One night in London, two very different options: A layover in London presented us with a dilemma: stay in the city or close to the airport? We initially opted for the airport option, but after arriving at the hotel just as darkness descended, we quickly realized the appeal of London beckoned. However, fate had a delicious twist in store.
The Hyatt Place Heathrow: A pleasant surprise: Intrigued by the Hyatt Place Heathrow, Tiffany suggested it, and I was pleasantly surprised. Though I typically don’t gravitate towards Hyatt Places, this one stood out.
Points, perks, and affordability: As a Category 2 property, we snagged it for just 8,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Given my valuation of World of Hyatt points at 1.5 cents each, this was equivalent to a $120 per night stay – a fantastic deal.
Earning World of Hyatt points: For those seeking to amass World of Hyatt points, you’ll be pleased to know they’re readily accessible. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a great tool for earning points, and you can also transfer points from Ultimate Rewards.
A closer look at the Hyatt Place Heathrow: Let’s delve into the details, exploring the rooms, lobby bar, breakfast, gym, and more. We’ll also delve into the hotel’s location and my overall impressions of staying near Heathrow.
Hyatt Place Heathrow: Unveiling the Details
A spacious haven: This Hyatt Place boasts a sizable footprint, with nearly 350 rooms. Stepping inside, the reception area immediately impressed – it deviated from the standard Hyatt Place design.
Warm hospitality and upgrades: The check-in process was smooth and friendly. As Globalists, we received complimentary breakfast and were upgraded to king rooms on a high floor.
Room with a view: My room, number 459, was situated towards the end of the hallway. Though not a junior suite like I’m accustomed to, it was a cozy room with a charming touch.
A well-appointed space: The room had a soft king-size bed, a daybed, a desk, and a well-equipped closet.
A welcome touch: A small welcome amenity of water and apples added a thoughtful touch.
Taking in the runway views: I, an aviation enthusiast, loved the runway view. While not quite as spectacular as the Renaissance hotel’s, it was still a captivating sight.
Soundproofing: A mixed bag: The windows provided excellent soundproofing, muffling the plane noise, but the doors unfortunately let in hallway sounds.
Essentials and conveniences: The room was equipped with a kettle, a safe, and a mini-fridge.
A compact yet functional bathroom: The bathroom, though compact, was functional, featuring a sink, toilet, and a shower-tub combo.
Showering with a splash: The shower’s design left room for improvement.
Toiletries and in-room dining: The toiletries were the standard Hyatt Place fare, while the in-room dining menu offered a variety of options.
Connectivity and comfort: The Wi-Fi was fast and free, adding to the room’s appeal.
A Hyatt Place with a twist: The room’s modern design and thoughtful touches gave it a distinct feel, departing from the typical Hyatt Place vibe.
Beyond the Room: A Lounge, a Bar, and Breakfast
The Coffee To Cocktails Bar: The Hyatt Place boasts a beautiful lobby bar, a space that doesn’t feel like your average Hyatt Place. It’s open 24/7, a welcome feature for those needing a late-night coffee or an early morning pick-me-up.
A comfortable and inviting space: The bar is surrounded by comfortable seating, perfect for relaxing or working.
Self-serve options: As is customary with Hyatt Places, a self-serve station offered snacks and beverages.
A cappuccino delight: Tiffany and I enjoyed working from the bar, and I found their cappuccino to be exceptional.
A culinary adventure: While we didn’t indulge in the bar’s food, we had a delicious meal at Kaniz Restaurant, an Indian restaurant just a short walk away.
Breakfast buffet and more: The Hyatt Place serves breakfast daily. While not complimentary for all guests, Globalist members and those booking a rate inclusive of breakfast enjoy this perk.
A satisfying buffet: The breakfast buffet offered a variety of options, along with eggs cooked to order. We, however, opted for coffee and enjoyed our breakfast at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.
Fitness and Location: Exploring the Hyatt Place’s Offerings
A well-equipped gym: The Hyatt Place features a gym on the basement level. While it lacks natural light, it’s a decent option for those wanting to work out.
Navigating Heathrow: A journey of discovery: Heathrow Airport’s sprawling layout often presents a logistical challenge. Some hotels are conveniently located within walking distance of terminals, while others require transportation.
Transportation options: For hotels not directly connected to the terminals, Uber, Hotel Hoppa buses, and free Heathrow buses are available.
A public transportation adventure: Tiffany, a public transportation pro, expertly navigated our way to the hotel using the free buses.
A time-consuming journey: The journey took an hour from the time we deplaned to reaching the hotel – a trip that could have easily taken us to the city.
Evaluating the alternatives: While we considered other options, such as Uber, Hotel Hoppa buses, and the free Heathrow buses, each had its drawbacks.
A faster return journey: Our return trip was quicker, though it still took over 20 minutes to reach Terminal 3.
The takeaway: Location matters: Based on our experience, I’d recommend staying at a Heathrow hotel connected to the terminal, as the time savings compared to venturing into the city are minimal.
Conclusion: A great option with a caveat
The Hyatt Place Heathrow offers a pleasant experience, exceeding typical Hyatt Place standards. The comfortable rooms, inviting bar, and well-equipped gym all add to its appeal.
However, while a good option for Hyatt loyalists, I’d prioritize staying at a terminal-connected hotel or simply heading into the city. The journey to and from the Hyatt Place can be time-consuming, diminishing the potential for a London adventure.
Ultimately, your Heathrow hotel strategy will depend on your priorities and preferences. Do you prioritize proximity to the airport or exploring the city’s vibrant offerings?
Let me know your thoughts on Heathrow hotel strategies.
