Is Staying Near the Airport a Good Idea? The Pros & Cons for Tourists
So, you're planning a trip. You've got your flights booked, your bags are mentally packed, & you're daydreaming about all the cool stuff you're going to do. But then comes the big question: where do you actually stay? It's a classic traveler's dilemma. Do you book a hotel right in the heart of the city, or do you opt for a place near the airport?
Honestly, I used to be a firm believer in ALWAYS staying downtown. Why would I want to be stuck out by the airport when all the action is somewhere else? But after years of travel, I've learned that it's not always so black & white. Turns out, there are some pretty compelling reasons to consider an airport hotel, & it really all depends on your travel style, your budget, & what you're hoping to get out of your trip.
Let's break it down & get into the nitty-gritty of whether staying near the airport is a good idea for you.
The Case for Staying Near the Airport: The Unexpected Perks
It's easy to write off airport hotels as just a convenient option for a quick overnight stay, but they can offer a lot more than that. Let's look at some of the biggest pros.
The Unbeatable Convenience Factor
This is the most obvious reason, but it's worth repeating. The convenience of an airport hotel is unmatched, especially if you have an early morning flight or a late-night arrival. There's no need to stress about traffic or waking up at an ungodly hour to catch a cab. You can literally roll out of bed & be at your gate in minutes. This is a HUGE plus for reducing travel-day anxiety.
I've had my fair share of stressful pre-flight mornings, frantically trying to hail a cab in a new city while the clock is ticking. Staying at an airport hotel completely eliminates that stress. It's a game-changer for a more relaxed start or end to your trip.
Airport hotels are also a lifesaver for long layovers. Instead of trying to get comfortable on a metal bench in the terminal, you can have a proper bed, a hot shower, & a quiet space to recharge. Many airport hotels even offer day rates for this exact purpose.
Surprisingly Budget-Friendly Room Rates
Here's something that might surprise you: airport hotels can often be cheaper than their downtown counterparts. I'm not just talking about a few bucks here & there. Studies have shown that airport hotels can be 10-20% cheaper than city center hotels, & for chain hotels, that number can jump to 30% less per night.
Why the big price difference? It mostly comes down to location. Downtown hotels are in high-demand areas, close to all the major attractions, so they can charge a premium. Airport hotels, on the other hand, are a bit more out of the way, so they have to be more competitive with their pricing.
Even during peak season, when hotel prices skyrocket, airport hotels tend to have more modest price increases of around 8-12%. So, if you're traveling on a budget, an airport hotel could leave you with more money in your pocket for souvenirs & experiences.
Amenities Geared Towards Travelers
Airport hotels know their audience. They cater to people who are on the go, & their amenities reflect that. You'll often find things like:
- 24/7 Shuttle Service: Most airport hotels offer a free & reliable shuttle to & from the airport, which can save you a good chunk of change on transportation.
- Flexible Check-In/Check-Out: They're used to guests arriving & departing at all hours, so they're often more flexible with their check-in & check-out times.
- Business Centers: For those who need to get some work done, airport hotels usually have well-equipped business centers with printers, computers, & reliable Wi-Fi.
- On-Site Dining: While the dining options might not be as exciting as what you'd find in the city, most airport hotels have at least one restaurant or a 24-hour market where you can grab a bite to eat, no matter what time your flight gets in.
- Soundproofing: Airport hotels are designed with noise in mind. They often have thicker windows & other soundproofing measures to ensure you get a good night's sleep, even with planes taking off & landing nearby.
A Great Option for International Travelers
If you're traveling internationally, an airport hotel can be a great home base. The staff are accustomed to dealing with people from all over the world & are more likely to be multilingual. You'll also have easy access to things like currency exchange services. Plus, the dining options are often more geared towards international palates, so you can probably find a familiar breakfast to start your day.
Parking Made Easy
If you're driving to the airport, parking can be a major headache & a huge expense. This is where a service like Prked comes in handy. Prked connects you with homeowners who are renting out their driveways & garages for parking. It's a super convenient & affordable way to find a safe spot for your car while you're away.
But what if you're staying at an airport hotel? Many of them offer park-and-fly packages that include parking for the duration of your trip. This can be a really cost-effective option, especially for longer trips. It's always worth checking with the hotel to see what they offer.
The Other Side of the Coin: The Downsides of Airport Stays
Of course, it's not all sunshine & roses. There are some definite drawbacks to staying near the airport that you need to consider before you book.
The Distance to the City Center
This is the biggest con, & it's the main reason why many people avoid airport hotels. If you're hoping to spend your days exploring the city's sights & soaking up the local culture, staying near the airport can be a real drag.
