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- My daughter and I rented a ‘nap room’ in the world’s busiest airport. Our experience was close to perfect. (businessinsider.com)
Atlanta Airport Nap Room Review: A Layover Lifesaver
Layovers. Ugh.
I usually avoid them like the plague, but a friend’s wedding in Fairhope, Alabama, meant a three-hour layover in the bustling behemoth that is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. With 286,000 passengers shuffling through daily, the thought of spending my precious downtime fighting for a charging station amidst a cacophony of gate announcements filled me with dread.
Determined to find an oasis of calm, I stumbled upon Minute Suites: The Traveler’s Retreat. Their motto, “Nap.
Relax. Work.
Sleep and rest in your own private suite,” promised a sanctuary, and I was intrigued.
While my husband opted for the Delta Lounge, my teenage daughter and I ventured to one of the four Minute Suites locations within the airport. Resembling a convenience store at first glance, the real magic lay beyond the checkout counter: a series of private rooms available for $65 an hour (or free for the first hour, then $40 with my Priority Pass membership).
Our suite was simple but well-appointed, featuring a daybed with a trundle, a desk, and a smart TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime access. We were also provided with pillows, disposable pillowcases, and blankets. While I would have preferred the sealed airline blankets, the provided ones were clean and soft.
Once inside, we dimmed the lights, adjusted the thermostat, and cued up some white noise on the in-room Alexa. Thanks to a sound-masking system, the suite was remarkably quiet.
So quiet, in fact, that we both fell into a deep sleep and didn’t hear the attendant’s knock 15 minutes before our time was up. Thankfully, my phone alarm saved us from overstaying.
Overall, our Minute Suites experience was a resounding success. While a mini-fridge and a more reliable wake-up call would have been nice touches, these were minor quibbles. The suite provided a much-needed respite from the airport chaos, and I left feeling refreshed and ready for my connecting flight.
While the regular price tag of $65 an hour might give me pause, the discounted Priority Pass rate makes it a worthwhile investment for future layovers. I wouldn’t hesitate to book again, perhaps even trying an overnight stay next time.