Arrival Experience: Finding this hotel on the second level of the terminal is a cinch, and easy access is a life saver after a long flight. Modeled after the Japanese-style pod hotels, these sleeping cabins are both comfortable and efficient for a stay between 4 and 24 hours. Traditionally, hotels are an overnight experience, but Yotel can be booked at any time of day or night for pre-decided blocks of hours. Kiosks handle check-in formalities and accept credit cards for those who prefer to do everything digitally.
Dining: Just outside the entranceway is one of the airport's biggest food courts selling everything from sushi and noodles to pizza and burgers. The reception area sells a variety of drinks and snacks, which can be delivered to the room upon request. At any time, guests are welcome to have complimentary hot beverages including espresso, latte, or tea. Having coffee in the airport could cost several euros, and the hotel's free hot drink menu is an excellent perk for jetlagged flyers.
Accommodations: No inch is left to waste in these compact cabins labeled standard and premium. Standards are about half the size of Premiums (the latter are suitable for couples), but most guests use the cabin to sleep and shower and need little room to move around. The prime feature of the room is the space-saving automatic bed that reclines at the touch of the button making it either a sofa or bed with duvet. Electronic panels by the bed control the air conditioning and lighting functions, perfect for jetlagged travelers that can do everything from their pillow. A window looks onto the hallway, but drawing the privacy shade keeps passersby from peeking inside. A flat-screen cable TV is mounted on the wall, and free wireless Internet is in place for those that need to catch up on work emails. A stool hangs cleverly on the wall, and hangers sit on a hook built into the mirror. Underneath the television screen is a panel providing various types of electrical outlets negating the need for an adaptor. Side tables by the bed are convenient for storing a cell phone or an alarm clock (which can be borrowed from reception). A sliding glass door opens to the bathroom, covered by a privacy curtain, and features a designer sink stocked with eucalyptus-scented toiletries, enormous towels, toilet, and rainfall shower.
Conclusion: The noise level is incredibly low considering this is in the middle of one of Europe's busiest airports, but light sleepers can also grab a pair of free ear plugs from "mission control," Yotel's version of a front desk. The convenience of this hotel option is ideal for those with long layovers. While the airport features free reclining chairs in quiet corners of the terminal, there is no replacement for a few hours of solid shut-eye without irritating overhead announcements every few seconds. Yotel is a more appealing option for those who need not waste time taking an airport shuttle or who prefer not to take the train into town on a short visit.
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