The Sofitel London Heathrow has been a favorite of mine since its grand opening. This hotel truly revolutionized the standard of accommodation at Heathrow Airport, mainly due to its direct connection to Terminal 5. For someone as passionate about airports and travel as I am, staying in such luxurious surroundings so close to the action, with stunning runway views if you’re lucky enough to have an outward-facing room, is a dream come true.
A Haven of Convenience and Comfort
The Sofitel’s location is unbeatable for travelers passing through Heathrow, especially those using Terminal 5. Although finding the correct lift from the arrivals floor to the connected car park and the entrance to the hotel tunnel can be a bit tricky, it’s a small price to pay for the convenience. The heated and air-conditioned tunnel provides a comfortable and sheltered passage, regardless of the weather. Despite my numerous stays, I had never ventured outside the hotel buildings until this trip, and I was amazed by the hotel’s prime location close to the runway. The hotel consists of six buildings, with only the outer edges facing the outside. However, even the internal-facing rooms feel spacious and open, with large areas separating each building.
A Suite Retreat
The Sofitel offers a wide selection of rooms, from classic to luxury twin and queen/king options, as well as a range of Junior, Prestige, Opera and Imperial Suites. Suites usually have access to a private Club lounge and even some Luxury rooms have ‘Club’ access. Sadly, due to Covid restrictions, the lounge is currently closed. While some of the furniture and furnishings show signs of age, the hotel’s impeccable location makes it an ideal choice for a comfortable stay. My suite, located in building 6, which is closest to the runway, provided absolute silence thanks to the hotel’s excellent soundproofing and multi-layered windows. The suite offered an entrance hall with three doors leading to a small guest WC, a lounge and dining area, and the bedroom and en-suite bathroom. The living area and bedroom were connected by a separate door, creating a spacious and well-designed layout. The suite offered a luxurious experience with ample seating, two large TVs, two desk areas, and a fantastic bathroom. The beds at the Sofitel are exceptionally comfortable with luxurious bedding.
A Culinary Experience
During my short stay, I had the chance to experience only one meal at the Vivre restaurant. Due to Covid restrictions, only one restaurant and one bar were open. The bar, we were informed, would offer complimentary drinks and snacks to guests, if we gave them our room number. We decided to have dinner instead and didn’t take advantage of the Club benefits this time. We were leaving for a BA flight early the next morning, so we chose to have breakfast in the BA lounge. A light breakfast, typically available in the Club lounge, was also offered complimentary in the restaurant. The food in the restaurant was delicious and beautifully presented, but the service wasn’t up to par. It seemed that the hotel’s recent reopening after the Covid lockdown was impacting staffing levels, so the service was likely a temporary issue. It was difficult to get the attention of the waiting staff, and our waiter kept complaining about the lack of staff and the number of tables he had to serve. Although the outside of the building looks brand new, some common areas, including the restaurant, are beginning to show their age. While everything was perfectly maintained and spotless, the restaurant could benefit from a modern update. However, with the current state of the travel industry, it’s likely that hotels will struggle to make significant investments for the foreseeable future.
A Relaxing Retreat with Amenities
The Sofitel offers a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and an on-site hairdresser and barber. The entire hotel is non-smoking, which is a huge plus for me. During this particular trip, however, I didn’t have much free time, and many amenities were closed due to Covid restrictions. I’m looking forward to a time when things return to normal so I can fully enjoy a relaxing pre-flight experience, complete with breakfast, an Espa treatment, and a short walk through the tunnel to the departures area.
Minor Issues
- Wardrobe doors: Despite reporting them as hanging off their runners to reception, no one came to fix them. This could be due to Covid restrictions, which prevented access to rooms during our stay, but if it was, it wasn’t explained to us.
- Restaurant service: The restricted staffing due to Covid restrictions impacted the restaurant service, which was understandable considering the timing of the reopening.
- Location: For aviation enthusiasts like myself, the Sofitel’s location is a dream come true. The convenience of walking to and from the terminal, combined with luxurious surroundings and runway views, is unparalleled.
- Espa toiletries and health club: The Espa toiletries are always a favorite, and the health club and spa, when available, are fantastic amenities.
