Landing around 11pm and flying out again at 9am is such an annoying amount of time. By the time you get off the plane, get your bearings, and think about heading to a hotel, you’re basically looking at maybe 4–5 hours of actual sleep and that’s if the shuttle timing works out.
The on-site Marriott and Minute Suites prices are nuts, and I agree the cheap off-airport hotels stop feeling “cheap” once you factor in waiting for shuttles both directions.
IAH isn’t the worst airport to crash in, but it’s not amazing either. There are a few quiet-ish corners in Terminal C and E where people camp out, but lights stay bright and there’s the usual overnight vacuuming. You can get some rest, just don’t expect anything great.
Honestly I’d probably stay in the airport, find a decent spot, and just tough it out. For such a weird in-between layover, the hotel shuffle barely feels worth it.
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