A Pilots Perspective on Hotel Rooms, 30 Years of Observation

Do Pilots Stay in Hotels? A Perspective on Hotel Rooms from 30 Years of Observation

I have been in the aviation industry as a pilot for over 40 years. As someone who has spent decades flying for major airlines, I flew countless different routes and completed thousands of trips during my career. Over thousands of trips, each with its own unique hotel experience, I have stayed in more hotel rooms than I care to remember and to be honest, I stopped counting after 2000. And to be honest and humble about it, that very number makes any airline crewmember more of an expert than any travel reviewer or so called expert travel aficionado in the business. And while we are on the humble wagon, I would have to say that flight attendants fall into this expert category as well. They have the same experiences and stay at all the major and minor brands in the hotel industry today.

Perspective

I would add its important to mention the experience level because when you are a new crewmember, the shine is still on the apple so to speak.  When you’ve been in the business for a longer time, you start to notice the same things over and over and therefore you can have a perspective that is more eye opening. With experience, you also have answers to many of the questions new crew members might have about hotel stays.

Where it starts

So where does this start? I think the absolute beginning of the story is understanding that the hotel business has three different types of customers, maybe more. There are customers that pay full retail, mostly because they do not travel that much. Secondly there are customers that get some sort of a discount, whether it’s through a separate booking site or incentive package. Airline crews fall under their own category and that is called a corporate discount rate. Accommodation for airline crews is typically arranged through special agreements between the airline and the hotel, ensuring designated rooms for crew members during layovers.

That rate is usually based on a discount rate for a larger company such as an airline, based on a larger volume of room reservations. The more rooms you rent per night the better deal you get. For airline crews, the airline typically pays for the crew's accommodation during layovers. Major airlines negotiate these corporate discount rates with hotel chains to secure favorable terms for their crew members. And although that the fact that airline crews are discount customers it shouldn’t matter, but there is an underlying unsaid understanding and or persona about being a corporate discount customer. Hotel chains will swear up and down that this doesn’t exist, and in some places it’s more discernible than others but nonetheless it’s still there.

 

 

The basic room

Another point worth mentioning is most airline crews are not getting the nicer deluxe rooms with the nice views. Sure there are some exceptions to this but for the most part you’re not going to get a really nice room because because the hotel doesn’t need too,  you are a  discount customer. In some of the bigger cities the room size shrinks considerably.  Personally for myself a bed itself just doesn’t cut it.   I want somewhere to sit and maybe a desk to work on, but sometimes that’s asking too much.  I can’t count the number of times where I’ve had a room with the view of a parking structure or a brick wall for that matter or the roof of the convention center attached to the hotel. That’s common, you have to get over it.

Regardless of the view or room size, the most important thing is that crew members are rested for their next assignment.

Things you see over the years

After a while all hotel rooms more or less look the same. But it's some of the small details that make a difference. It's also the absence of attention to detail that makes you scratch your head sometimes.

 For example, why in the world would an upscale major brand hotel not put a fan in the bathroom to extract all that excess moisture is beyond me. Some will have the “mystery vent” that you're not really sure if it's sucking in air or adding air into the room. However I do know that after a long shower those bathrooms need a fan to remove the moisture and over time you can see the results of that very problem. Wallpaper curls up, paint chips off, excess mildew stains are present in the grout.  If you are staying in a Caribbean destination this can be very apparent and almost disturbing because this thought occurs to you, ” how come you haven't figured out how to get the mildew out of the shower?”

It has been explained away that having a vent in the bathroom allows sound and smoke (if someone smoked) to enter the bathroom.  This may sound logical but most hotel rooms are not designed by people who have stayed in them.

Here is a short video validating this exact scenario

Another thing I've noticed because I'm a man and I shave, is the sink stoppers rarely work. I know this might be kind of picky but the son of a plumber realizes that attaching the little bracket under the sink to keep the sink stopper working correctly is not brain surgery. And half the time I end up fixing it for them.  One time I made a comment to the hotel desk that I was absolutely amazed with one of the hotel rooms because the sink stoppers worked, and the manager looked at me like I had three heads, hey it's a detail.

