|
Heathrow Haven
by Barbara BallardHeathrow Airport in London, England, is a challenging obstacle course for
even the most experienced traveler. All the more reason you need, after a long
flight, or before an early morning one, a relaxing and comfortable hotel room
nearby. The Holiday Inn London Heathrow fills the bill admirably.
Check-in was quick and efficient. Being a new hotel, the
desk clerk forgot to mention how the lights in the room worked, and I couldn’t
figure out this new-to-me system. It seems as you enter you put your key card in
a slot inside the door, thus activating the lights. When you leave the room,
you, of course, take your key card with you, automatically turning off the
lights. A great system once you figure it out.
I was particularly impressed with the spacious, brightly
decorated, all tile bathroom. A handy basin was fitted into the corner allowing
for a large three-way mirror on the wall. There was a sufficient amount of
counter space, always a plus in a bathroom. Unlike many British hotels, this one
had cold and hot water combined (as in North America), and the shower had great
pressure. A fresh flower in a vase was a pleasant home-away-from-home touch. The bed had a comfortable mattress, always a nice
surprise to find in Britain. The one and only negative thing about the room was
the quality of the bed linens. Hopefully, as these brand new sheets are washed
and used many times, they will soften. Otherwise, the room and the hotel were
top notch, one of the best I’ve stayed in at Heathrow, and certainly great
value for the money. Although the window looked directly at the airport, the
runways and the busy road below, I found the room incredibly quiet. This was due
to triple glazing. The room was fully air-conditioned and I liked the fact that
I could adjust the temperature and fan. At the same time, if I wanted to open
the window, I could. I liked having this.
Both breakfast and lunch consist of buffet meals. Essential Information:
Holiday Inn London Heathrow is located at Bath Road/Sipson
Way, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 0DP, less than 5 minutes from the M25 and M4
junction 4. Phone 020 8990 0000; fax 020 8564 7744. Email: enquiries@london-heathrowholidayinn.com.
The hotel is two minutes from the main airport terminals
via the West Ramp onto Bath Road. The hotel is fifteen minutes from central
London via the Heathrow Express from Paddington Station, which will take you to
the airport. At the airport can catch a taxi (3 minutes) or Hopabus (15 minutes)
to the hotel. 230 rooms including non-smoking, executive, standard and
physically challenged. In-house movies and email TV Secure underground parking,
full business centre, conference and meeting rooms, gift shop, mini gym. Rates vary according to type of room and season of year.
Check out the website www.holiday-inn.com.
|
|
TM
The
hotel, opened in August 2000, is a welcoming haven. Its airy and stylish lobby
sets the scene, sweeping from check-in desk to modern bar to the restaurant. It
is clear that taste and attention were paid to the décor. 
My
room was an executive one, which meant it had upgraded toiletries, large plush
towels, terry robes and a comfortable lounge chair. The carpet in the room was
lush, matching the wallpaper above the wainscoting. A large luggage area, TV and
desk filled one side of the room with plenty of space left to spread everything
out.
I
was particularly impressed with the flexibility of the restaurant, Wings. I
arrived between lunch and dinner when it was closed. I needed something to eat,
and the restaurant accommodated me without question and brought just what I
wanted, a large green salad with lots of delicious sliced chicken. The
dinner menu is quite impressive. Starters such as galia melon with elderflower
syrup and berries or salad of smoked duck with pine nuts and honey and mustard
dressing tell you it is a cut above the ordinary. Two of the main courses on
offer were monkfish marinated in Indian spices served with wild rice and spiced
vegetables or pot roast chicken breast served with a compote of beetroot,
shallots, garlic and red onions and lattice potatoes. Vegetarian selections were
also available. Desserts included a cheese board, poached pears, apricot and
brandy flan and more. A full choice of wines was offered.