Traveling can be stressful, especially when it involves layovers in busy airports. As a frequent traveler, I have learned to avoid short stays that require connecting flights. However, when I accepted a friend’s wedding invitation in Fairhope, Alabama, I did not consider the challenges of navigating a layover in the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
With an average of 286,000 daily passengers, the 6. 8-million-square-foot terminal complex can be overwhelming. As I boarded my flight, I began to search for ways to make my downtime in Atlanta more comfortable. While lounge access through my American Express Platinum card is usually my go-to move, I wanted something more than just a lounge.
After a quick search, I stumbled upon Minute Suites: The Traveler’s Retreat. With the motto “Nap. Relax. Work. Sleep and rest in your own private suite,” I was intrigued by the idea of having a private space in the massive airport. Minute Suites can be found in several of the country’s busiest airports, including Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth, but I decided to try it out at Hartsfield-Jackson.
Booking a stay at Minute Suites was easy. As a Priority Pass member, I was able to get my first hour in the suite for free, followed by a discounted rate of $40 an hour. My 16-year-old daughter and I made our way to the Minute Suites outpost, which looked like a traditional convenience store from the outside. However, just behind the check-out counter were private rooms available for $65 an hour.
We were given a quick tour of the communal restroom, which was spotless, and then led to our suite. The attendant offered us pillows with disposable covers and blankets, and we were surprised by the amenities in the suite. It was well-appointed with a desk, chair, and a daybed with a trundle. We were also able to log into our Netflix and Amazon Prime accounts on the Samsung Smart TV in the room.
The suite was surprisingly quiet, thanks to a sound-masking system, and we were able to get some much-needed rest. However, we did not hear the attendant knock on our door 15 minutes before our time was up, and I was glad I had set an alarm. Feeling refreshed, we collected our belongings and headed to our gate.
Overall, our stay at Minute Suites was close to perfect. The only improvements I would suggest are having a mini fridge in the room and a more noticeable wake-up call. Despite these minor issues, I would definitely book a suite again, especially if I could use my Priority Pass member rate. The original price of $65 an hour may be a little steep, but the comfort and privacy of having a private space in a busy airport make it worth it. I would highly recommend trying out Minute Suites for a layover or even an overnight stay.