Hilton Munich Airport

Of the two hotels located in Munich's international airport -- the other being the Novotel -- the Hilton Munich Airport is certainly the more impressive. Formerly owned by the Kempinski chain, architecturally the property is striking by any standards, comprising a pair of futuristic elongated blocks connected by a huge "wing." The glass-roofed lobby atrium would dwarf most airport hangers, and is flooded with natural light and filled with mature palm trees (imported from Florida), numerous pieces of modern art, and towering glass boxed lined with potted flowers (an extraordinary concept also repeated in the hotel's "garden"). Hallways and other public spaces are a little more prosaic, but pleasant and well-maintained. Clientele inevitably skews toward business travelers, including pilots and flight crews, though the hotel is also a popular layover choice for leisure travelers.

The hotel is located right in the middle of Munich International Airport, between terminals 1 and 2. Upon arrival at either terminal the hotel is well signposted and just a short stroll. The S-bahn train service connects the airport with Munich's main station Hauptbahnhof in about 40 minutes. Alternatively, it's 30 to 40 minutes by car to the city center. 

The hotel's 551 rooms are mostly spacious with bright and unfussy decor that mixes simple, retro design furnishings with Art Deco touches. While the feel is high-end, rooms are starting to show signs of wear (a renovation program has been slated for 2016 to 2018). Probably most importantly for an airport hotel, the soundproofing is first-class and rooms are super quiet, and curtains are blackout. Standard upscale amenities -- well-stocked minibars, tea/coffee facilities, HD cable TVs -- are all covered, though Wi-Fi is not free of charge for all guests (only for Hilton loyalty program members). Granite and tile bathrooms feature large tubs and designer toiletries.

The hotel's restaurant, Charles Lindbergh, serves an outstanding breakfast buffet that includes cooked-to-order eggs and smoked salmon; it's not included in the rate and quite expensive. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, and offers international cooking and weekly themed buffets. A lobby bar sits under 60-foot palm trees and serves cocktails and light meals past midnight. A hotel highlight is the heated indoor pool, which is more than long enough for a decent swim. There's also a good-size fitness room, plus a sauna and a whirlpool tub. Valet and self-parking are available on-site, though the daily rate is expensive.