If you have a layover at Salt Lake City Airport, sleep options at the airport are minimal and in this guide, and I have provided a detailed guide including the much-talked-about sleep pods at SLC Airport. SLC Airport is one of the busiest airports in the US, serving over 21 million passengers annually.
The airport is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines and is served by a number of other airlines as well. It has one terminal and two concourses (A & B). It is a relatively small airport and is easy to navigate.
What is a sleeping pod?
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A sleeping pod is a private space that you can rent by the hour or day to sleep, work, or relax in. Pods are usually located in airports, hotels, or other public spaces.
They are designed to be comfortable and quiet, with many featuring amenities such as Wi-Fi, charging stations, reading lights, and privacy curtains.
In appearance, they look like cocoons or small rooms, and some even have beds.
Sleeping pods are becoming increasingly popular as a way to get some rest during long layovers or delays. They offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of the airport and can help you feel more refreshed for your onward journey.
Below is an image of Gosleep pods which are installed in airports such as JFK, Heathrow, Schiphol, Perth, and Dubai Airports. US Airports such as LAX, Denver sleep pods, Seattle, and CLE, among others don’t have these pods yet;
Gosleep, the company that has pioneered sleeping pod innovations in airports is actually European, not American. It is founded by Finnish entrepreneurs and Helsinki is their model airport.
Read more about Gosleep on its website here.
Amenities in a sleeping pod:
- Bed
- Wifi
- Privacy curtain
- Charging station
- Reading light
How much do sleep pods cost?
Sleep pods can be rented by the hour or day. Prices vary depending on the location, time of day, and length of stay. They typically cost between $25 and $50 per hour, with discounts for longer stays. Companies such as Sleep n Fly in Dubai, Minute Suites in Atlanta and GoSleep in Heathrow charge rates such as $48 for the first hour and about $20 to $30 for each additional hour.
While there are no pay-per-use sleep cabins at Salt Lake City Airport, you can expect to pay upwards of $120 for a 4-hour block. This is close to the amount you’d pay to book a hotel within SLC airport or at airports close to to the SLC airport.
If you are on a budget, it makes sense to compare the cost of a sleeping pod with the price of a hotel room. If you are looking for the cheapest option, there are some things to consider such as the location of the airport, how long your layover is, and whether you will need transportation to and from the airport.
Does Salt Lake City have sleeping pods?
No. Unfortunately, Salt Lake City International Airport does not have any sleeping pods or pay-per-use sleep cabins. The only option for those looking for a place to sleep at the airport is to book a hotel room within the airport or at one of the nearby airports.
Another recommendation in place of sleep cabins at SLC airport is the Delta Sky Club lounge which doesn’t have sleep cabins per se but has comfortable couches and lounges you can rest in.
A recent reviewer said that security shuts down “early,” but you can still find access to the airside late at night in Terminal 1. From what people are saying, it seems like Concourse B in Terminal 1 is the best place to sleep if you’re looking for potential sleeping spots. If you want to be comfortable while spending the night in this airport, experts recommend bringing extra layers or a travel blanket, earplugs/noise-canceling headphones, and eyeshades.
Why Book a sleep pods over a hotel room – 5 reasons:
- Convenience: If you have an early morning flight, it can be more convenient to stay at the airport overnight rather than travel to and from a hotel. This is especially true if the airport is located far from the city center.
- Baggage: If you are traveling with baggage, it can be more convenient to stay at the airport and not have to worry about transporting your bags to and from a hotel.
- Time: If you have a long layover, it may make more sense to stay at the airport rather than spend time traveling to and from a hotel.
- Cost: Depending on the location, sleeping in an airport can be cheaper than booking a hotel room
- Privacy: If you want more privacy than what a hotel room can offer, a sleeping pod may be a better option.
Where can I Sleep at SLC Airport?
Your best spot to sleep at Salt Lake City Airport is on Level 5 of the Terminal 1 Parking Garage. This is a public space that is open 24 hours a day and has plenty of comfortable seating. It also offers great views of the airport runways.
If you are looking for a more private space to sleep, there are several hotels located near the airport. The closest hotel to the airport is the Residence Inn Salt Lake City Airport. This hotel offers a free shuttle to and from the airport, as well as complimentary breakfast.
Other hotels located near the airport include the Hampton Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport, the SpringHill Suites Salt Lake City Airport, and the Courtyard by Marriott Salt Lake City Airport. These hotels are all located within a few miles of the airport and offer free shuttle service to and from the terminals.
Sleep Pods Alternative #1: Salt Lake International Airport Hotels:
Hyatt Place:
- Offers free airport shuttle service, 24/7 dining options
- Rating on Tripadvisor: 4/5 by over 1,400 customers
- Pricing: around $120 per night
The Hyatt Place is located just minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport and offers a free 24-hour shuttle to and from the airport. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and business center. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning of their stay.
