It’s always exciting to receive feedback from readers. Recently, commenter RJ Brown asked about the Sofitel London Heathrow. He had read my post about flying British Airways from London to San Francisco and was interested in learning more about this hotel.
RJ Brown was interested in the Sofitel because it seemed to be the only hotel that allowed guests to easily walk to the terminal. This is crucial for a seamless travel experience.
I was actually planning to write a review about the Sofitel London Heathrow but decided to wait. It seems that many readers are curious about this property, so I’m sharing my experience with you now.
Last month, I needed to spend a night at Heathrow Airport. I was arriving and departing from Terminal 3, and I chose to stay at the Sofitel London Heathrow. While I could have stayed at another hotel, the Sofitel’s location was a major draw for me.
Location, Location, Location
The Sofitel is directly connected to Terminal 5, making it ideal for travelers using British Airways. It’s also one of the nicest hotels at Heathrow Airport, offering a luxurious and comfortable experience.
There’s a Hilton connected to Terminal 4, which is a decent option. However, it’s older and not as stylish as the Sofitel.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any good hotel options close to Terminal 3. The Bath Road hotels are quite a distance away. You’ll need to take the Hotel Hoppa bus, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Instead of staying at a Bath Road hotel, consider taking the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station. There’s a Hilton connected to the station, and there’s also a Hotel Indigo nearby. The Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes and takes about 15-20 minutes to reach Paddington. This option may actually be more convenient than the Hotel Hoppa and provides a welcome escape from the airport.
Why I Chose the Sofitel
I decided to stay at the Sofitel because I wanted to see my free Le Club Accorhotels Platinum status in action. I had always heard that this status wasn’t very valuable, but I wanted to experience it firsthand. It was also more expensive than other options, and I really should have used my Hilton HHonors points before they were devalued.
Checking In and Upgrading
After a short wait at the check-in desk, I was able to check into my room. The hotel lobby was bustling with travelers, but it wasn’t too crowded.
I had booked the cheapest room, which was a queen bed. The terms and conditions of my booking mentioned possible upgrades. I requested an upgrade, and the staff informed me that it was already taken care of. I was upgraded to a king bed room, but it was still a courtyard-facing room, so there wasn’t much difference.
The Room
The hotel is beautiful, and my room was perfectly functional. The bathroom was lovely, and I found the blackout curtains very effective.
Free Wi-Fi was available in the room, but it was slow and unreliable. The hotel offered an upgrade to faster Wi-Fi, but I didn’t bother.
I slept well and was well-rested for my early morning departure at 6 am.
Conclusion
The Sofitel London Heathrow is a great option for travelers using Terminal 5. However, if you’re using a different terminal, it might be more convenient and cost-effective to stay at the Hilton near Terminal 4 or take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station and stay at the Hilton there.
