Fly Right Into A Convenient Airport Hotel!

The ideal European holiday typically involves a lot of down time—leisurely afternoons in which to shop and tour art museums, nights solely dedicated to fine dining and drinking, and late mornings free of business obligations.  However, sometimes this indulgent experience is simply not possible.  For those occasions when one needs to travel in and out as quickly as possible, nothing beats an airport hotel.  Here are the five busiest airports in Europe, and the best hotels near their terminals:

London Heathrow Airport

The largest airport in the United Kingdom actually handles more international passengers than any other in the world.  Whether you are visiting London or just passing through, chances are high that you will land in London Heathrow.  The airport is actually located in the Borough of Hillingdon, 14 miles (22km) west of Central London.  However, that does not mean that hotels near London Heathrow Airport are not great home bases from which to explore the city!  Try the elegant Arora Hotel Heathrow, or the reliable Holiday Inn London Heathrow.

Paris – Charles de Gaulle Airport

Situated to the northeast of Paris, this bustling aviation centre is the principle hub for Air France.  It therefore handles a lot of international traffic; in fact, it is the second busiest airport in Europe.  Paris – Charles de Gaulle Airport (also known as Roissy Airport) can be found within several communes 16 miles (25km) to the northeast of the city centre.  The Pullman Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel and other hotels near Charles de Gaulle Airport are therefore convenient places to stay.

Frankfurt Airport

The busiest airport for passenger traffic in Germany is undoubtedly Frankfurt’s, located 7.5 miles (12km) southwest of the city center.  Additionally, Frankfurt Airport is close to several other important destinations.  The city of Cologne, Stuttgart and the Ruhr Area may all be reached within two hours by ground transportation.  Therefore, the greatest hotels near Frankfurt Airport (like the NH Frankfurt Airport and the Sheraton Frankfurt Hotel & Towers Conference Center) are excellent places to stop along the way.

Madrid – Barajas Airport

Since first opening in 1928, Madrid – Barajas Airport has grown to be the fourth busiest in Europe.  Unlike other international hubs of aviation, Barajas is actually located within the limits of its namesake city.  It can be found 5.6 miles (9km) from the financial district, and 8.1 miles (13km) from Puerta del Sol (the historic centre of Madrid.)  Hotels near Barajas Airport, including the upscale Clement Barajas and the more affordable Hostal El Cruce, are quite close to local tourist attractions.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Whether you prefer a 4-star establishment like the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel or an economical option like the Yotel Schiphol Airport, you will find your ideal home base among hotels near Schiphol Airport.  The major hub of international transportation is actually located in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, 5.6 miles (9.1km) southwest of Amsterdam.  It can be reached in 20 minutes by car or public transportation, and is therefore quite close to business centers and tourist attractions.