Sofitel Heathrow

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

Just to say that the directions given by Rob from the terminal to the hotel and ff

https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/01/30/review-sofitel-london-heathrow-terminal-5-hotel/

Are spot on though a couple of notes are that the carpeted section is on a slight slope and that the closest lift to the hotel is the farthest from the F Wing but at least it’s all flat and inside,

Can’t check in yet as far too early (I’m on a BA hols booking) They offered an early checkin with a fee option though since I have to fly to / from DUB in the interim it seemed like a waste and my bags are now in their baggage room and I’m safely ensconced in the F Lounge.

[Froggee]

The last time I stayed there was on one of the lastminute secret rates for £100 or so. I arrived at about 10am and asked if I could leave my bag as was due to check in that afternoon. Obviously then (when I didn’t need it) the guy immediately offered me an early check in and upgraded my room.

Very kind but I literally placed my bag in my room and exited to return 14 hours later. I guess it was modestly helpful that I could go straight to the room on my return and had a slightly larger bed to aim at.

I’m a huge fan of this hotel and have stayed often enough now that I no longer expect to get murdered so I sleep well.

[GillyDee]

Love the Sofitel too. Tried to blag an upgrade to the executive lounge (bloomin’ lovely service last time, thanks Mihaela and team)) and was quoted “best I can do is £140”. We declined gracefully and went to the bar for thick cut chips, salt & pepper squid and some nice Rioja blanco. £50, job done.

During the night someone appeared to be trying to get in the room with a keycard. Drunk or murderer – you decide…

[Rob]

I stayed there again last week and, I have to say, whilst it is a little dated I am more and more impressed by how slick an operation it is. I left something in my room by mistake and was very impressed by how they dealt with it.

[GillyDee]

And the car park is HUGE

[jj]

I am one of the provincials that Rob pretends don’t exist in the HfP readership. Holidays start a day early when I book the Sofitel.

I live about 2.5 hours drive from Heathrow so, allowing for emergencies, I have to leave home 6.5 hours before take off. That would usually mean a deeply unpleasant early alarm call.

The much better alternative is a relaxed drive to the Sofitel the evening before, followed by an excellent meal in La Belle Epoque and a pleasant drink in the bar. The hotel isn’t a style icon, but the rooms are comfortable, immaculate and spacious, and the staff are excellent.

It’s a great way to travel.

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

Yes the rooms are very dated. It’s all very brown.

A load of sockets on the desk for devices likely to be museum pieces soon. Plugs by the bed hidden by the bedside table making them essentially useless.

There are chips in the enamel of the bath.

And a TV with very few channels and that wont allow you to cast from an iPad.

Still can’t beat the location.

[masaccio]

jj wrote:

I am one of the provincials that Rob pretends don’t exist in the HfP readership. Holidays start a day early when I book the Sofitel.

I live about 2.5 hours drive from Heathrow so, allowing for emergencies, I have to leave home 6.5 hours before take off. That would usually mean a deeply unpleasant early alarm call.

The much better alternative is a relaxed drive to the Sofitel the evening before, followed by an excellent meal in La Belle Epoque and a pleasant drink in the bar. The hotel isn’t a style icon, but the rooms are comfortable, immaculate and spacious, and the staff are excellent.

It’s a great way to travel.

Yep that describes me too. And compared to parking in short stay, it’s not that much more expensive (No, I’m not handing the keys of my car to some meet and greet boy racer, and I’m not leaving my car parked on somebody’s drive off the Bath Rd).

We have 3 LHR-origin holidays this year and they all start at the Sofitel bar and restaurant.

[Jill Kinkell]

I’m of an age when getting up at some ridiculously early time for a 0700 domestic departure is just not to be contemplated. A more leisurely late afternoon flight the day before, convenient stay at Sofitel , stroll to checkin, champagne in lounge is a much more civilised way to start a trip. It’s just so convenient.