Hyatt, Radisson, and Courtyard are some of the top choices that you can explore and be guaranteed to get the value for your money.
Check today’s rates to book Hyatt Place on Tripadvisor here
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham :
- Offers 24-hour free shuttles to and from SLC Airport
- Rating on Tripadvisor: 3.5/5 from 1300 + customers
The Microtel Inn & Suites is located just 1.5 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport and offers a free shuttle to and from the airport. The hotel also has an on-site fitness center and business center. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning of their stay.
As of late 2022, this is the cheapest airport hotel that you can comfortably book and forget entirely about the sleep box/cabins. In fact, it is cheaper than some sleep pods as it costs around $90 for an entire night – up to 12 hours, compared to sleep pods’ fees which can be as low as $120 per 4-hour period.
Check the rates of Microtel Inn and Suites today here.
Courtyard by Marriott:
- Offers free 24-hour shuttle to and from the SLC airport.
- Rating on Tripadvisor: 4/5 by 500+ customers
- Distance to airport: 3.6 miles
The Courtyard by Marriott is located just 1.7 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport and offers a free shuttle to and from the airport. The hotel also has an on-site fitness center and business center. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning of their stay.
This hotel charges $120 to $130 per night which is more expensive than other options such as Microtel Inn and Suites which go for about $90 but are in line with what you can expect to pay at pay-per-use sleep cabins. Check the rates today here.
Below are snapshots of this hotel’s positive reviews on Tripadvisor;
And of course you won’t miss a negative rating;
Radisson Hotel:
- Offers free 24-hour shuttle to and from the SLC airport.
- Rating on Tripadvisor: 3.5/5 by 1k+ customers
The Radisson Hotel is located just 2 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport and offers a free shuttle to and from the airport. The hotel also has an on-site fitness center, swimming pool, and business center. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning of their stay.
Airport Inn Hotel:
- Offers 24-hour shuttle from and to SLC Airport
- Rating on Tripadvisor: 3/5 by 500+ customers
The Airport Inn Hotel is located just 2 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport and offers a free shuttle to and from the airport. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and business center. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning of their stay.
Check out more Salt lake City Airport hotels here.
Sleep Pods Alternative #2 at SLC: Aiport Lounges
Delta Sky Club Lounge:
Another option aside from sleeping pods is to use the airport lounges at SLC. Unfortunately, only Delta Sky Club Lounge is operational at SLC and is located at Concourse A, Level 2, east of the new Airport Plaza.
To access it, you must have a Delta Sky Club membership or an American Express Platinum card. If you don’t have any of those, you can purchase a one-day pass for $59.
The lounge has plenty of comfortable seating, as well as workstations with power outlets, complimentary WiFi, and TV monitors. The lounge also offers complimentary snacks and beverages, as well as a full bar (for a fee).
Alternative #3: Make a DIY Bed and sleep on the benches:
If you don’t want to spend any money and are just looking for a place to crash for a few hours, you can always make your own bed on one of the airport benches. There are plenty of benches throughout the airport, so you should be able to find one that’s comfortable enough to sleep on.
Just make sure to set an alarm so you don’t miss your flight!
FAQs
What are the best places to stay in Downtown Salt Lake City?
The best places to stay in Downtown Salt Lake City are the Marriott City Center, Residence Inn by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown, and Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City.
What are the best places to stay near the airport?
The best place to stay near the airport is at the Comfort Suites Airport which is located just 1.9 miles away from SLC Airport. This hotel is highly rated with an average of 4.5/5 and offers free airport pick up at a price factored into the cost of the hotel room which doesn’t exceed $110. This price is in line with Sleep pods’ 4-hour block pricing which is usually around $120. Tripadvisor ranks this hotel top 8 among 87 it tracks as part of SLC airport hotels.
Check rates of this hotel here.
Does Salt Lake City Airport close at night?
No, Salt Lake City operates 24 hours a day and doesn’t close around midnight as other smaller airports in the US do. You should, however, remember that if you’re flying out early in the morning, check-in counters and security checkpoints usually open 2-3 hours before your flight.
Is there Centurion Lounge at Salt Lake City Airport?
As of 2022, there is no Centurion Lounge at Salt Lake City Airport. The only airport lounge that’s operational at SLC is the Delta Sky Club Lounge located at Concourse A, Level 2, east of the new Airport Plaza.
Are there Minutes Suites at Salt lake City International Airport?
No, there are no Minute Suites at Salt Lake City International Airport. Similar to Gosleep’s sleep pods, Minute Suites which started off in Atlanta hasn’t yet launched its sleep cabins at SLC. From Minute Suites’ website, there is no indication that their sleep cabins will be available at SLC Airport soon.
