Hotels at Amsterdam Airport

Choosing a hotel at Schiphol is a strategic decision that depends on your itinerary. Do you have a short layover without leaving the transit area? An early morning flight? Or do you need a base of operations to explore the country? Here, we analyze the best options for every type of traveler, based on convenience, service, and real user experiences.

 

 

Quick Questions about Accommodation at Schiphol

  • Are there hotels INSIDE the transit area? Yes, YOTELAIR and Mercure are located past security. They are perfect for layovers, as you don't need to go through immigration.
  • Which ones can I walk to? The Sheraton (direct access), CitizenM, and Hilton (connected by a walkway). They are the most convenient if you don't want to rely on a shuttle.
  • Is the "free shuttle" always reliable? Not always. Although many hotels offer it, the schedules can be limited at night. Always check the shuttle's frequency before booking.
  • What's the best for business travelers? The Sheraton and the Hilton offer the best services, with co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and soundproofed rooms.
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Critical Points: How to Choose Your Hotel Strategically

1. Airside (Transit) Hotels vs. Landside (Public Area) Hotels

User Experience: The biggest confusion is not knowing which hotel to choose for a layover. If your layover is short or overnight and you don't plan to leave the airport, YOTELAIR or Mercure are your only options. Booking an outside hotel would require you to go through immigration and security twice.

Strategy:

  • For layovers of 4 to 8 hours: Book a cabin at YOTELAIR by the hour. It's more expensive, but the convenience of resting without leaving the transit area is priceless.
  • For early morning flights or late arrivals: Choose a landside hotel with a 24h shuttle or one of the hotels within walking distance (Sheraton, CitizenM).

2. The Myth of the 24/7 "Free Shuttle"

User Experience: Many travelers book a hotel with a "free shuttle" only to discover upon arriving late at night that the service doesn't operate between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM, forcing them to pay for an expensive taxi. Also, during peak hours, the shuttles fill up, and you might have to wait for the next one.

Strategy: Before booking, go to the hotel's website and look for the "Transport" or "Shuttle" section. Check the frequency and, most importantly, the operating hours. If your flight arrives outside that window, the "free shuttle" will be useless to you.

Hotels Inside the Terminal (Airside / Transit Area)

Strategy: Only for passengers with a valid boarding pass for a connecting flight. You cannot access them from the public area.

  • YOTELAIR Amsterdam Schiphol: Located in Lounge 2. Its Japanese-style cabins are perfect for sleeping for a few hours. They can be booked for a minimum of 4 hours. Highly praised for its practicality.
  • Mercure Hotel Schiphol Terminal: Located in Lounge 3. Offers rooms for day and night use, and you can also pay just for shower access.

Hotels within Walking Distance of the Airport (Public Area)

Strategy: The most convenient option if you want to be close to the terminal without relying on a shuttle.

  • Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: The most convenient, with a direct covered walkway to Schiphol Plaza. Ideal for business travelers due to its excellent work facilities.
  • CitizenM Schiphol: A 5-minute walk away. Famous for its modern design, XL beds, and fully automated check-in and check-out process.
  • Hilton Amsterdam Airport: Connected by a covered walkway. It stands out for its impressive atrium, luxury design, and spa.

Hotels with Free Shuttle (10-15 minutes away)

Strategy: They offer the best value for money, but always remember to check the shuttle schedules.

  • NH Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: Very popular among travelers for its comprehensive facilities, including a gym and pool.
  • Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport: One of the largest, with several restaurants and a very frequent shuttle service during the day.
  • Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport: Praised for its spacious rooms and good breakfast. A solid choice for families and remote work.
  • Park Inn by Radisson / Radisson Blu: More of an executive style, well-equipped for meetings and with 24-hour gyms.

What Do Travelers Think?

  • YOTELAIR is consistently praised for its incredible convenience for overnight layovers, avoiding the need for a visa or going through immigration.
  • Sheraton and CitizenM lead the recommendations for their unbeatable proximity and comfort, eliminating transport stress.
  • A common complaint about the transit hotels is their high price relative to the small size of the rooms.
  • The free shuttle service from hotels like Ibis, Hyatt, and NH is highly valued, but several users warn about the lack of service in the middle of the night.

Final recommendation: Book as far in advance as possible, especially if you are traveling during high season. The hotels within walking distance and those in the transit area are the first to sell out.

Information on Flyschiphol.com is based on external sources/experiences for traveler assistance; it may change and should be verified. This is NOT the official website of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and is not sponsored, endorsed, associated or affiliated with the Official Authority in charge of managing and operating the airport.