Spottinghotels.com

LAX – Los Angeles Intl. – Crowne Plaza LAX

admin — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 22:57:08 +0000

One of the many Hotels located on W Century Blvd, which is located between the 4 runways. It has views of either the of the final approach path of the 24 runways or a runway views of both 25 runways. In addition the remote stand for United and the Cargo Ramp is visible in the background. The Inglewood area, where this hotel is located is definitely not one of the nicest ones around but this hotel is in close proximity of the terminals, so it is safe.

Hotel Amenities:

The hotel offers all modern amenities including a nice pool and a 24hr fitness center. Many Airlines use this hotel for their crews. The rooms look somewhat used but that is not surprising with the turnaround at a busy airport hotel. Everything was clean. A free 24 hour shuttle bus is running to all terminals, but I still recommend a car around LAX – That way, you can explore the town or other spotting locations around LAX. The Hotel has a multi- story car park (top floor is also good for spotting)

Ask for a Room on a high floor to ensure good views, make sure you get what you want to either side, whichever view you prefer.

nearby spotting opportunities:

The two infamous locations Imperial Hill and the In-n-out on Sepulveda Blvd. are only about a 5 min drive away.

Summary:

Star Rating: ***
Spotting: ** – Observing traffic is very nice, taking down Reg’s requires some binoculars.
Photos: *** – Taking Pictures is possible, but not recommended due to double glazing windows. Also the sun might be in an issue.
Prices: ** – Rooms start at US$69
Hot Tip: Take the free Hotel Shuttle to the airport and visit the Encounter Restaurant at LAX in the Theme Building.

View from room – 14th floor:

LAX – Los Angeles Intl – Embassy Suites South

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:53:46 +0000

The Hotel is located south of the airport on the famous Imperial Ave. only a short walk from Imperial Hill, one of the spotting areas at LAX. Hotel Rooms on the top floor offer limited and maybe obstructed views of the Runways and some Cargo Ramps. Therefore it’s not recommended for photography. But still the Imperial Hill is only a few steps away.

nearby spotting opportunities:

As mentioned, Imperial Hill is only a short walk away. The other spotting areas, such as the In ‘n Out at Sepulveda Blvd are a short drive away.

Summary:

Star Rating: ***
Spotting: * – good location, must be lucky for good airport views from room
Photos: * – no great shots possible from the room
Prices: ** – Rooms start at US$ 99 per night

LTN – Holiday Inn Express – London Luton

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:03:32 +0000

One of London’s Low Cost Airports has a simple Hotel just a short walk away from the Terminal Building. The traffic at Luton is mainly european lowcost with Ryanair and EasyJet. Also it is quite a big airport for General Aviation. The Airport is not big enough to justify a trip or more than a day but it’s great way to use the low cost airlines and start or finish a trip to the major airports in London or the United Kingdom.

Location:

The Holiday Inn Express is just a 5 min walk away from the terminal building. One site of the Hotel has an overview of the General Aviation Ramp with plenty of Business Jets parked. The other site has an overview towards the runway – but with obstructions.

Hotel Amenities:

The hotel is quite basic but offers all the usual amenities. The rooms are comfortable and well appointed. It has a spacious bar/ restaurant area where a complimentary breakfast is served every morning. Also, the lounge offers free WiFi. The In-room WiFi is pricey

I recommend a Room on a high floor to ensure good views.

nearby spotting opportunities:

A taxiway going towards the runway is just outside of the hotel. It happens to run over the main access road to teh airport terminal, so you can take pictures from both sides which makes it a spot all day long

Summary:

Star Rating: ***
Spotting: ** – GA Ramp or Approach/ Departure depending on the room
Photos: *** – Taking Pictures is possible, but not recommended
Prices: ** – Rooms start at US$89

Sample shot from room:

LAX – Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles Airport

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:01:23 +0000

About 2 miles north/ east of LAX Airport, this hotel is located at a nice angle towards the approach for the northerly runways 24L and 24R. The hotel is located in the vicinty of the big car rental centers and right next to a 7-eleven store and a Sizzler Restaurant. So you can get yourself stocked up for a day of spotting from the room. Make sure, you request a room as high up as possible (at least 3rd floor) as there is some obstructions around.

Hotel Amenities:

The hotel has been completely refurbished in 2009 (used to be Howard Johnson LAX) and features all modern amenities at a great price.

nearby spotting opportunities:

The infamous In-n-Out Burger Restaurant is about 2 min drive away but can also easily reached by foot. Imperial Hill, which overlooks the other two runways at LAX (25R and 25L) is a few minutes drive away. As the Hotel is located close to LAX other Airports like Santa Monica, Long Beach or Orange County can be reached by car. Be aware of the rush hour traffic.

Summary:

Star Rating: ***
Spotting: *** – only one side has a view of the approach path. Make sure you get what you want upon check-in
Photos: **** – Taking Pictures is possible, last time even the windows opened for better shots
Prices: *** – Rooms start at US$89

Sample shot from room:

LHR – Jurys Inn Heathrow

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:59:26 +0000

The Jurys Inn Heathrow is pretty close to the Approach Path of Runway 27L. It is located across the road from the Hatton Cross Tube Station which also allows a quick and cheap access to London for all non aviation related activities.Hotel Amenities:

The Rooms are quite nice and adequate for the room prices. The Hotel lacks a gym or a pool. The restaurant is buffet style and a little overpriced. There is also a bar with descent bar food, but be aware that no food is served after 10pm. There is also no room service. So you might be left starving when you arrive late.

nearby spotting opportunities:

The infamous spotting location near Hatton Cross is only a few steps away. The Spotting for the other Runway (27R) is only about a 15 minute walk along the perimeter road. Buses are available from Hatton Cross.

