Sleeping at the airport has never been encouraged, but the staff are aware that travellers are in between connecting flight and have little choice. Where travellers have had a choice it is often an expensive one – airport accommodation tends to be pricy, and it feels wasted when the stay is often so short. A few hotels around the world are starting to offer some alternative options.
Yotel – At Amsterdam, London’s Heathrow and Gatwick Airports
These are automatic check in locations, giving a small room with basic facilities, showers and Wi-Fi. Fine for staying a few hours or overnight, with nothing wasted on facilities you won’t need.
Capsule – Kuala Lumpur
Less a room, basically just a comfortable bed in a large container. You will have your own space, and access to a common area should you need it. This is well suited for those wanting a few hours sleep. The facility has a wooden, almost retro look. Compared to some youth hostels it’s actually quite impressive.
Pods – Narita Tokyo.
These are smaller than the capsules; something like a bed in a large honeycomb lattice. They have the advantage of being soundproof. The futuristic look makes them work visiting for as an experience on the trip.
GoSleep – Yokyo Haneda, Helsinki, Dubai.
If you thought a honeycomb pod only slightly bigger than your bed was small, there are smaller options still. GoSleep is a reclining lounge with a retractable cover, rather like a roller door. Despite being in public space these are quiet and dark. Charging by the hour they are a cheap option for shorter stays.
Stockholm Aranda Airport
This actually has a decommissioned Boeing747 that is being used as a hotel. Most rooms are moderately priced (the cockpit is expensive) and includes a café and the option to walk out on one of the wings.