Airport hotels with day rates and how to book them

Travel can be tiring at the best of times. It can be especially exhausting when you are hit with delays and cancellations, or if you have a long layover somewhere en route to your final destination.

The summer of 2022 has been hell for travelers so far as airlines continue to battle flight delays and cancellations, exacerbated by either post-pandemic demand or air traffic control staffing issues, not to mention intermittent weather issues, depending on whom you ask.

Related: Top tips from a flight attendant to avoid the worst of summer's travel headaches

But what can you do if you find yourself facing a longer-than-expected delay and need a place to shower and rest?

One option is airport lounges — but not everyone has access to them. Even if you do, overcrowding and time limits may not make this your best option. And only eight U.S. airports have Minute Suites, which are private rooms with sofas that turn into beds, plus sound-masking systems, personal thermostats, temporary office space and access to Netflix, DirecTV and Wi-Fi.

Your best bet in many circumstances might be to reserve a room at an airport hotel. But what if you don't want or need to book an overnight stay? Some airport hotels offer day rates that let you enjoy all the perks of a room without paying a higher overnight rate.

Related: Giving up? Delta issues travel waiver for July 4 weekend for all

Curious about this option? Read on for everything you need to know about hotel day rates, including what they are, how you can book them and some of the airport hotels that offer them. Please note that rates can vary depending on demand and availability.

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What is a hotel day rate?

Recognizing the need for some guests to access a room without staying overnight, some airport hotels offer day rates, where they provide access to a room for between four and 12 hours or for a specific block of time.

Depending on the hotel you choose and its room availability, you may end up paying around 50% off an overnight rate when you book a day rate, though this is not a hard-and-fast rule.

How can you book a hotel day rate?

The first way to find day rates is to check a hotel's own website. Know, though, that you may have to dig around or do a search to find the day rates.

For example, the TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) offers a Daytripper rate when you click the "Book now" button.

If a special rate doesn't pop up when you start the booking process and select the same day for check-in and checkout, call the hotel directly and ask to speak to someone at the front desk. A hotel representative should know the room inventory and can tell you if day rates are available.

You can also try walking up to the front desk and inquiring in person if you're already at the airport. Just note that it's best to book sooner rather than later since room availability can change quickly, especially if there are weather events that result in massive flight delays or cancellations.

If you can't find day rates on a hotel's website or the property says it doesn't offer them, check websites like Dayuse, HotelsByDay and DayBreakHotels to see if they list any as available. But remember, these sites don't note day rates for every airport hotel, and some choices listed may be for properties that aren't anywhere near your airport.

Which airport hotels offer day rates?

Not every airport hotel offers day rates. However, several TPG-approved properties do. Here are some of the top ones at major airports.

Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport

At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport is a great option for day rates, as it's attached to Terminal C and easy to reach from DFW's other terminals via the Skylink automated people mover.

Each of the 811 rooms and 17 suites offers a balcony with views of the atrium or the airport, as well as a desk, a 55-inch TV, a coffee maker and a minifridge. Additionally, hotel guests (including those who are not staying the night) have access to an outdoor pool and a fitness center. A few dining options are available, too, such as a grill with a breakfast buffet and a lobby bar with light bites and various alcoholic drinks.

Rooms here are bookable for the day between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., when available. You must contact the hotel directly at 972-453-1234 or DFWAP-Reservations@hyatt.com to check day-use rates, which start at $149 before tax between July and September.

Related: The most award-friendly hotel program: Everything you need to know about World of Hyatt

TWA Hotel

The TWA Hotel, located next to JetBlue's Terminal 5 at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), offers Daytripper reservations for a minimum of four hours (but no more than 12 hours) between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. Rates start at $197.23 including tax and confer use of the hotel's rooftop pool and one of 512 rooms.

Standard king rooms feature a cool midcentury modern design with pops of navy and red throughout. Room amenities include soundproof floor-to-ceiling windows with blackout shades, Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs and custom bath amenities.

The rate also covers access to the hotel's rooftop pool. There are multiple on-site dining options, including a Jean-Georges Vongerichten-affiliated cafe, a food hall and two can't-miss lounges, one of which sits within a 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane. Be sure to check out the property's curated collection of TWA travel posters, flight attendant uniforms, inflight amenities and more put together by the New York Historical Society.

Related: Close to AvGeek paradise, but not quite there, at the JFK TWA Hotel

Grand Hyatt at SFO

The 351-room Grand Hyatt at SFO offers day-use rates daily between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. You must call the hotel directly at 650-452-1234 to get current day rates. We checked rates for standard king rooms in July through September and found they start at $199 before tax.

The day rate gives you access to a king room with floor-to-ceiling windows and modern decor in white, gray and blue hues, as well as a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso coffee maker and a minifridge, among other amenities. You can also visit property facilities like a massage suite, a fitness center and several dining venues, including a grab-and-go market and a restaurant with runway views.

To get to the hotel, take San Francisco International Airport (SFO)'s AirTrain to its designated stop. You'll find the Grand Hyatt at SFO station on both the Red and Blue lines.

Related: Best hotel at San Francisco Airport: A review of the new Grand Hyatt at SFO

Hilton Boston Logan Airport

The Hilton Boston Logan Airport, which is connected to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) via terminals A and E, offers day rates between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates between July and September for a king room are between $196.80 and $294.44, including tax. When booking on the hotel's website, use the same date for check-in and checkout to find the day rate.

Each day rate includes the use of one of the hotel's 602 accommodations, many of which boast excellent views of the airport and the Boston skyline. Room amenities range from flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi to desks with ergonomic chairs.

When you're not in your room, you can take a dip in the indoor pool, break a sweat in the fitness center or grab a bite to eat at breakfast-focused Berkshire's, American-inspired Cafe Presto or Connolly's Publik House, a gastropub dishing out everything from fish and chips to New England clam chowder.

