KATL/ATL - Atlanta - Renaissance Concourse - March 2026

Day spent at the Renaissance Concourse hotel in Atlanta minus one hour to visit the Delta Flight Museum. Rooms with the balconies overlook the airfield. Before we went I was told that rooms with a single king bed are on the highest floors but booked a room with 2 queens and was still able to get a room on floor 9 of 11. Presumably the king rooms are on floors 10 and 11 with the suites? Anyway, the room was high enough to see movements on all runways as well as clear the flood lights for pictures of aircraft landing on runway 8L. 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eiA8bGPJuUyNAdoFA

View from the front of the room,  views to left and right look over FedEx and delta maintenance ramps.

LFMN/NCE - Nice - Greet hotel - March 2026

I stayed at the Greet hotel, which is halfway along the main bizjet parking ramp. I booked directly with the hotel and was allocated room 615 on arrival. Half the rooms in this hotel faced towards the airport. The room is perfectly located to read all the three lines of parked biz jets. The only problem is that the bed butts up against the window and can’t be moved   This is a small inconvenience for the great view. I had a double room, but I'm not sure what the other room configurations are. The room is suitably equipped with three plug sockets plus USB. French style continental breakfast was included in the room rate. The hotel also has an outdoor terrace, which unfortunately faces the wrong way. All is not lost though as the bar area looks out towards the airport with the same view as the hotel room. Rooms ending in anything from 01 to 15 have the suitable view. I marked my hotel booking with that as a request.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/i2Loz4ygjwsUJXrR8

KMIA/MIA - Miami - Wingate by Wyndham Miami Airport - March 2026

We decided on the Wingate by Wyndham Miami Airport Hotel. This is at 3755 NW 76th Ave, Doral, FL 33166.  The hotel itself has 6 floors and what you need is a 5/6th floor for a view. We had rooms 613/619 both facing the airport, any room from 601-619 will do, I'd say the lower the number the better. Views. From the room you can see all arrivals onto all 3 runways! 

12/30 go straight over the hotel. 08L/26L and 08R/26R are just to the south of the hotel so to the right when looking out of the window.  09/27 are further to the right and do need a bit of work if on 09 but with a crick of the neck you will see them. All arrivals over the sea [26L/26R/27/30] can be seen coming towards you without any problems, you just have to get your bearings first.

Breakfast is included which consists of bread/toast/scrambled eggs/eggs/sausage/make your own waffles/yoghurts and coffee and tea. This offers a great start to the day. Parking is free.

In the area there are a few places to go and eat but we chose "Miller's Ale House" which was excellent and a great recommendation from Malcolm. Great food, great beers and great staff. The manager decided to join us and give us some samples of his favourite beers which we reluctantly [not] accepted. It's circa 25 minute walk which was a pleasant change from driving everywhere. We Uber'd back after a few drinks which were circa $20-$25 plus tip which between 5 of us was decent.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/uV4K2TfnqkudewUk6

Credit Jeff Hulme.

EGKK/LGW - London Gatwick - Premier Inn (North Terminal) - March 2026

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.

We were allocated room 1037, which turned out to be a family room.  With good optics, it is possible to identify all landing aircraft on runway 26L.  Full-length departures can also be identified, but you need to be quick as there are buildings blocking the actual runway view. With electronic aids, no movements will be missed.  On our return we were allocated room 1069.  Runway 08R was in use, so no movements will be missed if using electronic aids.  I guess the same applies if using 26L (i.e. you will see everything that departs and rollout on landing).

I was able to identify some movements, but with the angle required to the window, focusing can be a bit awkward.  This room is no good for photos.

The Premier Plus rooms are on the 9^th floor, ideally you need the 10^th floor.

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

KPHX/PHX - Phoenix - Aloft Phoenix Airport - March 2026

The Aloft is a relatively new Marriott hotel located just north of Phoenix Skyharbor Airport. It is aligned close to the touchdown point of runway 26. We were allocated twin room 609 which faces south, looking towards the airport.  As is often the case, landing traffic in the evening (we arrived after dark) was using runways 25L/26. All landing traffic could easily be seen, although departures off 25R/26 could not.

The following morning - again as is often the case - 7R & 8 were in use for landing traffic and 7L & 8 for departing traffic. All activity - including landings - could be seen, you just need to work out where to see the landers before they disappear behind clutter. Photography may be possible for aircraft landing on 26 but 25L landers may be too far away. Traffic in and out of Scottsdale can be seen also, as can many overflights transiting the Phoenix area.

This isn't a particularly cheap hotel (although staying during sports training and spring break bumped up prices at all hotels).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nzm6nbzA9k9b2MB7A

KSEA/SEA - Seattle Seatac - Four Points by Sheraton Seattle Airport South - March 2026

We stayed overnight at this hotel located approximately 3.5 miles due south of Seattle IAP. Whilst the hotel is a little way away from the airport itself, there are certain rooms that offer or should offer excellent views in part at least. We requested a westerly facing room (more on this below). On the night I stayed, traffic was using the southerly runway 16s, departing towards the hotel. Despite typical Seattle weather for the time of year, departures were easily visible until they entered clouds as they passed over the hotel.

