We always use Lowfield farm(Crawley), approx 5 minutes away, with curtesy transport and parking, this year for 3 weeks with a family room it cost us £85, so if youre going for 2 weeks it would be less.
The Hilton is the best IMO. It is connected to the Sout Terminal, so you can walk right in to the terminal from the hotel in around 5-10 minutes. The rooms are extremely spacious and msot packages come with 15 days (+ or -) parking. However, most companies will sell you the 'Summer Special' car parking which is a nightmare (you drive to the North Terminal to drop your car back, then wait for a bus to get back to the South Terminal and Hilton!). Check before you book which Car Parking they're offering.
ABC Holiday Extras seem to come up with the best prices for The Hilton, although they use Summer Special Car Parking.
I agree with all Richard says about the Hilton - it's just so handy for everything. We got a triple room only (no parking - getting a taxi this year, too tired for the three hour trip on the way home cos neither my DH nor I sleep on planes). Paid £89, but at the time they were quoting £109 with 15 days parking.
Meant to say check out Bonzo's first trip report, because they stayed at Le Meridien, it tells you all about it in that trippie. If I knew how to link a thread I would, sorry
I've stayed at both the Gatwick Hilton and The Meridian....given the choice I'd choose The Meridian - the rooms seem a lot nicer, the Hilton bathroom was a bit yukky to be honest. It's only a 2 minute shuttle ride to the other terminal so it doesn't bother me (and if you're flying BA you want the North Terminal anyhow)
Another vote for Gatwick Hilton. We always stay here now, it makes a great extra day to the holiday. If you are going with Virgin you can take advantage of Twilight Check-In. We also book the Hilton through Virgin and the car park is right next to the hotel. I wouldn't be so keen if I had to take a long journey to the North car park. It's a bit more expensive through Virgin but worth it for the convenience. You get 15 days parking free.
There are two restaurants at the Hilton or you can go into the airport and eat there.
Hi FloridaLol
Do you get the carpark nextdoor to The Hilton If you book through Virgin only?
Im flying with Virgin but if its a lot more to book with them whats the difference?
Cheers IAN
I believe that Virgin have exclusive use of the car park next to the hotel ( literally 30-40 yards from the hotel entrance), so I presume they charge extra for this service. I have had to use one of the other car parks previously and although the coach service to and from the airport is good it is a little inconvenient. I have just booked for next September and paid £121.50.