Imagine this: you’re nestled in a peaceful haven, a sanctuary amidst the cacophony of a bustling international airport. Thousands of passengers are rushing to catch their flights, while you savor a few hours of quiet and tranquility. It’s a feeling of peaceful refuge, a moment to breathe amidst the chaos.
While some view an airport hotel room as a mere stopover, a necessary evil before an early flight, there’s a growing demand for exceptional airport hotels that go beyond the ordinary. While many airport hotels simply meet basic needs, a select few manage to create a genuinely enjoyable experience. We’ll explore what sets these gems apart, keeping in mind that extravagance is not the only path to greatness.
Comfort is King: A Place to Relax and Recharge
The most important thing? A comfortable room. It might seem obvious, but an alarming number of hotels fail to deliver on this simple promise. This is especially crucial in airport hotels, where guests might spend a significant amount of time within their room. Newly built or renovated hotels are usually a good bet, as they’ve often invested in modern amenities and attention to detail. Think plush beds, large TVs, and refreshing showers.
The Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow (Terminal 2), though not without its quirks, shows what can be achieved when comfort is a priority. They tick the boxes with soft beds, a generous TV screen, and a decent shower. However, even in a new hotel, some things slip through the cracks. In this case, the water pressure in the shower, a common issue in many British homes, could have been better.
Power Up: Convenience for the Modern Traveler
No one wants to struggle with finding the right outlet or fiddling with adapters during a long journey. Modern hotels are embracing USB outlets, eliminating the need for adapters. Multiple universal power outlets, strategically placed near the desk, are a must. This hotel had the USB outlets, but unfortunately, only offered UK power outlets, requiring travelers to use adapters.
A Glimpse of the Runway: Views that Inspire
The thrill of seeing planes take off and land is a sight that captivates many. It’s a reminder of the endless possibilities that travel offers. A great airport hotel should capitalize on this excitement, providing spectacular views of the runway.
The Hilton Garden Inn at Heathrow boasts an excellent location for capturing this magic. Directly between the two runways and connected to Terminal 2, the hotel offers fantastic views, especially from the higher floors. The only drawback? The narrow windows and thick walls limit the angle of view.
Escape the Ordinary: A Rooftop Oasis
But a great airport hotel offers more than just a comfortable room and inspiring views. It provides a place to escape the airport hustle and bustle. The Hilton Garden Inn at Heathrow hits the mark with its rooftop bar, an oasis of panoramic views and relaxing ambiance.
This airborne haven is perfect for plane spotters and anyone looking for a break from the usual airport monotony. Enjoy a drink while watching the sunset and witnessing the airport’s constant ballet of arriving and departing aircraft. There’s also an outdoor area, although it was closed during this visit. If it’s eventually opened, it would enhance the experience even further. The only minor drawback is that the bar isn’t well-signposted. The 14th floor bar is only mentioned inside the elevator, making it seem like the 13th floor is the highest level.
The Digital Edge: Seamless Check-In and Out
In the fast-paced world of travel, every minute counts. A great airport hotel should prioritize efficiency. This means embracing digital check-in and check-out so that travelers can maximize their rest time, avoiding queues.
The Hilton app offers these features, including a digital keycard. While the idea is fantastic, the execution needs work. The phone check-in was smooth, but the digital key required multiple tries to be recognized by the elevator. The room door key eventually worked, but it wasn’t the seamless experience it should have been. Checking out on the phone was a complete failure, which was particularly frustrating at 5 am. The keycard also seemed to require a data signal to work properly, which was a problem with the intermittent WiFi connection.
Essential Elements: A Recipe for a Great Airport Hotel
The Hilton Garden Inn at Heathrow shows us that a great airport hotel doesn’t have to be flashy to excel. The key ingredients include comfort, convenience, and a touch of escapism. A hotel that allows you to relax and recharge in a clean, comfortable environment, without having to worry about basic functions, and offering opportunities to escape the confines of your room, like a rooftop bar with panoramic views, is a recipe for a truly enjoyable experience. The takeaway? A great airport hotel is more than just a place to sleep, it’s a place to rest, rejuvenate, and feel inspired, even in the midst of a busy airport.