Related: Earn up to 3X more Hilton points on stays with 'More Nights, More Points' promo

Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental

The Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental‎ is connected to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) via an underground tram.

Each of the 565 rooms is soundproofed and comes with an array of amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, a work desk, a flat-screen TV and a marble bathroom. Guests also have access to an outdoor saltwater pool, a 24-hour fitness center and the aptly named Flights Lounge & Grill, where casual American fare is on the menu.

Day rates are available but know that you must call the hotel the day you wish to reserve a room to find out the cost, as they are based on availability. You can inquire about day rates by calling 281-443-2310. In a test call, TPG was quoted $179 before taxes for a room through 6 p.m.

Related: 17 ways to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points

The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport

Situated in Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)'s McNamara Terminal, The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport has 414 rooms, each with views of the hotel atrium or the airport, not to mention the brand's famous Westin Heavenly Beds, desks with ergonomic chairs, coffee makers and more. In short, they provide a great office for the day … where you can also take a nap.

Guests (including those who book the day rate) enjoy all kinds of benefits, including direct access to a private airport security line and use of on-site amenities like an indoor pool, a glass-enclosed sky deck and a fitness center. An American-influenced eatery is available as well, should visitors' stomachs start to grumble.

The hotel's day rates start at $150 for a king or double room between July and September. However, the agent noted that prices are subject to change and are only available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. You must call the property at 734-942-6500 to check the rate.

Related: Why Detroit — yes, Detroit — was the perfect place to bring my mom for her first post-pandemic flight

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport

The 445-room Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport sits in the main terminal of Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Accommodations offer atrium or airport views in addition to double or king-size beds, work areas, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs and other amenities. Additional facilities, including an outdoor pool and a ninth-floor, globally-inspired restaurant (both of which boast top-notch runway views), are also available here.

Day rates are offered between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Like the DFW outpost, this Hyatt Regency requires calling or emailing to book a day rate. You can contact the hotel at 407-825-1234 or reservationsorlan@hyatt.com. Rates between July and September start at $139 before tax.

Fairmont Vancouver Airport

The award-winning Fairmont Vancouver Airport can be found inside Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Vancouver, British Columbia, above the U.S. Departures terminal. Day rates range from CA$371 ($287) for six hours to CA$433 ($335) for eight hours in July and are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Prices are based on availability and are subject to change. Simply call the hotel at 866-540-4441 to check prices and reserve.

All 386 rooms and suites come outfitted with amenities like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, desks with ergonomic chairs and bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs. Plus, you'll enjoy excellent views of the airport's runways and operations from your room's floor-to-ceiling windows. There's even a planespotting guide provided, should you want more information about the aircraft you see.

You can also check out the health club, which has a pool and spa, or dine at the Globe@YVR restaurant, which serves Pacific Northwest cuisine highlighting sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. The hotel offers a highly regarded afternoon tea service, too, if you're not too tired.

Oryx Airport Hotel

Inside the transit area of Doha, Qatar's Hamad International Airport (DOH), you'll find the 100-room Oryx Airport Hotel, which is a great option for weary travelers in need of a few hours of shut-eye.

Travelers can choose an hourly day rate, which is priced based on the length of stay, the date and the room type. To book a day rate or find out pricing, you'll need to call the hotel at 974-4010-8100 or email reservation@oryxairporthotel.com.

Day rates include access to a superior room with a 42-inch TV, full bath, bottled water, a minifridge and more. Additionally, you can visit the on-site Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre, where you'll discover a pool, a gym, hydrotherapy tubs and shower rooms. Know, though, that spa treatments and use of sports amenities like the squash court and golf simulator cost extra. There's no on-site restaurant, but room service is available and you can also dine out in the airport terminal.

Yotelair Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

The Yotelair pod hotel near the food court of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers just enough space to catch up on sleep or clean up between flights.

Sleeping quarters are on the tighter side, with just a twin-size bed, a small bathroom and limited storage space. You'll have access to Wi-Fi as well, though. No other hotel amenities are available at the 57-room property, so plan on eating in the airport, since room service has been suspended due to COVID-19.

Solo pod rooms start at 52 euros ($54) and a deluxe queen is 75 euros ($77). Family rooms fit up to four guests (two adults and two children under 12) and feature the signature fully adjustable SmartBed™ and two single beds or bunk beds for 100 euros ($103). All prices are for up to four hours and include tax. Extra hours cost 10 euros ($11) each.

To reserve a room, you must have a valid boarding pass. You can only bring carry-on bags inside.

Aerotel Singapore

Located in Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)'s Terminal 1, the 70-room Aerotel Singapore offers designated solo and double rooms for those who want day rates.

A solo room goes for SG$202 ($144) and comes with a single bed, a meal, a TV, fresh towels and Wi-Fi for up to seven hours. But note that solo rooms here do not come with private bathrooms. Instead, travelers in these spaces share a bathroom with adjacent rooms. A double room costs SG$223 ($159) and includes a private bathroom.

Outside the rooms, there is an outdoor pool and a fitness center. A couple of dining venues are available as well, including a 24-hour lounge and the poolside Aerobar, which serves everything from a Beyond Meat burger to oven-fried Korean chicken.

Related: What every traveler needs to know about hotel pool etiquette

Bottom line

If you find yourself stuck in an airport for several hours and need a private place to rest, consider airport hotels that let you wait it out in the comfort of a guest room without paying a full overnight rate. Please check directly with each hotel to ensure you're getting the correct room rate, since they could vary, depending on room availability.

While you hopefully won't need one, if you find yourself facing an extended delay or layover, you'll know where to go to pass the time.

Related: TPG readers' favorite international airports to spend a long delay in