The World's Best Airports and Airport Hotels

Like most people, I book my flights based on the three Cs: cost, connections, and convenience. But when I have a choice in airports and in airport hotels, I find Skytrax World Airport Awards helpful. Their list of 2016 winners rates Singapore Changi Airport as number one in the world as well as the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport hotel as the best airport lodging.

To come up with their list of the top 100 airports and top 10 airport hotels worldwide as well as airport hotels in various regions, Skytrax analyzes 13.25 million airport survey questionnaires completed by 106 different nationalities of airline customers.

Top 10 Airports Worldwide

1. Singapore Changi

2. Incheon International Airport, South Korea

3. Munich Airport

4. Tokyo International Haneda (also voted world’s cleanest airport)

5. Hong Kong International Airport

6. Centrair Airport, Japan

7. Zurich Airport

8. London Heathrow (voted best airport for shopping)

9. Kansai International Airport, Japan (voted best in baggage delivery)

10. Doha Hamad Airport

Airport Hotels

When you arrive at a connection late and board another plane early the next morning, it makes sense to book an airport hotel. Forget the sightseeing—just relax, eat, and sleep.

I’ve stayed at the Sofitel Heathrow, No. 5 on the Skytrax rating of the world’s best airport hotels. Sofitel provides direct access to London Heathrow’s T5 terminal, especially convenient if you’re flying British Air. With soundproof windows, soothing aromas, a spa and two restaurants, the hotel feels like a destination instead of a layover. The rooms, unless you upgrade, are on the small side and the restaurants are pricey. However, if you want to treat yourself to some good food, try the hotel’s La Belle Epoque, billed as Heathrow’s only fine dining restaurant.

Top 10 World’s Best Airport Hotels

1. Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Singapore

2. Regal Airport Hong Kong

3. Pullman Guangzhou Airport, China

4. Hilton Munich Airport

5. Sofitel Heathrow

6. Langham Place Beijing

7. Hilton Frankfurt Airport

8. Mövenpick Hotel at Bahrain International Airport

9. Fairmont Vancouver Airport

10. Grand Hyatt Dallas Fort Worth

Top Two Airport Hotels by Region

Africa

• InterContinental, at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg

• Hotel Verde, Capetown

Asia

• Crowne Plaza Singapore

• Regal Airport Hong Kong

Australia/ Pacific

• Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport

• Novotel Brisbane Airport

China

• Pullman Guangzhou Airport

• Langham Place Beijing

Europe

• Hilton Munich Airport

• Sofitel London Heathrow

Middle East

• Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

• Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel

North America

• Fairmont Vancouver Airport

• Grand Hyatt Dallas Fort Worth

South America

• Marriott Sao Paulo Airport

• Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima

What are your favorite airports and airport hotels? When you stay at an airport hotel, do you spring for luxury, or pick the cheapest rate? Comment below, or connect with me on Twitter, @familyitrips.