Andy Mossack reviews the Hilton London Gatwick Airport for an overnight stay before an early morning flight.
There is one thing I know for sure. It is a lot more civilized to catch a very early flight when you’ve just spent the night at an airport hotel. It’s even more civilized when said hotel is connected to the terminal and you can casually stroll across to the check-in.
Hilton London Gatwick Airport. is connected to Gatwick’s south Terminal by a walkway, over the short term car park, perhaps not the most auspicious entrance in the world of hospitality it must be said, but when you’ve journeyed down across London from north to south an inauspicious entrance is the last thing you’re worried about.
The hotel provides everything you might need for an overnight airport stay; two restaurants, a sports bar, a 24-hour gym, soundproofed bedrooms and, a warm welcome – that little something many airport hotels seem to feel is way down in the pecking order. There’s also a new glass extension providing spacious modern rooms with bath and shower and an array of upper-end toiletries and an executive Lounge offering complimentary soft drinks and snacks, free wines and spirits between 6 and 9pm and a light breakfast from 5.30 to 10.30 am.
Breakfast the next morning was a pleasant surprise. We opted to forgo the continental breakfast for a fully laden buffet in the Garden Restaurant which turned out to be a pretty memorable experience. More choices than an O2 telephone menu. Let’s face it, an airport hotel is not a holiday destination, it’s a cosy and stress-free way to catch a flight. Airports are in the main soulless places. Populated by an endless stream of strangers passing through to somewhere else. So, when you can find a little oasis amongst all this which offers a temporary feeling of home, it’s all the more appealing.
Hilton London Gatwick Airport ticks all the boxes for me. A far better experience than a budget hotel option simply because you can enjoy the Hilton human touch, Service with a smile and creature comforts to boot in spite of the entrance.
I want to stay at the Hilton London Gatwick Airport. How much does it cost?
Hilton London Gatwick Airport Rooms start from £87 per night and £159 per night including parking.
Tel: 0044 1293-518080
Getting there: The Gatwick Express runs every 15 minutes from Victoria Station.
