Staying at an airport hotel the night before your flight is a great way to start a holiday a day earlier. The stress of reaching the airport terminal in time can mean that you are completely frazzled by the time you take off. The best way to avoid all of those horrible arguments in the car, the fractious children fidgeting in the back and long drawn out wait to clear a traffic jam is to turn up at the airport the night before and spend the evening relaxing.
Airport hotels come in all shapes and sizes. More to the point, they can cover all budgets and even the most cost conscious traveller can benefit from combining their parking with an overnight stay. It can prove cheaper, or at least not as expensive, as parking alone. One of the leading sites on the web that I like to search for the right airport parking and hotel deal is Bestairportparkingdeals.co.uk, as not only do they offer all car parks and hotels available, but they compare multiple websites and show you the cheapest prices and where to then buy them direct!
If you want to ensure that you need only walk the short distance to the terminal, the hotel should be ‘On Airport’ taking out the need to drive to the airport on a shuttle bus. For example if looking at staying at Gatwick, where I love flying from, there are now three hotels actually connected to the airport, Sofitel, Hilton and the new Hampton by Hilton, so not only just a short walk to check in but you won’t get wet if it’s raining. There are of course many other larger hotel chains and boutique independents that are located within easy driving distance with many offering parking packages in addition to accommodation. You can stay in an airport hotel that will provide a luxury spa, great dining experience or simply offer you a beautiful room to sleep in. The shuttle bus service is often provided for by the hotel if parking is on-site or from the airport car parks at no extra cost and will be available 24 hours a day almost every day of the year. The shuttle bus journey usually takes no more than 15 minutes and is on board a comfortable modern coach, the bus driver will often help with any large luggage if required. The ‘On Airport’ hotels tend to be a little more expensive and the ‘Off Airport’ hotels are slightly less so but are, none the less, very convenient. The other, often slightly cheaper option is to stay in a guest house or even in a pub close by that has rooms and will organise an airport transfer for the two journeys from the airport. The car will often be parked in the hotel’s car park but can also be parked in a secure compound not too far from where you are staying. The hotel or guest house will need you to call them to let them know when you are arriving back at the airport so that they can organise a lift.
One of the most appealing aspects of staying in an airport hotel is that if you need to board an early morning flight you won’t need to get up at the crack of dawn for the drive to the airport. You and your travelling companions can make time for breakfast at the hotel knowing that you are not going to arrive late and some now offer a takeout option so you will appear at the check in desk refreshed and with plenty of time to spare.
