EGCC/MAN - Manchester - Premier inn North - December 2025

The Christmas outing this year was a night in the Premier Inn North off Rungis Lane (note there is more than one Premier Inn in the area).  As check in their is now by machines and not humans, it’s difficult to get a room with a view the machine gave us 220 facing the car park, no thanks.  After a conversation with a human who was reluctant to swap our room as they are all now “pre” assigned!  Eventually we got 327 which is at the end of the corridor by a fire escape with a window.  We could see all departures and arrivals utilising the fire escape window.  Nothing could be seen on the ground.  Rooms 309-327 odds are family rooms with a double and 2 singles and will all work.  Floors 4/5/6 are now doubles/triples and twins but can’t help with which are which. 

We took a walk to the Romper pub for a meal, excellent food like always. If you do go here to eat or drink, make sure you book as it was packed again.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eEakCZC2WoS11dGf8

EDDF/FRA - Frankfurt - Sheraton Frankfurt Airport - December 2025

I stayed here on a business trip for a couple of nights and chose it partly because there were no spotting reports on it already and also due to its proximity to the terminal.

I knew from the start it was a bit of a compromise as the views were likely to be restricted but thought I'd give it a go.

Firstly, its a nice hotel, like all Sheratons are, and secondly it is close to and easily accessible from T1.

I had requested (both at booking) and when I checked in a room in a high floor with an airport view. Reception tried long and hard while I waited to accommodate me (even checking in at 2pm) but the highest room available was 5007 on the 5th floor. There are nine floors in all.

The view is good enough to get landing aircraft on 25L and 25C, arrivals on the "new" runway behind and departures on 18 were not visible. There were limited views of the terminal, looking over to the cul de sac between T1 and T2. For future reference, some of the gates on the east side of T3 are visible.

Floor plan - rooms ending in 01-05, then odd numbers to 23 and 24 face the airport. This will be the same for higher floors as the floor layout is the same.

There was a model of the hotel in the lobby (see below). The blue ring shows the location of the rooms in the floor plan above. To the right, the red ring illustrates the outside fire escape and balcony which you can access

view from the room

It is possible to access the stairs from any of the external doors on the hotel next to the fire escape. I wandered up to the 9th floor, the view was better, but departures on 18 aren't possible and the T1 / T2 aprons are still obscured

view from the 9th floor.

It is possible though to see arrivals on the runway behind from there with a bit of effort. The two rooms next to the fire exit facing the terminal end in 79 and 80, as per the view above.

Overall, in conclusion, if you're on a spotting trip and are able to take your pick of hotels, this isn't the one to go for. If you are on business and can't choose, or for using points or on a short layover, it works with a bit of effort.

Finally, the wifi did keep dropping out and freezing aircraft on fr24, so just keep your eye on that.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lzuwfj6hAcFqxguD7

KATL/ATL - Atlanta - AC Hotel Atlanta Airport Gateway - December 2025

The hotel has 6 floors. The higher floor the better. Even numbered rooms face the airport. All 5 runways are visible, but Electronics would be required for the northern runways.

26L and 26R are a bit distant, but aircraft landing on 26R or lining up on 26L are clearly visible.

When using 08L, those aircraft are not visible due to trees, but aircraft lining up on 08R are.

As for 27L/R (09L/R), they are right in front of the hotel, and landers on 10/28 will end up taxiing past the hotel on the way to the Terminals.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/r1cYojyqsxJbXmBj9

VTBS/BKK - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi - Suvarnabhumi Ville - December 2025

Stayed at the Suvarnabhumi Ville hotel in BKK. The hotel overlooks the cargo terminal and start of 20R and short finals to 19.  Room 2442 is an end-of-corridor top floor spacious king bedded room.  Good viewing from the rooftop bar area.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rFG5z6fR79JgXQsd8

KLAX/LAX - Los Angeles - Embassy Suites South - December 2025

Stayed two nights at the Embassy Suites South at LAX.  The hotel is located off the imperial highway on the southside of LAX, 10mins from the main terminal complex.  We reached the hotel by using the free shuttle.  On arriving into the terminal complex you need to call the hotel to arrange a pick up. The shuttle going back to the airport runs on a set timetable.

