For travelers navigating long layovers, delayed flights, or early departures, airport hotels offer a necessary refuge—but not all are created equal. A new 2025 study by HolidayCheck, examining 135 hotels across the 30 busiest airports in Europe, reveals a clear divide between value-for-money airport hotels in Eastern Europe and overpriced, underwhelming options in major Western hubs.
While the perception of airport hotels has shifted—from functional stopovers to comfort-driven sanctuaries—Europe’s regional disparities in room pricing, size, and guest satisfaction remain stark. For travelers seeking comfort without breaking the bank, Eastern Europe offers the best experience, with Warsaw, Bucharest, and Budapest leading the pack.
Eastern Europe: The Smart Traveler’s Airport Stay Choice
For budget-conscious travelers, Eastern Europe shines as a value-rich alternative to its Western counterparts. Cities like Warsaw (Poland), Bucharest (Romania), and Budapest (Hungary) offer airport hotels that consistently earn high guest satisfaction scores while maintaining competitive nightly rates.
- Warsaw Chopin Airport (Poland)
- Average nightly rate: €98
- Guest rating: 5.1 stars
- Known for cleanliness, spacious rooms, and easy access to the terminal, Warsaw’s airport hotels top the charts for affordability and guest comfort.
- Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (Romania)
- Average nightly rate: €116
- Guest rating: 4.8 stars
- These hotels score well for customer service and efficiency, offering excellent value within minutes of Romania’s busiest airport.
- Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (Hungary)
- Average nightly rate: €108
- Guest rating: 5.2 stars
- With modern amenities and stylish interiors, Budapest’s airport accommodations are consistently praised for quality and quietness.
Spain’s Alicante: A Hidden Gem Outside Eastern Europe
While not geographically Eastern European, Alicante Airport (Spain) deserves a special mention for its exceptional value:
- Average nightly rate: $78
- Guest rating: 4.78 stars
Ideal for shopping getaways and short stays, Alicante’s airport hotels offer pleasant, affordable accommodations—particularly appealing for travelers on a budget or those looking for short-haul coastal escapes.
Germany and Northern Italy Lead the Premium Segment
On the luxury end of the spectrum, Germany and Northern Italy dominate with upscale airport hotel experiences—but at a significantly higher price point.
- Munich Airport (Germany)
- Average nightly rate: €228
- Guest rating: 5.5 stars
- Room size: 27 m² average
- Known for spacious rooms and superior service, Munich tops the list for premium airport stays. Business travelers especially appreciate the hotel options available within or adjacent to the terminal.
- Düsseldorf Airport (Germany)
- Average nightly rate: €165
- Guest rating: 5.3 stars
- Frankfurt Airport (Germany)
- Average nightly rate: €135
- Guest rating: 5.05 stars
- Frankfurt’s airport hotels offer a balanced mix of quality and accessibility, making them a reliable mid-range option.
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Italy)
- Average nightly rate: €116
- Guest rating: 5.55 stars
- Luxurious rooms, modern design, and easy transit options help Malpensa lead among Italy’s busiest airports.
- Bergamo Airport (Italy)
- Average nightly rate: €130
- Guest rating: 5.47 stars
These locations deliver top-tier services and generous room sizes, ideal for travelers prioritizing comfort, space, and convenience.
Overpriced and Underperforming: Major Cities That Disappoint
In stark contrast to their Eastern European counterparts, several Western European airport hotels underwhelm both in price and quality.
- Rome Fiumicino Airport (Italy)
- Average nightly rate: €293
- Guest rating: 4.17 stars
- Despite its global status, Rome’s airport accommodations fall short in guest satisfaction while demanding top-tier pricing.
- Dublin Airport (Ireland) and Barcelona El Prat Airport (Spain) also underperform, with low rankings in room comfort and service, paired with inflated rates.
- Palma de Mallorca Airport (Spain)
- Average room size: 14.2 m²
- Cramped spaces and lackluster amenities contribute to Palma’s position as one of Europe’s least value-driven airport hotel destinations.
Athens: Europe’s Most Expensive Airport Stay
At Athens International Airport, the most expensive airport hotel in Europe clocks in at a staggering €433 per nightfor a five-star property:
- Room size: 28 m²
- Guest rating: 5.4 stars
While the rooms are well-rated and spacious, travelers would get five nights in Alicante for the same price, making Athens a poor choice for those seeking value. The hotel is undeniably luxurious, but simply not competitive with better-rated and more reasonably priced alternatives elsewhere in Europe.
Europe’s Airport Hotels in 2025: A Mixed Bag with Clear Standouts
According to HolidayCheck’s comprehensive 2025 analysis, the average airport hotel rating across Europe stands at 4.91 stars, with rising trends in service quality and comfort. However, savvy travelers are wise to look beyond major hubs if they’re seeking the best deals.
Eastern Europe leads the value category, offering high-quality accommodations at wallet-friendly rates. For those seeking luxury, Germany and Northern Italy deliver top-of-the-line experiences, albeit at a cost. Meanwhile, larger cities like Rome and Athens fall behind due to disproportionate pricing and underwhelming service.
Conclusion: Choose Smart, Rest Better
As European travel surges in 2025, choosing the right airport hotel can greatly enhance your journey. Whether you’re laying over for a few hours or planning an overnight stay, Eastern Europe remains your best bet for quality and affordability. By leveraging guest ratings, room size, and price comparisons, travelers can find excellent stays without compromising comfort or budget.
So, before your next flight, consider skipping the crowded hubs—and instead, sleep smarter at Europe’s best-value airport hotels.
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