Words by Dorian Mode
“Due to an electrical fault,” the captain’s voice crackles through the cabin speakers, “we’ll be returning to Sydney.” My wife and I lock eyes, a silent conversation of dread passing between us.
Five hours into what should have been a straightforward 7–hour flight to Broome (no engineers in Broome, apparently), I’m staring at the prospect of an unexpected overnight at Sydney Airport with a plane full of equally bewildered passengers. Some are frantically rebooking connections online, others are resignedly opening novels. But spare a thought for the families with small children, suddenly facing the unique challenge of explaining to a five–year–old why they’re sleeping at the airport instead of building sandcastles in the sunset.
This is where airport hotels become more than just accommodation – they transform into family crisis management centres.
The tale of two mascots
Sydney’s Mascot precinct offers two distinctly different solutions for stranded families: the budget–conscious Travelodge Sydney Airport and the decidedly more upmarket Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Airport. Both sit tantalisingly close to the terminal, yet worlds apart in what they offer families navigating travel chaos.
Picture this common scenario: Flight delayed six hours. Kids melting down in the departure lounge. The airline offers vouchers for an airport hotel. Do you grab the sensible option or throw caution to the wind and upgrade yourselves out of travel misery?
Travelodge: the practical parent’s choice
The Travelodge Sydney Airport sits exactly where you’d expect a budget airport hotel to sit – close enough to hear the planes, far enough from the action to forget you’re in transit purgatory. For families, this is often exactly what’s needed.
The rooms are refreshingly straightforward. No confusing gadgets for curious fingers to break, no white furniture to show every sticky hand print. The beds are sturdy enough to handle impromptu jumping sessions (though obviously, you don’t encourage such behaviour). Most importantly, the layout actually makes sense – you can see the entire room from the door, crucial when you’re doing that parent head–count every thirty seconds.
The real winner here is the practicality. Need extra towels because someone decided bath time was also swimming time? No problem. Forgot to pack the night light and now nobody’s sleeping? Reception can usually help. The staff understand that families in hotels aren’t on holiday – they’re in survival mode.
But perhaps the hotel’s greatest asset is its honesty about what it is. This isn’t trying to be a resort experience. It’s a clean, safe, functional place to reset before continuing your journey. Sometimes, that’s exactly what overwhelmed parents need most.
Adina: when you need to feel human again
Then there’s the Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Airport, where my own electrical fault adventure landed me. After hours of travel anxiety, walking into those spacious apartment–style suites felt like being handed a get–out–of–jail–free card.
The kitchenette alone is worth the upgrade when you’re dealing with children. Suddenly, you’re not at the mercy of room service timing or hunting for kid–friendly snacks at midnight. You can heat milk, store medication properly, and make actual coffee.
The separate living area transforms everything. Instead of everyone cramped on beds watching cartoons on a tiny screen, families can spread out. Kids can play on the floor while parents maintain some semblance of adult conversation. The space actually breathes.
The real luxury, though, is the washing machine and dryer in every apartment. When you’re travelling with children, clean clothes are currency. That outfit disaster on the plane? The mysterious stain from lunch? Suddenly manageable instead of trip–ruining.
The midnight munchies factor
Both hotels understand that families operate on different schedules than business travellers. The Travelodge keeps things simple with 24–hour vending and a decent café that opens early enough for those awful 6AM flights. Nothing fancy, but when you need a banana and a coffee at 5:30AM, fancy isn’t the point.
The Adina takes a different approach with its full kitchen facilities and nearby dining options. The adjacent shopping centre means you can stock up on familiar snacks and drinks—essential when you’re dealing with picky eaters who consider airplane food a personal insult.
The morning after reality
Here’s where both hotels shine: they understand the airport hotel checkout dance. Need to store luggage while you explore Sydney for the day? Sorted. Want to grab one last coffee before facing security again? Both hotels position you perfectly for a civilised departure rather than a frantic sprint.
The shuttle services run frequently enough that you’re not watching planes take off while waiting for the next bus. Though honestly, after a night of decent sleep, even that stress feels manageable.
The verdict: choose your own adventure
The truth is, both hotels serve families well, just in different ways. The Travelodge is the reliable friend who shows up with pizza when you need help moving house. The Adina is the friend who arrives with pizza, wine, and offers to help you organise your entire life.
For families on a tight budget or dealing with very young children who’ll sleep anywhere, the Travelodge delivers exactly what’s needed without fuss. For those who want to turn a travel disaster into something approaching a mini–break, the Adina’s apartment–style setup can genuinely transform the experience.
Either way, you’re sleeping somewhere other than the airport floor. After five hours on a plane that turned around mid–flight, that’s what we call a win.
Essential Information
Travelodge Sydney Airport | travelodge.com.au
Address: Corner of Bourke Street and Robey Street, Mascot | Family rooms: Available with double bed plus bunk beds | Kitchen facilities: None in standard rooms | Shuttle: Complimentary to airport (5-minute ride) | Best for: Budget–conscious families, short stays
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Airport | adinahotels.com
Address: 17 Bourke Street, Mascot | Family accommodation: One and two-bedroom apartments | Kitchen facilities: Full kitchenette with washing machine/dryer | Shuttle: Complimentary to airport (5–minute ride) | Best for: Longer stays, families needing space
Getting There
Both hotels are approximately 8km from Sydney CBD and offer courtesy shuttles to the airport. The nearby train station (Mascot) connects to the Airport Link if you’re heading into the city.
Pro Tips for Families • Book ground floor rooms when possible – easier with luggage and strollers
Both hotels are within walking distance of a supermarket • Airport pickup can be arranged, but allow extra time during peak periods • Check airline voucher acceptance policies before booking
Travelodge Hotel Sydney Airport:
Official TFE Hotels site: www.tfehotels.com/en/hotels/travelodge-hotels/sydney-airport/
Direct booking site: travelodge.com.au/book-accommodation/sydney/hotel-sydney-airport/
Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Airport:
Official TFE Hotels site: www.tfehotels.com/en/hotels/adina-apartment-hotels/sydney-airport/
Direct Adina booking site: www.adinahotels.com/en/apartments/sydney-airport/