For decades, well-traveled businesspeople have stayed in airport hotels, usually for the sake of convenience. But today’s hotels are a league above those of 20, 10, even five years ago. No longer is an airport hotel a last resort as hospitality brands step up the quality and services to equal, and sometimes rival, the 4- to 5-star downtown properties. From sleep tanks to spa facilities to stylish properties, take a look at the following suggestions — what’s new, what’s hot and where to book your next airport hotel stay.

SOMETIMES IT’S ALL about the shut-eye. Step off the plane at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and head to the Yotel in Lounge 2 near Pier D of the main terminal. In minutes, you’ll be in your small but modern cruise-like “cabin” with flexible check-in and check-out times, starting as low as $57. WiFi is free, and cabin service from the to-go menu is available 24/7. Yotel is also located at London Heathrow and Gatwick, requiring passage through security but still a great deal for sleep-deprived travelers.

Early this summer, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport debuted the airport’s first Minute Suites at Terminal D near Gate D23, with a second center planned in Terminal A. It’s what the doctor ordered, with a hotel staff made up of physicians and health care professionals. Nine private but tiny (7 feet by 8 feet) sleep suites offer ticketed passengers a quick snooze with daybed sofas, WiFi, television, noise neutralizers and two shower facilities. The price tag is an affordable $34 for a one-hour minimum stay; additional time is billed in 15-minute increments, with an overnight rate of $125. DFW joins two other U.S. airports, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International and Philadelphia International, in offering Minute Suites.

DALLAS/FORT WORTH also caters to the more sophisticated traveler in need of rest or a quick break with two airport hotels: Grand Hyatt DFW and Hyatt Regency Dallas. Separated by a runway, both offer spectacular views from their rooftop pools. The Grand Hyatt is inside the airport at the International Terminal D entrance, accessible via SkyLink or Terminal Link. It’s a quick escape for travelers searching for accommodations, restaurants or day passes to the gym, pool, sauna and showers. The bulk of business for the Hyatt Regency is fly-in/fly-out meetings for those avoiding downtown distractions.

The Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport has been a staple for more than two decades. Located across from Terminal 2, passengers can purchase gym memberships or pay just $15 for a day pass to the lap pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. The on-site Gaslight Club even offers live music. From your room overlooking the airport, you’ll be counting planes until you fall asleep.

A pair of hotels at Germany’s Frankfurt Airport offer direct pedestrian access via a skywalk at Terminal 1. The Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel has day rates ($150), while the Hilton offers a park-and-fly offer for up to eight days. Both hotels are so close to the airport passengers in transit can take a break from airport food and traffic. In addition, the hotels are only 15 minutes from downtown Frankfurt, with convenient access to regional train systems and motorways.

Hong Kong’s Regal Airport Hotel continually wins awards for the world’s best airport hotel. A climate-controlled bridge directly connects the hotel to the airport passenger terminal. A bounty of 1,200 spacious guestrooms, six restaurants (from sushi to seafood to Argentinean beef), bars, in-house conference and meeting facilities, a spa and both indoor and outdoor pools are at your beck and call. You’ll feel miles away from the airport, yet you’re minutes from checking in for your flight.

Asian airports continue to re-imagine their image, including Singapore’s Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. Steps from Terminal 3, you’ll be transmitted through a futuristic walkway into the ultramodern hotel with a rooftop pool, a free movie theater and public gardens.

Located near the airport’s high-speed rail line entrance to central Bangkok, the Hotel Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is the innovator of flexible check-in. Arrive at any time and stay for 24 hours. Airport passengers are also welcome to dine in one of its restaurants or swim in the outdoor pool.

No need to leave security when checking into the Dubai International Hotel located in Concourse C of Terminal 1 and concourses A and B of Terminal 3. This is not just another airport hotel but a luxury 5-star Dubai hotel. Catch up on paperwork at its three fully equipped business centers. Dining is an adventure with 15 restaurants and bars ranging from the relaxed McGettigan’s Irish pub in Terminal 1 to the elegant French restaurant Obergine at Gate 228 in Concourse B. Dubai airport hotels offer travelers hourly or daily passes or overnight accommodations, as well as spa services.

TALK ABOUT a room with a view. When you land at London Heathrow, you can sleep in style at the Sofitel London Heathrow in Terminal 5. You’ll welcome its comfortable beds and quiet guestrooms, but when you open your curtains in the morning and watch an Airbus A380 float noiselessly down to land, your stay will be priceless. Frequent travelers also gather at the on-site French restaurant La Belle Époque.

Sofitel London Heathrow © Sofitel London Heathrow

Adjacent to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, the reasonably priced Marroad International Hotel Narita is the aviation enthusiast’s dream come true. The package guarantees a room located 500 feet from the end of the runway with a window that opens completely. Dine at the top-floor restaurant while watching jumbo jets take off and land. Additional perks include free shuttle and 14 days of free parking for hotel guests.

NEED A REFRESHING and stylish retreat? Sheraton’s inventory has historically included airport hotels, with around 50 in its global portfolio, including the stunning Sheraton Milan Malpensa in Terminal 1. Other fantastic airport hotels are the Sheraton Hartford Hotel at Bradley Airport in Connecticut and the Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel. All are directly connected to the airports. Travelers appreciate Sheraton’s perks — free WiFi, the 24/7 Club Lounge and fitness centers. Sheraton airport hotels also offer day rates and provide nonguests and transient passengers access to the facilities for a fee.

The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport is one of the top U.S. airport hotels, located in the Edward H. McNamara Terminal. During layovers and downtime, travelers can power up with quick 20-minute workouts at the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio. Hotel guests also gain priority access through a dedicated security line.

The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport’s WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio © Westin

Take a break at the Kempinski Hotel Airport Munich, located between terminals 1 and 2. Within minutes, weary travelers with an early or connecting flight can unwind in its Day Use Room for about $200, and soundproof windows and blackout curtains guarantee sweet dreams. For those with even less time, the Fit & Fly Spa tickets start at about $27 for two hours.

The LEED-certified Element Miami International Airport takes hotel retreats beyond traditional, focusing on balance while traveling. Take a turn on the pedal-powered charging station and burn off calories while powering up your personal electronic devices.

Within two minutes, jet-lagged passengers can recharge at the Hilton Copenhagen Airport’s Thai-style Ni’mat Spa. The pool and sauna are impressive, but the meditative silence with the relaxation egg, a large, vibrating pod, is said to cure jet lag. Day rates are available, and many guestrooms also offer views of the runways.

Travelers weary of sitting on a plane can stretch out those legs on the treadmill at Montréal Airport Marriott while watching airplanes take off at Trudeau International Airport.

HERE’S A TOAST to downtime! Radisson airport hotels are scattered throughout the world, but perhaps the most impressive experience for travelers is the Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport, with its lobby built around the five-story Wine Tower Bar displaying more than 4,000 vintages. Connected to the airport via a walkway, your stay here includes fine dining and wine as well as deluxe amenities such as complimentary WiFi and coffee and tea provisions.

For brew connoisseurs, the Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport is worth a mention as the original “L.A. beer hotel.” You will need to board a free five-minute airport shuttle to the hotel, but once on site, you’ll be rewarded with a list of beers chosen by the Beer Advisory Board. Dining is also a treat with beer pairings, such as Stone Smoked Porter with smoked salmon, and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout with chocolate-covered strawberries.