US$304).
Middle East and Africa
DUBAI: JOHANNESBURG
17 InterContinental Johannesburg O R Tambo Airport
This property is situated opposite Terminal 3 and is within walking distance of the international arrivals hall. The hotel was refurbished last year and has 138 rooms. The all-day Quills restaurant specialises in South African cuisine, and the hotel also has indoor and outdoor pools, a gym on the top floor overlooking the runway, spa facilities and free Wi-Fi. Rooms from R3,050 (US$386).
18 Le Méridien Dubai
Located on Airport Road, this hotel is a couple of minutes’ drive from Dubai International airport and features 383 rooms, meeting facilities for up to 1,000 delegates, three swimming pools, a spa, and a huge array of food and beverage outlets, from Lebanese and French cuisine to Mexican and Italian fare. Rooms from Dhs540 (US$147).
www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien
Americas
CHICAGO
19 Aloft Chicago O’Hare
One of the first examples of Starwood’s “W hotel on a budget” brand, the Aloft opened in July last year and is five minutes from O’Hare airport – a free shuttle service runs every half an hour from 5am to midnight. It’s a stylish new-build with good in-room technology, free Wi-Fi in the lobby and bar, a pool, a gym and helpful staff – although only snacks are available in the 24-hour eating area. A kiosk in the lobby allows you to print your boarding pass. Rooms from US$123.
www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels
LOS ANGELES
20 Custom Hotel
This design-led boutique property is 4km from LAX and accessible by a free shuttle service between 7am and 11pm (call reception upon arrival to be picked up). The journey takes five to seven minutes. All 250 rooms come with free Wi-Fi, iPod docks and soundproofed windows, and have views of the ocean, Malibu, Hollywood, Downtown LA or the airport runway. Facilities include a bistro-style restaurant, a pool bar and grill with private cabanas and a nightly DJ, an on-the-go breakfast bar, and a business centre. Rooms from US$108.
NEW YORK JFK
21 Ramada Plaza Hotel JFK International Airport
The Ramada is the only hotel located directly on JFK property. Guests can reach the terminals via a free five-minute shuttle service every half an hour around the clock. They can also avail of the free Wi-Fi in all 478 rooms and free car parking. The hotel has a business centre, a gym and a restaurant that serves a range of international cuisine. Rooms from US$117.
NEW YORK NEWARK
22 Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott
The only hotel on airport grounds, the Marriott is located outside the terminal, about a five-minute walk across a road and through the car park. Alternatively, guests can take the free shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes. The 591 guestrooms were renovated in 2007 along with the lobby, health club and pool area. The lobby has a screen showing all flight arrivals and departures and a kiosk for printing boarding cards. Dining options include a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant and an English pub. Rooms from US$181.
PHILADELPHIA
23 Philadelphia Airport Marriott
Marriott’s Philly airport property is directly connected to Terminal B by a skybridge, about 90m from the baggage claim area. Rooms are kitted out with Marriott’s Revive bed and wired internet access, while there are also spa facilities, a pool, a gym and an American-style bar and grill. The hotel has recently completed a US$2 million renovation of the lobby, restaurant and function space. Rooms from US$229.
TORONTO
24 Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport
The only hotel located inside Pearson International Airport, the Sheraton Gateway is connected by an indoor walkway to T3 and by automated train to T1. Guests can check in for flights and print their boarding passes at kiosks in the lobby, and keep up to date via the arrival and departure screen in their room. The business centre, gym, pool, and room service are all available 24 hours, and internet access is free in the Link@Sheraton area in the lobby. There’s also a bar and restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rooms from C$278 (US$254).
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
VANCOUVER
25 Fairmont Vancouver Airport
Situated inside the airport, about five minutes’ walk from international arrivals, this luxury property has a self-service check-in kiosk in the lobby for selected flights, a spa open 9am-9pm, a health club with a pool, a gym and sauna (6.30am-9pm), a fine-dining restaurant and a bar with runway views. The 392 rooms have soundproofed windows and ocean, mountain or runway views, and 19 are in a “quiet zone” that operates in silence between 8am and 8pm if you need some shut-eye (eye masks and ear plugs are provided). These rooms can also be booked for four-hour slots. Rooms from C$293 (US$268).
