The Scoop on the Best Airport Hotels in the World

Even the most well-traveled business traveler will stay in an airport hotel, but hotels of today are a league above those of 20, 10, even 5 years ago. No longer is an airport hotel a last resort, as hospitality brands have stepped up the quality and services to equal, and sometimes rival, the 4- to 5- stars of downtown hotels. We’ve got the scoop on the best airport hotels in the world.

Often, airport hotels are perfect for business and leisure travelers requiring a convenient place to lay their head; while others are all about convenience, without hotel amenities. Airport hotels are becoming the new wave of accommodations. Today, the world’s busiest airports are home to some of the finest hotels.  Our seasoned travel writers dish on their favorite and best airport hotels in the world.

Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotel

Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites lobby

Denver International Airport Hotels

As a local (and you knew I’d mention my Mile High City, right?), Denver’s highly anticipated new airport hotel really is pretty awesome. Although I haven’t overnighted there yet, I’ve taken the city’s new Light rail system from Union Station to the airport and enjoyed a few special events at the Westin Denver International Airport. It’s a gorgeous hotel — and seriously steps from checking into your flight.

According to travel writer, Mary Jo Manzanares, “The lobby feels a little bit like being on a spaceship, but the Westin at Denver International Airport is decidedly earth-bound. Located steps outside the airport – it really was just a short walk outside of the TSA pre-check line – the Westin Denver Airport combines convenience, location, and a bit of luxury to provide a great airport hotel experience.”

While there is no denying the convenience of a hotel AT the airport, in between a crazy Disney World adventure with my grandkids followed by a bucket list China adventure, I had a short layover back in Denver before flying out to Shanghai.  Rather than drive home, I opted to stay at Woolley’s Classic Suites, a 10-minute shuttle from the airport.

Although my short stay didn’t allow me to take advantage of all the amenities, this high-end hotel is packed full of hotel amenities for the guest. Complimentary cooked to order breakfast, free WiFi, free airport transportation with dedicated shuttles, Colorado’s only Hertz Rent-a-Car self-service 24/7 kiosk, indoor saline pool, business center, fitness center, and guest laundry facilities. A full-service gourmet restaurant, Jardin, is also on-site. Oh and did I mention a complimentary daily manager’s reception?

Travel writer Susan McKee’s first requirement for an airport hotel is that it must actually be at the airport. She wants to walk from the lobby directly into the terminal — not wait around for a shuttle. That’s one reason she loves the Clarion Hotel Arlanda Airport, Stockholm, Sweden.

But there more to love about this Stockholm airport hotel. It’s in SkyCity, located between terminals 4 and 5 (besides, there’s both a chocolate shop and a Starbucks just outside the door). It also has that design-forward Scandinavian vibe — and a great Marcus Samuelsson restaurant (Kitchen & Table) with a view above Arlanda from the 12th floor. The only downside? Although it’s a Clarion, you won’t get Choice points — it participates in a separate “Nordic Choice” program.