The well-travelled T+L team has consulted their notebooks from trips past and nominated their favourite airport hotels. Check in and chill out, then arrive with a smile.

Grand Hyatt at SFO, San Francisco, US

For those who never tire of the thrill of flying, the view from the (soundproofed) guestroom’s glass wall is dynamic. Planes are taxiing, departing and arriving at a wondrous rate, and in-room binoculars and a spotter’s guide help the curious identify the various makes of Boeing, Airbus and regional jets. Draw the curtains and the supremely comfortable room is a world of quiet. Grand Hyatt opened just before Covid and is SFO’s only on-site hotel, with its own AirTrain station linking with terminals and car parks within minutes. The hotel’s decor and dining in its Quail & Crane restaurant are inspired by Northern California and the Asia-Pacific region. A 24-hour wellbeing centre helps keep mind and body travel-fit. A surprise is the hotel’s art – mosaics, sculptures, painting and photography, developed with the San Francisco Arts Commission. Day rates offered for micro-stays. — Graham Erbacher

Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel

This is the most convenient accommodation choice to overnight before an overseas flight out of the NSW capital. Grab a trolley, head to the pedestrian crossing, and you’re at the international terminal. Hotel staff will tell you it’s exactly 181 steps to the first rows of check-in desks. So if it takes more than five minutes, then clearly you’re dawdling. Despite its primary function as a short-stay property, the crisp decor is relatively stylish. There’s excellent soundproofing, and on-site facilities include Smithy’s Bar on the ground floor, with beer on tap and a menu of small bites such as burgers, pizzas and pasta dishes. There are 318 guestrooms and suites in tones of royal blue and grey with super-comfy beds and big TVs. The hotel also has a coin-operated laundry, 24-hour gym access, lounge-like lobby area, and deals such as Plane Spotter packages that include binoculars, food and beverage vouchers, and late checkout. — Susan Kurosawa

TWA Hotel, JFK, New York, US

TWA Hotel is an homage to the golden era of flying and it would be a New York City must-stay even if it didn’t offer travellers the convenience of being JFK International Airport’s only on-site hotel. When this smooth white building with outstretched wings opened in 1962 as the head terminal of Trans World Airlines (TWA), it embodied America’s ambitions for air and space travel. Today, that history is preserved in 512 rooms with purist 1960s decor, a bar inside a stationary Lockheed Constellation prop plane, displays of vintage TWA uniforms and everything from playlists and cocktails to menu fonts with a swinging ’60s theme. In addition to overnight stays so close to the runway you can see the pilot’s face, TWA offers Daytripper stays for up to 12 hours. The gym has 14 Peloton bikes, the rooftop infinity pool is open year-round and the giftshop is a whole lot of fun. — Kate Hennessy

Hilton Frankfurt Airport, Germany

Aviation geeks will want to stop in Frankfurt – not to explore the city but to take one of the airport’s two tours (45 minutes or two hours), to peruse the multimedia visitor centre that opened last year or to catch the plane action from the visitors’ terrace (billed as the city’s “most beautiful balcony”, it reopens in March next year). Adjoining the terminal is an easy, luxurious stay. The 249-room Hilton Frankfurt Airport sits within The Squaire, a low-rise “groundscraper” that resembles a glass ark marooned between busy roads. Yet the building is firmly anchored to transport options, sitting above the high-speed ICE train station and offering a pedestrian skywalk into the airport. Wheel into the hotel lobby and be dazzled by the glass-roofed atrium and gleaming surfaces softened by curvaceous sculptural artworks. Higher-level executive rooms and suites grant access to a futuristic lounge offering beehive-shaped seats, breakfast and snacks. — Katrina Lobley

Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Canada

The concept of “airport hotel” can be abused when many are a 10 to 15-minute drive away, but this one is at the heart of things, within the terminal and right above international check-in, a big tick for this ultra-efficient ­airport. Having flown in late from the prairies ahead of my midafternoon departure for British Columbia’s islands the next day, a 2pm check-out is appreciated, allowing me to ­wallow in trademark Fairmont luxury, which includes a health club and spa. The hotel also has bike hire and birdwatching in the airport’s coastal environs, although I prefer plane-spotting from my room, right over the airbridges. Then it’s a lazy brunch in Globe, with a pork and fennel sausage breakfast sandwich and a stonefruit smoothie enlivened with turmeric, before taking the escalator down to grab last-minute gifts of ice wine and maple syrup. Those with only daylight time to kill can book rooms for six or eight hours between 8am and 8pm. — Jeremy Bourke

InterContinental Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport, South Africa

South Africa is being hit by rolling power stoppages, 35 per cent unemployment, and questions about the future of its embattled President Cyril Ramaphosa, but life goes on at the eight-storey ­InterContinental, a mere pedestrian crossing away from the busy airport terminal. This ultra-luxurious hotel with indoor heated pool and boutique spa services is a peaceful haven and could save a long car trip through the shanty towns of Johannesburg’s outer suburbs to stay at other luxury hotels. The breakfast buffet is a winner, with ­Parisian-grade chocolate eclairs and healthy granolas as well as banana pancakes and eggs Benedict, plus takeaway cappuccinos if departure looms. There’s a range of accommodation to choose from, many with rain showers and views across the airport’s vast runways and terminals. Whether you’re flying onwards to go on safari, to Cape Town for beach fun, or home, this is an excellent bolthole. Look out for wonderful staff members, such as Pleasure behind the front desk, who will organise sightseeing trips. — Lisa Allen