You'll have to factor in the time & cost of transportation to & from the city center every day. This can add up quickly, both in terms of money & precious vacation time. A daily transportation cost of $30-$50 is not uncommon when staying at an airport hotel.
Here's a quick look at the transportation situation from some major airports:
- JFK to Manhattan: A taxi can cost a flat rate of around $70, not including tip & tolls. The AirTrain & subway are a more affordable option at around $11, but it can take over an hour.
- Chicago O'Hare to Downtown: The CTA Blue Line train is a great option, taking about 40-45 minutes & costing around $5. A taxi or rideshare will be significantly more expensive.
- Pittsburgh International Airport to Downtown: The 28X-Airport Flyer bus is a cost-effective option, running twice an hour for most of the day.
- Budapest Airport to City Center: The 100E Airport Express bus is a direct connection that takes about 40 minutes.
As you can see, the options vary widely, so it's essential to do your research beforehand. That "cheaper" hotel room might not seem so cheap once you factor in transportation costs.
The Potential for Noise
While airport hotels do their best with soundproofing, there's no getting around the fact that you're staying next to an airport. There's going to be noise. A study by Boston University found that even moderate levels of airplane noise can disrupt sleep. Researchers found that people exposed to airplane noise as low as 45 decibels were more likely to sleep less than 7 hours a night. For context, a library is about 40 decibels.
If you're a light sleeper, this could be a major issue. While some people might find the sound of planes taking off & landing to be exciting, for others, it's a recipe for a sleepless night.
Lack of Local Character & Charm
Let's be honest, airport hotels can be a bit sterile. They're designed for functionality, not for providing a unique, local experience. You're not going to find a charming, family-run bed & breakfast with a quirky design next to the runway.
If part of the joy of traveling for you is immersing yourself in a new culture & staying in a place with character, an airport hotel might leave you feeling a little disappointed. You'll be surrounded by other travelers, not locals, & you'll miss out on the a lot of the vibe of the city.
Limited Dining & Entertainment Options
When you stay in the city center, you have a world of dining & entertainment options at your doorstep. You can wander down the street & find a cozy cafe, a trendy restaurant, or a lively bar. Near the airport, your options are going to be much more limited.
You'll likely be stuck with the hotel's restaurant or a handful of chain restaurants in the immediate vicinity. If you're a foodie or you're looking for a vibrant nightlife, staying near the airport is probably not for you.
So, When is an Airport Hotel the Right Choice?
After weighing all the pros & cons, here's a quick rundown of when staying at an airport hotel makes the most sense:
- You have a super early flight or a late arrival. The convenience is unbeatable.
- You have a long layover. A day rate at an airport hotel is a much better option than roughing it in the terminal.
- You're on a tight budget. The savings on the room rate could be significant.
- You're traveling for business & your meetings are near the airport. This is a no-brainer.
- You're not that interested in exploring the city. If you're just looking for a place to crash before your next flight, an airport hotel is perfect.
And When Should You Probably Stay in the City Center?
- You want to be in the heart of the action. If you're all about sightseeing & experiencing the local culture, a downtown hotel is the way to go.
- You're a foodie or you love nightlife. The city center will have way more options to keep you entertained.
- You're a light sleeper. The potential for noise at an airport hotel could be a deal-breaker.
- You're traveling with your family & want easy access to attractions. Dragging kids back & forth from the airport every day is not ideal.
Don't Forget About Storage & Earning Extra Cash
While we're on the topic of travel & convenience, it's worth mentioning a couple of other ways a service like Prked can make your life easier.
If you find yourself with a long layover & you don't want to lug your bags around the city, you could use Prked to find a short-term storage solution. People with extra space in their homes, like a garage, attic, or even a closet, can list it on Prked for others to rent. It's a convenient & affordable way to store your stuff for a few hours or a few days.
And if you're a homeowner, you can use Prked to make some extra cash. If you have an unused driveway, garage, or storage space, you can list it on Prked & earn passive income. It's a great side hustle that requires very little effort.
The Final Word
So, is staying near the airport a good idea? The answer, as with most things in travel, is: it depends. There's no one-size-fits-all solution. You have to weigh the pros & cons & decide what's most important to you.
For some people, the convenience & cost savings of an airport hotel are a no-brainer. For others, the distance from the city & the lack of local flavor are deal-breakers.
I hope this breakdown has been helpful. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to choose the option that will make your trip the most enjoyable & stress-free. Let me know what you think in the comments! Do you prefer to stay near the airport or in the city center?
