Sunday, May 18, 2025

In a time when long-haul connections and unexpected flight delays are increasingly common, a global elite of airport hotels is redefining what it means to spend the night between flights. The best airport hotels in the world for 2025 are not just transit stops—they’re luxurious micro-destinations in their own right, fusing convenience, comfort, and cultural immersion in ways that elevate the entire travel experience.

This year’s Skytrax Airport Hotel Awards, based on thousands of verified guest surveys, highlight properties that go beyond typical lodging. These hotels offer exceptional sleep quality, spa experiences to beat jet lag, seamless integration with terminals, and fine dining rivaling city establishments—all within walking distance of a boarding gate.

Topping the list yet again, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport remains the gold standard in airport hospitality. Integrated into Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) Terminal 3, it allows travelers to reach their room directly from the terminal via covered walkways and the airport’s Skytrain.

Located at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) Terminal 3, this 335-room property is a technological and architectural marvel, combining luxury with a wellness-forward, contactless guest experience.

Located at New York’s JFK Airport, the TWA Hotel resurrects the legendary 1962 TWA Flight Center into a retro-chic tribute to aviation’s golden age. Guests experience true mid-century charm with a futuristic twist.

Directly integrated into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), this hotel sets a high bar for noise control, luxury, and wellness amenities.

Positioned between Terminals 1 and 2 of Munich Airport (MUC), this 551-room hotel is celebrated for combining German precision with Bavarian hospitality.

Adjacent to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), this hotel is a hub in itself, also connecting to high-speed rail and metro stations.

Located across from Vienna International Airport (VIE), the NH Vienna balances Austrian charm with practicality, ideal for late-night or early-morning flyers.

A short walk from Bahrain International Airport (BAH), this 106-room hotel turns layovers into mini-vacations, offering resort vibes and cultural immersion.

A 50-meter walk from Athens International Airport (ATH), this 345-room Sofitel blends French elegance with Greek heritage for a stylish pre- or post-flight stay.

Rank: Best in the U.S. for Architecture and Amenities
Located at Denver International Airport (DEN), this architectural marvel connects directly to the Jeppesen Terminal and hosts seasonal events on its plaza.

Why it Stands Out:

These award-winning airport hotels are more than places to rest—they’re reshaping how we travel. In an era where flight delays, long layovers, and international travel fatigue are the norm, these properties transform what used to be dreaded downtime into a highlight of the journey.

They provide added value for:

Whether it’s an extended layover in Singapore or a quick business stop in Munich, these hotels prove that comfort, culture, and connectivity can coexist just steps from the runway.

As global travel rebounds, airport hotels have stepped up not just as accommodation options, but as integral parts of the traveler journey. For many, they’re now the reason to enjoy the layover.