After arriving at Gatwick on the Gatwick Express I hunted around to find the hotel. I had been before but it seems to be less well signed than I expected. You have cross the roadway to the car park and take one of the lifts. On the way I noticed that Gatwick (under its new owners) has started posting delay times at Security:
The hotel Reception was well manned when I arrived and the check-in agent was friendy and helpful. Confirming my upgrade (HHonors Gold) to an Executive Room, and letting me know about the Executive lounge and its opening hours.
The Hilton is made from two buildings, one old and one new. The difference in decor is significant and I was pleased that I was in the new wing, called Building 2.
Old Building Corridor
New Building
Spread over 4 floors, the new building is lighter than the old, with mirrors brightening the corridors. It feels more airy and spacious.
The room itself was pretty standard for Hilton:
Bedroom
Bathroom with separate shower
The room was comfortable enough, although I had trouble connecting to the hhonors WiFi as it kept tryng to force me to use the BT connection which was chargeable. The comfortable chair was not really that nice, a victory of design over function. The mattress was a standard for the UK, which means not very comfortable. Tea and Coffee making facilities were in the room.
The lounge was nice enough with helpful staff and a range of seating areas, tables and sofas. Newspapers were available. The breakfast was all cold, and not nearly as good a selection as at the Hilton Terminal 5 where I stayed earlier in the year.
Overall – Good hotel in a good location for Gatwick, if you can get one of the new rooms.
Having had the pleasure of staying in one of the old rooms last year, all I can say is that I will not stay at this hotel again until the renovations are 100% complete. The room I had was a complete dump!
I’ll try the Sofitel next time.
I spent 5 weeks at the LGW Hilton last year. Biggest disappointment was the terrible workout facility. Hopefully it has changed, but the equipment was so bad as to be almost dangerous. Very nice executive lounge, but the same menu every evening! Death by appetizer!
Outstanding staff!