The Embassy Suites are a Hilton brand, but they give you a little more space than a regular Hilton. You have a separate lounge area, which can accommodate a roll away / sofa bed. You also get a free breakfast and free drinks and snacks in happy hour. For a view book an "aviation view" room.

The hotel is 5 floors high. I reckon floors 4 and 5 will give views, however it should be noted that the palm trees in front of the hotel obstruct the view a little, so floor 5 would be preferred. Rooms 501-506 and 570-589 are situated along the front and all should give views on to airport. I would suggest the further east you are the better as the palm trees thin out a little, We were allocated 584 which was fine (twin room).

All rooms have small balcony (you can stand but not sit). Regardless of landing direction you can see all movements on the southern runways from the room (between the palms) and all arrivals and departures on the northern runways as they descend in or climb out.

As an added advantage you can walk to Clutters Park on East Imperial Avenue which gives excellent views over the airfield and allows excellent photos. The walk here is around 15mins. If you want to go to the legendary In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Boulevard then an Uber will cost around $10-15.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WZ1wRshWT3EpPuf76

Panorama view from room 584.

Front of hotel.

Climb out from southern runway from room 584.

Arrival on southern runways from 584.

Heavy climbing out from room.

Over the palms.

View from room balcony.

Room map.

View from Clutters Park, 15mins walk away.

KORD/ORD - Chicago O'Hare - Hilton - December 2025

The Hilton O'Hare has always been and remains one of the Classic spotting hotels globally.  We around had 16 hours here overnight - a smash and grab on new United metal.

The hotel has 10 floors and is linked to the main terminal complex - with walkways direct into Terminal 1.  However if coming from the international terminal we recommend you get off the monorail at Terminal 2 and exit outside via the elevator to take a short cut into the back of the hotel.

If you are a Hilton Honours member you can select a room allocation through the app around 24 hours before you arrive.    You are also able to pre-check in on the app and get an electronic key this negating the need to go to reception.  You'll need the electronic key to operate the elevators.

While the hotel is in the middle of the airport complex you need to select an even numbered room looking south.  Ideally select a room as close as possible to one of the ice machines marked on the maps.  Using electronics (i.e. FR24) you will be able to tactically walk to the ice machines to see anything land or depart on the northern runways.   

On a clear day and when in a high numbered room you can pick out some MDW movements.  Additionally it is worth noting there are end corridor windows that gives views in each direction.  The higher the floor the better.  On this occasion we were in 9080 which did the job very well.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/oTSNEyeAKR2R89Bw6

Outside view.

Ice machine area.

View onto northern runways from ice machine.

Room view - 9080.

Room view - 9080.

Room view - 9080.

Room view - 9080.

End of corridor view towards international terminal. 

End of corridor view over American gates.

Room view - 9080.

Map - part 1

Map - part 2

Map - part 3

Map - part 4

KDCA/DCA - Washington Ronald Reagan - Residence Inn Arlington Capital View - December 2025

Odd numbered rooms (xx51-xx61) face DCA. The higher the better. The hotel has 14 floors. Views of Andrews AFB approach/departure are also possible.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yquQXPCViABfhgyX6

KLAS/LAS - Las Vegas - Spark by Hilton - December 2025

Spark by Hilton is a fairly new hotel located on Sunset Avenue, along the southern perimeter of Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport and away from the Strip.  It is one of three Hilton brands in a gaggle and the only one with a view.

There is a warehouse/office block in front of the hotel that partly blocks the view, but any movements can still be seen. 

Fifth floor rooms (top floor) will be most desirable, odd numbers face towards the airport.  Lower numbers at the eastern end, higher to the west.  Photos are from 507.

Parking is free and there is a basic complementary breakfast.  Complementary coffee is available in reception 24/7.  The Allegiant Stadium of the Las Vegas Raiders looks stunning!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/KjSv4G8dfYtLthAz5

Threshold of 01L/01R. Southwests lining up on 01R.

KIAD/IAD - Washington Dulles - Hyatt Regency - December 2025

The hotel has 14 floors, rooms ending in xx02 to xx28 (even) are facing towards IAD. Most of the airport is visible from floor 10 and above (lower is hindered by trees), but electronic help (SBS) is required as only the closest business ramp can be read off with binoculars.

