Crowne Plaza Changi Airport has just been announced as the world's best airport hotel at the 2015 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
Hotels are judged on 12 criteria including hotel service staff standards, cleanliness, room comfort and accessibility between terminal and hotel.
"The awards recognise those hotels that combine convenience, comfort and top quality service as an integrated package for today's travellers, and the Crowne Plaza Singapore Changi Airport was a high performer in all of these categories to win the World's Best Airport Hotel title this year," says CEO of Skytrax Edward Plaisted.
As voted by 1.56 million nominations across 56 nationalities, the prestigious annual accolades are regarded as a global benchmark of airport excellence.
Here are the top 10 hotels that made the cut and why they have our tick of approval.
1. Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Alongside soundproofed rooms, a landscaped pool area, courtyard gardens, intimate bar and contemporary restaurants, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport offers a seamless and direct connection to Terminal 3 by link bridge. It's also the first hotel in the immediate airport vicinity.
"We consistently aim higher and strive hard on improving our guest experience. This award is recognition of our team's commitment to create a great hotel that guests love. We look forward to holding on to this prestigious honour, not just for this year, but for the years to come," says Sunshine Wong general manager of Crowne Plaza Changi Airport.
2. Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong
Bliss out at the Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong (credit: Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong)
Sure, the Regal Airport Hotel Hong Kong has all the makings of a good airport hotel – clean and comfortable rooms, dining options galore and easy terminal access – but we think there's a pretty good reason why this hotel has claimed the number two position on the list and that's OM Spa.
Not only is OM Spa the first of its kind in Hong Kong that offers an alfresco treatment area for couples, but guests don't have to venture far, if at all, between their room and treatment. That's right; you can refresh and relax in the comfort of your own spa room. Simply float from massage table, to hot tub, to bed. Say it with me: ohhhmmm...
3. Hilton Munich Airport
Bask in the sunset glow beneath the atrium at Hilton Munich Airport (credit: Hilton)
Leave the fluorescent lighting, airport announcements and hustle and bustle of Munich Airport behind as you step inside Hilton Munich Airport Hotel's striking glass atrium.
You can bide your time between departures in a contemporary room with views over the city, savour regional dishes in Charles Lindbergh restaurant, unwind in the heated indoor pool and say "prost" to your onward journey at the Nightflight bar.
4. Pullman Guangzhou Airport
Light-filled rooms at the Pullman Guangzhou Airport (credit: Pullman Hotels)
Time yourself – Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Hotel is just 30 seconds from Gate 13. This 5-star hotel is a destination in itself with ultra-plush rooms and suites (with free Wi-Fi and in-room yoga), an outdoor pool, fitness centre and even a tennis court.
Once you've worked up an appetite, you can choose from Cantonese delicacies at Tian Yuan Restaurant, put your hand-eye coordination to the test at Rin Teppanyaki or make the most of the 24-hour U8 Action Cuisine restaurant. For a pre-flight tipple, pull up at a seat at Societe Lounge & Bar.
5. Sofitel London Heathrow
Fine fare at Sofitel London Heathrow (credit: Sofitel)
The Sofitel London Heathrow takes luxury to a whole new level in one of the world's busiest hubs. You'll feel worlds away in deluxe guest rooms, yet only minutes from Terminal 5 (by walkway and free inter-terminal transfers).
Personalised, attentive service is complemented by a staggering number of facilities in a sophisticated setting, including a champagne bar and wellness retreat. Plus, with a tea salon and gourmet French restaurant, La Belle Epoque, onsite dining rivals some of London's best establishments.
6. Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel
The North Shore Mountains backdrop at Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel (credit: Fairmont Hotels)
The Fairmont brings its coveted brand of first-class hospitality to the gates of Vancouver International Airport; in fact, the hotel is merely a two-minute stroll from the luggage carousels.
Stunning floor-to-ceiling views feature in each soundproofed guest room, or layover guests have the option of booking a day room in the hotel's Quiet Zone for up to eight hours between 8am and 8pm.
Additionally, there is an indoor pool, health club and spa, and no shortage of dining options at your fingertips. You'll forget why you're even there.
7. Hilton Frankfurt Airport Hotel
Modern luxury at Hilton Frankfurt Airport Hotel (credit: Hilton)
At the Hilton Frankfurt Airport Hotel it's all about location, location, location. The stylish hotel is found in the city's iconic The Squaire, which connects to Terminal 1 via skywalk and sits directly above the InterCity Express (ICE) railway station.
And as for the best ways to keep occupied until your next flight? Work your way through the cocktail list at The FIFTH Lounge & Bar, unwind in the sauna and enjoy a side of sweeping views with your meal at all-day restaurant, RISE. The hotel is also perfect for transiting corporate guests with its 24-hour business centre and 10 conference rooms.
8. Novotel Citygate Hong Kong
Make a splash between flights at Novotel Citygate Hong Kong (credit: Novotel)
Get the best of both worlds at Novotel Citygate Hong Kong. The hotel is just five minutes from the airport and AsiaWorld Expo, and close to plenty of city attractions; Citygate outlet shopping and Ngong Ping Cable Car are at the doorstep.
Rooms here are comfortable and clean and offer a peaceful place to get some ZZZs before your next flight. There's plenty on offer for the whole family with specialty family rooms, an outdoor pool and play areas; that is, if you and the kids haven't taken advantage of the fact that the hotel is just two MTR stops from Hong Kong Disneyland.
9. Langham Place Beijing
Frazzled to fab at Langham Place Beijing (credit: Langham)
Expect all the hallmarks of the Langham brand of service at Langham Place Beijing. There are 372 stylish rooms and suites all featuring the latest mod-cons for a comfortable stay, taking you from "frazzled to fab" as soon as you step into your room.
A collection of contemporary restaurants serve the finest fare, from Cantonese and Shandong cuisine at famed Ming Court restaurant to "buffet-licious" spreads at The Place. Get the heart racing at the Cardio Studio, or enjoy a different type of cardio as you shop up a storm in the city centre, which is just 15 minutes away by Express Train.
10. Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain
From lagoon to lagoon pool at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain (credit: Movenpick Hotels)
Contemporary design expertly blends with Arabian traditions and Swiss hospitality at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. Though the hotel stands opposite Bahrain International Airport, it also offers spectacular views of the lagoon on Muharraq Island.
Never mind that in-flight meal you had earlier, three restaurants and a bar onsite serve a tantalising array of international and local cuisine. Theme nights, live entertainment and open kitchens add to the culinary flair.
You can also relax and rejuvenate during your stay at Rimal Spa, a deluxe sanctuary with 12 treatment rooms and two traditional Turkish hammam suites. Ahh bliss.
