I tried a private airport sleeping room that's $65 an hour — it had perks, but I think lounges offer a way better value

I spent an hour in a private sleeping room at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.Jenna DeLaurentisOn a recent layover, I reserved a private Minute Suites sleeping room at the airport.At $65 an hour, I thought the price was high, but I still enjoyed the privacy and quiet.Next time, I'll pass the time in an airport lounge instead — I think they offer a better value.I'm always searching for savvy ways to improve my travel experience, especially on layovers.Usually, airport lounges are my go-to when looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy terminal. They offer perks like food, bar service, and showers, all of which can be a lifesaver on long travel days.Yet even the nicest lounges aren't without fault. Some face overcrowding, and they're not always as quiet as you'd expect.Plus, if you don't receive complimentary lounge access through your airline status or credit card, single-use lounge passes can be pricey — typically around $60 to $80 per person.So, on a recent layover in the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, I looked for an alternative and found Minute Suites, a company that rents out private sleeping rooms in airport terminals across the US.My one-hour reservation would've cost $65 if I didn't have a Priority Pass.I visited the Minute Suites in Terminal D at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.Jenna DeLaurentisBy the time I arrived in Dallas for my layover after an early morning flight, I was already exhausted. I couldn't wait to wind down in a private room and take a break during my busy travel day.So, I reserved one hour in a private suite. The reservation normally costs $65, but I received the first hour free of charge through my Priority Pass membership.Minute Suites immediately gave me my own private space to relax away from the crowds.I took a nap on the suite's daybed.Jenna DeLaurentisUpon arrival, I was promptly shown to my suite.Most Minute Suites are just over 50 square feet, and there are plenty of amenities packed into the small space, like a daybed, desk, and TV.I used the desk and daybed.The suite's desk was perfect for catching up on work.Jenna DeLaurentisThe room's daybed was ideal for a brief rest — albeit not as plush as a standard hotel bed — and the desk was a useful space where I could get some work done before my flight.The room also had some nice, small touches.Snacks and drinks were available for purchase.Jenna DeLaurentisI appreciated the space's special touches, such as the sound-masking device, which blocked enough noise to make me forget I was in an airport.The room also came with several varieties of snacks and drinks that were available for purchase.I could've paid an extra $20 to use the space's showers, but the cost seemed a bit too high to justify during my short reservation.I felt relaxed after my stay, but the price felt a little hard to justify.Minute Suites aren't cheap, but they're a nice option for long layovers and young families.Jenna DeLaurentisMy hourlong rental passed by quickly, and I left the suite feeling refreshed and ready for my next flight. The private room gave me a much-needed break from the busy terminal outside.However, I found the price somewhat high since I was alone, and Minute Suites are priced by the room and not per personAt $65 for the first hour, I'm not sure a short reservation was worth the cost as a solo traveler. If I were with friends or family, this rental's cost would be easier to justify. Nonetheless, I see the appeal of renting a suite on an overnight layover. An eight-hour rental, for instance, runs $215. Given that the suite is directly in the airport and post-security, there's no doubt it's convenient for an overnight stay.In addition, booking a Minute Suites space could be the ultimate travel hack for families with young children. There's no need to chase kids around a crowded terminal — the private room provides space for them to nap, watch a movie, and wind down before a flight.I find that airport lounges offer a better value for my travel style.Airport lounges provide complimentary food and drinks, which I appreciate.Jenna DeLaurentisI appreciated the privacy of Minute Suites, but ultimately missed the amenities offered in an airport lounge.When I fly, I love stopping by a lounge for a complimentary meal and pre-flight drink, whether an espresso martini, gelato, or made-to-order pasta.Minute Suites only has snacks and drinks that can be purchased. The lack of an included shower was a downside, too. Not all airport lounges offer free-to-use showers, but it's an amenity I frequently seek out when flying internationally.Lastly, I prefer the pricing structure of airport lounges over the hourly rates at Minute Suites. For example, United Airlines' United Club offers single-use passes for $59 that provide lounge access for three hours before your first flight or your entire layover during a connection.I can spend a lot more time in an airport lounge for roughly the same price as an hour at Minute Suites. Even so, I'm not opposed to trying Minute Suites again. If I ever found myself stuck in an airport overnight, a private room would almost certainly be priceless.Nine times out of 10, though, I'd probably choose an airport lounge instead for the best value.Read the original article on Business Insider

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