Winner of Skytrax’s “World’s Best Airport Hotel” for the last six consecutive years, this Terminal 3 oasis makes a major statement with its stunning architecture and original 320 “nature-inspired” rooms. Built in just 26 days using cutting-edge techniques, the Jewel Wing extension offers 243 multifunctional Business Rooms with advanced technology, ergonomic workspace, and other efficiencies. The “Premier Rooms with Runway View” overlook the runways and taxiways. Day rentals are available from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M.
Here, Azur Restaurant mixes Asian and Western cuisine, while sportsthemed Bar ’75 glams it up with “a touch of Asia in the 1970’s.” This is a fun spot to shoot pool and escape the humidity with ice cold beers. Other refuges include the tropical outdoor pool, spa, and 24-hour gym. The VIP Meet & Greet Service provides an escorted pick-up from the arrival hall. Offering meeting and event space, the hotel is a popular spot for New Year celebrations and other parties.
Sofitel London Heathrow Spa
Photo: Courtesy of AccorHotels
The Crowne Plaza adjoins T3’s butterfly garden, the first ever inside an airport. Featuring a waterfall, this glassed-in habitat presents a whimsical juxtaposition between its delicate fluttering inhabitants and the giant jets taxiing outside. The hotel also overlooks the eye-popping Jewel Changi Airport (www.jewelchangiairport.com) expansion. Designed by Moshe Safdie, the mastermind architect behind Singapore’s spectacular Marina Bay Sands hotel, this 10-story nature-themed pleasure dome houses the centerpiece Rain Vortex, the world’s largest indoor waterfall. Plus, myriad dining, retail and recreational attractions, and Asia’s first YOTELAIR Hotel (www.jewelchangiairport.com/en/stay-yotel.html).
WHERE TO NEXT?
From the “aerotropolis” or “airport city” model, which integrates airport infrastructure and connectivity with commercial and residential development, to dynamic business hotels and unprecedented upgrades, airports continue to evolve their engagement and retention of leisure and business customers.
Larger than Manhattan at some 27 square miles and boasting its own zip code, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport handles nearly 80 percent of the airport segment, or about $55 billion, of international trade into Texas, and contributes $37 billion in annual total economic output to North Texas.
