Airport Convenience at Hampton Inn 28th Street, Seattle

It’s hard to get excited about an airport hotel. It’s not like you really want to stay there, but you need a room before an early morning flight, you get in late and you want to overnight before setting out on a road trip, you’re flying in for quick meetings, or you mess up your flight arrangements and it’s not worth driving all the way home. All you really want and need is a pleasant room located close to the airport, and you want it at a fair price.

In Seattle (Sea-Tac International Airport), my airport hotel of choice is the Hampton Inn and Suites on 28th.

The Hampton Inn is a part of the Hilton family of hotels, and is designed at the budget end of the spectrum. Don’t let that budget label put you off; these properties feature complimentary amenities and services that would be fee-based at many larger hotels, making them a value choice for business or leisure travelers.

The Hampton offers 218 well laid out guest rooms and suites, with logistically sensible work space – ample plug ins in the places where you need them. While I generally prefer to work at a desk, there is a handy little laptop desk for working in bed. The decor is simple, but attractive, creating a comfortable space to work. Room are spacious enough for a family and the suites are large enough for meetings.

A fitness center and good-sized indoor pool are on property.

Have some snacks while you’re working, there’s a coffee maker and microwave (you do travel with microwave popcorn, don’t you?) in your room, and if you spill, there are laundry facilities on premises.

Included in your room rate are complimentary evening drinks and hot breakfast buffet. If you’re rushing to get out the door, you can grab a complimentary On the Run Breakfast Bag (only available Monday-Friday) and eat on the run. There is not a restaurant on property, but the hotel can provide transportation on request and availability to nearby restaurants.

This is a chain hotel, so no real surprises, but sometimes that’s just what you need. For an overnight near the airport or for a budget, yet nice, business hotel, the Hampton delivers great value. If you have a lengthier stay, the location is not as convenient to shopping or attractions, although you can take the complimentary shuttle back to the airport and then catch the light rail into downtown Seattle. Airport stays are all about convenience and the Hampton Inn is what you need, when you need it.

The Hampton Inn on 28th offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport, as well as free parking. Rates start around $80/night. Value price fly/drive and fly/cruise packages are also available. You can also compare rates and book through Expedia or Hotels.com.

NOTE:  There are two Hampton Inns near Sea-Tac Airport. I recommend the property on 28th over the one on International Boulevard. There is currently construction going on in the area; it’s annoying but hasn’t interfered with the convenience or comfort of my multiple stays. There isn’t a noise problem.