I’ve always avoided Heathrow Airport like the plague. It seemed enormous, overwhelming, and just plain scary! But guess what? It’s not as daunting as it appears, especially if you break it down into manageable chunks.
Landing at Heathrow: A Breeze
My recent trip from Newcastle to Heathrow on British Airways was a quick and comfortable flight, clocking in at just under 45 minutes. Landing at Terminal 5 was a breeze, and after an hour of navigating the usual airport delays, I was reunited with my suitcase. A short and free ride on the London Underground whisked me away to my hotel.
The Premier Inn: A Comfortable Oasis
The Premier Inn is located near Terminal 4, a bit of a journey from where I landed. But Heathrow Airport offers a fantastic network of transport options to get you from one terminal to another. I used the Heathrow Connect train service – super easy to navigate and, best of all, it’s free! There are friendly staff throughout the airport and train stations to help you find your way. If you prefer the bus, the Heathrow Express bus service stops right outside the hotel and circles the entire airport, connecting to each terminal.
A Home Away from Home
Walking from Terminal 4 to the Premier Inn takes around 10-15 minutes, through a covered walkway. The hotel is conveniently located, with links to London and surrounding areas.
My standard double room was a pleasant surprise – spacious and comfortable! A seating area near the window overlooked Canary Wharf and London, which looked especially stunning after dark. I loved spending evenings here, watching the planes glide towards the airport. The sofa was practically a single bed, giving me plenty of space to relax and unwind. And let’s not forget the complimentary coffee, tea, and water – a nice touch!
Peaceful Sleep & Luxury Amenities
The king-size bed was incredibly comfortable, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. I was initially concerned about noise from the airport, but the windows are soundproofed, so I slept like a baby.
The room had quiet air conditioning to keep the temperature just right, and the extensive light switches near the bed (a mystery to my photographer, but a blessing to me) allowed me to adjust the lighting to my liking.
The bathroom was a decent size and had both a bath and a rainfall shower. It felt modern and brand new.
I absolutely loved the bath wash by Bayliss & Harding – it smelled delicious! Filling the bath with fragrant bubbles was a real treat. Rainfall showers always feel luxurious, and this hotel didn’t disappoint. There’s something about starting your day with a refreshing rainfall shower that makes it just a little bit more exciting.
Thyme Restaurant: Delicious Dining Experience
My booking included a package with breakfast and dinner at the Thyme restaurant. I was so relieved I opted for this, as I was worried about finding a restaurant in London. The dinner menu had a great variety, including some mouthwatering vegan options.
I enjoyed a two-course meal, starting with bruschetta and followed by a spicy noodle dish. The food was absolutely delicious, and I cleaned my plate (and my photographer’s!).
There’s a bar area and a Costa Coffee with a comfortable seating area where you can watch the planes taking off and landing. I spent some time here waiting for my room to be ready, as check-in is at 3 pm.
Breakfast is a lavish buffet with all the usual favorites: pastries, cooked food, and fresh fruit. The food was great and set me up for my long flight. The only downside was the coffee – the machines were out of milk. I think I’d be better off sticking to the extensive herbal tea selection next time.
A Budget-Friendly Slice of Luxury
I would wholeheartedly recommend this hotel to anyone traveling through London Heathrow. It’s a small, budget-friendly slice of luxury. The close proximity to Terminal 4 and the convenient connections to other terminals make it a great place to stay and break up your journey.
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