The choice of hotels at London Heathrow is vast. All the major chains are represented, ranging from budget choices right the way through to 5-star top-class hotels. However, only a small few offer an on-airport experience.
The Sofitel at Terminal 5 is directly connected to the terminal via a footbridge, and even though it’s only to Terminal 5, getting between Terminal 5 and the other terminals is a breeze using the free Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line shuttles. When compared to the Hotel Hoppa bus service to and from the other off-airport hotels it seemed much easier.
Reasons to be Cheerful
We chose the Sofitel for several reasons. Firstly it offered us the option of parking the car at their own car park on-site, minimising the use of shuttle buses or taxis to get between car parks/hotels/terminals. Secondly, the proximity to the terminals was worth a lot, making the whole travel process quicker, more convenient and easier. Lastly, we had been recommended the Sofitel by friends, who said it was one of the better hotels at Heathrow and was definitely worth a try.
So, biting the bullet, we booked a park, stay and fly package through Holiday Extras for a 4 day trip to Vienna for our son’s wedding. Arriving at around 5pm, we found it really easy to get to and the Hotel and its car park were really well signposted. It is a very simple process too. Just find a space, park-up and check-in. Our exit ticket was provided at check-in, eliminating any need to go back into the hotel reception on our return.
Top Quality at Sofitel Heathrow T5
We were very impressed with our room. It was large, spacious and very well-equipped. In addition, it was spotlessly clean too. Our huge window overlooked one of the indoor atriums. However, we thought it was only right to go and have a look around the hotel before settling down for the night. It’s a surprisingly big place, with several restaurants and bars to choose from. We took a pew in the Sphere Bar, a minimalist, Icelandic-themed bar. We were a little unsure what part of the bar was Icelandic apart from the price list. Yes, it was on the pricey side, but there again it was also a really nice place to be. The food and drink were very good too. If we’d had our swimwear with us we would definitely have checked out the spa area, as it looked amazingly inviting. Next time, maybe!
Comfort and Convenience
On the morning of our flight we found it all so very easy. After a night in a super-comfortable bed we set off. Over the bridge, down in the lift, onto the Heathrow Express shuttle, up in another lift and Voila! there we were, right next to our Terminal 2 check-in. Don’t let the ‘T5’ bit put you off if you’re flying from one of the other terminals. Look at it as simply part of ‘The Airport’ as everything is so inter-connected.
We booked at the Sofitel expecting a top-quality first-class hotel that was as convenient as possible for our journey. We weren’t disappointed at any point and would definitely use it again. In fact, it’s been a bit of an eye-opener after a few disappointments over the years. Putting aside the fact that it’s an airport hotel, Sofitel doesn’t disappoint in any way. It is a truly memorable and classy option, as well as being the most convenient airport hotel we’ve ever used at Heathrow.
As mentioned above, we booked the ‘Park, Sleep and Fly’ package at Sofitel through Holiday Extras. They offer great value deals on hotels, parking, lounges and much more at all the UK airports. Check out some of their deals here.