Flight Crew Accommodations

When it comes to accommodating flight crew, hotels and airlines have developed a finely tuned system designed to meet the specific needs of airline pilots, flight attendants, and other crew members. Most major airlines have established contracts with hotel chains to ensure that their crews have a reliable place to rest during layovers. These arrangements often include dedicated blocks of rooms reserved exclusively for flight crews, sometimes even on specific floors to keep things quiet and convenient.

The logistics behind crew accommodations are impressive. After a long flight, the last thing a pilot or flight attendant wants is a hassle at check-in, so hotels streamline the process for airline employees—often with pre-assigned rooms and express check-in procedures. Crew members are typically given rooms that prioritize rest: away from elevators, ice machines, and noisy street fronts. Some hotels even offer blackout curtains and soundproofing, understanding that a proper rest period is crucial for safe operations on the next flight.

Beyond just a bed, hotels catering to flight crews often provide early or late check-in and check-out times to match irregular flight schedules. Shuttle services to and from the airport are a must, and some properties go the extra mile with crew lounges or dedicated breakfast hours for those on the early shift. For many pilots and flight attendants, these thoughtful touches make all the difference during a layover, turning a simple room into a true haven between flights.

High quality Sub Contractors

And while we're in bathroom mode of this review I also have noticed a few things from a construction point of view that most hotels don't hire what I would call or label a “Craftsman”.   Some of the tile work looks like it was done by a bunch of drunks that were paid to crank out X amount of rooms a day. Clearly there was no accountability as to the quality of the tile job, but I noticed.  If I noticed, then  chances are other people have too.   If you want to charge premium dollars for a super nice room, in a super nice location, and it looks like Joey Bagadonuts put the tile in, then it makes you wonder what else is not done well.  Again, does it make a difference?  Probably not, but no hotel expert is ever going to tell you about these things and no hotel manager cares that you noticed it.  So it's kind of a fun game for me to see what kind of details my room has for the night.

On a good note, some of the major hotel brands are upgrading their rooms with new furnishings that actually look pretty nice.  I do wish some of the designers would spend time sitting in some of the desk chairs in the room.  It never ceases to amaze me about people who have a part of designing something and have no idea how it feels.  Just like the waiter that does not know that the food is bland.

A list of fun things:

Instead of going into minute detail about everything, I will try to be brief and include highlights to certain items.

Air Conditioners

Some are noisy and most are set to a temperature in which you could hang meat in when you walk in. Sometimes, I swear the room is as cold as the altitude at which pilots cruise—just missing the cockpit and the view! I often turn it off. I know people like it cold when they sleep, but if I wake up and my nose is cold and wet after I turned the AC off, then it’s too cold. My theory is the maids are working so hard that they turn the AC down first thing and then don’t change it. But I also have a working theory that cold rooms don’t have a mildew smell in places that are more tropical such as Florida.

Coffee Makers

Some rooms have coffee makers, yay!  However, most coffee comes in a mystery packet that is of unknown origin.  My theory is that it's all imported from somewhere cheap, because that is how it tastes.  Carry your own coffee and this problem is solved.  Bring your own water and you are another level.  Skip the plastic wrapped cup that gives even the best cup of joe a funky flavor and you are a champion.  And Lastly, if a hotel offers a coffee station in the morning in the lobby, my mood becomes elevated to the joyful bliss of starting the day out right.

Refrigerators

Some rooms have them.    Most of them are great, others are noise makers and you can hear the compressors kick on and off all night.  I know of several people who unplug them, unless you have a sandwich in there.

Microwaves

Good luck unless the room is some sort of extended stay.  You can call down and ask for one but it’s touch and go if you will actually get one delivered to your room.

Your neighbors

Obviously, there are other people who are lodging in the rooms around you.  Not everyone had a good mother that taught them some basic common courtesy.  I have zero problems with kids that are excited in the hallway, but I have little patience for cowboys that want to shout the yee haa at 2 am.

