Before a busy flight to Helsinki, I sought a comfortable and convenient night’s stay. My choice? The Renaissance London Heathrow. This hotel has undergone significant changes since its last review in 2018, and I was eager to see how it measures up.
This section introduces the main topic: a review of the Renaissance Heathrow hotel. It sets the context with information about the author’s travel plans and highlights the hotel’s transformation.
Location, Location, Location: A Short Hop to the Airport
The Renaissance sits conveniently on Bath Road, a stone’s throw from Heathrow Terminal 3. It’s nestled alongside other prominent hotels like the Radisson, Hyatt Palace, and Sheraton Heathrow. If you’re looking for a comfortable airport hotel without the hassle of staying inside the terminal itself, the Renaissance is an excellent choice, particularly if you’re a Marriott loyalist.
This section focuses on the hotel’s location, emphasizing its proximity to Heathrow Terminal 3 and its appeal to Marriott Bonvoy members.
Accessing the Renaissance: Easy and Efficient
Getting to the Renaissance from Heathrow is a breeze. The Hotel Hoppa shuttle service, costing a mere £6 each way, provides regular stops at the hotel. I opted for this convenient transportation. Alternatively, you can hail a taxi from the terminal 3 rank for around £11.
This section describes the various transportation options available to reach the hotel from the airport, highlighting the Hoppa shuttle service and taxi options.
Check-In: A Smooth Experience (For Platinum Members)
Arriving at 5:45 pm, I was met with a bustling scene, a long line of fellow travelers waiting to check-in. Thankfully, my Platinum Elite Marriott Status granted me access to a dedicated check-in desk. While there was still a queue, it was a fraction of the time compared to the regular line.
This section details the author’s check-in experience, emphasizing the benefits of holding Platinum Elite Marriott Status.
Navigating the Hotel: A Labyrinthine Journey
The check-in process was a bit slow, as the receptionist carefully reviewed my reservation, which was booked using points. Once the formalities were completed, I was handed my room key and informed of my access to the executive lounge. However, finding my room presented a challenge. The interconnected corridors, arranged in a rectangular pattern, felt like a maze, especially after a long journey.
This section describes the author’s initial struggles with navigating the hotel, focusing on the complexity of the corridors.
A Room with a View (and Noise)
Due to my Marriott status, I was upgraded to a Superior Executive Lounge access room. The staff inquired about my preference for a room with runway views. I confirmed my interest, knowing that TLFL readers would appreciate such a perspective. While the view was fascinating, it came with a price. The room was on the runway side, and the noise level wasn’t ideal.
This section focuses on the author’s room upgrade, highlighting the runway view and the associated noise issue.
Comfort and Convenience: A Room for Rest
Despite the noise, the room itself was spacious enough for a one-night stay, offering all the essentials for an airport hotel. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, with a variety of pillows. I also appreciated the comfortable chair with a leg rest, though I didn’t have much time to relax.
This section focuses on the room’s amenities and overall comfort, describing it as suitable for a short stay.
Amenities: Catering to the Travel Needs
The wardrobe was well-equipped, offering ample space for hanging clothes, a safe, and an ironing board. I was particularly impressed by the tea and coffee-making facilities. A wide array of coffees and teas were available, recognizing the needs of travelers catching flights. The water and takeaway coffee cups proved incredibly useful.
This section highlights the various amenities available in the room, emphasizing their convenience for travelers.
A Well-Appointed Bathroom: Meeting Expectations
The bathroom was fully functional and included everything one would need, with a particularly impressive shower pressure. I was a big fan of the toiletries provided.
This section describes the bathroom amenities, emphasizing the shower pressure and toiletries provided.
Culinary Options: From Market Garden to Bar Eleven
The Renaissance offers two distinct dining options: the Market Garden, specializing in seasonal European cuisine, and Bar Eleven, serving traditional English food, delicious cocktails, and an extensive selection of beers and wines.
This section introduces the two dining options available at the hotel, focusing on their culinary styles.
A Positive Dining Experience at Bar Eleven
During my stay, I opted for Bar Eleven, where I indulged in a satisfying plate of fish and chips. The service was excellent, and I highly recommend dining at Bar Eleven.
This section details the author’s positive dining experience at Bar Eleven, recommending it to readers.
Executive Lounge: A Perk for Marriott Elite Members
The Executive Lounge is a significant perk for guests with room upgrades or Marriott status. To gain access, you must hold one of the following:
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Platinum Elite status: This tier grants lounge access, providing a haven for relaxation and refreshments.
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Superior Executive Lounge access room: These rooms offer a complimentary pass to the lounge, enhancing the overall stay.
Access is also granted to one guest staying in the same room. You can find the full terms and conditions here.
This section describes the benefits of the Executive Lounge, detailing the access requirements and highlighting the advantages for Marriott members.
A Comfortable Lounge Experience
The lounge impressed me with its amenities. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages were readily available throughout the day, while in the late afternoon and evening, canopies and wine were offered.
This section focuses on the author’s positive experience at the Executive Lounge, emphasizing the availability of snacks, drinks, and canopies.
Returning to the Airport: A Convenient Departure
I utilized the early morning Hoppa shuttle for my return to the airport. The journey took about 20 minutes to reach Terminal 3, with a slightly longer time to Terminal 2 due to a brief wait before departing. The Hoppa also offers service to Terminal 5. The bus stops right outside the hotel and is conveniently located near the Terminal 3 Departures area.
This section details the author’s experience with the Hoppa shuttle service for returning to the airport, emphasizing its convenience.
Maximizing Your Stay: Marriott Bonvoy Benefits
Rooms at the Renaissance London Heathrow start at £89 a night, with prices rising dramatically during peak season. You can significantly reduce your expenses by joining Marriott Bonvoy and taking advantage of member rates.
This section introduces Marriott Bonvoy and highlights the benefits of joining the program.
Conclusion: A Convenient and Comfortable Airport Hotel
Overall, the Renaissance London Heathrow proved to be a convenient and comfortable option for an overnight stay before a flight. While there were some minor drawbacks like noise and a lengthy check-in queue, the positive aspects, such as the executive lounge and the overall convenience, outweighed these minor inconveniences. If you’re looking for a hotel with a focus on comfort and ease of access to Heathrow, the Renaissance is definitely worth considering.
This concluding section summarizes the author’s overall experience at the Renaissance Heathrow, recommending it as a convenient and comfortable choice for travelers.
