Imagine a stress-free trip to your dream destination. You can achieve this by staying at the Sofitel London Heathrow, an exceptional airport hotel that caters to every need. As experienced travelers who have stayed at numerous leading airport hotels, we can confidently say that the Sofitel London Heathrow stands out as one of the best, particularly if you’re traveling with kids. Let’s dive into what makes it so special.
Location, Location, Location
The Sofitel Heathrow’s strategic location is a major draw. It’s the only hotel directly connected to Heathrow Terminal 5, the primary terminal for British Airways. This seamless connection is a game-changer for early morning flights, as you can simply walk straight into Terminal 5 via covered walkways in just 5 minutes. Even if you’re departing from Terminals 2 or 3, they’re easily accessible from Terminal 5 using the Heathrow Express.
For those arriving by car, the hotel has its own secure underground car park, making parking a breeze. Their park and fly package often beats the cost of official Heathrow airport premium parking options like short stay and valet parking. The convenience of parking at the hotel and avoiding the hassle of moving your car early in the morning or taking shuttle buses to the airport is truly invaluable.
Luxury and Comfort Redefined
The Sofitel Heathrow is anything but your typical airport hotel. This 5-star gem exudes an air of luxury from the moment you step inside. As you’d expect from a hotel of this caliber, it boasts superior rooms, exceptional service, a prime location, and top-notch amenities, making it a welcoming haven for families.
The lobby is a testament to modern and contemporary décor, instantly transporting you away from the bustling airport environment. The calm and chic interior design creates a serene atmosphere, allowing you to unwind after a long journey. Check-in is a breeze, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition into your stay.
A Hotel That Has It All
This spacious hotel features 605 rooms spread across six wings, all connected to the central spine. It offers a plethora of amenities, exceeding expectations for an airport hotel. A state-of-the-art gym, a variety of bars and restaurants, a gift shop, and a charming tea salon featuring teas from around the globe are just some of the highlights.
However, a notable change since our last visit was the removal of the dedicated British Airways check-in and baggage drop desks located in the lobby. We miss the convenience of checking in our luggage at the hotel and skipping the queues at the terminal. The hotel also boasts an impressive spa with a hydrotherapy vitality pool, sauna, and steam room, but unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to indulge in this on our recent stay.
Exceptional Rooms for Every Need
The Sofitel offers a range of room options to suit every family’s needs. On previous visits, we’ve enjoyed their interconnecting rooms, but this time we were lucky enough to be upgraded to a prestigious suite, showcasing the pinnacle of luxury and comfort.
Both interconnecting rooms and suites provide an unmatched level of luxury and comfort, perfect for an overnight stay before a flight. Our suite impressed with its spaciousness, featuring a separate living area, master bedroom, and a large entrance hall with a convenient small toilet and washroom. While some reviews suggest the décor is starting to appear outdated with its strong dark wood theme, we found the rooms to be well-maintained and impeccably clean, upholding the high standards of the hotel.
Our suite was equipped with all the luxurious amenities you’d expect – evening turn down service, two large flat-screen TVs, complimentary high-speed WiFi, air conditioning, a Nespresso machine, and a selection of magazines. Luxury and suite rooms also enjoy additional perks like bathrobes, slippers, complimentary mineral water, and exclusive lounge access.
Pampering and Indulgence
Staying in a luxury suite or room unlocks a world of added perks. Enjoy complimentary afternoon tea, evening drinks and canapés, and a delicious breakfast the next morning. These luxurious extras typically cover the upgrade cost and add an extra layer of indulgence to your stay. We thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon tea service in the lounge, a delightful experience that sets the tone for a relaxing stay.
The Club Millesime executive lounge, a spacious haven with exceptional service, remains one of the best lounges we’ve encountered at Heathrow hotels. The extensive selection of teas, coffees, soft drinks, and freshly made sandwiches, cookies, cakes, and scones with jam will delight every palate.
A Perfect Night’s Sleep
One of the most remarkable aspects of staying at the Sofitel Heathrow are the beds. They’re incredibly comfortable, boasting thick duvets, huge pillows, and are among the most luxurious beds you’ll find at an airport hotel.
The soundproofing is phenomenal, thanks to triple-glazed windows. Even though our room overlooked the runway, we didn’t hear a single aircraft noise. Combined with the blackout curtains, we all slept soundly, ensuring we were well-rested for our flight the next morning.
The lavish bathrooms in our suite mirrored the luxurious ambiance of the rest of the room. A large walk-in shower, a separate bath with its own television, and designer toiletries from Balmain completed the experience.
While we opted for breakfast in the BA lounge due to our early departure, the breakfast buffet at the Sofitel is as impressive as we remember it from previous visits.
Exceptional Service for a Flawless Stay
The Sofitel Heathrow is a haven for families. From the moment we arrived, the entire family was pampered. The exceptional level of service received throughout our stay was a testament to the hotel management’s dedication to providing a truly memorable experience.
If you’re searching for the best airport hotel near Heathrow Terminal 5, look no further. The Sofitel Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 will not disappoint. Its convenient location, impeccable service, and luxurious amenities justify its 5-star rating and pricing.
While the Sofitel London Heathrow is more expensive than other hotels near Heathrow, it’s worth every penny if you can find a good deal. Prices start from £156 for a classic room.
We highly recommend the Sofitel London Heathrow, an unforgettable experience for families seeking a luxurious escape before their travels.
