At thermodynamic equilibrium, gas hydrates are arranged in the pore space of host sediments to minimize free energy, including the energy of interfaces. Through an analogy with frozen soil, we show that free energy minimization in hydrate-bearing sediments requires the presence of a water film of finite thickness separating hydrate from the sediment grains. The thickness of this premelted layer may be predicted from a balance of intermolecular forces acting across the film. Temperature and porewater salinity are the strongest determiners of premelted layer thickness. We show that, at temperatures and salinities typical of the subsurface or commonly used in laboratory investigations of hydrate-bearing porous media, the premelted layer varies in thickness from microns to sub-nanometer, with thicker layers corresponding to lower salinities and/or higher temperatures. Balance of intermolecular forces predicts that hydrate will be completely nonwetting on hydrophilic surfaces, including silica. We also show that flow through premelted layers may be a significant component of the permeability of hydrate-bearing sediments, particularly at moderate to high hydrate saturation (>60%); and that the electrical conductivity of the premelted layer at needs to be accounted for in assessments of hydrate abundance from subsurface resistivity logs. This work highlights the importance of considering premelted layers when predicting the effects of hydrate on sediment properties.