Crowne Plaza Singapore Changi 

The bonus extra at this stylish, award-winning option is its instant proximity via an air-bridge to the Jewel multistorey retail mall and entertainment mini-city, including aerial parks, gardens and dramatic Las Vegas-worthy waterfall features. The hotel, in Changi Terminal 3, is almost as multi-layered, with a cool pool and resort-style terrace flanked by sun-loungers, good restaurant, fitness centre and funky atrium lobby to rival any urban boutique property. Guestrooms come in several categories, including runway views for plane-spotters, but book the pool-terrace option for direct swim access. Fit outs are Scandi cool and ensuites bright and well-appointed. A clever day-use plan allows guests to book extra modules of four, six or eight hours to add to an overnight stay, which is perfect for late-night departures. — Susan Kurosawa

Grand Hyatt DFW, Dallas, US

With Qantas just launching direct Melbourne-Dallas Fort Worth flights in addition to its Sydney-DFW service, more Australians will be landing in the world’s fourth busiest airport (counting both domestic and international seats). Those who overnight in the Grand Hyatt, located in International Terminal D, are in for an eye-popping surprise. Some of the soundproof rooms overlook the non-stop runways (ask for an even-numbered room on levels four to eight). With the airport sprawling over almost 7000ha, an area larger than Manhattan, there’s no curfew. If jet lag is keeping sleep at bay in the wee hours, simply pull up a chair to watch the sci-fi-like comings and goings. Much of the action is provided by American Airlines, the world’s largest operator, which is headquartered here. If you’re undeterred by the aroma of aviation fuel, pop up to the rooftop pool. Otherwise, head to the hotel’s Grand Met restaurant to feast on lobster rolls. — Katrina Lobley

Sofitel London Heathrow, Britain

As well as being little more than 20 minutes by train from central London, this airport hotel is set apart by being the only property to provide direct access to Heathrow Terminal 5, via a covered walkway. In this tranquil retreat, a light-filled atrium and Zen garden lead to inviting public areas spanning two restaurants, two bars and a tea salon. Comfortable accommodation ranges from classic rooms to sumptuous Imperial suites, all pairing neutral but warm decor with abundant amenities. Indulge at one of Heathrow’s only fine dining restaurants, La Belle Epoque, showcasing local produce in British and French dishes, or go for more casual plates from the open kitchen of restaurant Vivre. Afternoon tea is served in TEA 5 lounge. French-inspired Le Bar Parisien specialises in Champagne, wine and gin, while Sphere Bar & Lounge offers a gastropub menu in space distinguished by its fireplace and Icelandic decor. — Lauren Hill

Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Thailand

The oasis-like atmosphere of this 612-room property is a tropical surprise. There’s a big pool with splashing fountains, lush gardens, VOUS day spa (the vigorous foot massages are divine), fitness centre, diverse dining outlets (Thai, Japanese, Chinese and buffet-style at The Square) and whisper-quiet guest­rooms. Hop on the 24/7 complimentary shuttle van from the international airport arrivals level for the five-minute transfer, or walk through the underground tunnel. Thoughtful extras include a 24 hours “flexi” service, which gives guests an around-the-clock stay from time of check-in instead of being pinned to a rigid check-out time. The associated Flexi Meal service allows the rate-included buffet breakfast to be adapted to lunch or dinner, depending on preferences. It’s 25 minutes via Airport Rail Link to the city, and the hotel is family-friendly, with no cost for children under 16 to share with accompanying adults. — Susan Kurosawa

Pullman Brisbane Airport

Opened in 2017, Accor’s 132-room, five-star Pullman Brisbane Airport was awarded best airport hotel in the Australia/Pacific region in this year’s Skytrax World Airport Awards, and sixth in the world. Access to and from the international terminal is by AirTrain, shuttle bus or a reasonable walk. The transfer services are regular and efficient and the hotel front desk processes arrivals in what seems like record time. Guestrooms come in four styles, all in muted colours with generous bathroom, huge TV and quality furniture and bedding. Some categories give access to an executive lounge for evening drinks and canapes, but Apron restaurant and bar, overlooking the pool, serves meals with a slant ­towards Queensland seafood, and a fab ­buffet breakfast. It doesn’t feel at all boxed-up, dull and airport-y. There are day-use ­packages 9am-5pm to consider before or ­between flights; for a cheaper stay, fellow Accor hotel Ibis Brisbane Airport is practically next door. — Susan Kurosawa

Atura Adelaide Airport

Directly connected to the domestic and international terminals, this cheery hotel could not be closer to check-in unless it joined the queue. I counted 39 steps from lobby to terminal, but I have short legs. Rising seven storeys, the hotel’s most popular rooms face the runway, offering diverting views of all the aircraft operations and beyond to the Adelaide Hills. Interiors by QT Hotels’ go-to designer Nic Graham have a cool, industrial vibe and lots of natural light. Ducting is exposed in the corridors, lifting the ceiling height; the enormous open-plan lobby comprises a colourful live/work space with restaurant, cafe, bar and ­several quiet zones. The 165 light-filled guest-rooms (with double-glazed windows ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep) feature super comfy beds, pops of yellow and quirky cockatoo-daubed wallpaper in the bathrooms. All have the traveller’s essentials of coffee-pod machine, iron and board, free wi-fi, desk and bedside USB outlets; there’s also a gym and 24-hour reception. — Christine McCabe

Have you stayed in an airport hotel that exceeded expectation? Join us in the comments below.