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Travel Report
Schiphol Airport Amsterdam Love at First Flight ©Jeffrey Schäfer
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Schiphol Airport
s a travel journalist, I spend a lot of time in airports, and more often than not, it’s not the most pleasant experience. But on a trip last year en route to Indonesia, I came across one I absolutely adored: Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport My layovers were of different lengths – the first being 12 hours – so I booked a room at Ibis Amsterdam Airport Hotel, just minutes away by free shuttle. It was ideal for some sleep and sustenance, and there was a lovely water fountain green space in which to relax outside and get some fresh air before heading back. But on return, I had far less time between flights, so I decided to explore the airport. Schiphol airport is like a little village unto itself. It has a glitzy little casino, a small museum, a library, and ton of first-rate eating, drinking and shopping venues (over 100 stores), a market with fresh produce, and a massive bakery called “Bread.” There is even nightlife at lounge bars, and an authentic Irish pub! There are lockers to store your carry-on,
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free WI-FI, and they also have a great app to help you navigate. The public lounge areas are incredibly comfortable, and they also have children’s playgrounds, and even a meditation room. There are small hotels right in the airport – past security – where you can rent a day room or overnight it. One is a basic hostel style affair, but the Hotel Mercure is much more luxe in its accommodations. Even if you don’t want to rent a room, you can also rent a shower cubicle. The ability to have a hot shower with soap, shampoo, towels and hair dryer included was such a welcome luxury on the heels of an 18-hour journey that I can’t believe all airports don’t offer this. And for more pampering, there is a Ritual Spa and three Xpress spas – one with full services including a hair salon and a nap cocoon! Air travel these days can be grueling, but if a layover at Schiphol is on your agenda, then you’re in for a real treat between flights. Visit: www.schiphol.nl SUSAN CAMPBELL Twitter: @suectravel