10 great places to cool your jets at an airport hotel

— -- Getting there is more than half the fun if you stay at the next generation of airport hotels, revamped to make a night near the runways more fun. Peter Greenberg (petergreenberg.com), travel editor of NBC'sToday show and author of the upcoming Don't Go There! The Travel Detective's Essential Guide to the Must-Miss Places of the World (Rodale Books, $17.95), shares his favorite new airport hotels with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY.

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Vancouver, British Columbia

"The cool thing about this hotel is its location: inside the U.S. departures terminal," Greenberg says. "As an added bonus, if you're going fishing, they have a 'fish valet' to store your catch." All guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling soundproof windows. Views include the North Shore Mountains and airport runways, as well as partial views of the Pacific. 604-207-5200; fairmont.com/vancouverairport

Hyatt Regency Orlando International AirportOrlando

"The cool thing about this hotel is that the bellman actually meets you at baggage claim, and you can't really get stuck in traffic on the way to the airport: You're already inside the terminal," Greenberg says. The hotel is great for families, particularly if they have a late-night arrival or early departure. 407-825-1234; orlandoairport.hyatt.com

Sofitel London HeathrowLondon

"The recent opening of this hotel changes the definition of what an airport hotel can be," Greenberg says. To wit: world-class spa, fine dining, lobby bar, tea salon and state-of-the-art rooms, including the Imperial Suite with Swarovski crystal fixtures and lights in the bathroom. The Sofitel, connected to Terminal 5 by footbridge, is also convenient to central London via Heathrow rail service. sofitelheathrow.com

Aloft Philadelphia AirportPhiladelphia

"If I'm going to be stuck in an airport hotel, give me a 42-inch plasma TV," Greenberg says. Aloft adds a new twist in style to the Philly market. The lobby, which opens into a backyard patio and pool, is like a giant living room with people using laptops, chatting or playing pool. Grab-and-go food, from healthy meals to cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory, is available. 877-462-5638; alofthotels.com