We’ve all been there, haven’t we? You rush out of the house, get stuck in traffic, take a detour, and reach the airport just in time. But wait, there’s more! You pay an arm and a leg for parking, and when you make it to your terminal, you’re exhausted. And if that wasn’t bad enough, you find out your flight has a delay! You’re left sweaty, annoyed, and cursing your luck as you wait in a crowded terminal for your flight to take off. It’s a total nightmare! And that’s why booking a hotel airport parking spot nearby is a great idea.
We all know travel isn’t as smooth as all those Instagram posts make it seem. One of the biggest worries is where to leave your car while you’re away. Airport parking lots are expensive and always sold out! And yet, that’s not even close to where the headache ends. When you return from your trip, you may find that your vehicle has numerous nicks, bumps, and dents – even a cracked windshield, if you’re that unlucky. That is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. If only there were a cheaper, easier, safer, and more convenient option to park at the airport, right?
Well, you’ll be glad to know that there’s something better waiting just around the corner – literally! There are plenty of airport hotels with parking lots that are just a stone’s throw away from airports, where you can get cheap and secure parking spots at a fraction of the on-site rates. Hotel airport parking also gives you the freedom to book a room for a few hours, where you can unwind before jetting off.
Can You Leave Your Car at an Airport Hotel?
If you plan to park your car at a nearby airport hotel and head to the terminal, it’s important to ensure that people allow you to do so. The good news is that most airport hotels have parking lots. They usually allow their guests to park there for a certain amount of time. Even if you don’t have a room booked with them, there are ways to park at airport hotels. There are plenty of airport parking booking sites that can help you find a great parking spot.
Reasons to Book a Room and a Parking Spot at an Airport Hotel
Travel can really tire you out
Your body can be put through the wringer during a journey, both during the drive to the airport and during the actual flight. You may cross time zones, have a busy trip schedule, or just be suffering from stress. You don’t need the added hassle of finding airport parking or sleeping at the terminal during flight delays. At an airport hotel, you can avoid rush hour, drive stress-free, park at your leisure, and rest easy in a room until your flight time. This option is most convenient for those red-eye flights that are the bane of every traveler.
Flight delays won’t trouble you anymore
What’s worse than getting to the airport in a rush is getting there and then realizing that your flight’s been delayed! With a hotel airport parking spot and room, you can avoid the anxious wait in the terminal and instead kick back and relax until it’s time to head out. If you’ve seen the movie The Terminal, starring Tom Hanks, you’ll know how it feels to be stuck in an airport while there is a delay of your flight – it feels like an eternity!
Free shuttles around the clock
Airport hotels don’t just provide you with a safe and cozy nook to park your car. They also ensure you get the convenience of free shuttles at the airport, 24/7. An Uber or Lyft ride from downtown or any city to the airport will cost at least $20 and can go up to $100! Why pay an arm and a leg for ride-sharing or taxi service when you can park easily and stretch your legs in a free shuttle bus? Leave your car in good hands while you travel on autopilot!
Parking and room rates are an absolute steal
Onsite parking in certain cities is so costly that the total parking cost might be even higher than your airfare. That beats the entire point of traveling! For example, JFK Airport’s parking will cost you $18/day; LAX Airport will cost you $60/day; while Chicago Midway Airport parking will cost you a whopping $67/day! In contrast, an airport hotel parking spot will cost you no more than $5/day for long-term and short-term parking! What’s more, most of them also offer free cancellations, which is an added advantage.
Things to Do Before Booking Airport Hotel Parking
- Look for great deals – Offsite airport hotel parking can offer several discounts, vouchers, and parking coupons that can cut up to 60% of your on-site parking cost.
- Keep an eye out for package offers – Airport hotels have attractive package deals where you can book a room plus parking at a discounted rate. That way, you nab two birds with one stone!
- Check reviews online – Do a thorough search for the highest–rated off-site lots and see if they offer everything you need, like free shuttles, CCTV, or even car maintenance services.
- Do a quick drive-by – Make a quick visit to the lot to see if you’re satisfied with the facility. The chances are that once you like it, you won’t feel like choosing any other option.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