OTHER HOTELS TO CONSIDER
Asia-Pacific
Guangzhou
Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
Rooms from CNY457 (US$67)
www.accorhotels.com
Hongkong
Hongkong SkyCity Marriott
Rooms from HK$1,087 (US$140)
www.marriott.com
Hotel Novotel Hongkong Citygate
Rooms from HK$1,155 (US$149)
www.novotel.com
Melbourne
Hilton Melbourne International Airport
Rooms from A$245 (US$196)
www.hilton.com
Europe
Amsterdam
Citizen M Hotel Amsterdam Airport
Rooms from E73 (US$103)
www.citizenmamsterdamairport.com
Athens
Sofitel Athens Airport
Rooms from E165 (US$233)
www.sofitel.com
Brussels
Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel
Rooms from E179 (US$253)
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
Copenhagen
Hilton Copenhagen Airport Hotel
Rooms from Kr 1,660 (US$313)
www.hilton.com
Helsinki
Hilton Helsinki Vantaa Airport
Rooms from E131 (US$185)
www.hilton.com
London
Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick Airport
Rooms from £72 (US$116)
www.marriott.com/courtyard
easyHotel London Heathrow
Rooms from £25 (US$41)
www.easyhotel.com
Hilton London Heathrow Airport
Rooms from £171 (US$277)
www.hilton.com
Radisson SAS Stansted Airport
Rooms from £68 (US$110)
www.radissonblu.com
Ramada London Heathrow
Rooms from £89 (US$146)
www.ramadajarvis.co.uk
Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel
Rooms from £99 (US$163)
www.marriott.com
Travelodge Heathrow Central
Rooms from £49 (US$80)
www.travelodge.co.uk
Yotel Gatwick
Rooms from £25 (US$40) for four hours
www.yotel.com
Milan
Crowne Plaza Milan Malpensa Airport
Rooms from E96 (US$135)
www.ichotelsgroup.com
Moscow
Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport
Rooms from E219 (US$310)
www.novotel.com
Oslo
Radisson SAS Airport Hotel Oslo
Rooms from 1,346 kr (US$214)
www.radissonblu.com
Paris
Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel and Conference Centre
Rooms from E199 (US$281)
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
Stuttgart
Mövenpick Stuttgart Airport
Rooms from E94 (US$133)
www.moevenpick-hotels.com
Middle East and Africa
Dubai
Dubai International Hotel
Rooms from Dhs885 (US$241).www.dih-dca.com
InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Rooms from Dhs520 (US$141)www.ichotelsgroup.com
Americas
Atlanta
Hilton Atlanta Airport
Rooms from US$145www.hilton.com
Boston
Hilton Boston Logan Airport
Rooms from US$242www.hilton.com
Hyatt Harborside at Boston Logan International Airport
Rooms from US$291www.harborside.hyatt.com
Chicago
Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport
Rooms from US$269www.hilton.com
InterContinental Chicago O’Hare Airport
Rooms from US$180www.icohare.com
Dallas
Grand Hyatt DFW
Rooms from US$214www.granddfw.hyatt.com
Hyatt Regency DFW
Rooms from US$218www.dfwairport.hyatt.com
Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport
Rooms from US$160www.starwoodhotels.com/westin
Detroit
Westin Metropolitan Detroit Airport
Rooms from US$245www.starwoodhotels.com/westin
Orlando
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Rooms from US$181www.orlandoairport.hyatt.com
Pittsburgh
Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport
Rooms from US$216www.pittsburghairport.hyatt.com
San Francisco
Four Points by Sheraton San Francisco Airport
Rooms from US$99www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints
Holiday Inn San Francisco Airport North
Rooms from US$132www.ichotelsgroup.com
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
Rooms from US$220www.sanfranciscoairport.hyatt.com
Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo Airport Marriott
Rooms from US$202www.marriott.com
Seattle
Radisson Hotel Gateway Seattle-Tacoma Airport
Rooms from US$152www.radisson.com
Tampa
Tampa Airport Marriott
Rooms from US$200www.marriott.com
Toronto
Hilton Toronto Airport
Rooms from C$202 (US$185)www.hilton.com
Washington DC
Washington Dulles Airport Marriott
Rooms from US$208www.marriott.com