Our guide to booking airport hotels
Article updated every 6 months. Last update: 18th April 2008
Author: Bob Atkinson (Travel Expert) Ask me a question.
Going on holiday should be as stress free as possible and having to get up early to get to the airport can be a real drain. It's the same when you land back late and you can't face the journey back to home. There is a solution! Book an airport hotel.
Whether you're looking for an airport hotel at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow or over twenty other UK airports, our guide will help you to find the best deal.
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Bob Atkinson
( Travel Expert)
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Which airport hotel should I choose?
Airport hotels vary dramatically in size, style and price. There is everything from 5* luxury through to budget b&bs, hotels with walkways into the terminal and those that have a shuttle bus transfer to reach check in. There are also those geared to business travellers and those for leisure.
Whether you are choosing a hotel for the first or last night of your holiday, then decide the following:
- Your budget for the stay
- Number of rooms and total people staying
- The standards you are used to when staying in hotels - budget, mid range or top end! Unless you use all the facilities of the hotel you choose, then you have probably paid out too much for something you didn't actually need
- How far you want to be from the airport terminals
- Consider your check in time and the time taken to reach check in from your hotel
- Do you need car parking as well? - then see our airport hotels with parking guide for more
- Check whether each hotel offers a transfer service to the airport terminal. These may start or finish at unusual times and may also require the payment of a fee.
This will help to pinpoint the hotel that is best for you once you begin your search.
How can I save money on airport hotels?
The key to saving money is to book early. All hotel options have a limit on the number of rooms available and the special rates attached to them. These deals are often sold as promotions through companies we have listed and are often far cheaper than dealing with the hotels direct.
Rooms are generally sold on room only basis at airports, so eat out to cut down on room service and expensive hotel meals. You can minimise the number of rooms by getting people to share if you are travelling in a group.
Many of the hotels we have listed are offered by several companies, all with their own contracts and pricing. It is wise to check all of the suppliers we recommend to check the best price they have for the dates you are travelling. By shopping around you will then bag the best price for that hotel.
What do I need to know when booking?
When you book, ensure you know your check in information so you allow enough time to transfer from the hotel to the check in area, possibly by transfer bus.
When you are ready to book you will be required to lodge some information for the hotel company;
- Name
- Number of rooms and total number of people
- Date of check in and length of stay
- Payment method
- Your home address and contact numbers
Most companies accept all major credit and debit cards for payment, however some will add a handling charge for some of those - so check with the provider when booking.
Once booked you will receive a confirmation via e-mail with all the details you need for hotel check in and instructions of what to do and where to go. Keep this safe and put it with your travel documents - don't forget to take it with you when you travel!
Who do we recommend?
With so many companies to choose from, we've researched the market to find those with a wide range of choice as well as some that are more specialist. Browse our list below to find the right company for you, then click through to their web site for more information and how to book. It couldn't be easier!
Further guides on airport parking and hotels
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