The Westin Denver International Airport

Once strictly a matter of convenience, and the sort of last resort you’d consider only if your connecting flight was grounded by a blizzard, lately some airport hotels are creating experiences that are meant to be memorable, not just tolerable. One such newcomer is the Westin Denver International Airport, whose broad cantilevered form reflects the distinctive tented silhouette of the airport terminal, just 50 yards away.

The rooms are contemporary in style, with a bit of a nod to the space-age aesthetic of the early days of jet travel. Spaces are generous, especially in the suites with their canted exterior windows — and all rooms and suites look out through full-width triple-glazed glass, which does an admirable job of blocking out the sounds of passing cars and jets, while letting that crystal-clear Colorado sunshine stream in.

As for creature comforts, Westin has long perfected its recipes, including its trademark beds and baths. There’s an indoor pool and a fairly capacious fitness studio, as well as a restaurant, a café, and a bar, the Sky Lounge, under a dramatic arched ceiling. And while in the particular case of Denver, an airport location places you nearly 30 miles from the city center, the airport rail station is just downstairs from your room — you’ll be on the 16th Street Mall in barely half an hour.