The top 5 layover airports and their best hotels
It you do not want to spend an arm and a leg by booking a direct flight to your destination, there are other ways you can reduce the effects a delay or cancellation may have on your journey. For example: you can spend the night at an airport hotel and continue your journey on the next day.
It is true that a night spend in a hotel will cost you a little extra. However, they give you a peace of mind and it is still a lot cheaper then booking a direct flight. Below is a list of Europe’s five biggest layover airports, including their best value hotels:
London Heathrow Airport
Ibis ***
Distance from the airport: 1.2 miles
Services top 3: pets allowed, currency exchange, luggage storage
Our comments: The Ibis has a restaurant with food from all around the world! The soundproof rooms allow for a good night’s rest even tough the hotel is located very close to the airport.
Leonardo ****
Distance from the airport: 1.6 miles
Services top 3: currency exchange, cash machine, packed lunches
Our comments: Hotel Leonardo is kids friendly, they provided kid meals and a kid-friendly buffet. Is your connecting flight from a different London airport? Then a taxi service is offered.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Park Inn ***
Distance from the airport: 2.3 miles
Services top 3: luggage storage, mini market, free airport shuttle
Our comments: Are you eating lactose free? Gluten free? Egg free? With special diet menus on request, the Park Inn is a great choice for you. A healthy one as well, as the fitness centre and running routes around the hotel will give you the opportunity to stay in shape.
Mercure ****
Distance from the airport: 2.6 miles
Services top 3: currency exchange, luggage storage, free airport shuttle
Our comments: This hotel is not too far away from the city centre of Amsterdam. You can rent a bike and take a packed lunch with you while you explore the city during your layover.
Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport
Première Classe **
Distance from the airport: 2.1 miles
Services top 3: family rooms, budget hotel, luggage storage
Our comments: The Première Classe hotels offer you all the essentials for a good stay during your layover. If you have young children you can book a family room with bunkbeds, so you’ll always be able to keep an eye on them.
Campanile ***
Distance from the airport: 1.9 miles
Services top 3: pets allowed, packed lunches, family rooms
Our comments: If you are on an early morning flight, you don’t have to worry about sleeping through your alarm. The campanile offers a wake-up service to make ensure you won’t be late for your flight.
Frankfurt Airport
Meininger ***
Distance from the airport: 0.2 miles
Services top 3: pets allowed, luggage storage, family rooms
Our comments: The Meininger’s front desk, which is open 24 hours a day, provides live flight information and tickets services. Unfortunately the hotel doesn’t offer a shuttle service from terminal 1.
Global ***
Distance from the airport: 1.8 miles
Services top 3: extra long beds, wake-up service, budget hotel
Our comments: Since you are saving so much money by taking an indirect flight to your destination, you might as well spend some in this nearby casino. Other activities include a fitness room and forest trails close to the hotel.
Madrid-Barajas Airport
Don Luis ***
Distance from the airport: 1.8 miles
Services top 3: wake-up service, budget hotel, minibar
Our comments: Don Luis is very accessible by public transport. While the front office is open 24 hours a day, you have to check out before 12:00. That might not be a good time if you have an evening flight.
Petit Palace ****
Distance from the airport: 2.1 miles
Services top 3: pets allowed, free airport shuffle, outdoor pool
Our comments: The Petit Palace hotel provide coffee and pastries throughout the day, free of charge. It’s a nice break from the expensive airport snacks. And to the football fans: Real Madrid’s training grounds are a short ways away.
Did you miss your connection?
If your first flight is delayed and this causes you to miss your connection, you may be entitled to a compensation. It is important to know that to claim for a missed connection, both of your flights will need to be on the same booking. It does not matter if your first flight and your second flight are operated by different airlines. To read more about your entitlements and to check if you are entitled to compensation, click here.
Source: Booking.com