Imagine this: you’re stepping into a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling chaos of an international airport. Thousands of passengers are rushing around, planes are taking off and landing, but you’re enjoying a few hours of calm and tranquility, far above the commotion. This is the promise of a fantastic airport hotel – a sanctuary for weary travelers. While many might see an airport hotel as just a temporary stop, a mere stepping stone on their journey, there are some that truly shine, offering much more than just a place to sleep.
But what makes a truly excellent airport hotel stand out? This question came to mind during a recent stay at the brand-new Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow (Terminal 2). While not perfect, it’s a good example of what a great airport hotel should aim for.
Comfort is King
First and foremost, a great airport hotel provides a comfortable and inviting room. This may seem obvious, but it’s amazing how many hotels fail to meet this basic expectation. In an airport hotel, where guests might spend more time in their room than they would in a city hotel, comfort becomes even more important. New or recently renovated properties tend to be better bets. And when it comes to the big American hotel chains, they usually deliver on the essentials: plush beds, large TVs, and decent showers. The HGI at Heathrow certainly ticked all these boxes (although the water pressure, as is often the case in Britain, was a bit on the weak side!).
Imagine arriving at the hotel after a long flight, exhausted and ready to rest. The last thing you want to worry about is struggling to find a power outlet or trying to figure out how to turn off the lights. Most new hotels are thankfully starting to include USB ports, eliminating the need for adapters. But having multiple universal power outlets conveniently placed near the desk is absolutely essential. This hotel did have USB ports, but it only offered UK-style power outlets, which can be a bit of a pain for travelers from other countries.
A Window to the World
Being in an airport hotel, wouldn’t it be great to have amazing views of the runway, a window into the world of modern commercial aviation? Even those who aren’t huge airplane fans can appreciate the sheer spectacle of a modern air hub, with its endless possibilities for travel to far-off lands. The HGI at Heathrow is in a fantastic location, right in the middle of the action, with the runways on either side and a direct link to Terminal 2. If you’re lucky enough to snag a room on a higher floor, the views are absolutely breathtaking! But the windows are narrow and the walls are quite thick, which unfortunately limits the angle of view. Still, it’s a major win overall.
One of the things that really sets the HGI at London Heathrow Terminal 2 apart is its rooftop bar, boasting panoramic views of the airport and a comfortable indoor space to enjoy them. The service is decent, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for an airport hotel. It’s a real magnet for plane enthusiasts, but it’s also a great place to relax, have a drink, and maybe even watch the sunset. There’s also an outdoor area, but it was closed during my stay, and it’s not clear if they plan to open it again. If they do, it would be a fantastic addition. The only downside is that unless you know about it beforehand, it’s not very well signposted. The Runway Bar is only listed on the 14th floor in the elevator – on all the other floors, it seems like the 13th floor is the highest you can go!
Tech-Savvy Convenience
When you’re staying at an airport hotel, every minute of rest counts, and the last thing you want to do is stand in a long queue to check in or out. That’s why digital check-in and check-out are becoming increasingly vital. The Hilton app offers both, including a digital keycard that you can store on your phone. In theory, this is a brilliant idea, but in practice, it could definitely use some improvement. While checking in on the phone worked smoothly, getting the elevator to recognize the digital key was a bit of a struggle, requiring several attempts. The key also took some time to work at the room door, and checking out on the phone simply didn’t work at all, which was quite frustrating at 5 am. The keycard seemed to need a data signal to function properly, which was particularly problematic as the WiFi connection would drop every few minutes.
Overall, the Hilton Garden Inn at Heathrow’s Terminal 2 gets many of the basics right. While it doesn’t quite excel in every area, it does provide some valuable lessons for other airport hotels. A clean and comfortable environment where you don’t have to worry about basic things, a rooftop bar where you can escape your room and enjoy the view, and the chance to gaze out at the departing and arriving flights – these are the essential ingredients for a truly fantastic airport hotel.
