If you have a long layover, look for a transit hotel. They’re my low-cost secret to not having a miserable trip.

Airport hotels are close to or connected to airports, but transit hotels are inside airports. Many are in the airport’s transit area, where duty-free shops are usually located.

Unlike airport hotels, transit hotels are usually beyond airport security and immigration. Not having to get a passport stamped before checking in or boarding the plane saves a ton of time for travelers who don’t leave the airport.

Because of their unique location, transit hotels are often limited to international passengers who have a boarding pass for an onward flight anywhere from a few hours to a day or two later. Rooms can typically be booked for several hours or overnight.

Many transit-hotel guests never leave the airport. However, some passengers, like me, find that transit hotels make sense even if they plan to leave and explore.

My first transit-hotel experience was incredibly stress-free and relaxing

Our modern room also had great amenities.

It had outlets that could accommodate American plugs without a converter and toiletries. We also got a towel warmer, cozy slippers, and a free toothbrush.

When we headed out the next morning, we had to go through immigration, but it was a fast process. When we returned to the hotel, we went through immigration and security once more.

I was glad to get that out of the way at night so we could sleep in before the 11-hour flight early the next morning.

Instead of waking up at the crack of dawn to get to the airport by 7 a.m., we slept in until 7:45, grabbed a quick breakfast to-go, and got to our gate with plenty of time to spare.

It was the most relaxing and stress-free travel day I have ever had.

These hotels solve a major travel problem, and I wish more airports had them

Although I could’ve found a cheaper hotel in the city, paying a little more was well worth the convenience and allowed us to maximize our short time in Istanbul and still get plenty of rest.

After all, a long layover is draining and can exhaust and stress out any traveler. I’ve spent too many layovers trying to sleep on the floor or wandering aimlessly. Transit hotels are the perfect fix.

Unfortunately, they aren’t as widespread as I think they should be and can be tough to find. Yotelair has airside transit hotels in Paris, Singapore, and Amsterdam. Airports in places like Oman and Malaysia also have transit hotels under other brands.

In the US, the closest thing you’ll find to transit hotels are usually sleeping pods or short-term suites for rent in select major airports.

Now that I know how fantastic transit hotels are, I’ll actively look for them whenever I have a long layover — and I hope one day to see them in every airport.