Let’s face it. Sometimes travel can be stressful. The last thing you want to worry about is missing a flight. If you find yourself flying out of London Gatwick Airport, do yourself a favor and book a room at Hilton London Gatwick Airport Hotel. This Hilton is the only hotel connected to the Gatwick Airport South Terminal. Staying here makes catching an early morning flight a breeze.
We flew in and out of Gatwick in September and were impressed with the ease of public transportation available. The Southern Gatwick Express train station is within the heart of the airport. It’s very easy to go to downtown London or, in our case, take the train to Bath, England. Our return trip from The Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath had us staying at the Hilton for an early flight back to California the next day. The 821 room hotel sells out almost every night so be sure to reserve your room in advance.
Our deluxe room had been recently renovated and was clean and quiet. The Hilton Serenity bed was comfortable and the soundproof room actually worked; we didn’t hear any airplanes during our overnight. While I’ve stayed at Hilton Hotel San Jose, I was reminded that I was in England with the electric tea kettle in the room and the Crabtree & Evelyn bathroom amenities.
There are several dining options available at this Hilton, including Amy’s Bar & Restaurant, The Garden Restaurant and Charlie Fry’s Sports Bar. Truth be told, we ate at Jamie Oliver’s Diner within the airport building. You won’t go hungry with all of the restaurant choices, but it was the bar near the huge hotel lobby that was hopping on our visit.
I imagine a lot of business travelers use this hotel, as it has a business center, but it’s really the airport location that makes it a winner in my book. We saw families relaxing, Millennials doing business over cocktails and travelers of every background merge in and out of the lobby.
The fellow who checked us in to the Hilton London Gatwick Airport said this was the busiest of all the Hilton hotels and I believe him. Airport hotels are about delivering the convenience factor to travelers. I’m excited for the 12-story Grand Hyatt Hotel to open in 2019 inside the San Francisco International Airport, my home airport.
Don’t expect a swimming pool or hot tub at this airport hotel, but there is a small fitness center available to guests. If you need a snack or grab and go meal for your room or the airplane ride, stop at M & S Simply Food in the airport terminal. There are healthy meals, sandwiches and salads available, as well as Marks & Spencer shortbread bars and more.
Our room rented for approximately £130 pound sterling (we used our credit card points from Chase Visa.) The Hilton London Gatwick Airport hotel is pet-friendly. WiFi is complimentary if you are a Hilton hotel member. Parking is available for an additional fee. This Hilton hotel is pet-friendly. Make your reservation directly at the hotel website or through an online hotel booking site such as Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com.
Hotel review and all photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer Nancy D. Brown.
