Imagine this: you’re amidst the bustling chaos of an international airport, surrounded by a sea of faces and the constant hum of departing and arriving flights. But you’re not caught in the frenzy. You’re nestled in a tranquil oasis, a hotel offering respite from the airport’s frenetic energy. That’s the appeal of a good airport hotel.
While some might see an airport hotel as merely a place to crash before an early flight, a truly great one is much more than that. It’s a sanctuary, a place to recharge before continuing your journey. But what are the key ingredients that make a great airport hotel? Let’s explore!
Comfort Above All Else
Think of a good airport hotel as a home away from home, providing a comfortable and pleasant environment. This shouldn’t be a difficult ask, yet it’s surprisingly often missed. It’s crucial, especially for airport hotels, where guests are likely to spend more time in their rooms than they would in a city hotel.
Newer hotels often excel in this department. Freshly renovated properties, particularly those run by major hotel chains, usually deliver the goods: plush beds, large TVs, and decent showers – the basic comforts are typically present. At the Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow (Terminal 2), for instance, they nailed these fundamentals. The only minor hiccup was the water pressure in the shower, a common issue in Britain, not necessarily the hotel’s fault.
Tech-Friendly and Thoughtful Amenities
In the middle of a long journey, you don’t want to be grappling with complicated light switches or searching for a power outlet. Thankfully, most modern hotels are embracing USB outlets, eliminating the need for adapters. Conveniently placed power outlets are equally important, making it easy to charge your devices. The HGI at Heathrow was on point with USB outlets but unfortunately only offered UK power outlets.
Imagine gazing out your window at the spectacle of modern aviation, a constant ballet of planes taking off and landing. This isn’t just for aviation geeks. The wonder of travel and the possibilities of distant lands are palpable at an airport. The HGI at Heathrow offers both good and bad in this regard. Its location directly between the runways and its connection to Terminal 2 provide fantastic views, especially from higher floors. However, narrow windows and thick walls somewhat limit the viewing angles. Despite this, it’s still a win overall.
More Than Just a Place to Sleep
Beyond the standard hotel amenities, there’s a vital ingredient for a great airport hotel: a space that allows you to escape your room and enjoy a different atmosphere. The HGI at Heathrow has this in spades with its rooftop bar boasting truly panoramic views of the airport. The comfortable indoor space, decent service, and reasonable prices for an airport location make it a haven for both plane enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing break.
An outdoor area is also available, but it was closed during my visit. Hopefully, they will open it eventually, further enhancing the experience. The only downside is the lack of clear signage. The 14th-floor Runway Bar is only mentioned inside the elevator; on other floors, it appears as if the 13th floor is the highest.
Effortless Digital Convenience
In an airport hotel, where every minute counts, digital check-in and check-out are invaluable. The Hilton app offers this, including a digital keycard stored on your phone. While theoretically brilliant, it could be better. While checking in on the phone worked flawlessly, the digital key had trouble gaining elevator access, often requiring multiple tries. Similarly, the room door eventually responded to the key, but the process was far from smooth.
Checking out on the phone was an absolute failure, which was incredibly frustrating at 5 am. The keycard also appeared to need a data signal to work properly, making the intermittent WiFi connection particularly troublesome.
The Essence of a Great Airport Hotel
The Hilton Garden Inn at Heathrow Terminal 2 nails many essential aspects, providing valuable lessons for other airport hotels. It offers a clean and comfortable environment where you can relax without fussing over basic necessities. The rooftop bar adds a valuable layer, providing an escape from the room and a chance to marvel at the captivating spectacle of air travel. Ultimately, a great airport hotel should offer a peaceful retreat within the airport’s bustling energy, making it a place you look forward to, not dread.
