8 Points Hotels Where #avgeeks Can Plane-Spot Up Close

Even the most seasoned road warrior will admit there's something exciting about seeing planes up close and in their element from your hotel room. It’s even better when you can redeem hotel loyalty points so that the room is free or nearly free.

Here are some popular airport hotels are tops for plane spotters with loyalty points in their virtual wallets:

Grand Hyatt at SFO

This new San Francisco airport hotel offers incredible views of the international terminal as well as planes from airlines like Qantas, Korean Air and EVA Air parked with their noses facing the hotel at close proximity. Rooms with runway views are redeemable for 20,000 Hyatt points per night. They come with floor-to-ceiling windows through which guests can watch planes take off at SFO.

If you’re staying in a Runway Room, you can use the in-room binoculars and a plane-spotting guide to enjoy the views.

Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport

Request a top-floor room at the Hyatt Place London Heathrow. Most planes either lift off or touch down at this point of the runway, making these rooms (which go for only 8,000 Hyatt points) among the best on the planet for plane scenery.

If you have elite status with American Airlines, make sure you're registered for the promotional partnership that delivers reciprocal miles and points earning with Hyatt.

» Learn more: Credit cards with TSA Precheck or Global Entry credits

Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel

Long a standout hotel for plane scenery, this Category 4 Marriott hotel provides excellent aircraft action views. Be sure to request a runway-facing room for the best scenery of planes lifting off for takeoff or rolling out on landing directly in front of the hotel.

Grand Hyatt DFW

Situated inside Terminal D at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the Grand Hyatt DFW offers impressive views of the wide-body aircraft action throughout the day (Terminal D is the international terminal at DFW). Soundproof glass keeps noise at bay, though those who love the sound of engines can still enjoy it from the rooftop pool terrace.

Rooms with runway views go for 20,000 Hyatt points per night.

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

A Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport, your morning workout is an #avgeek pleasure since the hotel’s gym is on the top floor with views of terminals and runways.

One night here costs 12,000 Hyatt points per night.

» Learn more: 5 places where you can grab a shower at the airport

Sofitel Athens Airport

The Sofitel Athens Airport is an especially convenient airport hotel, since it is directly across the street from the airport terminal and connected to the metro station. There is no need for an airport shuttle; the hotel reception desk is a brief walk from baggage claim.

Request rooms on the highest floors to view the runway action. Accor loyalty program members can use their points to settle part of their bill at a rate of 2,000 points for a discount of 40 euros.

Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel & Conference Centre

The Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel & Conference Centre is situated in Terminal 2, providing superior runway views. The hotel costs 30,000 to 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for the convenience of staying at a hotel located within the airport.

Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport

Guests of the Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport have incredible views of the apron where planes are taxiing, being loaded with bags and cargo, and preparing for the next flight. Planes touch down on the runway in front of the hotel, giving plane spotters an exceptional vantage point for photos at this 5,000 points-per-night property.

Photos courtesy of Hyatt.