Accommodation doesn't come more convenient than the Safir Airport Hotel located just a couple of hundred meters from KIA's main terminal building. But not just anyone can check in at this highly desirable address.
The Safir is unique in being designed for the comfort and convenience of transit passengers, who make up the vast majority of its clientele. Under Kuwaiti air transport law, passengers facing a wait of more than an eight hours for a connecting flight are entitled to free rooms at the Safir courtesy of their air carrier. Intended to minimise airside overcrowding in the main terminal building, the rule is, not surprisingly, highly popular with commercial passengers.
In addition, the hotel accessed by airside shuttle bus direct from the terminal often welcomes civilian and military aircrew arriving on late night flights, or making stopovers. The Safir is proud of the fact that it has never yet had to turn a guest away, even when faced with overbooking. Such is the efficiency of the hotel staff that they are able to service a flight's worth of rooms in less time than it takes to turnaround an aircraft! Despite the short-stay nature of its guests, facilities at the five-storey Safir are extensive. Each of the well-appointed 200 air-conditioned, triple-glazed rooms is an oasis of calm, seemingly a world away from the frantic activity of a major international air gateway.
Single, double and executive suites are available, all tastefully furnished and equipped with en suite bathrooms, satellite TV and in-house video channels. Committed to quality service, the hotel has recently invested in refurbishment of the entire 5th floor, with all rooms featuring mini-bar and hot drinks facilities, wall-mounted dryers and stylish decor. On the ground floor, the spacious lobby and reception area features a business centre, a mosque and numerous comfortable seating areas in which to relax, including a traditional Kuwaiti diwaniya (gathering place). The hotel gift shop stocks a range of essential travel items and toiletries, as well as last minute presents.
The Safir's excellent restaurant, located adjacent to the lobby and open 24 hours a day, serves a varied choice of traditional Arabic and international cuisine, with first and business class guests enjoying a dedicated VIP Dining Area. Express laundry, dry cleaning, valeting, money exchange and room service are just some of the round-the-clock facilities provided by the hotel's multinational - and multilingual staff. Other amenities include a steam room, well-equipped fitness centre and gymnasium, plus a newly refurbished Games Room offering a range of activities - billiards, darts, table tennis and video games.
Guests can also avail themselves of the Safir's open-air swimming pool and sundeck an excellent place from which to watch the planes take off!