I stayed in a tiny hotel room inside an airport during a 11-hour layover. I’m shocked how much I enjoyed my $340 stay.

Unlike traditional hotels, there’s no grand lobby at YotelAir.

Instead, the entrance was minimalist and modern, bathed in soft purple lighting that gave it a spaceship-like atmosphere.

A staff member there scanned my passport and handed me a keycard. (Keep in mind that since the hotel is inside the airport’s secure zone, a boarding pass is also a must for check-in.)

This isn’t a place for long-term stays, just a temporary escape. Rooms can even be booked by the hour, with a minimum of four hours, catering to travelers needing a quick recharge between flights.

Hotel lounge access was also available for an additional 55 euros per person, though I opted not to add it.

Stepping into my cabin-style Premium Queen room, I immediately noticed its jewel-box size — just big enough for a bed, a wall-mounted TV, and a compact bathroom.

However, what it lacked in space, it made up for in thoughtful design.

The bed was adjustable, similar to a first-class airline seat. At the push of a button, I could shift it into a reclined lounge mode or lay it flat.

I could change the space’s lighting to a rainbow of colors using a wall-mounted controller. (I selected soft purples and blues for a calming ambiance.)

There was even a touchscreen panel that allowed me to control the room’s temperature, lights, and privacy settings without leaving the bed, something I found both futuristic and convenient.

Plus, I had multiple outlets for a range of adaptors from around the world (and a few USB ports) so I could charge all of my electronics.

Despite being in one of the world’s busiest airports, my room was remarkably soundproof.

And even though I didn’t have any windows, the space felt surprisingly cozy.

The rainfall shower in the bathroom was unexpectedly luxurious, with strong water pressure and high-end toiletries.

It made the bathroom feel more like a chic hotel than a brief transit stop.

As I settled in, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t really “supposed” to be here — staying overnight inside an airport felt like breaking an unspoken rule.

It reminded me of my favorite childhood book, “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,” about two kids who secretly live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Knowing that flights were departing and arriving around the clock while I was cocooned away added to the surreal nature of the stay.

Instead of the typical airport rush, I experienced an oddly peaceful version of it.

One of the biggest perks of staying at YotelAir was easy access to Istanbul Airport’s endless amenities.

The sheer number of high-end boutiques made the airport feel more like a shopping mall than a stopover point. I wandered through designer shops, grabbed a meal at a 24-hour restaurant, and even stopped by the airport’s museum, which showcases Turkish history and art.

Beyond retail, there were wellness options, including spa services and massage chairs, offering a way to unwind before my next flight.

I also visited a nearby airport lounge (not part of the hotel) with buffet dining, work stations, and a piano player, which made the stay feel even more indulgent.

The convenience, the high-tech comforts, and the thrill of being inside an airport overnight made this more than just a place to sleep. It was its own adventure.

Spending over $300 for an in-airport hotel isn’t for everyone. But YotelAir fills a niche for travelers who want to escape the chaos of a bustling airport without ever leaving it — especially those with a long layover or an interest in experiencing the airport in a new way.

Plus, when my 4 a.m. boarding time rolled around, I simply rolled out of bed, grabbed my bag, and walked to my gate in minutes.

No stress, no security lines, just a seamless transition from bed to takeoff.