Hotel review: Aerotel Sydney, Sydney Airport International Terminal, T1

Aerotel can be booked for blocks of three-hour, six-hour and overnight stays.

CHECK-IN

Sydney Airport's first transit hotel is all about convenience. It's a place for passengers seeking to beat unpredictable morning traffic and make an early flight (whether coming from Sydney or elsewhere), for people with a long wait between international and domestic connections, or any traveller who needs a few hours respite and a freshen up.

It can be booked for blocks of three-hour, six-hour and overnight stays, with flexible check-in and checkout times and is essentially priced according to the time the room is used. The Aerotel chain has 10 hotels around the world and is owned by worldwide lounge operator, Plaza Premium. Its Sydney hotel is tucked next to Arrivals B in the international arrivals hall.

Aerotel's rooms are cabin-style, with no windows or extraneous furnishings, but plenty of storage options.

THE LOOK

A small reception desk, pendant light and banquette upholstered in olive green give the Aerotel's simply lobby a bright, youthful appeal without being polarising or likely to date too quickly. It is warmly lit, its welcome glow a respite from the bright white of the airport proper. Everything is uncluttered, muted and calm – just how a frazzled traveller needs the outside world to be.

THE ROOM

The hotel adjoins a fresh new Plaza Premium Lounge which hotel guests can access for $25.

As with most airport transit hotels, the rooms are cabin-style: no windows or extraneous furnishings such as chairs and tables; just a bed taking up most of the room space – rest, after all, being the main game here. I find the bed hard; but a pillow under my knees helps me get to sleep. Other than that, everything is comfortable and convenient.

The bathroom, with finger tiles and brushed brass tapware worthy of The Block is thematically sized – small – but very functional, immaculately clean and with good water pressure.

A shelf near the door is great for dropping the room key, earrings, glasses cases and other ephemera liable to get lost or forgotten. Under the bed, there's room for luggage. Neat pull-out shelves and plenty of plug-in options in the bed structure just below the pillows are well thought out and convenient.

Heck, the loo roll holder is even one of those nifty ones with a mobile phone shelf atop.

FOOD + DRINK

You don't come here for the food but thoughtfully, there's a drinks station in the hallway, with a filtered water fountain (and plastic cups), plus instant coffee and tea bags (ceramic mugs). The hotel adjoins a fresh new Plaza Premium Lounge which hotel guests can access for $25. There's a buffet breakfast on and a coffee machine whirring. To be honest, there may be cheaper and better options elsewhere in the airport but if you're someone who can't function without food after you've slept, it's a pleasant and unrushed option. The lounge is an option for non-hotel guests ($45) such as those arriving either by plane or to the airport land-side who want somewhere to shower, change, eat, or do some work.

OUT + ABOUT

You are one floor below check-in and departures – meaning it is mere minutes from settling your bill to queueing for a boarding pass.

Unlike other transit hotels at which I have stayed, Aerotel has close and easy proximity to the outdoors. It may just be the arrivals plaza but stepping out to get some fresh air and natural light after arriving late from Melbourne and before boarding an early departing long haul is a positive move.

THE VERDICT

If you've got more than just time for a sleep on your hands, the Rydges over the road, usually at least $80 a night more, may be your better option. But for quick turnarounds and super convenience, the Aerotel is a winner.

THE ESSENTIALS

A single room at Aerotel costs $71 for three hours, $99 for six hours and $178 overnight. A double room costs $88 for three hours, $115 for six hours, and $214 overnight. Book ahead if you can – it's popular.

After 11pm entrance is from outside the terminal, opposite the taxi rank. Guests need to ring the bell to let reception know they have arrived. See myaerotel.com

HIGHLIGHT

Products from Australian brand, Appelles Apothecary & Lab are a luxurious touch as is a full-sized hairdryer.

LOWLIGHT

I wasn't here for a sleep-in but the sounds of guests leaving earlier than me were loudly audible from a gap under the door. (An easy fix.)

THE RATING OUT OF FIVE

★★★★

Julietta Jameson was a guest of Plaza Premium.