By Sinaiyouth 
With long TSA lines, frequent flight delays, and even some airlines shutting down (goodbye, Spirit), it’s no secret that we’re experiencing turbulent times for air travelers. No matter how many meditation apps I download, the tension at the airport is often so bad that I feel like I could cut it with a knife every time I fly.
As a frequent flyer, I’m certainly not immune to the frustrations that air travel brings. My rule of thumb for beating travel stress is to stay at an airport hotel the night before my flight. When possible, I book flights early in the morning because they have, at least statistically, a better chance of being on time than flights that depart later in the day. Thanks to the proximity to the airport, getting to my gate for a morning flight is a breeze.
Airport hotels can also save you money, as their prices are often competitive. Plus, I always return my rental car the day before my flight to save extra money. However, not all airport hotels are created equal. I’ve spent many nights in airport hotels that fit the bland and boring stereotype. Luckily, I found some with intricately styled amenities and edgy visuals. Here are five airport hotels full of pizzazz.
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A beach resort at the Sheraton San Diego Resort, San Diego International Airport, San Diego, California
Overlooking San Diego Bay, the Sheraton San Diego Resort has more than 1,000 rooms with decor inspired by the palette of the Pacific Ocean. Three outdoor pools and free daily yoga classes give the property a resort feel. Best of all, it’s just three minutes from the San Diego International Airport via the hotel’s frequent shuttle.
When I stay there, I like to look at the yachts in the on-site marina from my room window. If you’re in the mood for action, try stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing or kayaking in the bay just steps from your room. Tennis, pickleball, two fitness centers, and a car-free waterfront trail for cycling on the hotel’s loaner bikes provide recreational options.
With five restaurants on-site, including a Baja California-inspired menu at the festive Rumorosa, you won’t go hungry. If you’re traveling with kids, lawn games, seasonal movies, and fireside s’mores should please the younger members of your family.
Mid-century style at the TWA Hotel, JFK International Airport, Queens, New York
As a New Yorker who grew up with JFK as my hometown airport, staying at the TWA Hotel is a trip down memory lane. Hop on the 24-hour AirTrain to Terminal 5 (free airport access), follow the hotel signs and you’ll be there in minutes. Built in 1962, the former Trans World Airlines terminal by architect Eero Saarinen is the only hotel at JFK Airport. This iconic property celebrates the style of the sixties, when air travel still had a spark of glamour.
The hotel’s 512 mid-century modern rooms offer views of the active slopes. Public spaces feature exhibits that immerse you in nostalgia for the golden age of air travel. The lobby’s Sweet N’ Glow Salon’s retro color palette is as pink as a packet of Sweet N’ Low sugar substitute, complete with beehive hair dryers, vintage magazines and a collection of kitschy wigs. Stop by the observation deck and rooftop infinity pool. Another nice touch is the Connie Cocktail Lounge, a 1958 Lockheed Constellation plane that has been reimagined as a bar.
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Foodie Getaway at Grand Hyatt DFW, Dallas Fort Worth International, Dallas, Texas
The Grand Hyatt DFW is located just outside Terminal D in Dallas Fort Worth. Step into any of the 315 rooms and suites and the automatic shades open to reveal striking views of the runway. Comfortable beds with elegant stitched leather headboards, automatic blackout curtains and blinds and integrated lighting create a relaxing ambiance.
I live to eat, and luckily, Grand Met Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt DFW caters to the most discerning palates with eclectic seasonal menus. THE cheese and black pepper the pasta transports me to my favorite trattoria in Rome and the pan-roasted Chilean sea bass tastes like it was caught from the sea. The portions are Texas-sized, so bring your appetite.
If you like sweets, you’ve won the lottery. Chef Laura LeSire leads the hotel’s pastry and dessert program. Known for her careful balance of taste, texture and artistry, she has elevated the hotel’s treats with the philosophy that desserts should not only complement a meal, they should be unforgettable. Inspired by its San Diego roots, where fresh produce is abundant, you can expect several fruity options. I enjoyed its rich, silky caramel flan. And it’s worth getting up early to indulge in its modern take on classic European breakfast pastries.
Fitness for flyers at Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver, Canada
The luxurious Fairmont Vancouver Airport’s location inside the airport means you can roll out of bed and be at your gate in minutes, with no shuttle necessary. The 386 rooms are completely soundproofed. So while planes take off right outside your floor-to-ceiling windows, the interior is quiet enough to feel like a yoga retreat. Some rooms are equipped with binoculars for observing planes.
I try my best to exercise when I travel, but I don’t always succeed. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport makes it easy for me to follow my fitness routine. The spacious and modern health club is open 24 hours a day. The indoor pool, hot tub, and saunas are welcome perks. If you need extra motivation to exercise, book the Fit on the Fly Suite with its own in-room gym equipment and Nordic-style hydrotherapy experience.
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Art and architecture at the Westin Denver International Airport, Denver, Colorado
With 484 rooms and 35 suites, the Westin Denver International Airport is the only full-service hotel directly connected to Denver’s Jeppesen Terminal. I walked straight from the hotel to my gate in just a few minutes.
The design of the hotel is also eye-catching. It is inspired by flight, with winged and slender architecture that echoes the spirit of travel. I am an art lover and love seeing original artwork from Colorado artists scattered throughout the hotel. You can explore it all via the property’s self-guided Westin Art Tour.
The hotel takes sustainability seriously. It is both LEED Platinum certified and a Four Green Key property, with a commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation and responsible sourcing. Pets are also accepted!