One of the world’s busiest airline hubs, travellers flying in or out of London’s Heathrow Airport are catered to with a large choice of hotels within easy reach of the main terminals.
(Photo: Marriott Hotel)
It’s hard enough having to wait patiently at baggage collection after a long flight without then dragging yourself all the way home, when all you want to do is get some shut-eye. That’s where airport hotels come to the rescue, often situated tantalisingly close and with the added bonus of a cooked breakfast in the morning, if you’re really lucky. For early morning flyers, they also remove the need for painful wake-up times and blurry-eyed journeys to the airport. In and around Heathrow Airport, there are a wide number of hotels available for these very such needs – and we’ve picked out some of the best for those flying from terminals 2 or 3 below.
Marriott Hotel
If you’re a flyer experiencing any lingering guilt about your carbon footprint, what better way to ease your conscience than by staying in one of London’s most eco-friendly hotels? Located a couple of miles from Terminals 2 and 3, the modern hotel is leading the way when it comes to green initiatives, but with no compromise on hospitality. Energy-efficient architecture, zero-waste practices, and locally-sourced cuisine all contribute to the hotel’s sustainability efforts, with a rooftop greenhouse even providing fresh herbs and vegetables as part of its F&B offerings. With maximum peace of mind achieved, guests can turn their attention to enjoying the hotel’s environs, which include an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness room, a Carluccio’s Italian restaurant and an exclusive lounge serving buffet breakfasts and evening drinks. Large guest rooms also impressive, with stylish decor and runway views A phone station in the hotel lobby offers a direct line for taxi bookings. From £116 per night.
Renaissance Hotel
(Photo: Renaissance Hotel)
There isn’t much that evokes the romance of air travel more than watching planes take off and land from your hotel room window. That’s the visual treat that awaits visitors, not just at our first recommended hotel (see above), but also at the 4-star Renaissance Hotel, where soundproof windows ensure you can enjoy the show without the accompanying engine roars that might otherwise disrupt your sleep. But there’s more than just runway drama at this stylish hotel: a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a restaurant serving international cuisine, a cocktail bar, a coffee shop and 24-hour room service are among the notable services and amenities. All of this within a mere 5-minute drive of Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3. Private on-site parking is also available there’s a 24-hour airport shuttle service for an extra charge. From £113 per night.
Aerotel
Aerotel may lack the bells and whistles of some other Heathrow hotels, but for sheer proximity to Terminal 3, it’s hard to beat. Located directly inside the terminal, and just a 10-minute walk from Terminal 2 as well, the hotel is close enough to be tucked up in bed within minutes of making it through passport control. Guest rooms are basic but clean and comfortable, with no windows but instead a flat-screen TV for your visual entertainment, and a private bathroom. Hot breakfasts are served daily, or you can order a continental breakfast to take away. From £161 per night.
Radisson RED Hotel
(Photo: Radisson RED Hotel)
Situated in the village of Harmondsworth, less than a kilometre from the airport, this upscale 4-star hotel combines a convenient location with a funky urban vibe. More than just a place to get your head down before or after a flight, the hotel is brimming with great amenities, including an indoor pool, a fitness centre and sauna, meeting rooms, a restaurant serving all-day food and a chic lounge bar. There are also daily buffet breakfasts, room service and 24-hour front desk. The hotel runs a paid shuttle service to and from the airport and to get on the London Underground there’s a tube station a brisk 20-minute walk away. From £148 per night.
Thistle Hotel
A 15-minute drive from Terminals 2 and 3, this 3-star hotel is one of the best-rated budget hotels near Heathrow. Amenities include an evening restaurant and a lobby lounge bar serving drinks and light snacks, and varied buffet breakfasts are served daily. Each of the modern and spacious guest rooms comes with a flat-screen TV, a work desk and a private bathroom. The hotel also offers direct access to the Ultra pods network, an eco-friendly rapid transit system that takes passengers directly to the airport for a surcharge. Alternatively, to save money you can make use of the nearby local bus network which also runs to and from the airport. From £57 per night.