Airport Hotels--Vacation Destinations

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

08 Sep 2006 11:07 AM

Have you ever stayed at an airport hotel? You know the ones I am referring to-they line the perimeter of a given airport and are used primarily by business travelers. I have stayed at a few myself, though typically my stays have been brief and complimentary (the result of an airline bumping me off of a regularly scheduled flight). Personally, I have not been traumatized by the experience, but for some reason these properties have gotten a bad rap. But, that could soon change.

Airport architects recently announced plans to revamp the design of our nation's airports and in turn the hotels surrounding them to make them vacation destinations, under the premise-"If modern-day airports are being thought of as the gateways to our cities, why can't they be destinations unto themselves?"

In fact, several North American airports and their surrounding hotels are being used as models for the idea, including:

Vancouver International Airport/Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel

British Columbia's Fairmont Vancouver Airport is attached to the airport's International Departures terminal and offers a variety of vacation packages, including one that spotlights the hotel's spa. There is a "Spa Cravings Package," which includes amenities at the on-site Absolute Spa and a "The Bath Butler Did It" package, which features spa services, dinner at the hotel's signature restaurant, champagne and a butler-drawn bath. The hotel also offers a High Flyers/High Rollers Package that includes transportation to and from a nearby casino.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport/Grand Hyatt Dallas-Fort Worth

The Grand Hyatt DFW Hotel just celebrated its one-year anniversary. It is attached to the new International Terminal at the Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport. It too offers several "vacation-at-the-airport packages that include access to the rooftop fitness club and the outdoor pool, both of which have birds-eye views of the runways." In addition, the hotel offers a golf package, which includes greens fees and transportation to the nearby Bear Creek Golf Club. The hotel even caters to families. The "Planes and Trains" package comes with kid-friendly treats and a ride on the vintage railroad in nearby Grapevine. But, the one package that is gaining international attention is the hotel's decadent "Epicurean Weekend package that includes a five-course meal with wine pairings, breakfast in bed, a hands-on cooking class with the hotel's chef and souvenir chef coats."

Orlando International Airport/Hyatt Regency Hotel

The Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Orlando International Airport offers several affordable weekend packages and if the prices don't catch your eye than perhaps the hotel's lobby will. The hotel's soaring atrium lobby doubles as the airport's east hall. You can watch airplanes take off from the hotel's outdoor pool. The hotel's restaurant also offers runway views. Meanwhile, the airport's tropically landscaped main terminal includes a day spa, 32 restaurants and a food court with a giant aquarium. And, you can forgo the long lines and crowded parking lots at the area's theme parks-simply shop at one of the many souvenir stores located in the airport. And, not only can you pick up a pair of mouse ears, you can also go home with a photo of you and a statue of Cinderella, Spiderman, or Goofy which are scattered about the airport terminal. The airport also has an extensive art collection and provides a free brochure for self-guided tours. For space fans, the airport boasts a sliver of a Mars meteorite on display at the Kennedy Space Center shop.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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