Conventions

Groups that are a part of a convention are a normal occurrence at any hotel.  What no one tells you is that you will stop at every floor on the elevator ride to the lobby.  And most of these attendees are truly excited about staying in a hotel.  My attitude of hotels equal jail does not exactly line up with that.  The worst experience I had was a Baptist convention ( I asked at the desk in the morning), not that I am picking on the Baptists but the preacher next to my room was off the chart inconsiderate.  No matter how many times I called the desk, pounded on the door and pounded on the wall, the soul train disco party never stopped for five, yes five hours.  So now I am up at 0430 executing a plan because I was wide awake most of the night thinking about it. 

I wrote out a real nice love letter on the back of a place mat that said.  “Good morning, I am off to the airport to transport hundreds of happy passengers to meet their loved ones this holiday season.  If your mother was on my flight and knew how tired I was because of your inconsiderate behavior, how would you feel about that?  I then slid the note under his door and proceeded to go to the elevator.  I so wanted to pound on his door and wake him up, but I settled for maybe being a part of his next sermon when he realized he is a jerk.

Lawn care

Sometimes crews do what is called a “day sleep”   You operate the redeye flight into a city and then go to the hotel to sleep during the day and get up and operate your next assignment.  Lawn care does not day sleep.  "Joeybagadonuts" always runs the blower outside the window when you are trying to day sleep.  No one cares, get over it.

Showers

Most showers are pretty standard and have easy to operate temperature selectors.  Occasionally you will get one that is harder to figure out than cracking the nuclear code inputs in a missile silo.  This always seems to be in the Caribbean.  I scratch my head in dazed confusion at where this contraption was ever thought up and manufactured.   Did I mention I am a plumbers son?

Hotel Room Variations

Not all hotel rooms are created equal, and airline pilots and flight attendants quickly become experts at spotting the differences. Depending on the airline, the city, and the length of the layover, the quality and style of accommodations can vary dramatically. In major cities, crews might find themselves in high-rise hotels with modern amenities and sweeping views, while in smaller towns, the options might be more basic—think standard rooms with just the essentials.

The type of room assigned often depends on the airline’s contract with the hotel and the volume of business they bring. Some hotels offer upgraded rooms to crew members as a courtesy, but more often, pilots and flight attendants are given standard accommodations. The location of the hotel also plays a big role: airport hotels are convenient for quick turnarounds, while downtown properties might offer more to explore during longer layovers.

Over the years, many pilots have learned to adapt to whatever room they’re given, making the best of everything from luxury suites to no-frills motels. The variety keeps things interesting, and swapping stories about the quirks of different hotels is a favorite pastime among crew members. Whether it’s a room with a view or one with a view of the parking lot, every stay adds another chapter to the ongoing adventure of life on the road.

Hotel Breakfast

Bring a fat wallet and expect mediocrity.  Sure there are some places that are an exception.  Most hotel breakfast buffets have such a high cost you wonder what they're serving that justifies 25 bucks for some eggs. These are eggs they're not gold, and let's not mention what they did to the bacon. (and just as a side note, one of my favorite things to do to an unsuspecting waiter is to say "you can't do this to bacon")  Always carry some protein bars or breakfast bars or instant oatmeal for this very predicament, most of the time it doesn't make sense to pay up but occasionally you can treat yourself if the quality looks exceptional.

While captains often get the spotlight, first officers have their own unique take on hotel life. As a first officer, you quickly learn the value of camaraderie among the flight crew—sharing tips on the best rooms, the quietest floors, or which hotels have the best breakfast spread. There’s a certain bond that forms when you’re all navigating the same challenges, from unpredictable schedules to the occasional less-than-stellar room.

First officers are often the ones comparing notes on which hotels have the best gym, the fastest Wi-Fi, or the friendliest front desk staff. Many pilots, especially those newer to the job, find themselves swapping stories about memorable layovers—both good and bad. It’s not uncommon for a first officer to be the unofficial “scout,” checking out the hotel amenities and reporting back to the rest of the crew.

