I used to try and save time (and let’s be honest: mostly money) by spending overnight layovers in the airport.
I still like to sleep within the airport, but now I prefer to do my pre- and post-plane snoozing within the comforts of a hotel.
It makes a world of difference on my attitude and outlook.
Don’t believe me? Think back… do you feel a spring in your step when you’ve spent the night huddled on an airport bench?
A real bed and a real shower, plus some real peace and privacy are totally worth the cost, especially as my tolerance for discomfort decreases while my bank account has increased with age.
Especially when you’re coming off of a long or intense trip, or heading into a long or intense trip… getting some quality sleep makes all the difference.
Recently, I found myself with a night-long layover in Mexico City. This little stopover was preceded by a sunny and booze-filled second honeymoon in Belize, and followed by an intense(ly fun) two-week work trip to Peru.
The perfect solution? Making the most of my layover with some serious shut-eye at the Courtyard Marriott Mexico City Airport Hotel.
If you have security or safety concerns, have no fear! The Mexico City Airport Hotel is located within the airport (you don’t even have to set foot outside) and is the ultimate solution for one or even two-night layovers. It is situated conveniently in Terminal 1, but those landing in Terminal 2 can take the Mexico City airport inter-terminal train or the hotel’s free and convenient shuttle.
Once you arrive, check-in is quick and painless, and you’re off to your room! The hotel security is super strict, keeping people from the Mexico City airport from wandering in and loitering around, so you’ll need to wave your room key in order to enter the corridor near the rooms, or to take the elevator.
The rooms are spacious and thoughtfully appointed, some even with sitting rooms. My Mexico City airport hotel bathroom was blessed with a BATHTUB, which is a super rare find anywhere throughout Latin America. My closet was stocked with a robe and slippers – score, always! – and the room had a personalized thermostat system (fairly rare in CDMX).
Oh, the comfort!
When you’re ready for bed (like I was, immediately), you’ll be happy to find a surplus of fluffy pillows, and an extra comfortable mattress.
The 24/7 room service insures that you won’t go hungry, even if you arrive at 11pm at night and your airline has yet again “lost” your special meal reservation (thanks, Copa Airlines). There are ample vegetarian and even vegan options on the menu at the Marriott. If you prefer to do some self-catering, there’s also a nice little mini fridge and wet bar.
To be totally transparent, when I checked in I was already feeling very under-the-weather and awful, as often happens when I spend whole days flying. I even got sick (I’ll cut the euphemisms: I threw up.)
The LAST thing in the world I would have wanted would be to wait out my layover in the airport, even in a lounge. (have you ever thrown up in an airport bathroom? I have – and on an airplane itself, but that’s a story for a different time – and it’s not something you want to repeat.)
Being able to quickly arrive to the hotel, get checked into my room, shower, and SLEEP was beyond words appreciated. Knowing I had my own bathroom to run to in case I needed it? Priceless.
Even if you aren’t feeling sick, be good to yourself. Sleep is SO important, yet weirdly underrated, especially when traveling (here’s some tips for getting better sleep).
The next day, after I’d fully rested up and was feeling better (in my stomach at least), I was able to tackle some work using the hotel’s fast wifi and very remote worker-friendly courtyard.
While I was a complimentary guest of the Courtyard Marriott Mexico City Airport hotel, I was not paid to write this post and all of my opinions remain my own. I loved this hotel and will definitely be using it again for future layovers.
Do you prefer to sleep in a hotel or try to tough it out in the airport if you have an overnight layover?
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
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Thanks! Glad to have helped!