The room allocated was room 733, actually a north facing twin room.. This is on the top floor and is one of two rooms (the other being 731) which are out of sequence with other rooms on the floor. The hotel clearly knew what we wanted, as these north facing rooms would be the only ones that would give you the ability to view traffic from the room itself.  After dark departures only could be seen. During daylight hours landing traffic is visible on short finals although you have to be quick due to trees blocking part of the view. If using the 34 runways, landing traffic would pass close by the hotel. In this instance, any of the many west facing rooms would afford good views with potential for photography also.

the hotel has an on site Indian restaurant that I can thoroughly recommend. However beware, meal sizes are US rather than UK or European!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cm12v9YzAnfAJ7k6A

EGSS/STN - London Stansted - Hampton by Hilton - March 2025

This hotel is a very short walk from the airport terminal & runway view rooms which are bookable on the hotels website give great views across the cargo & passenger ramp areas, all landing traffic can also be seen, aircraft parked at the exec terminal can only be seen from the top floor. I have stayed here twice – each time for 3 nights & on all occasions the windows have been spotless allowing for good photography. Food in the restaurant is reasonable & of good quality.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TmorEpZW78DkjByMA

EGLC/LCY - London City - Travelodge - March 2026

The Travelodge - London City Airport is located about a 10 minute walk to the West of London City Airport terminal. There are also three local Transport For London bus services (473/474 & 129)  that take a couple of minutes from the terminal - You need to get off at the first stop - Connaught Bridge and the hotel is right next to you on the left. The hotel is also conveniently located across the road from the Business Jet area.  Rooms with a view are located to the front of the hotel facing North and can be reserved directly on the Travelodge website at a small cost.

I stayed in Room 526 which is classed as a Super Room, it had one double bed and was located at the east end of the top floor corridor   - Rooms 501/502/503 and then odd numbered rooms up to and including 521 as well as rooms 522/524/526 also faced North. The one main issue with Room 526 is that the design of the building doesn't allow views of the runway due to there being a small protruding type of wall at the end of the hotel. The other rooms above may have a better view. Two minor issues are that the window is fairly small and was very dirty. Luckily during my stay, all arrivals were from the West - Runway 09 and passed the window. Departures could not be seen as mentioned above. Departures would be seen if departing 27. The room also looked in to the Business Jet parking area.

I didn't check, but I presume similar rooms on the 4th and 3rd floors would have a similar view. As it was a clear day, some Heathrow inbounds could be seen to the North of London heading West to arrive on the Easterly runways. I did not check for local convenience stores, but the hotel has a bar / restaurant.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/12VGt8GDodhqMZKj9

Credit Ian Hiles

EDDS/STR - Stuttgart - Hampton Inn by Hilton Stuttgart Airport - March 2026

I am staying at the newly opened Hampton Inn by Hilton at Stuttgart Airport. It is on the South side of the field facing cargo. Any room 501 -520 on the Top floor will give views of the runway and also the approach if landing to the West. I have Room 519. Rooms on the 3rd and 4th Floor will also give views of the approach but not the runway as the Cargo Terminal will block the view.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xMphFnJJzbPLK2UX7

Credit Mark Paulin

KLGA/LGA - New York La Guardia - Hampton by Hilton - March 2026

There are a number of hotels located opposite the terminals at La Guardia.  Whilst the Hampton by Hilton view would appear to be blocked by the Marriott in front, it isn't because the Hampton sits a little higher a little further back, and the hotel itself is higher.  As ever Hilton hotels also offer the advantage of being able to choose your own room when you check in on their app: for a view of anything flying at LGA 11th floor odd numbered room is required.

If the skies are clear the approach to Newark (from the north, the usual direction) is visible in the distance, and traffic to/from Boston and White Plains can be seen overhead.

This hotel has no restaurant but there is a restaurant in the Doubletree on the other side of the car park.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Q9LyHmsgBHA31io8

Floor plan. 11th floor odd numbered rooms required.

Runway 31 departure. Marriott hotel in front.

Runway 22 arrival

EDDM / MUC - Munich - Ibis Halbergmoos - March 2026

I am staying in the Ibis Halbergmoos. I have room 315 which faces the airport. At this time of year with no leaves on the trees all Westerly landings can be seen. Easterly landings should be visible anytime  although some rooms will have trees obscuring them once they are in leaf. It will also mean Westerly landings wont be visible.  Ideally you want Room 301 - 315 which face the airport and the same on the 2nd Floor. 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/7TaxDMHXweNooBH99

Credit Mark Paulin

ZUTF/TFU - Chengdu Tianfu International Airport - Joyhub Air Hotel - March 2026

We used the Joyhub Cheer Hotel (there is also the Joyhub Air Hotel, but it appears the Cheer is a higher standard). Note that it is the circle building split in half, in between the terminals. The Cheer is the east block, The Air is the west block.