Are sleep pods safe?
Sleep pods are generally safe as they provide a secure and comfortable space for you to catch some shut-eye. However, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when travelling, especially if you’re solo.
When using a sleep pod, make sure to keep your valuables close to you and avoid putting them in the storage space provided as it might not be completely secure. It’s also a good idea to let a friend or family member know where you’ll be sleeping in case of an emergency.
Will security allow me to sleep overnight at Salt Lake City Airport?
Yes, security will allow you to sleep overnight at Salt Lake City Airport. On its website, SLC doesn’t indicate that it prohibits passengers looking to take some short naps in its benches. While it doesn’t have designated sleep areas, you can always find yourself a spot(though it may be uncomfortable) to sleep at night during your layover. Check more details on SLC’s website here.
If I have a layover at SLC, what are top 10 fun things to do?
If you have a layover at Salt Lake City International Airport and are looking for ways to kill some time, here are 10 fun things you can do:
- -Visit the Hogle Zoo: The Hogle Zoo is located about 8 miles from the airport and is a great place to see some animals. Admission starts at $15.95 for adults and $11.95 for children.
- -Take a tour of the Great Salt Lake: The Great Salt Lake is located about 30 miles from the airport and is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. You can take a tour of the lake on a boat or from one of the many observation decks. Admission starts at $9 for adults and $6 for children.
- -Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah: The Natural History Museum of Utah is located about 4 miles from the airport and is a great place to learn about the state’s natural history. Admission starts at $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for children.
- -Visit the Utah Museum of Fine Arts: The Utah Museum of Fine Arts is located about 4 miles from the airport and is a great place to see some art. Admission is free.
- -Take a tour of Temple Square: Temple Square is located in downtown Salt Lake City and is home to the LDS Temple and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Tours of the square are free.
- -Visit the Tracy Aviary: The Tracy Aviary is located about 3 miles from the airport and is a great place to see some birds. Admission starts at $9 for adults and $6 for children.
- -Visit the Red Butte Garden: The Red Butte Garden is located about 5 miles from the airport and is a great place to see some flowers and plants. Admission starts at $12 for adults and $8 for children.
- -Take a hike in Millcreek Canyon: Millcreek Canyon is located about 15 miles from the airport and is a great place to go hiking. Admission is $3 per car.
- -Visit the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum: The Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is located about 1 mile from the airport and is a great place for kids to learn and play. Admission starts at $9.95 for adults and $7.95 for children.
- -See a show at the Encircle Gallery: The Encircle Gallery is located about 2 miles from the airport and is a great place to see some art. Admission is free.
What are the best places to eat at Salt Lake City Airport?
Some of the best places to eat at Salt Lake City Airport include La Tapenade Mediterranean Café, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and Café Zupas. La Tapenade Mediterranean Café offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes, Five Guys Burgers and Fries specializes in American comfort food, and Café Zupas is a great place to get a healthy meal. There are also several fast food options available at the airport, including McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Subway.
My name is Alex Mutuma and I founded this blog, Airport LLC as a way to document and engage with clients in my travel consulting business. Airportllc.com is the only source of over 2,000 fun things flyers could do during layovers.
Over the past 7 years, I have designed and planned tour packages for hundreds of clients and have recently focussed on the mission of changing boring layovers to excellent mini-vacations by giving you the best suggestions on must-do activities when flying over different airports.
Next time you or your friend are looking for suggestions on what to do in some airport, remember Airport LLC or Airportllc.com. On this site, you’ll get the best suggestions available on the internet regarding hand-picked activities that will fulfill your airport experience.
I currently reside in New York City and have obtained a license to provide professional tour guidance at Airports in the US and across the world. Why should you listen to my suggestions? I have flown through more than 100 airports in the world and fortunately, I have pictures, stories, and tips to share with you regarding all the fun stuff you can do as you wait for your next flight.
Aside from gaining thousands of flying miles, I am also a travel consultant assisting clients with bookings and specifically advance tour bookings of things to do at airports when the layover is longer than 5 hours.
To make a 15-minute free things-to-do consultation with Alex, use my email, alex@airportllc.com.
This is only recommended for flyers with long layovers of over 5 hours. If your layover is 3+ hours, you can still reach out but we cannot guarantee the ideal package that will change your layovers to mini-vacations. I only support clients flying through US airports and a select number of cities across the world.
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Name: Alex Mutuma
Profession: A professional travel consultant with a focus on airport activities to do during layovers
Email: Alex@airportllc.com
Phone: +1 945 348 889
Website: airportllc.com
Location: 322 Main Packway Street, Boston, US
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