What's it like? Open since 1981, this modern, purpose-built building had a £27 million new wing added in 2003, increasing the total number of rooms to 791.
Where is it? One of only two hotels at Gatwick connected to the airport terminals (the other is Sofitel). A series of walkways reaches South Terminal in five-minutes.
Check-in When I arrived at reception there were four desks open, one of which was dedicated to Hilton HHonors members. I am a member but all four had queues of five or six people and it took me a frustrating 20 minutes to get to the head of the queue. During that time, I had an interesting chat with a family going on holiday in Bermuda who ordered drinks from the bar while queuing! Once at the desk, service was swift and despite forgetting my Hilton HHonors card this was looked up and added to my booking. It turned out that I was booked into an executive room, so could have avoided the queue by checking in/out at the executive lounge on the fourth floor, open from 6.30am to 11pm daily.
Room Facilities My executive room – one of those in the new extension – was modern, light and airy in neutral colours. Facilities included air conditioning, trouser press, laptop-sized safe, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, broadband internet access, minibar and tea and coffee-making facilities. The desk is a good size for working with helpfully situated power supply for UK, US and European plugs at desk height. My bathroom was large with a bath plus walk-in power shower and scales.
As well as check-in, an executive room brings added benefits such as complimentary breakfast, light refreshments, drinks and canapés in the lounge, complimentary broadband in the lounge, a newspaper of choice as well as a bathrobe and slippers.
Restaurants and Bars There are two bars. The Lobby Bar on the first floor (which connects to the terminal) is open 24 hours, but since the queues at reception snake into the seating area, the Jockey Bar on the ground floor is a better choice.
Next to the Lobby Bar is Amy's (open from 11am to 11pm), with an east meets west theme and serving everything from curry to burgers and salads to pizza and pasta. On the ground floor next to the Jockey Bar is The Garden Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a buffet/menu du jour option as well as an à la carte menu. My breakfast was good (if you're not in an executive room it costs £17.95).
Business and Meeting Facilities A cyber café in the lobby offers internet access at £3 for 15 minutes, £5 for 30 or £8.50 for an hour. The lobby area has wifi provided by BT Internet and the rooms have broadband at £15 for 24 hours. There are 21 meeting rooms, which can accommodate up to 500 delegates. There is also a business centre.
Leisure facilities The hotel has a fully equipped gym which is part of the group's Living Well brand.
Other considerations If you drive to the airport you should consider the hotel's Park Fly package that includes up to 15 nights' parking within the room rate and can sometimes cost less than a room on its own. Parking is in a long-term car park with a 5-8 minute bus ride to the hotel.
Price For a midweek stay in November, a fully flexible rate for a standard room was £170, while a value rate was £150, requiring a credit card deposit on booking. An executive room was £201. The best internet rate for Park and Fly was £188.
Verdict A conveniently located hotel with good facilities. Try to arrive off-peak or book an executive room to avoid the queues.
Contact Hilton London Gatwick Airport, South Terminal Gatwick Airport, tel +44 (0)1293 518080, hilton.com.
Julian Gregory
