Background
This dual-branded Heathrow property opened in 2020 with Radisson RED and Radisson Hotels in two separate wings. The hotels received a £16 million investment and include 858 rooms plus extensive meeting facilities.
Where is it?
On the hotel-packed Bath Road, a ten-minute drive to Heathrow’s terminals. You can get a Hotel Hoppa bus to terminals 2, 3 and 5 between 4.15am and 10pm daily, with a journey time of 20-30 minutes. The hotel has a partnership with WeKnowLondon, an electric car company, for punctual transfers to the terminals – my trip to Terminal 5 at 5am took ten minutes.
What’s it like?
The modern hotel is well signposted from the main road. Closer to the entrance, a glam driveway features a mirrored ceiling, with a terrace to the right. The RED branding is evident throughout, with design featuring pops of red and nods to London – a red Mini Cooper car is parked by reception, while red phone boxes act as self check-in and check-out booths.
The reception has a showbiz-like feel, with exposed filament light bulbs, while photography throughout the hotel showcases well-known British stars. The open-plan lobby comprises a casual bar and dining area to the right of reception, along with a sociable lounge area.
Check-in takes place at 3pm, with check-out at 11am (there’s a key drop-off option), though queues were long. Members of Radisson Rewards can use a separate lane. Lifts are to the far-right of the ground floor, with ramp access.
Rooms
The Radisson RED wing has 258 rooms featuring the brand’s playful design with contemporary decor and splashes of red, while more than 600 rooms have the Scandi-inspired Radisson brand style. Noteworthy is the ‘Park, Dream and Fly’ rates, which include parking for up to four, eight or 15 days, though this may be offsite.
Rooms at RED range from 30 sqm to 61 sqm suites, with Executive rooms and suites having lounge access. Select rooms offer tarmac views. Executive rooms are well-designed for business thanks to high-speed wifi and a comfortable desk area with USB ports, plug sockets and targeted lighting. The king-size bed at the centre of the room is comfortable, with bedside USB and plug sockets and a red rotary phone.
Amenities include a Smart TV, iron, ironing board, safe, bathrobe and slippers, tea and Nespresso coffee facilities, two complimentary bottles of water, large-size toiletries and a powerful rain shower.
The downside with the room was that the air conditioning unit didn’t work, so my room was very hot. I was unable to get in touch with the team via the phone and queues at reception were long. A technician was sent to fix the problem, but it still would not budge below 23 degrees. The blackout curtains were good, but I could hear planes despite the triple-glazed windows.
Food and drink
RBG Bar and Restaurant is the hotel’s lobby venue which serves a breakfast buffet (for £11) and an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner. Italian restaurant Filini offers pasta, stone-baked pizzas, and a few meat and fish dishes. Service was cold, with stained paper menus or the option to order and pay via a QR code. I was not impressed with the wild mushroom gnocchi (£15) which was gloopy and expensive for a small portion. That said, it was in its soft opening phase in mid-May.
Meetings
There are two multipurpose conference centres and 41 meeting rooms, plus an executive lounge on the fifth floor, which offers complimentary drinks and snacks from 6-8pm.
Leisure
The ground floor’s Pace Leisure Club has a gym, pool, sauna and steam room.
Verdict
This well-located hotel has extensive meetings facilities for business travellers, though its F&B spaces need improvement.
FACT BOX
- Best for Its location close to the airport terminals, with a bright and fun design to kickstart a business trip
- Don’t miss An electric car transfer to make an early flight
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in September started from £199 for an Executive Room with lounge access (£114 for entry-level)
- Contact Bath Road, West Drayton, Heathrow UB7 0DU; 0208 283 2030; radissonhotels.com
