Unexpected flight hiccups, be they missed connections or early departures, often mean a night at the airport. But is the expense worth it? A HolidayCheck study looking at over 135 hotels across Europe’s 30 busiest airports – considering guest reviews, room size, and, of course, price – paints a picture of change.
Airport hotels, now averaging a solid 4.91 out of 6 stars, seem to be shaking off their old reputation as dull places to simply wait. However, significant regional differences still exist, impacting quality and cost for travelers searching for a good deal.
Eastern Europe Shines for Value
Travelers watching their wallets will find great options in Eastern European airports. Warsaw leads the pack with 5.1 stars at an average of €98 a night, followed by Bucharest (4.8 stars, €116) and Budapest (5.2 stars, €108). Alicante, Spain, however, really shines. It offers hotels earning 4.78 stars for only €78 per night – possibly the best value you’ll find in Europe. Combining high guest satisfaction and affordable prices, these destinations are a draw for those wanting quality without the high costs.
Premium Comfort in Germany and Northern Italy
When it comes to top-tier comfort, airports in Germany and northern Italy tend to dominate, albeit at higher price points. Milan-Malpensa comes in first with an impressive 5.55 stars, costing around €116. Bergamo follows at 5.47 stars and €130. In Germany, Munich (5.5 stars, €228) and Düsseldorf (5.3 stars, €165) offer spacious rooms, usually around 27 square meters, quite a bit above the European standard. Frankfurt is a slightly more affordable German option, boasting 5.05 stars for roughly €135 a night, a pretty decent balance of quality and cost, arguably.
Major Cities Fall Short
Hotels at airports in major city destinations? Sometimes they just don’t measure up. Rome, for example, comes in last for value, with a rather unimpressive 4.17 stars and a relatively high €293 price tag. Dublin and Barcelona don’t do much better, offering poor ratings and not much bang for your buck. And Palma de Mallorca? Smallest rooms of the bunch, averaging only 14.2 square meters, which doesn’t exactly scream comfort for travelers.
Athens: An Expensive Exception
Athens takes the title of Europe’s most expensive airport hotel stay, with one 5-star hotel asking €433 a night. Although it boasts a solid 5.4-star rating and generous 28-square-meter rooms, which does somewhat explain the cost, one night in Athens will cost you the same as about 5.5 nights in Alicante, demonstrating the huge price differences throughout Europe.
A New Era for Europe’s Airport Hotels
The days of sad, drab airport hotels are definitely becoming a thing of the past. With an average rating of 4.91 stars and improving standards in general, Europe’s airport hotels are working to meet the needs of the 886 million passengers who pass through Europe’s busiest airports each year. Places like Milan-Malpensa in northern Italy and Munich in Germany are setting the standard for quality, while Eastern Europe offers undeniable value. As travelers move through Europe’s busy airports in, say, 2025, this HolidayCheck study is a good starting point for finding a hotel that balances comfort, convenience, and, most importantly, cost—hopefully ensuring a good night’s sleep, even when you’re on the go.