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.

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?

Minute Suites started at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), expanded to PHL, and then to 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. If you are looking to fly internationally and are still planning your flight and the layovers, I recommend checking out an Emirates promo code to help you get the best flight deals.

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. 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 Minutes Suites 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 its relationship 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 Minutes Suites Cost?

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

The cost structure is straightforward, and compared to the cost of an airport hotel, it is quite reasonable. The minimum one-hour stay is $55. After that, you pay in 15-minute increments for $13.75. The extended rate for an 8-hour or overnight stay after 9 PM is $175. The company also discounts pilots, airline employees, and military personnel.

You can make reservations online, but if you have special requests or want to take advantage of the discounts, you can call ahead using the numbers below. If you’re at an airport with showers, you can 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:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), in Concourse B at Gates B16 and B24 and Concourse E and Concourse F.
• Nashville International Airport across from Gate D3.
• Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) in Concourse C near Gate C3.
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in the Atrium and the D/E Connector.
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Terminal A near Gate A38 and Terminal D near Gate D23.
• Detroit Metropolitan International Airport (DTW) in McNamara Terminal Concourse A near Gate A66.
• George Bush International Airport Houston (IAH) in Terminal C near Gate C14.
• New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Terminal 4 Concourse B near Gate B39.
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in the Terminal Link between the A/B Connector.
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Concourse A near Gate A33.
• Coming soon to Newark Liberty International Airport.

I recommend trying Minute Suites if you have work 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, having a place to regroup helps the overall travel experience.