Charles De Gaulle.
A five-hour layover in the Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris definitely is enough tie for you to want to go out and do something and try to sightsee. In reality though, it really isn’t practical when you factor in customs, security, getting all the way back to your gate, and the transportation you would need outside. Needless to say, I stayed in the airport. Now, I can’t speak to all gates, but “L” was pretty sweet! When we got off the shuttle, there were signs for their free lounge and an airport hotel.
The small restaurant there, “Naked,” was just what I needed for juice and a small snack. They had a good selection of fresh fruits, baked goods, sandwiches, drinks, as well as a full menu.
The shock came as I walked back to the lounge from the restrooms. There was a sign that said “showers” and BOY was I in desperate need of one of those! Before we had gotten on our flight, my friend and I had been hiking all day, got tattoos, and had planned to shower and change before our five-hour flight. That, however, did not happen (sorry guy that had to sit in 11B!). Needless to say, I was covered in dirt, sweat, and was simply disgusting, so I ran down to find these mystical “showers.”
Yotel Air.
I arrived at Yotel Air which was at the end of the corridor and asked about the sign I saw. “Twenty Euro” she said. “For 45-minute shower, includes towel and body wash, and shampoo (it was a 2-in-1 bottle type thing).” I thanked her and walked back to my friend and contemplated. That was about $25 USD, and as my friend left to catch his connecting flight, I grabbed my gear and decided it was worth it (mostly for whoever would be forced to sit next to me for the next 12-hour flight).
The Shower.
It was easy. They had four rooms they rented out at 45-minute intervals, and since I was just a tad bit early, she gave me a few extra minutes (thank you!!). I had expected a locker room style area or something like that. No. It was basically a hotel room with no bed! It was a huge open room with a sink, small stool, huge mirror, shelf stand with two towels, toilet, waterfall shower with a separate detachable shower handle, and a seat with a large size bottle of eucalyptus body wash. I had officially entered shower heaven. Perfect water pressure and temperature (which I hadn’t experienced since before deployment), the perfect body wash scent, and everything I dreamed of needing in that moment. Just check out these Photos!
Worth it?
Oh yes. This little hidden gem saved my life, and I’m sure plenty of others! If you’ve got time, a little extra money, and want to REALLY freshen up, I highly suggest a visit to Yotel.
I am in no way affiliated with the airport or hotel.