From the elevator hall windows (or odd numbered rooms) inbounds or outbounds (runway configuration depending) for DCA can be seen, but SBS would be required to tie up. In general, inbounds to DCA come over at 8000ft. 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/saU2vGYkLJKgM5Nz6

EGKK/LGW - London Gatwick - Premier Inn (North Terminal) - December 2025

There are a few Premier Inn's near by, so make sure you book the one at the North terminal (within walking distance).  You can book a room with runway view (Side one) and your get allocated a room on the 10th floor facing towards the North Terminal and the tower etc.  Electronic aids required, you will not read anything off and it's no good for photos either.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DUw7LBk92gKKbVGX7

LEBL/BCN - Barcelona - Acta Voraport in Barcelona - November 2025

Gives excellent views of aircraft on finals to BCN. Need to select a seaview room. If not possible then they have a rooftop pool which offers an excellent viewpoints.

Video here...

https://1drv.ms/v/c/63a983665151a024/IQDBb6YE8pkKQqG7rKfzuSHwAZsoq_swTnbl-lhNbzYAIq8

https://maps.app.goo.gl/C1mc4j5VpXwSnfeR9

HAAB/ADD - Addis Ababa - Double Tree By Hilton - November 2025

Had a 2 night stay here in this relatively new build hotel.  A free shuttle bus will take you to this hotel which is approx. 5 minutes’ drive. The minibus driver will meet you in arrivals and will be holding a guest’s name card. If he is not there, there are plenty of other hotel drivers hanging around that will want to know your hotel name and will guide you to the correct area for pick-up, however my advice is to stay at arrivals until the driver appears.

The hotel comprises of 11 floors, with floor 11 being a restaurant.  I initially booked a ‘KING DELUXE ROOM WITH VIEW,’ but due to Hilton status was upgraded to a ‘JUNIOR CORNER SUITE’ room 813 was given.  Note that not all of the corner suites have airport views (811 for example). Even number rooms and 813 provided views, however, there are flats being built in front of the hotel and views from rooms 802/4/6 and possibly 808 will be restricted. Room 813 had a nice balcony, so you could sample the delights of watching the utter chaos in the streets below.

No parking stands at the main terminal can be seen, however there is an opening to the right of the terminal, where arriving and departing aircraft can be seen if using 07R. If using 25L for arriving, then this is not a problem as the runway seems to be slightly levitated and traffic can be seen on roll-out. It seems the runways 07L/25R is primarily used as a taxiway as it was not used as an official runway during the time I was there. Further to the right of this ‘clearing,’ was the main maintenance area. Nothing can be seen or read off here unless you’re on taxy out to runway 07R and a window seat is essential. There is another hotel closer to the airport and is more towards the maintenance are called the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel. A high floored room MAY give views of the maintenance area but this was not explored. Picture below:

Views from room Double Tree room 813:

During my stay I didn’t use the restaurant and ordered room service instead. Selection is limited, but as an example the grilled vegetable toastie with French Fries and a slice of Tiramisu cake came to just over £5.00.
 
Optics and/or a very good camera are essential here. Quite a large number of Ethiopian Dash8-400s do not show on FR24 and some Ethiopian B737-800s show as US registered. This leads to a problem. On arrival into Addis Ababa and after baggage screening, Customs held me for a period of time and started questioning me about the camera equipment and telescope I was carrying. They advised me that bringing optics into Ethiopia is strictly prohibited and wanted to know the purpose behind my visit. They also wanted to know in detail about my camera and were asking if this was being fitted to a drone or will be used for aerial works. After a period of about 20-30mins and internal conversations I was allowed to go on my way.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WApmXusfe686hv3e9

EGLL/LHR - London Heathrow - Premier Inn Terminal 4 - November 2025

Located right next to Terminal 4, this budget hotel now offers rooms with a view on floors 5-6 and 7(plus room only).  All ideal for spottong or photography if you are happy to shot through the glass.  It's connected by covered walk way to Terminal 4 and the Underground or Elizabeth line.  There is a bus stops to Terminal 5 or Hatton cross outside the hotel.  Car Parking is £26 per night and there is a decent on site restaurant and bar.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jJhipkfmqCjkeFfr6

Credit: Phil Globe