8th floor provided excellent views. Rooms 6804-6810 were perfectly located (8 is in this case the floor number). What cannot be seen is the east departure runway, so it would be wise to stay up long at night and get all the arrivals as the departures next morning would not be visible (and they use the east runway a lot).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/iLrCHPb7SmXDj2yJ6 NOTE Locations in chana are often inaccurate.

Credit Volker Wackernagel / Bulldog and Cat

EDNY/FDH - Friedrichshafen - ibis Friedrichshafen Airport Messe - March 2026

The Ibis is adjacent to the terminal and any Room ending 11 - 17 on the 2nd floor and above will give a view of the runway. I had dinner in the LSC Restaurant this evening which has views onto and into the light aircraft hangers. It has a terrace like the Cafe at Geneva where good photos can be had.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/roVsNfVoJtmyMHgq6

Credit Mark Paulin

LTFM/IST - Istanbul - Hampton by Hilton Arnavutkoy - March 2026

As two years had elapsed since my last visit, it was time to head back to Istanbul to tidy-up the ever-growing fleets of the local carriers.  The other bonus here is seeing a good number of airlines banned in our part of the world (which continues to make it a very interesting place).  This time I stayed at the Hampton by Hilton in Arnavutkoy which I noticed nearing completion during my last visit. Its located a couple of miles south of the airport and is recommended hotel which proved better than expected for views of the action. I had room 1431 on the 4th floor  (any room between 1401 - 1437 (odd) will work. The 5th floor (top) room windows are recessed into the roof and probably have restricted views. As usual, ops were Northerly and inbounds for 34L pass just to the left of the hotel easily visible at around 1200ft. Traffic on 35R (the other main landing runway) can also be seen slightly tail on as they pass (but can be watched all the way to touchdown as there is a good view of runway 35R/L) All traffic using these runways can be seen as well as the taxiways and stands on the West side of the airport, The only issue is landing traffic on 36 (which is the most distant runway) is only visible briefly on very short finals.  Fortunately, its only very occasionally used for landing traffic at busy periods. With Southerly Ops traffic should still be easily seen from the hotel (depending on the cloud base!).

Credit: Bill Robertson

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rdRBhVEbfR3hCHG27

View from room 1431.

ZUUU/CTU - Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport - Joyhub Air Hotel - March 2026

I used the Joyhub Air Hotel at Chengdu Shuangliu.Room 8946 is probably the best as it looks straight onto the runway and is also next to the hallway window which looks onto the second runway and the masses of stored Airbus (PW engine issues).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pef8CQAaHFRxboGr9 NOTE Locations in China are often inaccurate.

Credit Volker Wackernagel

ZGGG/CAN - Guangzhou - Pullman - March 2025

To access the Pullman hotel it is necessary to cross in to the main terminal to check-in level and then the Pullman is out the front across the road.  Easy when you know how!  I had requested a room with a view when booking, and when repeating the request at check-in the staff member knew exactly what I wanted.  The views are from rooms in the West Wing, even numbers between 2706 and 2732 on the seventh floor.  There is no 2700/2/4.  The view looks out towards the new terminal 2, with parallel runways on the right and a single runway on the left.  It overlooks some remote parking for Terminal 1 but most of the parking is out of sight behind you.

March 2025 

We’d booked our usual high-floored Exec Room in the West Wing only to be told that we’d been upgraded to a Suite in the East Wing. As it was high-floor and north facing, we accepted the kind gesture. Having stayed in the East Wing, I feel being in the West is slightly better for spotting, but by no means essential. For the first few hours runway ops were northerly so all deps are easily seen.

Around 2100 ops were changed to southerly and have remained so ever since. Naturally, inbounds are way easier, but the 30 or so needs that were already in were hard work but not impossible. With planning, and allowing for the lag in FR24/ADSB/ANRB you can have success, it was a bit of a Benny Hill like scenario however, up and down the corridors to catch the deps. God knows what the camera security team were thinking!  

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZZQZWSneqKLa7XAL9

Credit Bulldog and Cat

LSZH / ZRH - Zurich - Intercity Hotel - March 2026

Intercity Hotel - Zurich Airport - This hotel is located in the village of Rumlang which is to the West of Zurich Airport. There is a courtesy bus to/from the airport.  When booking direct on the website, there is an option to reserve an airport view room which was allocated on arrival.  I was allocated a top floor room which looked out towards the airport. I have  Room 431. Any Room 421 to 433 will have a similar view of the main terminal and the departure runway 28. Stuff landing 14 can be seen as it taxies across the departure runway 28. Anything using the Satellite Terminal cannot be seen as behind buildings and trees so you have to wait until it departs.   There is an Aldi opposite as well as a McDonalds a short walk away.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9W4J8GuAjDq4MbA99

Credit Mark Paulin

 

EGBB/BHX - Birmingham - Hilton Garden Inn - March 2026

Stayed at The Hilton Garden inn, asked for high room facing airport and we got this from 618.  Good views towards GA cargo and hangers, anything on the move can be seen, just not the main terminal stands so your need to wait for something to taxi out if already in.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bMpWe81RxPAQyk9fA

Credit Keith Hatfield