Laying over in style

Sofitel London Heathrow at Heathrow Airport, England

Opened in July 2008, the Sofitel London Heathrow has direct access to British Airways’ multimillion-dollar Terminal 5, which can be reached via a covered walkway. The hotel’s meeting space is the largest at Heathrow and the third-largest in Britain, with the latest cinema projection and sound equipment, while the coveted Imperial Suite has three bedrooms, Europe’s first Swarovski Crystal bathrooms and furniture designed by Hugo Boss. There’s also a tea room and the restaurant, Brasserie Roux, is overseen by Michelin-starred French chef Albert Roux.

Kempinski Hotel at Munich Airport, Germany

Designed by world-renowned architect Helmut Jahn and located between Terminals 1 and 2, this won last year’s World Travel Award for Europe’s Leading Airport Hotel. Notable features include its spectacular glass atrium, health and spa facilities, all surrounded by restaurants and businesses.

Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Canada

Constructed right above the U.S. departures terminal, the Fairmont eliminates the need for a shuttle — just take the elevator up after you land. Noise reduction windows and Ayurvedic body treatments will help you recoup after a long-haul flight.

Inside the Terminal

Although they may not be five-star hotels, the convenience is stellar: The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport inside McNamara Terminal has a private security entrance and is located just 10 minutes from Ford Motor Co. At Yotel “pod” hotels, located at London’s Heathrow Terminal 4, London Gatwick’s South Terminal and Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, you can book rooms by the hour. Not fancy, but there are fully equipped bathrooms and you can nap, shower and have food and drinks delivered.