Airport Hotel Watch: The Move Towards Luxury
Much like the majestic Silver Dik-dik, crummy airport hotels are a vulnerable species that must be protected! The Financial Times has a run-down of the race to build more luxe airport lodging. Everyone wants to be the Kempinski Munich Airport, it seems.
"All eyes are on Sofitel Heathrow," a fancy property set to open this summer by Heathrow's Terminal 5. And then we have Starwood raring to take over in cities like Milan and Cairo with new, nicer, airport offerings. Ironic, considering Starwood is responsible for Sheraton, the brand on some of the most hideous hotels anywhere.
We don't have so much of a problem with the T5 hotel--it is London, after all--but there seems to be a dangerous precedent being set here: the seedy airport hotel must be eliminated and something spiffier must take its place everywhere. That this is all anyone wants. Not so!
It is in the dingy digs that you will meet the strangest people, enjoy the stalest cereal, and be kept awake by the roar of jet engines. That's what produces a unique brand of romantic traveler's ennui that just can't be bought at the Kempinski. Don't we all need at least the option of such an experience? Here's to diversity on and around airport grounds!
Related Stories:
· Airport hotels: Top flight names set to establish a new breed [Financial Times]
[Photo: hugovk]
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