- I stayed at an airport hotel in YotelAir Airside in Istanbul Airport during my layover.
- The pricey stay in a small room felt fairly high-tech and fancy considering I was in an airport.
- Most of all, I loved the convenience and ability to shop, dine, and explore at the airport.
Most people try to get in and out of airports as quickly as possible, but I did the opposite — I booked a night inside one.
During a layover in Istanbul, I checked into YotelAir Airside, the sleek airport hotel located inside Istanbul Airport's departures terminal.
At 313 euros (about $340 USD) for one night, it wasn't cheap, but I was curious: Could an airport hotel really feel like a proper stay?
Checking in felt like stepping into a sci-fi movie.
Unlike traditional hotels, there's no grand lobby at YotelAir.
Instead, the entrance was minimalist and modern, bathed in soft purple lighting that gave it a spaceship-like atmosphere.
A staff member there scanned my passport and handed me a keycard. (Keep in mind that since the hotel is inside the airport's secure zone, a boarding pass is also a must for check-in.)
This isn't a place for long-term stays, just a temporary escape. Rooms can even be booked by the hour, with a minimum of four hours, catering to travelers needing a quick recharge between flights.
Hotel lounge access was also available for an additional 55 euros per person, though I opted not to add it.
My room felt tiny but thoughtfully designed.
Stepping into my cabin-style Premium Queen room, I immediately noticed its jewel-box size — just big enough for a bed, a wall-mounted TV, and a compact bathroom.
However, what it lacked in space, it made up for in thoughtful design.
The space was packed with high-tech features.
The bed was adjustable, similar to a first-class airline seat. At the push of a button, I could shift it into a reclined lounge mode or lay it flat.
The lighting was customizable, too.
I could change the space's lighting to a rainbow of colors using a wall-mounted controller. (I selected soft purples and blues for a calming ambiance.)
There was even a touchscreen panel that allowed me to control the room's temperature, lights, and privacy settings without leaving the bed, something I found both futuristic and convenient.
Plus, I had multiple outlets for a range of adaptors from around the world (and a few USB ports) so I could charge all of my electronics.
Honestly, the space felt quite cozy.
Despite being in one of the world's busiest airports, my room was remarkably soundproof.
And even though I didn't have any windows, the space felt surprisingly cozy.
Showering here was surprisingly nice as well.
The rainfall shower in the bathroom was unexpectedly luxurious, with strong water pressure and high-end toiletries.
It made the bathroom feel more like a chic hotel than a brief transit stop.
Sleeping inside an airport was both surreal and peaceful.
As I settled in, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't really "supposed" to be here — staying overnight inside an airport felt like breaking an unspoken rule.
It reminded me of my favorite childhood book, "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler," about two kids who secretly live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Knowing that flights were departing and arriving around the clock while I was cocooned away added to the surreal nature of the stay.
Instead of the typical airport rush, I experienced an oddly peaceful version of it.
The best part of my stay was getting to explore the airport itself.
One of the biggest perks of staying at YotelAir was easy access to Istanbul Airport's endless amenities.
The sheer number of high-end boutiques made the airport feel more like a shopping mall than a stopover point. I wandered through designer shops, grabbed a meal at a 24-hour restaurant, and even stopped by the airport's museum, which showcases Turkish history and art.
Beyond retail, there were wellness options, including spa services and massage chairs, offering a way to unwind before my next flight.
I also visited a nearby airport lounge (not part of the hotel) with buffet dining, work stations, and a piano player, which made the stay feel even more indulgent.
I didn't expect to enjoy my stay as much as I did.
The convenience, the high-tech comforts, and the thrill of being inside an airport overnight made this more than just a place to sleep. It was its own adventure.
Spending over $300 for an in-airport hotel isn't for everyone. But YotelAir fills a niche for travelers who want to escape the chaos of a bustling airport without ever leaving it — especially those with a long layover or an interest in experiencing the airport in a new way.
Plus, when my 4 a.m. boarding time rolled around, I simply rolled out of bed, grabbed my bag, and walked to my gate in minutes.
No stress, no security lines, just a seamless transition from bed to takeoff.
