From the moment it opened, the Sofitel
London
Heathrow has been a game-changer for airport hotels. Its direct connection to Terminal 5, making travel a breeze, is just one of the many reasons I’m smitten with this place. Airports and travel hold a special place in my heart, so staying in such luxurious surroundings, with the added bonus of runway views if you’re lucky enough to snag a room facing the outside, creates an incredible experience.
A Dream Location for Airport Lovers
For anyone flying in or out of Heathrow, particularly Terminal 5, the Sofitel’s location is truly unbeatable. You might find navigating the arrivals floor to locate the right elevator to the connected car park, which also serves as the entrance to the hotel tunnel, a little tricky at first, but once you’ve cracked it, it’s smooth sailing. The tunnel is climate-controlled, ensuring a comfortable stroll regardless of the weather. I’ve stayed here many times, but this time, I made a point of walking outside the main entrance to get a real sense of its surroundings.
While I usually end up in an inward-facing room, which offers spacious views of the hotel’s lower levels, there are six buildings in total, with the outer edges of each block facing the outside.
Spacious Suites with Runway Views
The Sofitel offers a variety of rooms, from classic twin or queen/king options to junior, prestige, opera, and imperial suites. Most suites include access to a private club lounge, but due to current COVID restrictions, this is temporarily closed. While some furniture may show signs of age, reflecting the hotel’s 2008 opening, it’s still a fantastic place to stay, especially considering the location. My suite, situated in Building 6, close to the runway, offered exceptional soundproofing and multiple-layered windows, ensuring a peaceful stay despite its proximity to the airport.
The suite itself was a delight, offering a spacious entrance hall with three doors leading to a guest WC, a lounge and dining area, and the bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. There was also a connecting door between the living area and bedroom. The space was truly impressive, offering a separate living area and an additional cloakroom, making it feel like a luxury room with an added bedroom. The suite was well-equipped, featuring loads of seating, two large TVs, two desk areas, and a fantastic bathroom (though a double sink would have been a welcome addition). The beds are incredibly comfortable, with super-large dimensions and luxurious bedding.
A Restaurant with Room for Improvement
With limited time on this trip, I only had the opportunity to try the Vivre restaurant, which was the only dining option available due to COVID restrictions. We were informed that complimentary drinks and snacks would be served at the bar for Club Millesime members, but we opted for dinner instead. While the food was good, with a decent selection and excellent presentation, the service unfortunately fell short of expectations. I suspect the recent reopening and staffing shortages due to COVID were to blame, and I hope this was a temporary blip.
The restaurant, while clean and well-maintained, could benefit from a refresh. The building itself looks relatively new, but some common areas show signs of age.
A Relaxing Pre-Flight Retreat
Normally, the Sofitel offers a wide array of amenities, including multiple restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, gym, spa, and a hairdresser and barber. However, due to COVID restrictions, many of these were closed during my visit. It’s a fantastic place to unwind before a flight, with options for spa treatments, a relaxing breakfast, and a quick walk to the departures area.
Minor Issues and Overall Impressions
While my stay was generally wonderful, there were a few minor drawbacks:
- The wardrobe doors were hanging off their runners. While I flagged this to reception, no one came to fix it during my stay.
- The restaurant service, as mentioned above, was disappointing but understandable given the current staffing challenges.
Overall, I highly recommend the Sofitel
London
Heathrow for anyone looking for a luxurious and convenient airport hotel. The location is unbeatable, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. I eagerly await the day when the restrictions ease and all of the hotel’s amenities are fully operational, making it an even more irresistible pre-flight retreat.
