Do not turn up your nose at airport hotels

DALLAS, TX – Nobody will deny that airport hotels provide the convenience of being as close as possible to the airport when you are due to fly out the next day. And airport hotels are also a convenient place to say if your flight has been delayed or cancelled. But stay at an airport hotel by choice for its amenities? Don’t brush that idea off so quickly.

According to Hotels.com® guest reviews, staying at the airport has gone from bleak to chic with the introduction of luxe amenities and convenient time and money saving services that rival more expensive city-centered hotels. The reviews show that airport hotels have surprisingly exceeded expectations and have made travelers reconsider staying at airport hotels.

“Travelers today are highly influenced by the opinions of others,” commented Hotels.com director of public relations, Taylor L. Cole, APR. “Many of our 1-million guest reviews are showing an increase in the approval rating for airport hotels, which indicates that more often, airport hotels are meeting and exceeding the needs of busy business and leisure travelers who expect savings, amenities, and the convenience of an airport location.”

Staying at the airport costs on average 42 percent less than staying at a centrally-located downtown property. Business travelers looking to save money during these difficult economic times can trim costs by utilizing airport accommodations versus more expensive downtown hotels. Many airport hotels aim to save money for the business traveler, as well as the leisure traveler, by offering complimentary Wi-Fi and hot breakfast.

The Crystal Inn & Suites Denver Airport starts each guest’s day off right with complimentary hot Belgian waffles and Denver omelettes. Said a recent guest, “I was very impressed with every aspect of this hotel! Probably my favorite part was the comfort of the bed. I was tempted to ask what the brand of mattress was. Due to our unique circumstances, we were able to check in much earlier than check-in time without a problem, and the customer service was outstanding. I would definitely stay here again!”

Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport offers their guests an outdoor pool to soak up the LA rays before boarding a flight. The on-site Palm Grill Restaurant offers special jet-lag remedy meals, while the property also boasts a 24-hour fitness room and an 18-hole public golf course just 1.5 miles from the hotel. One guest said, “Good experience; very functional for everything I wanted in a hotel – easy to get to and from, has all the amenities…”

What travelers often forget is that many airport hotels are conveniently located within major cities, with easy access via subway, bus, shuttle or light-rail. For instance, Boston’s Logan International Airport is a short ride to the world-famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace shopping and entertainment district. The AAA Four Diamond Hilton Boston Logan Airport boasts its own skywalk that links guests to the airports terminals where Boston’s public transportation can be accessed. Hilton Boston Logan Airport’s Cafe Presto prepares travel-ready meals and is conveniently located in the lobby for guests in a hurry and in need of something on the go. A guest reviewed, “Great place to stay, easy access to transportation. We were able to either take the shuttle or walk across the skywalk to the airport where we could hop on the Silver Line and then connect to whatever train line we wanted.”

The Radisson Hotel Reagan National Airport provides guests with complimentary shuttle service that transports guests to the Crystal City Metro Station and shopping at the Crystal City Underground. The survey revealed that travelers prefer to use a complimentary bus/shuttle when traveling to their airport hotel despite the fact that more than 84 percent of travelers pay for a taxi while traveling. Taking advantage of complimentary transportation is a great way to lower travel costs especially for the solo traveler. The Radisson Hotel Regan National Airport also offers a seasonal rooftop pool and fitness center, and the hotel’s 245-guestrooms are furnished with microwave ovens, refrigerators, and coffeemakers, and it is only five blocks from the Pentagon.

So don’t sniff and turn up your nose at the idea of actually planning to stay at an airport hotel. You may just enjoy the complimentary Belgian waffles, outdoor pool, and free transport to the city.