Nap Between Flights with Minute Suites

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Small suites, or pods, at airports across the globe, can help you get much-needed rest between flights. I stayed at Minute Suites. Read on for the review. 

I had read about the small suites (also called pods) available at airports across the globe, each designed to give travelers a spot to work or nap between flights if they didn’t have a chance on plane to sleep, but I had never tried one. I recently checked one out at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) when I booked a 90-minute stay at Minute Suites. I’m sold on the idea, and they can expect to see me back.



Note: This article was originally published in 2014. I updated with current information in January 2024. Since that first visit in 2014, I have stayed at Minute Suites multiple times in various airports and find each one to be a great experience. If you have Priority Pass, you can stay one hour for free and two hours for only $34.00.

PHL Interior

Inside a suite at Minute Suites, PHL. Photo courtesy Minute Suites, LLC

This new “pod” hotel concept is perfect for long travel days. I left my Miami Beach hotel at 4:30 a.m. and arrived at PHL around 10:30 a.m. My flight out of PHL wasn’t until 2 p.m., and I was exhausted. All I wanted was a quick nap, but I kept telling myself it wasn’t that long. I walked past Minute Suites, then turned around and returned to the front desk. A private suite where I could rest for a couple of hours? Sounded perfect. Turns out, it was perfect.

What is Minute Suites?

Workstation at PHL

The workstation in the PHL Minute Suites. Photo courtesy Minute Suites, LLC


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Minute Suites started at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), expanded to PHL a couple later, followed by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Since I first visited, there are 15 locations at nine airports with a new location opening soon in Newark.



At the time of my initial visit, the PHL location offers 13 private suites, each 7′ x 8′ in size. Inside each suite, you’ll find these amenities:

  • Room temperature controls
  • Sound-masking system (basically white noise that blocks out all outside noise)
  • NAP26™ audio program that’s designed to enhance sleep
  • Hot towel service if you request it
  • Daybed sofa with pullout bed if needed (so a couple could share the same suite)
  • Fresh blankets and pillow coverings (with pillows)
  • DirecTV on a 32″ HDTV that can also be used as a computer monitor
  • Wireless keyboard and mouse pad
  • Free High-Speed Internet (wifi)
  • Electrical outlets for recharging
  • Dimming lights
  • Alarm clock
  • Optional wake-up knock
Back hallway at PHL

Back hallway at PHL. Photo courtesy Minute Suites, LLC

I was impressed at how fast and efficient the young lady was at the front desk. She asked how long I wanted to stay, quoted me the price, took my credit card information, and ushered me back to a room or pod within just a few minutes. It was a quiet time, and I believe only a few other rooms were occupied. She walked me to the back hallway, which she explained in hushed tones would be the most quiet. She quickly explained a few things about the room and asked if I wanted to arrange for a wake-up knock at the door. I declined the knock, thanked her, closed the door, locked it, and realized it was a great feeling to know I could sleep without the usual airport worry of watching my belongings. I can see why Minute Suites says these are especially popular with female travelers.



Note: While all suites are same size at most airports, DFW Terminal D does offer two premier suites. The Lone Star and the larger Alamo. The daybed sofa and trundle in the Alamo suite are larger than in other suites. The Lone Star can accommodate one cot, while the Alamo can fit two cots. You can also combine the Yellow Rose and Bluebonnet suites at DFW Terminal D, which have a connecting door, making them ideal for families. Prices are higher for the larger suites and you would pay for two suites for the adjoining rooms.

I couldn’t have been happier with my time at Minute Suites. I plugged in my phone, set my alarm, turned off the lights, and promptly fell asleep in the darkened room. I woke up about 20 minutes before I planned to leave, so I had time to log in and check my email before heading to the gate. It was amazing what that short nap did for me. I felt refreshed and ready to get on with my day.

Note: Restrooms are inside the Minute Suites facility at ATL, CLT, DTW, DFW, JFK, and PHL. Showers are also available in ATL B24, CLT locations, DFW Terminal D, DTW, JFK, and PHL.

One of the unique aspects of the PHL Minute Suites is the relationship they have established with a local tourism school. The location is staffed with Temple University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management students. Unlike most unpaid internships, the students at Minute Suites earn a salary while they have a chance to work in their industry. I found the young lady at the PHL facility to be extremely polite and professional.

How Much Does It Cost?

Bathroom at DFW Minute Suites

Bathroom at DFW Minute Suites. Photo by Minute Suites, LLC

The cost structure is straightforward and, compared to the cost of an airport hotel, I believe it is quite reasonable. There is a minimum one-hour stay for $55. After that, you pay in 15-minute increments for $13.75. There is an extended rate for an 8-hour stay or overnight after 9 p.m. for $175. The company also offers pilots, airline employees, and military discounts. You can make reservations online, but if you have special requests or want to book with one of the discounts, you can call ahead at the numbers below. If you’re in one of the airports offering showers, you can simply book a shower without a stay for $30 or a shower with your suite rental for $20. Considering how much better I felt after the nap, it was well worth it. This is a great way to fight jet lag.

Minute Suites Locations

Minute Suites are currently located at multiple airports across the country:

I recommend trying Minute Suites if you have work you need to do or need a place to refresh and reenergize during your travels. As much as we have to endure on planes these days, where even my 5’2″ body barely fits in the seats, it helps the overall travel experience to have a place to regroup.



Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

Founder and publisher Susan Lanier-Graham has traveled the world for the past twenty years, filling a passport or two along the way. She has wandered through the jungles of Thailand, explored the mysteries of the Great Pyramids, and shared the night with a leopard in Zambia. She sailed in the Mediterranean, sipped her way through Burgundy canals and Champagne caves. She followed Rembrandt’s footsteps through Amsterdam. Susan found her center on the red rocks of Sedona and soaked up an exquisite sunset over the Indian Ocean in Bali. Susan is always looking for wow moments around the world or across the street to share with adventure lovers everywhere. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles. Susan is an award-winning travel writer and member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). She is a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS). Susan is also the managing editor of North Peoria Lifestyle, a print lifestyle publication in the Phoenix, Arizona, area. Susan's work regularly appears in print and online in a variety of publications. These include various AAA publications, Postcards for Travel Leaders, Alamo.com, Hotels.com, Fairmont.com, Sofitel.com, Paradise Valley City Lifestyle, Scottsdale City Lifestyle, So Scottsdale, Green Living AZ, Modern Luxury, Marriott.com, WHERE Arizona, WHERE Traveler Phoenix + Scottsdale, and more.

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2 Comments

    • Susan Lanier-Graham

      I totally agree. I know there are a couple of other companies, so I’m going to check them out. It was amazing how much better it made my trip to have that rest in the middle.

      Reply

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