Le Meridien -vs- Gatwick Hilton

[Mrs Dazzle]

I'm getting geared up to book our overnight stay the Hilton this August . . . but something keeps drawing me to look into Le Meridien.

Has anyone experienced both hotels . . . what are the pros/cons for each, especially how does the "shuttle" work from the North to South terminals (we're flying Virgin). That's the one thing we really like about our previous stays at the Hilton - just walking over in the morning at our leisure since we'll be using Twilight checkin again in the afternoon beforehand.

Thanks

 

[Miffy2003]

I'm interested to see what people say to this. We've stayed at the Hilton before but as we are flying from the North Terminal this time I think we are going to try Le Meridien.

 

[eyoreaud]

Hi there Mrs Dazzle and Miffy

The Hilton at LGW is fab, we stayed there 2 years ago and took advantage of the twilight check in (we were flying with Virgin too) it's no probs getting to Hilton from the terminal, just a short journey then the nice man at the other end will take care of your bags and all you have to do is relax in their lovely leisure facility.

I'll try and post a link (never done this before) www.hiltonhotels.co.uk

Hope that worked! Theres info on there on how to get to the hotel from the airport.

We will be staying in the Le Meridien in July this year as we're going on a cruise with Princess cruises, will let you know how it was when we get back.
www.le meridien.co.uk ithink that's the site for them, they have info as well on getting to their hotel from the airport.

Hope this helps,
Luv Audrey,
xxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Ware Bears]

We stayed at Le Meridien last year. Unfortunately I cannot comment on the Hilton as I have never stayed there. This would have been our first choice as it is closer for our Virgin flight but unfortunately they were fully booked for rooms for 5 on the night we wanted to stay there.

Le Meridien was very nice. Although there was 5 of us, the room was very spacious and we enjoyed our stay very much. We used twilight check-in, it was very easy to hop on the shuttle which ran every few minutes. Actually, it was nice to get a bit of fresh air in the morning after being cooped up in an air-conditioned hotel!
We didn't eat there as it was cheaper for us to eat at the airport but I should imagine it is very nice. Lovely reception area with a piano player where we sat for a while people watching!

 

[penlanspice]

Theres not really much between the 2. We usually stay at which ever one is cheaper.
We usually choose the Meridian if there the same price. You get on the shuttle in departures(the north) and that takes you right in departures(the south), where as the hilton you have to walk across the bridge(which is above the bus pick up points) and can be a little chilly.

Sam

 

[nala]

We have also stayed at both couldnt choose between them really

nala

 

[Cyrano]

Do both offer rooms for 5 people, as it seems such a waste to pay for 2 rooms for the children ?

Reid

 

[MickeyMcMouse]

Stayed at both but kinda prefer the Hilton - its maybe the points . Was at the Hilton 2 weeks ago and went for an Executive Room in the new building - very nice, check in on the 4th floor, free conti. breakfast and a lounge to sample the odd refreshment or two.

Either one, really starts the holiday off great

regards

David

 

[UKDEB]

We've stayed at both and, put simply, Le Meridien is nicer. Prices are similar and, although a bit further, it's just as easy to get from the North Terminal as it is to go directly from the Hilton. Having stayed at both, I wouldn't stay at the Hilton again unless it was considerably cheaper.

 

[lagunn]

i have a room booked for 5 in april at the hilton

 

[UKPhil]

We've stayed at both, Hilton many times, Le Meridien only once. Found Le Meridien rather 'cold' and lacking in atmosphere. Hilton service can be very patchy and food likewise, plus food very expensive so we normally eat in the terminal now. Suspect prices will be similar at both hotels though. Both have very good sound insulation - never heard a single 'plane at either.

Whilst we've preferred the Hilton in the past (and will be staying there again next week) mainly for the convenience of check in at South terminal, I think the time has come to try Le Meridien again, main reason being Hilton have closed their pool (I think this is permanent) while I believe Le Meridien still have one (can anyone confirm please?), and with two 12 year olds to entertain that is a big plus for us.

 

[drennan]

can anybody tell me if the price they quote includes your car being left there for the whole of your holiday or is that extra cost?

ttfn
Sharon x

 

[Miffy2003]

can anybody tell me if the price they quote includes your car being left there for the whole of your holiday or is that extra cost?

ttfn
Sharon x

It depends Sharon! If you chose a deal that includes parking you will get it. If you didn't then it won't. I'm pretty sure the parking deals are usually described along the lines of "Overnight stay in Hilton Gatwick with up to 15 days parking".

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Thanks for all your views, folks

Well, have stopped the habit of a lifetime after all our stays at the Hilton and just booked a room at Le Meridien. Looking forward to it (I hope) after all my wondering

 

[AlisonB]

We loved the Meridien when we stayed there 18 months ago - had a swim/sauna/steam room the night before and also the morning of the flight!! We got up early, went and checked in, then back to the Meridien - swam etc etc then checked out and had breakfast. A lovely start to the holiday!

 

[englishman]

We have used the Hilton the last three times but for this summers Universal trip we have booked Le Meridian.
We found Hilton family rooms to be terrible so we then went for the Executive floor with two rooms (kids in one). This was a great deal back in 2002..two mega rooms & 15 days parking, free drinks, nibbles & continental breakfast all for c£300.
However last month on pricing up the same plan they quoted just under £500!!! Evidently the kids are no longer kids & so have to pay adult prices for their room.
Le Meridian family room booking ( posts on numerous sites say their family rooms are better than Hilton) cost me £200. Job done! Hope this is some use

 

[gilld]

Stayed at Meridian before our cruise two weeks ago, it's far superior to the Hilton. Travel to Check-in at South terminal took about 2 minutes.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Thanks again folks. Looks like I've made the right choice

Hi Gill - good to see you back, hiope you had a lovely cruise

 

[Mumof2]

Hi All

I am flying from Glasgow to Gatwick on 29 June - the night before we are due to fly to Orlando. So I am looking for a good hotel for 29 June - one which will take two adults and two kids (oldest is 6). I thought of either of these - Le Meridien or the hilton. Where can I get the best price? Is it better to book direct?

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Hi Mumof2

I must have checked about 10 different sites to get the best price for Le Meridien. The best - and it's the one I've always used in the past - is http://www.holidayextras.com/

If you have trouble finding the kind of room you need, give them a ring. This is also the case if they have no availability for your date since twice this has happened to us, but on calling Holiday Extras direct, they have rung the hotel and got us a room