Thanks to their extreme proximity to the airport, travellers need not worry about missing a flight, and during extraordinary circumstances as with the recent Icelandic volcano eruption, for some, they were the closest thing to home.
CHICAGO
Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport
What is it like? The 858-room is not only for transit and flight-catching passengers but also for conventioneers with the Donald E Stephens just next door.
How is it linked? A covered walkway connects the hotel to Terminal 2. Trolleys are found a few metres away from the Hilton’s premises enabling passengers to stroll to the check-in counters in comfort.
Passenger services Besides regular guestrooms, the Enviro Room Design™units cater to customers with allergy related sensitivities. These feature hardwood floors, all cotton linens, an air purifying system, foam pillows and non-chemical bath amenities. Sound-resistant windows throughout the building ensure a relaxing stay.
Website: www.hilton.com
HONGKONG
Regal Airport Hotel
What is it like? Three deluxe hotels surround the Hong Kong International Airport but only one enjoys direct access to the passenger terminal – Regal Airport Hotel. Featuring 1,171 guestrooms and suites, it also wears the hat of a conference and events venue with the city’s largest pillarless ballroom and 30 function rooms offered.
How is it linked? Through an enclosed air conditioned corridor, the walk either way takes minutes. Trolleys to the airport building are found near the concierge desk.
Passenger services To accommodate the variety of schedules, the gym, business centre and room service are 24 hours. The OM Spa not only offers a plethora of therapies not only for jetlag but work-related tension as well, creating indulgent experiences that have attracted a high repeat customer rate.
Website www.regalhotels.com
KUALA LUMPUR
Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport
What is it like? A spacious, well equipped 441-room property, guests can check in at a special counter just outside the baggage claim area inside the airport itself.
How is it linked? The route is well signposted inside the airport. Follow the directions on Level 3 of Arrivals and then take the escalator to Level 2. Here, you will find the hotel buggy station, where friendly drivers will pick up you and your luggage for the short trip to the hotel lobby via the sky-bridge link.
Passenger amenities Since international travellers come from all time zones, the Pan Pacific offers several 24-hour facilities, including Degrees, an international restaurant, a round-the-clock business centre and a fitness centre. Stopover packages allow greater flexibility for late check-outs.
Website www.panpacific.com
MELBOURNE
Hilton Melbourne International Airport
What's it like? This is the only hotel connected by covered walkway to the Melbourne's Tullamarine International Airport. It is 20 minutes from central Melbourne and has 276 guestrooms.
How is it linked? There is a covered walkway, or alternatively, you can walk from arrivals at Melbourne Airport's Terminals 1, 2 and 3, by using the pedestrian crossings and go toward the centre of the short-term car park, where you will find a Hilton glass foyer. Take the lift to Level 4, where you will find the hotel reception.
Passenger services Excellent facilities for those looking for a quick meeting during a brief stopover, the hotel has 16 different event spaces. There's also 24-hour room service for those who haven't adjusted their body clocks. All rooms have in-room flight information, so there's little chance of missing that vital connection.
Website www.hilton.com
MUNICH
Kempinski Hotel Airport Munich
What is it like? Renowned Chicago-based architect Helmut Jahn designed the 389-room futuristic hotel, which immediately impresses with its 24-metre high atrium dotted with towering palm trees from Florida no less.
How is it linked? It is located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Munich Airport.
Passenger services Many of these services operate from early in the morning to midnight or even later such as the business centre, Fit to Fly Spa, swimming pool and Nightflight bar. Female travellers are catered to with the Ladies Standard Room and Ladies Suite that come with amenities like light menus and therapeutic aromas among others.
Website www.kempinski.com
SINGAPORE
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
What's it like? The hotel has sleek modern architecture and interior design that creates an interesting contrast to its hideaway resort feel courtesy of tropical landscaping. The property has 320 guestrooms and suites as well as a Ballroom and seven meeting rooms that can accommodate from 10 to 280 people.
How's it's linked? Hotel has direct access to Terminal 3 via a covered walkway. Walking distance between the hotel and airport is just five minutes' walk.
Passenger services: The hotel offers day-use rooms for transit passengers. Local carriers Singapore Airlines and SilkAir have counters inside the hotel so departing guests can check in for their flight before leaving the property. It claims to be the first hotel in Singapore to provide meet-and-greet at the aerobridge by actual hotel personnel as opposed to airport staff)
Website: http://www.ichcotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/sincp/
Margie Logarta, Kenny Coyle and Gigi Onag
