Advice About Gatwick (pre+post Trip)

[THE COLONEL]

We travel in November and when making the booking did so on the grounds that we would be able to stay with my father who lives near Gatwick and he would kindly transport us to and from the airport.

He is about to move home back to South Wales and so this is no longer an option.

I intend to do online check in or twilight and am looking at staying at the Hilton on the night before our flight and using long term parking.

But it is the return leg that is causing me concern. I dont drive and after arriving in the UK AT 6.55am am loathe to expect my wife to hop into the car and make an immediate 4 hr drive home.

So another nights stay at an airport hotel is an option but would the fact that we arrive so early in the morning rule this out?

Also are there more cost effective deals on accom/parking than that offered by the Hilton. I appreciate that the Hilton is the most convenient for the South terminal but would we be better served by parking elsewhere at or near the airport?

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

We travel in November and when making the booking did so on the grounds that we would be able to stay with my father who lives near Gatwick and he would kindly transport us to and from the airport.

He is about to move home back to South Wales and so this is no longer an option.

I intend to do online check in or twilight and am looking at staying at the Hilton on the night before our flight and using long term parking.

But it is the return leg that is causing me concern. I dont drive and after arriving in the UK AT 6.55am am loathe to expect my wife to hop into the car and make an immediate 4 hr drive home.

So another nights stay at an airport hotel is an option but would the fact that we arrive so early in the morning rule this out?

Also are there more cost effective deals on accom/parking than that offered by the Hilton. I appreciate that the Hilton is the most convenient for the South terminal but would we be better served by parking elsewhere at or near the airport?

This is precisly why we fly Upper Class/Club world back from Orlando or anywhere in the USA.
If I can get some sleep then a shower at the airport before driving back, I am fine.
The first time we ever did Gatwick, I was so shattered after an 8 hour sleepless flight that I was falling asleep at the wheel (everyone else was asleep!)
I vowed then never to fly anything but buisness ever again.


There are quieta few options for hotels and parking, apart from the Hilton and the Sofitel, they all involve a bus to and from the hotel to the airport.

You can get a better hotel and parking rate sometimes by going to the hotels web site (thats what we do with the Sofitel)

You can also book hotel on its own then car parking seperate (usually more expensive) or even valet pick up drop off of the car.

have a look at these sites:
https://www.holidayextras.co.uk/

http://www.aph.com/partners/?talkback/

http://www.airport-parking-shop.co.uk/

http://www.fhr-net.co.uk/

http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/6204/fiche_hotel.shtml

 

[signtalker]

For us we use a B&B which is 5 minutes away from the airport.
www.lowfieldfarm.co.uk
We drop our bags off at twilight checkin, then go to the B&B and drop the overnight bag off.
Up the road is a fantastic complex, for bowling, cinema, TGI's, , pizza hut, and Mcdonalds.

Next to the B&B is a flight tavern, where you can sit with a drink and watch the planes take off and land, which our son loves.

The rooms are spotless, and ensuite. The owner(mike), is ex virgin cabin crew. They provide you with secure parking for the length of your stay(or £2 per day), and you get complementary transport to and from the hotel, im sure if you wanted to add another night once you hit england so you dont have to drive, mike will happily provide this.
They also provide a contiental breakfast.

Have a look at their website. I find the price very good for what he charges.

Jules

 

[AliceGardner]

But it is the return leg that is causing me concern. I dont drive and after arriving in the UK AT 6.55am am loathe to expect my wife to hop into the car and make an immediate 4 hr drive home.

So another nights stay at an airport hotel is an option but would the fact that we arrive so early in the morning rule this out?

No, both the Hilton and the Sofitel SHOULD have "day rooms" available. Go to the Hilton and Sofitel websites (or phone them) and search for the date that you ARRIVE back (not the dy that you fly back...). This will give you a room between 8am and 6pm (8am will be about right by the time you go through immigration, collect cases, get to hotel etc). It isn't cheap though - at the Hilton you are looking at about £120 for the room, not sure for the Sofitel.

Alice

 

[mikki.young]

I booked the Travelodge for 2 nights at £26 a night deal so that it would be available wen we landed for the day and or night if we wanted. It was about a 5 minute drive from the airport.

 

[THE COLONEL]

Thanks guys. Appreciated.

 

[gavvy]

Hilton sell day rooms for around £80 find its expensive but worth it.

 

[penlanspice]

We hate the drive back to Swansea too.

We always used to drive to reading and sleep in the car for a couple of hours, now we try and get the travelodge for 15 pn and also book the 2 nights for around 30. Although we have checked in on a 1 night stay at 10 in the morning (worth taking a chance for 15). There is a travelodge just outside gatwick but we are usually awake when we land and can manage to get a good hour driving until we get tired.