Gatwick South - Hotels

L.L_2

Hiya, wonder if someone can tell me hotels at Gatwick airport (leaving from south terminal) that are really close to terminal - ie no buses in the morning? Is there such a thing? Usually only stay in airport hotels at glasgow and they are walking distance to terminal.

Also (!) flying virgin to vegas, do they still do the twilight check-in the night before? Is this worth it?

Thanks in advance

richardw

I think there's a Hilton https://www.baa.com/gatwick

L.L_2

Thanks for that! Should have checked the website duh!

kaysmith87

Yer i've stayed in the Hilton there, it really is easy in the morning as it has a seperate under cover walkway that takes you straight into the airport. One thing i would say is we found the food not to be great and an extreme rip off (should have expected it really!) So i'd eat before you get there!

L.L_2

Thanks, will do!

ferf1223

They do still do twilight check-in - we always do this (always stay at the Hilton the night before the Vegas flight). Great to get rid of your bags, get your boarding passes and only have to get through security and to the gate in the morning...no standing in the long queue to check-in that morning...makes a much more gentle start to the holiday. On the way back from Vegas we always go to the airport the morning of the flight around 10:30 and check in so our bags are on their way and we've got boarding cards...that way we can enjoy a few more hours in Vegas without standing in the horrid queues to check in on the way home.

Only downside to twilight check-in is if you want to try to get one of the more legroom seats at the back or pay for an upgrade you cannot do it until the day of departure. I suppose the other thing some might consider a downside is you have to remember to pack the bits you need before bed/in the morning in your carry on and keep them at 100ml or less so you can get them through security.

As for meals, we normally eat at Frankie and Benny's in the terminal (there's also a Pizza Express and some fast food)...it's not the best food, nor the best value, but it does the job.

Woby_Tide

there used to be a travellodge or travel inn next to the North terminal(or walkable at least). Then just use the monorail between terminals

dorsetjohn_3

there is a hotel called " The Sofital " connected to the north terminal , which in turn is connected to a tram/tube train that runs to the south terminal . tram runs every 5 mins and takes 1 minute in duration . This is a far nicer hotel than the hilton (south) I have stayed at both numerous times . And if you fancy a bite to eat before you check in , try the Toby Carvery in Crawley , 5/10 min drive away . Very nice food . £6 carvery

my take on vegas departure day , is as follows . I have been around 10 times now . A couple of days before you come home , go to checkin and ask if you can have a late check out of 1.30pm on your departure day . If they say they cant , discretely fold a $10 bill up so the 10 is showing and ask him could he please try again . It will work , but he might give it free if you ask nicely. Then on your last night stay up until around 2.30/3.00 am and sleep soundly until around 1.00pm ( bags packed day before ) Quick shower , check out on the TV in the room , leave room 1.30pm , then down to grab a taxi ( 20 min ride maximum ) . If you get up early on departure day the flight home is so long , and if you have to drive home its a kikller . Those extra 5 hours in bed are great . I fly with Virgin everytime as my daughter is Cabin Crew for them . Arriving 2 hrs before the flight is plenty , please believe me . The queues are really not bad . Last time I was checked in and through Security in 20 mins !!

Not much when you get through Security . Burger King , Pizza place , Duty free , Bar and a couple of Naff Shops . Distance from security to departure gate 100 meters !

Oh yes . When getting in a taxi From / To the airport , state your destination and say " No Tunnel " . The tunnel is the long way around and costs around $12 extra . Airport to Paris / Caesars etc around $17 with no Tunnel . Give them $20 .

Have a nice time

ferf1223

dorsetjohn wrote: »

Then on your last night stay up until around 2.30/3.00 am and sleep soundly until around 1.00pm

I had to chuckle at this as we've been to Vegas maybe 13 times and have never slept that long at a stretch...just one of those places that we're always awake after an absolute maximum of 6 hours sleep.

L.L_2

Thanks to all for your replies, i'm actually senidng my mum over for her birthday, I don't get to join in the fun this time! the last time I went I travelled down from aberdeen to gatwick first thing but perhaps its too much of a rush for my mum, think she'd rather have an easy night in the hotel.

Thanks again!

dorsetjohn_3

ferf1223 wrote: »

I had to chuckle at this as we've been to Vegas maybe 13 times and have never slept that long at a stretch...just one of those places that we're always awake after an absolute maximum of 6 hours sleep.

Chuckle Chuckle , If you have a maximum of 10 hours sleep in the 4 days previous like me due to drinking and card playing you would sleep for 10 hours on your last night . Maybe your not a party animal , Chuckle Chuckle