Here’s the thing about airport hotels: old rooms and out-of-date lobbies just don’t fly. That’s what they’re constantly polishing he premises, fighting hard to attract your business.
To that end, a couple of recent renovations:
The Regency Hotel Miami is a boutique property near MIA. It just completed three-quarters-of-a-million-dollars refurbishment of 174 guest rooms, all of them with balconies. There’s new air conditioning, and HDTV.
With rates starting at $119 per night, this property offers 24-hour shuttle service to the airport, free parking, a pool and deck area. Free Wi-Fi throughout, and a complimentary business center. To make sure you don’t miss your flight there an arrivals and departures board right in he lobby. Up early for that flight? The coffee’s free out in the lobby
The Courtyard Philadelphia Airport recently wrapped up a million dollar makeover, one that focuses on the hotel’s lobby and meeting rooms. Gone is the traditional front desk. In its place are what Courtyard calls “Welcome Pedestals.” The idea is to get people checked in faster, and provide more personalized service.
The re-worked lobby also features a Bistro where you can east, drink and kick back a bit. Nearby is a 52-inch LCD touch screen television that lets you punch up weather, sports scores and other information for the date ahead. As with the Regency Hotel Miami there’s a flight display board in the lobby that keeps you tuned into delays, gate changes and such over at Philadelphia International Airport.
The Courtyard Philadelphia Airport is a short half-mile from PHL’s terminals.
Airport hotels don’t have to be plain or overpriced. There are lots of properties out there that hit the ‘sweet spot,’ offering great value for the money. What’s your favorite such airport enclave? Let us know.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Regency Hotel Miami)
