Back in June 2024, Miami-Dade officials approved plans for in-terminal sleep pods at Miami International Airport. There’s now an update, as this facility has opened, so we have all the details.
Wait N’ Rest private sleep rooms open at Miami Airport
Airport sleep pod company Wait N’ Rest has just opened its newest facility in Miami (MIA), complementing its existing location in Bogota (BOG), and there’s also an upcoming location planned for Toronto (YYZ).
Miami Airport is actually getting two of these facilities from the same company, both airside. The first is located in Concourse D, and has just opened, while the second one will be in Concourse H, and is expected to open in the coming months.
The Wait N’ Rest Concourse D is located one level above the concourse, near gate D15. I believe this means it’s right next to the airport’s secondary American Admirals Club, also near gate D15. Concourse D is used exclusively by American, and is connected airside to Concourse E.
It’s my understanding that the Concourse D location is supposed to have 45 units, while the Concourse H location will have 25 units. Each facility has a mini-lobby, and each sleep pod features free Wi-Fi, climate controls, charging stations, soundproofing, a workspace, TV streaming, and access to a private shower and fresh towels. It’s nice that this provides access to showers, since that’s a rare amenity for these kinds of sleep pods.
Interestingly, it appears there are different kinds of accommodations, suited for anywhere from one to four guests each.
With Wait N’ Rest now being open and bookable, what are rates like? It appears that currently only dual rooms are bookable (with two beds).
The rate is $40 per hour, and the sleep pods need to be booked for a minimum of four hours. If you stay for eight hours, you receive a discounted rate of $200, meaning you’re only paying for five hours, a 37% discount off the rack rate.
While the Bogota location belongs to the Priority Pass network, unfortunately there’s no indication that the Miami location will participate.
For those curious about the economics for the airport, the contract has a five-year term, which can be renewed for an additional five years. The county expects it will make $10 million from this contract, assuming it’s extended for the entire 10 years, as the county gets a 25% cut on revenue. That’s interesting — that’s $4 million in revenue per year for the concept, or ~$11K per day.
This is a great development for Miami Airport
Miami Airport is my home airport, so I’ll probably never use this facility, but I’m excited to see it nonetheless. In particular, it’s cool that Miami is the first US location for Wait N’ Rest.
However, plenty of US airports have Minute Suites locations, which are a similar concept, though more basic. They’re essentially like small offices with daybeds. I’d say that the Wait N’ Rest concept is a bit more conducive to actually sleeping rather than being productive, so personally I prefer that idea. I actually think the Wait N’ Rest facility looks nicer than I was expecting, especially with features like showers.
Currently Miami Airport has one landside hotel that’s connected directly to the airport, and that’s the Miami International Airport Hotel. It’s quite outdated, and isn’t affiliated with any major hotel group. In 2027, a new Westin Miami Airport is supposed to open, which will also be on airport premises, and connected to the terminal.
So I’m happy to see more options for resting coming to the airport. Obviously proper airport hotels aren’t ideal if you’re looking to just rest by the hour, though the sleep pods get expensive very quickly.
There’s absolutely a ton of people who end up in the terminal for long periods of time (including overnight), who would value the ability to rest. The challenge is that you’re basically paying a huge premium for the convenience of staying in one of these pods. With a minimum stay of four hours, you’re paying at least $160 for a stay, and at that cost, you can also get an airport hotel for an entire night. Will people be willing to pay these costs for the convenience, or is the pricing a bit optimistic?
Bottom line
Wait N’ Rest has opened a new airside rest facility at Miami Airport. It’s rare to see these kinds of proper rest facilities at US airports, so this is a nice addition. While this is incredibly convenient for those looking to get a bit of shut-eye, the challenge is justifying the price. At $40 per hour and with a minimum stay of four hours, you basically pay a premium to stay here compared to a hotel.
What do you make of the new sleep pods at Miami Airport?