Choosing an airport hotel: what to consider?

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Airport hotels are popular with business travelers and those who have long drives to their departure airport. They offer price and proximity advantages, with stiff competition ensuring quality at decent prices. Free breakfast and shuttle services are often provided, and rates vary widely.

In addition to overpriced food, a constant feature in airports is the airport hotel. Many airports have a hotel right on the airport premises, while other airport hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, but not on the same property as the airport. The airport hotel concept is particularly popular with business travelers and those who have long drives to their departure airport. Business travelers can have meetings across town, but can make their flights much easier if they return to an airport hotel.

Some travelers don’t live near a major airport and may have to drive up to three or four hours to get to one. If they have an early morning flight, they may not want to leave at 2am, arrive at the airport at 5am, and get on a plane for a long flight. The logical solution is to make a reservation at an airport hotel and stay overnight there, then be near the airport the next morning.

Travelers considering an airport hotel are usually looking for two things: price and proximity. Business travelers with expense accounts may be able to stay at a more expensive hotel if they are able to do so at the company’s expense. However, tourists often look for the best prices.

An airport hotel is usually part of a national chain, and as there are often several hotels in the area, stiff competition ensures quality at decent prices. An airport hotel on airport property may also be located in the terminal area. These hotels are usually high quality for a high price. The traveler often pays for the proximity advantage. It’s good to go out in front of the hotel, directly to the ticket office.

A traveler considering an airport hotel might want to think about the option of the free breakfast. With airlines cutting back on meals on domestic flights, free hotel breakfasts are a way to fill up fast, without spending a huge amount of cash at the airport food court. Often times, the airport hotel provides free shuttle service for guests, so that’s another real plus to consider. Taxis and chartered shuttles can be expensive, so an extra dollar or two in the room rate can pay off by eliminating the need for an airport cab.

Rates for an airport hotel vary widely. They can range from 50 to over 100 US dollars (USD). Other factors, such as the size of the airport and the city, can also affect room rates.
It’s easy to find an airport hotel in most search engines. A traveler should know the IATA 3-letter code (eg ORD for Chicago O’Hare) of his or her departure airport. Typing this into the search engine should bring up several results.




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