Summary:

Star Rating: ***
Spotting: *** – Some Room have descent view of the approaching planes but tinted double windows make pics from the room almost impossible.
Photos: * – Double tinted windows and weird angles of lights make the room not suitable for taking pics.
Prices: **** – Rooms start at US$89

MAD – Holiday Inn Express Madrid Airport

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:55:51 +0000

Madrid Airport has very diverse traffic and especially unique Airlines from South America. One of the main problems, especially in the summer, is the heat. Sometimes it’s unbearable to stand outside. That would suggest to take pictures from an airconditioned hotel room. The Holiday Inn Express seemed to be perfect, especially when you can secure one of the cheap rates.Location:

The Hotel is located south of the airport at a dual carriage way and right in the approach path for Runway 31L – good pics are possible. Approaches for Runway 31R can be seen but Photography is not recommended.

nearby spotting opportunities:

The known spotting location for Runway 31L is only a short walk away – But why would you stand in the sun, when you can get the same shots from your air conditioned room.

Summary:

Star Rating: **
Spotting: *** – good location, air conditioned – room with approach path views available – just ask at check-in
Photos: **** – descent shots possible from the room.
Prices: **** – Rooms start at US$ 69 per night

Sample shot from room:

DUS – Maritim Hotel Dusseldorf Airport

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:54:26 +0000

Connected to the Main Terminal Building this superior hotel is very popular with Park, Sleep and Fly Guests as well as business travelers. As Dusseldorf Airport is equipped with 2 nice observation decks, it’s always worth a trip.

Hotel Amenities:

The hotel has been opened in 2006 and features big rooms in a modern design. Some rooms have a view of one of the aprons (Terminal C) which is used by Air Berlin’s A330′s. However, Photography is almost impossible from the room. The Main Terminal Building has a superb observation deck though. It offers uninterrupted views on the apron and runways.

nearby spotting opportunities:

The two official observation decks are only a short walk away – The second observation deck is located on the airport railway station. A shuttle operates every few minutes and the fare is included in the observation deck entrance fee. Only 1 Ticket is necessary for both decks.

Summary:

Star Rating: ****
Spotting: * – very limited spotting from room
Photos: * – not possible, however the location and the vicinity
Prices: *** – Rooms start at US$149

CDG – Hilton Paris CDG Airport Roissy

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:53:15 +0000

Spotting in CDG has been become quite difficult over the last few years. A police permit is needed and there are reports of arrests and more if the permit is not obtained. I tried to work-around this, by using the privacy of a hotel room for plane spotting and photography.

Location:

The Hilton CDG Airport is located between the 4 runways close to the main terminal complex. One taxiway connecting both sides runs by the hotel, directly where the Air France Concorde is on display.

Hotel Amenities:

As expected in that price range, the Hotel has nice spacious rooms, with a nice bed, generous seating area and full amenities such as underground parking, Gym and Indoor Pool, room service. Also the top floor has a travel/ Concorde themed lounge for eligible customers with airport views and free drinks and WiFi.

Not all the rooms have a good view, so I recommend asking for a room with a view upon check-in.

nearby spotting opportunities:

As it was raining and due to the mentioned warnings, I did not leave the hotel for spotting.

Summary:

Star Rating: ****
Spotting: *** – not bad, although views are limited to taxiway or apron.
Photos: *** – Taking Pictures is possible, but with a loss of quality due to double windows.
Prices: ** – Rooms start at US$169

Sample shot from room:

LAS – Las Vegas McCarran – Tropicana

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:50:11 +0000

Location:

The Hotel is located north-west of the airport directly at the Las Vegas Strip. The Island Tower of the Hotel is located away from the Strip but the airport side offers fantastic views over the Runways 19L & 19R as well as the executive Terminal, the International Terminal and the “Janet” Ramp. Make sure you request a room with airport view on a high floor. Photography is limited but, when the mentioned runways are in use, possible.

nearby spotting opportunities:

You can walk down Tropicana Ave, to be directly in the approach for 19L and 19R. This is only a 5 min walk from the Hotel. There are also alternative spots near Runway 27L and 27R. However, a car is necessary to reach those. There is a car park on Sunset Ave. designated for aircraft spotting. However for photography its useless as there is a fence. If you continue down Sunset Ave. you get to a 7-Eleven carpark. From there all the planes can be depict on approach.

Summary:

Star Rating: ***
Spotting: *** – great overview of the airport – not much detail
Photos: ** – no great shots possible from the room
Prices: **** – Rooms start at US$ 39 per night

Sample Pictures:

Picture taken from 16th Floor

ORD – Chicago O’hare – Doubletree Rosemont

admin — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:46:13 +0000

The Hotel is conveniently located only a short ride away from the O’hare Terminals. The Hotel is located between the approaches for Runways 27L and 28, so from a high floor room on either side of the hotel, the traffic for the respective runway can be observed. Even limited photography from the rooms is possible. For 27L arrivals a B737 will require a 200mm lens.

nearby spotting opportunities:

By walking down the N River Road, you can find some descent spots for the runways 28 and 27L. There are some hotels with parking lots in the vicinity that may offer good photo opportunities, however I have not tested this out. If you want to go downtown, the CTA Train (Blue Line) Station “Rosemont” is only a few minutes walk away. The train ride takes about 40 mins and is $2 each way.

Summary:

Star Rating: ***
Spotting: *** – Make sure you get a room on a high floor (not a corner room)
Photos: *** – Some photos can be taken, but the windows will degrade the quality of shots
Prices: **** – Rooms start at US$ 79 per night

Sample Pictures:

Taken from Hotel Room on 8th floor