insideKENT Magazine Issue 45 - December 2015 | Page 137

GETAWAYS

THE PERFECT START TO YOUR HOLIDAY

The Hilton London Gatwick Airport
The excitement of jetting off on holiday, escaping the day to day mundane for some sun, sea
and culture, can sometimes be a little dampened when dealing with an early morning check-in,
an alarm set for some ungodly hour, overtired family members and a frightful have we forgotten
something dash to the airport. But, there is an alternative. Check in to the ultimate airport hotel
stay: the Hilton London Gatwick Airport. B Y S A M A N T H A G

The Hilton London Gatwick Airport is the
largest of all of the Gatwick hotels, offering
no less than 817 guest, executive and deluxe
bedrooms and four impressive suites. It is, of
course, a popular choice with airport-bound
commuters, groups and families who recognise
the easy convenience of a three-minute stroll to
the airport’s South Terminal.
Whilst it’s fair to say that airport hotels aren’t
necessarily surrounded with the prettiest of
views, once you slip through the doors you are
transported to the oasis of calm of the main
foyer on the 1st floor. The treble height ceiling
with its intimate cosy lighting, lounge area
and modern décor, provide an relaxing space
to wait for check-in or while away your time
before your airport departure. Check-in is, of
course, smooth, friendly and professional with
information about breakfast and dinner options
and the express checkout option – another
helpful time saving measure.
Moving through the hotel and into the well
appointed and spacious guest bedrooms
the modern and classic décor continues as
does the attention to detail: wide-screen TVs,
desks, coffee and tea-making facilities, fridges
and complimentary toiletries all added to the
comfort inducing experience.
There are also a host of dining and beverage
options available at the hotel and my
guests and I headed straight to The Garden

Restaurant. This vibrant and spacious area
provides intimate tables for two and plentiful
larger spaces for bigger groups, complete with
ultra friendly and attentive waiting staff. Once
seated – with activity packs for the children and
drinks all round – we were more than ready to
enjoy the chef’s three-course buffet.

After a restful night’s sleep (aided not least by
the triple glazing, blackout curtains and extra
lay in!) my guests and I returned to The Garden
Restaurant to devour the famous Hilton
breakfast buffet, with its extensive continental
and English Breakfast options providing the
perfect fill before our journey ahead.

With various offerings including Mediterraneaninspired starters; a hot buffet main course
range including a carvery and a variety of meat,
fish and vegetarian dishes and sides; a dessert
stand with a selection of miniature favourites
and larger home-cooked dishes and a stand
alone kids’ zone with child-friendly favourites
such as nuggets and wedges; there really was
something to suit everyone, with the added
bonus that kids under 10 eat for free when
accompanied by a paying adult.

Keys dropped at the express check-out
station, this well-rested, well-fed, less-stressed
and rather excited cohort merrily departed
through the covered walkway, more than ready
for the next step of our travels and more than
convinced to stay at the Hilton London Gatwick
Airport every time we fly.

An alternative to The Garden Restaurant,
and perfect for those who prefer an à la carte
dining experience, is Amy’s Restaurant which
offers refined dishes and superb service in a
contemporary, intimate dining setting.

Hilton London Gatwick Airport
South Terminal Gatwick Airport
West Sussex
RH6 0LL
01293 518080
www.gatwick.hilton.com

Guests can also choose to relax and enjoy a
drink (and sport on the TVs) in Charlie Fry’s
Sports Bar. Enjoy a cocktail in the newly
refurbished Amy’s and Lobby Bar, or grab a
coffee at Costa Coffee in the lobby; and if that
wasn’t enough there is also the option of 24hour room service.

137

The Hilton London Gatwick Hotel offers Hotelonly and popular Park & Fly Packages as well
as accessible and family-friendly room types.

/HiltonGatwick
@HiltonGatwick