Monday, September 17, 2012

Nap Time on Your Next Layover (or Delay)



I was traveling to visit family/friends on Labor Day weekend and I had a 3 hour layover in Atlanta and I was a bit tired.  When I got to ATL, I posted on Facebook saying something along the lines of "How come they don't have nap pods in the airport yet?!"

Then I said to myself, I should do a quick search to make sure that statement is correct and much to my surprise, it was not correct.  There was in fact a place to take a nap and it was only one concourse over from where I was.  I had to go check it out!

I have always thought airports and lots of other places should offer nap/relaxation rooms.  And the odd thing is that I am not really a nap person.  I can't sleep on demand, especially if I know I'm under a time constraint, but I love the concept and it's something I have been thinking about for years. 

There are two such places at US airports.  One is in the Atlanta airport, the other is at the Philadelphia airport.  In ATL, just head towards gate B15.  In Philadelphia, head towards the terminal A-B link. 

I was at Concourse C in ATL and I immediately headed down the escalator to hit the walkway over to Concourse B toward gate B15.  When I arrived I was pretty excited.  It was like seeing my vision become a reality right before my eyes! 

Minute Suites in the Atlanta Airport
I took a few pictures sitting down across from the Minute Suites and debated on actually booking a room.  Online it says the room was $30/hr, which I thought was a bit steep, but since this was like my own little creation taking form, I was really feeling that I needed to at least try it.  I don't travel all that often, so I wanted to check it out while I had the chance.  I figured I would regret it if I didn't. 

The price is actually $32/hr, plus tax, which brings it to just under $35.  Again, more than I was envisioning.  In my mind I was thinking $20/hr was the sweet spot.  They offer discounts for staying multiple hours.  I decided to bite the bullet and try it out. 

Inside the room there is a day bed, TV w/DirecTV, WiFi and it comes complete with your own climate control and overhead white noise control knob.  It does get pretty dark in there and the white noise machine does block out most of the noise, but if you really want to sleep I recommend bringing a pair of earplugs with you. 

Daybed with alarm clock

Work desk and flat screen TV with DirecTV

With the white noise on full blast and earplugs, you shouldn't hear much of anything.  That is, except for when the little carts come by that drive people to their gates with the BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP noise.  If you really want complete quiet, I'd recommend asking for a room towards the back. 

But like I said, I can't sleep on demand, so after trying to sleep for 1/2 the time, I then watched some TV and utilized the WiFi with my laptop the rest of the time. 

It really is pretty cool.  It's like your own little sanctuary right smack dab in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest airports in the nation.  It would be great for someone wanting to relax or someone needing a quiet place to get some work done as well. 

If you're looking for a quick escape on your next layover or delay, check it out!

2 comments :

Mock family said...

that is sooo funny! I didn't know you actually tried it! I would not be able to sleep either, but neat idea for a steep price

Chris said...

Yeah, cool idea, but the price is prohibitive in my opinion.

 
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