The shared experience of hotel life helps build teamwork and trust, both in the cockpit and on the ground. Whether you’re a seasoned airline pilot or just starting out as a certified flight instructor, the lessons learned from countless nights in hotel rooms become part of your professional toolkit. And sometimes, it’s the little things—a well-timed room service meal, a quiet corner to unwind, or a friendly face at the front desk—that make all the difference during a long journey away from home.

GYM’s

Some are good and some are basic, it depends on your expectations.

Pillows

For me this is where the rubber meets the road. There are certain hotel chains that are known for their amazing pillows, and then there's the rest of them. For some people this is not a big deal, for me it makes the difference between a good night's sleep or constant tossing and turning. Everyone has a preference.

Front desk

Some are nice, some treat you with indifference as the discount customer.  I know of a couple destinations where the front desk employees could not care less about you as an airline crew member.  I have heard the stories, but if I smile, I am not trying to cause a ruckus.

Bed Bugs

From time to time the news media can go buck wild with bed bug reports. Most of the time its an isolated case.   If you want to know the truth, ask a crew member.  Some of us have it down to a science.  They check the beds sheets and mattresses first thing,  Some even travel with a portable black light.  No one puts their suitcase on the bed and most of us are sensitive to inspecting the room to see if it was even cleaned.  Honestly, my score card on a lot of rooms, zero bed bugs.

Hotel Perks

One of the silver linings of frequent hotel stays as an airline pilot or flight attendant is the opportunity to take advantage of hotel perks and amenities. Many hotels recognize the value of airline business and go out of their way to offer special benefits to crew members. From complimentary breakfast buffets to access to fitness centers and pools, these perks can make a big difference during a layover.

Loyalty programs are another major plus. Many pilots and flight attendants rack up points with major hotel chains, earning free nights, room upgrades, and other rewards over time. Some hotels even offer exclusive crew rates or discounts on food and beverages, making it easier to enjoy a good meal or unwind after a long flight. Shuttle service to and from the airport is a must-have, and some properties provide late check-out or early check-in to accommodate the unpredictable schedules of airline employees.

For those on long haul flights or extended layovers, these little extras can turn an ordinary stay into something special. Savvy crew members quickly learn which hotels offer the best perks and make a point to seek them out whenever possible. In a world where time spent away from home is just part of the job, a few thoughtful amenities can go a long way in making hotel life a little more comfortable—and a lot more enjoyable.

The Bed

It used to be that hotel beds were pretty standard, bottom sheet, top sheet, blanket and maybe a comforter type cover.  Nowadays the blanket has been replaced with a lightweight cover that’s put between two layers of sheets. The sheets are swapped out and replaced after each guest however the middle part is not.

On some routes, crews might stay at the same hotel for up to two years, making them very familiar with the beds and amenities.

You can get weirded out if you stop and think about that for a while and wonder how often do they really clean that. But the answer might be the same amount of time that they used to clean the blankets in the room which I suspect is rarely. It’s all part of the experience.  If the room has two beds, I always choose the one farthest from the tv.  Most people choose the one closer to the tv and it usually means that that bed has developed a small sag in the spot where everyone sleeps.

Overall

I still have the dream that someone is going to ask me what I think about the hotel.  It rarely happens so instead you get this article.

Reflecting on my years flying a variety of aircraft and airplanes, operating as both captain and crewmember, and working for major airlines like Delta Air Lines, I've gained a unique perspective on hotel life. Each route and trip brings its own set of hotel experiences, from the anticipation at takeoff to the relief of landing. My training has prepared me for the challenges of life on the road, and sharing hotel stays with other crewmembers—sometimes even with the same flight crew—adds to the camaraderie that makes this job special. No matter the plane or destination, every layover is a new chapter in the journey.

I think the big finale would be some hotel executive that is going to design a new place would stop and think about what type of people really would give the best input on what they think is a great experience and then they would call us or stop us in the lobby.  But that is not the world we live in today unfortunately; most owners or operators are never on site.  Have a great layover, I will see you in the lobby!