insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 10 - December 2015 | Page 105

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