Day use rooms- gatwick

[irenep]

I have just booked a trip for next July that involves an early morning arrival at Gatwick and a late afternoon departure on my return - so I will probably get a day room at the Hilton to crash out for a few hours.
The rep I spoke to said they cant book this but if I just walk up to the hotel and ask for a day-use room it will only cost about £25!
I find this hard to believe -does anyone know if thats true - has anyone ever done this?

 

[Neoshoegal]

Sorry, can't help, but would like to know too!

 

[AliceGardner]

Which rep did you speak to? They are talking a load of rubbish...

Go http://www.hilton.co.uk/gatwick

Put in the date you arrive back at Gatwick as BOTH your arrival and departure date (since you check into the hotel on the same day as you check out).

When you submit you will be given the "day use" rate (8am until 6pm). The cheapest is £69 PLUS taxes (works out just over £80) for a standard double/twin. There walk-in rate is the same (saw it with my own eyes when I checked in - to use a day room). Obviously if you reserve a room, then you will get a room (they may not have one available or ready/clean at that time in the morning if you don't reserve...)

Hilton is ok for a day room - not as nice as the Sofitel. The Sofitel charges the same amount for a day room, but there check-in time is 10am (not much use if you land at about 7am...).

Alice

I have just booked a trip for next July that involves an early morning arrival at Gatwick and a late afternoon departure on my return - so I will probably get a day room at the Hilton to crash out for a few hours.
The rep I spoke to said they cant book this but if I just walk up to the hotel and ask for a day-use room it will only cost about £25!
I find this hard to believe -does anyone know if thats true - has anyone ever done this?

 

[irenep]

Thanks for the info Alice - I thought it was too good to be true!
I have a room booked there at the rate you said but i thought if what the rep (virgin hols) told me was true then it would be worth cancelling and trying my luck on the day.
Like you said -there might not be a room ready so it's probably best to play safe.
I did the same thing this year and the room was lovely -haven't tried the sofitel but we do get in too early for them (6.55) - assuming the plane is on time

 

[AliceGardner]

It is a pleasure to help.

The "walk up" rack rate for day rooms was displayed on a big board right behind the reception desk. It was £80/£81 for a standard double twin - I noted it because it was the same as I had paid by booking online.

You could walk up and ask about the £25 that the Virgin Rep told you about, but I think that they would look at you like you were insane... (especially since the rates are displayed on a board behind them). So unless that Rep can give you something in writing (like a leaflet for an official deal/offer), then I think you would be out of luck...

When we checked in, they had to scramble to find a room for us (their computer systems weren't working, which didn't help). But I got the impression that there weren't many available (since the maids hadn't been on duty long to clean the rooms from the night before...). So I think pre-booking is a very good idea.

Have only stayed at the Sofitel overnight (not as a day room) - it is a lot nicer than the Hilton (hands down - public areas, rooms, bathrooms...). Worth considering for an overnight stay, but not practical for a day room (if, like you and us, your flight arrives by 7am...).

Alice

Thanks for the info Alice - I thought it was too good to be true!
I have a room booked there at the rate you said but i thought if what the rep (virgin hols) told me was true then it would be worth cancelling and trying my luck on the day.
Like you said -there might not be a room ready so it's probably best to play safe.
I did the same thing this year and the room was lovely -haven't tried the sofitel but we do get in too early for them (6.55) - assuming the plane is on time