There are a number of Holiday Inn properties around Heathrow Airport. The one I usually use is properly called the Holiday Inn Heathrow and their web site is here.

I stay as they have nicer rooms than the nearby Ariel, although the transport is more problematic if you plan to use the local buses within the Free Heathrow Travel Zone. Getting to the airport from the hotel is more tricky as less buses pass the hotel and the one that runs to Terminal 5 (Route 423) only operates every twenty minutes.

I usually manage to secure and upgrade at this hotel to one of their Executive Rooms. These rooms tend to be larger, have chocolate and mineral water in the room and has a bathrobe in the bathroom.

The Reception is large but can be busy as the Hotel Hoppa buses arrive. When I checked in there were three agents and no queue as the property was quiet that evening. Super friendly the staff confirmed my rate, that it included breakfast and whether I wanted points or an amenity. ‘Points!’ of course.

I got in the lift opposite the Reception Desk – always ask at this property as there are several!

The room was fairly close to the lift, but not so close there would be noise. Opening the door I identified it as a normal room in this property.

The flat screen TV could be described as ‘Modest’ in size but worked fine with a good range of TV channels and a few radio stations. There was Tea and Coffee and a kettle.

The bathroom had a decent sized bath, although the basin is housed in what feels like a cheap counter top.

There were two hard and two soft pillow provided on the bed.

This hotel has a new offering around Room Service. I first found this at the Park Inn at Schipol during Frequent Traveller University and quite like it. You can essentially order Room Service and if you collect it from the Restaurant (they call when it’s done) you can avoid the Tray Charge. £3.50 saved by walking down stairs and carrying your own tray. Win.

The food was ready about 15 minutes after I ordered and after signing the bill took the tray back upstairs. It needed an extra hand as holding the tray and swiping my room key was a bit tricky.

You can leave the tray outside your room when you are finished and they come and collect it.

Breakfast is served in the Restaurant and there is a wide range of self-service hot and cold items and a chef who will prepare eggs for you.

Having slept well I went out to a very frosty morning. There is a staircase on the Western End of the hotel which enables you exit closer to the stop for the 423 to Terminal 5.

To get to the stop you have to cross the main road and walk for about 5 minutes to the stop. Be aware you are unlikely to get a seat at peak times as lots of local workers use the service. Large bags can be problematic. The bus took about 10 minutes and drops off at the Ground Floor of Terminal 3 and goes close to the Terminal 5 Premier Inn.

OVERALL
This property can be a cost effective solution for a night at the airport.