Are you looking for the perfect hotel near Heathrow Airport? Finding a comfortable and convenient place to stay before or after your flight can be a challenge, especially with the recent changes to airport protocols. This guide will help you navigate the options available, considering factors like price, location, and amenities.
Navigating the Heathrow Hotel Scene
The Heathrow hotel landscape has been impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Many hotels were used for quarantine purposes, limiting your choices. The Sofitel Heathrow, a popular choice for its convenience, has just reopened, but it’s still worth considering alternatives. The Heathrow T5 Hilton is currently a quarantine hotel, removing it from your list of options.
While the Sofitel has a reputation for being somewhat dated and pricey, it is offering some competitive deals, with rooms available for around £120 per night. This might make it a worthwhile option for some travelers, despite its past reputation.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, remember that the free Heathrow bus service has been discontinued. However, the Bath Road hotels still offer competitive prices and easy access with frequent bus services. You can reach Terminal 2 in a few minutes and Terminal 5 in a slightly longer timeframe. The Hoppa bus, while less frequent, is still available for transportation to other terminals.
Terminal 5: The Holiday Inn Express
If you’re looking for a Terminal 5 hotel, the Holiday Inn Express is a great choice. The public areas have been updated, the lounge offers decent alternatives, and the rooms are modern and comfortable. Plus, the new restaurant and bar provide good quality meals, a welcome bonus for weary travelers. Compared to the more expensive Marriott, the Holiday Inn Express offers excellent value for money.
Although the lounge is currently closed, complimentary drinks and snacks are available at the bar. This is a small inconvenience, but it doesn’t detract from the overall experience.
The Holiday Inn Express is a bit harder to reach than hotels located at Terminals 2 and 3, but it’s still easily accessible. You can take the free Hoppa bus for hotel guests or a quick Uber or taxi ride to Terminal 5. The local bus service is another option.
Terminal 2: The Hilton Garden Inn
If Terminal 2 is your departure point, the Hilton Garden Inn is an excellent choice. Its convenient location right across from the terminal offers easy access, with a shorter walk than most other airport hotels.
For travelers departing from Terminal 5, the Heathrow Express is another option. Although it requires a long walk through moving walkways, it provides direct access to Terminal 5.
The Hilton Garden Inn is known for its stylish decor and modern amenities. The rooftop bar with its airport views is a standout feature, making it a great place to unwind and enjoy a drink. The restaurant is also worth checking out.
The rooms are modern and comfortable, some offering runway views. For those looking for extra space or traveling with families, suites are available.
A Closer Look at the Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden Inn recently underwent a £4.2m renovation in July 2020, resulting in fresh and updated accommodations. All rooms have been refurbished, with 205 receiving a light refresh and 159 transformed into Deluxe King Rooms. The Deluxe rooms feature larger bathrooms and enhanced amenities. Every room boasts new headboards, lighting, and soft furnishings. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, booking a Deluxe room is recommended.
The reception, restaurant, bar, and gym have also been updated, creating a more inviting and modern atmosphere. The reception area now includes a new shop area offering a range of takeaway food, drinks, and travel essentials.
The Hilton Garden Inn is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Hatton Cross Tube station, providing easy access to Heathrow Airport. However, the walk can be challenging with luggage due to a busy road and steps on the footbridge. Hatton Cross station doesn’t have a lift, so those with mobility issues should be aware of the steps.
Despite the minor inconvenience of the walk, the Hilton Garden Inn offers a comfortable and affordable stay. It’s usually the cheapest Hilton property at Heathrow, making it an excellent value option for budget-conscious travelers. While it may not be as luxurious as the Hilton Garden Inn at Terminals 2 and 3, it still offers a decent bar and friendly staff.
Exploring the Hyatt Place Hayes
The Hyatt Place Hayes is another budget-friendly option, often offering rates starting from £30. However, its location is much further from the airport, making it less convenient for travelers with luggage. An Uber or taxi is the most practical means of transportation to the airport.
The Best Value for Your Money: The Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport
Last year, I had a fantastic stay at the Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport. For the price, I found it to be one of the best value properties on Bath Road. It’s located at the end of Bath Road closest to Terminal 5, making it a short drive or bus ride to the airport.
The hotel offers a range of breakfast options, including a la carte items like avocado toast, smoked salmon, and a full English breakfast. The rooms are stylish and modern, featuring comfortable chaise longues for relaxation or packing. The comfortable bed and helpful staff added to the positive experience.
The Hyatt Place exceeded expectations with its excellent customer service. When a minor issue arose with housekeeping, the manager swiftly offered compensation without any prompting. This demonstrates their commitment to guest satisfaction.
For those seeking a comfortable, convenient, and affordable hotel near Heathrow Airport, the Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport is a great choice. The hotel offers a combination of style, service, and value for money, making it a standout option in the Heathrow hotel scene.
This concludes part 1 of our guide to the best hotels near Heathrow Airport. Stay tuned for part 2, which will explore other popular choices including the Marriott, Premier Inn, and independent hotels.
