With our round-up of the best places to stay near the major London airports, there’s no need to be shuffling around the city with your case, looking for somewhere to sleep. Book yourself into one of the hotels near Heathrow or Stansted and kick start your holiday earlier than the departure time.
Some of the below are the perfect start to a getaway – luxurious places that will have you at your best before boarding your London flight. On the flip side, if you’re returning home late and just want somewhere to lay your head after a long flight, these hotels are a handy distance from the runway. Some even have a sauna or spa to help you feel rejuvenated you in the morning…
The first category is of course location – some of the below are actually within the corresponding airport itself. Secondly is the standard of the rooms and lastly the quality of service that they offer. Read on to find out the best hotels near Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick and Luton.
Hilton London Heathrow Airport, Heathrow
Scores big on location – it has pedestrian access to Terminal 4 which is then connected to all other terminals by the Heathrow Connect train service. This is a real asset for those that want to circumnavigate the train out from the city centre without running the risk of early morning traffic on the roads. There’s also the Hotel Hoppa service out to Terminal 5. So far so good.
Rooms really are geared towards long-haul travel. Black out windows and sound proof walls create a pre or post flight cocoon so that visitors can rest up real nice. Space is not a focus but then who needs in a one night wonder? Bathrooms of the deluxe rooms have walk in showers rather than a shower/bath and come with robes and slippers.
Services and amenities are in keeping with the rest of the accommodation; no fuss and no frills. There’s a fitness room, pool, sauna and steam room to refresh bleary eyes and get travellers set for their travel. There’s even an infinity pool, a bar and a choice of three restaurants to choose from. We recommend you stay at the Hilton Heathrow at the end of a long trip before making the final journey home.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Stansted Airport
The Radisson Blu’s fortes are much the same as Heathrow’s Hilton. Location is first and foremost. It’s a short walk (less than five minutes) to the main terminal, reached by a series of walkways and it’s close to the rail and bus stations so arriving and departing are nice and easy.
Rooms are again designed with long-haul travel in mind – black out blinds, tea and coffee making facilities and comfortable beds that you sink into. Decoration is subdued but still comfortable so you don’t get that sterile feel similar to that of the airport such a short distance away.
There are three onsite restaurants that include the Angels’ Wine Tower Bar, the centrepiece being a 4,000 wine bottle tower. It’s a nice spot for a nightcap before hitting the hay after a gruelling journey.
Springwood Guesthouse, London Gatwick Airport
Gatwick hotels are further out from the city and things get significantly nicer. Don’t stay in one of the Gatwick airport hotels – you’ll kick yourself if you do. Springwood Guesthouse is spacious and close to the airport. Dining options in the local area are plentiful. The small home in the leafy Horley area does not sit directly under a flight path so although you’re less than two miles from the airport, you’re not disturbed at all.
The twelve spacious, en-suite rooms come with enough work space for business travellers. What’s more the Edwardian architectural features mean that accommodation, including the breakfast room, receive plenty of natural light, more than revealing the outspoken art-deco theme throughout.
The owner provides a pickup service and offers transportation to and from Gatwick as well as to Horley train station a (two minute drive away). Luxury is on the agenda here from the lavish furnishings to trivial quintessential British features like the Twinings teabags and cake on arrival. Luxury and class make Springwood best for an early kick off to a getaway – whether it’s a business trip or a romantic getaway.
Luton Hoo Hotel, London Luton Airport
Options near to Luton Airport couldn’t be better. The Luton Hoo is upmarket but starting your getaway in style might be a good way to go when you consider the alternatives. Located in over 1,000 acres of countryside you’d think this five-star hotel would be in the middle of nowhere, but it’s a short 10-minute taxi ride to the airport. Oh, and there’s free taxis on site.
Luxury is the word that comes to mind in the rooms of Luton Hoo. They’re as grandly decorated as you’d expect from the stately exterior with Edwardian features (high ceilings) and antique furnishings throughout. The total 228 rooms are spread out between the mansion,Parkland, Flower Garden and Club House.
There is a choice of three restaurants, the resplendent Wernher and the more casual laid back Adam’s Brassiere or The 19th. If you’re set in for a long flight delay there’s clay pigeon shooting and a nine hole golf course to keep guests entertained that blend in well to such a grand country abode. Stay at Luton Hoo before you fly away to get in the holiday mood in its well polished rooms/grounds.
If you don’t yet have the early morning flight that’ll justify booking one of these hotels, take a look at our flights and see what’s on offer.