What to expect: This Crowne Plaza hotel has an updated, contemporary atmosphere. The lobby is large and bright, with marble flooring in the main area, and an adjacent carpeted area with clusters of tables and chairs. Business travelers frequent the hotel, as well as short-term guests who have late arrivals or early departures at the nearby Newark Liberty International Airport.

Amenity highlights: Crowne Plaza Newark International Airport offers an indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, and fitness center with cardio machines and exercise stations. A restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; a lounge/sports bar serves lunch and dinner; and a 24-hour coffee shop offers pastries, sandwiches, pastas, and pizza. Three meeting rooms are available, with space accommodating up to 300 people. This Elizabeth, NJ, hotel offers complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport and Newark Penn Station.

Insider tip: From the hotel's upper levels, guests can watch planes take off and land at the airport.

What to expect: The Hilton Newark Airport is popular for long layovers, fly-in business meetings, and short stays before early flights. This Elizbeth, NJ hotel provides a convenient and comfortable place to stay when airport proximity is paramount. The lobby always seems to have something going on, with guests checking in and out, no matter the time of day or night.

Amenity highlights: A 24-hour shuttle provides complimentary airport transportation, departing every 20 minutes. The Hilton's fitness center features an indoor heated pool surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. A steam room, spa tub, workout room, and men's and women's locker rooms are also available. The on-site restaurant serves a hearty breakfast buffet, as well as à la carte lunch and dinner.

What to expect: The hotel hosts a mix of business and leisure travelers, including sports fans visiting the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The marble lobby features leather furniture. Charcoal grey and blue colors predominate, giving the 10-story hotel a stately yet modern appearance.

Amenity highlights: Most guests arrive from Newark Airport and the hotel provides complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport's station P4. Guests make use of the high-speed Internet access at the laptop stations in the library. The fitness room and indoor heated lap pool are available for recreation and relaxation.

Insider tip: New Jersey Transit operates regularly scheduled train service to Manhattan from a station across the highway from the hotel.