Airport hotel makes travelling easier, Westjet and Easyjet just outside the door of Hotel with bag drop off available and easy. Lots of machines to print boarding passes and luggage tags as well. Have used this a few times and would recommend it for all
It was wonderful to see a classic Holiday Inn room after some days of accommodations in quaint, historic, BnB type rooms. Very nice in their own way, but after a day of travel via taxi, train, chunnel, underground, train, and taxi (all while lugging my luggage) that big room looked awfully good. Familiar surroundings; slept well, had breakfast, and shuttled to the airport for my flight back to the U.S.
Gatwick was a stopover night for returning to Canada. The car hire was easy to find on the return but for picking up, cold and lengthy waiting for the pickup bus. With a Tomtom, Gatwick was easy to navigate. The airport security was brilliant and very well organized with places to repack your hand luggage. A good example for Toronto to follow. The Airport Inn was a convenient place to stay and eat. Meal choices there would be a hand choice to follow.
We travelled premier economy, and exited our hotel (bloc) and had to walk about 10 paces to enter the Gatwick Premier entrance, directly into the security section. It was quick and the staff were helpful. It was certainly 10 times better than other airports that we have used. There are plenty of restaurants in the departure lounge, so they cater for all tastes. There are a plethora of shops, if you want to spend your money before your holiday !
Hotel was near to the terminal, the room was clean and tidy. If I had to pick one thing the noise of people coming through the doors during the night was little disturbing but it's to be expected.
Hampton by Hilton was an excellent night before stay. Warm ,covered walkway to previous night's bagdrop at 8pmwith friendly ,efficient staff to help us -well done Easy jet! V long walk to departure gate ,so was struggling with a new knee n walker.