Sofitel Hotel Gatwick London (Review, Photos and Video)

This was the first time I have stayed at the Sofitel Gatwick. In the past when catching early morning flights from the airport, I have stayed at the Hilton Gatwick. This is a significantly nicer hotel with much nicer rooms.

While the Hilton is connected to the South Terminal, the Sofitel is attached to the North. Although, as I found out, it is very simple and fast to get from the Sofitel to the South Terminal. There is a walkway from the hotel into the North Terminal that comes out right at the monorail that connects the terminals. This runs every 3 minutes at peak times and every 6 at less busy times.

The hotel has a very good deal if you book 8 or 15 days parking as part of the package, and this deal is listed as one of the options if you book via their site. The deal also was listed on some of the booking sites.We had booked the deal that involves you driving to the long term parking at the airport, but on checking in we were offered a valet parking for not much more that collected the car and delivers it back to you at the terminal you arrive back from. A much more convenient option.

I had booked an “executive room” which is on the 8th floor. Having read some reviews, I had called the hotel and asked for a room with an outside view as a lot of rooms face into the inner courtyard. So this is a good tip to remember.

On checking in they confirmed this had been requested and gave us one of the rooms facing the airport and runways (which are their most requested rooms the receptionist told us). I can see why as it was a great view, and surprisingly quiet – but the day was a cloudy rainy one so was not as good a view as it could have been!

The room was small, but very tastefully done with a huge and softly comfortable bed for a very good night sleep. The bed was like others at Sofitel Hotels I have stayed at recently as is great. The use of art and mirrors is well done to make the room not feel too small, but it is and with a couple of suitcases there was not much room to move about in. But fine for short stays which this hotel is catering for.

The cupboard was incredibly small and could hold very little. But overall this was a great and comfortable room.The “executive rooms” have access to a lounge on the same floor with very helpful staff. There were drinks and nibbles in the evening and a generous continental breakfast in the morning. You can also check out there.The only disappointment was the Chef Ken Hom’s Oriental Gatwick restaurant at the hotel. The food was poor and all looked and tasted like supermarket prepared Chinese meals. It was not cheap and not worth going to.The hotel was great though. I Recommend it.

Video of Room 894: