Heathrow Airport Hotels: Best Places to Stay

London Hotels
Heathrow Airport Hotels: Best Places to Stay

I have stayed at four different Heathrow hotels over the years, depending on whether I was catching a dawn flight, landing exhausted from a long-haul, or just needed somewhere to park before a holiday. The Radisson Blu wins for convenience – the covered walkway to Terminals 2 and 3 means you can be at check-in in minutes. The Premier Inn wins on value if you do not mind a short shuttle ride. For anything Terminal 5, the Sofitel at Terminal 5 is the only true on-site option. Matching your hotel to your terminal and budget makes all the difference between a smooth airport experience and a stressed one.

Heathrow Airport London T5 (Lhr), Hounslow, UK

Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the UK’s main international hub. For those searching for London Hotels, there are options ranging from budget chains on Bath Road to on-site properties connected directly to the terminals by walkway. Below is a breakdown of the main hotels by property.

Premier Inn London Heathrow Airport

The Premier Inn London Heathrow Airport has complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, and a bar and restaurant. Room options include family rooms and standard doubles.

Location and amenities

The Premier Inn is a short drive from the terminals with a shuttle bus connection. It has a fitness centre, pool, business centre, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, and parking.

Room options

Standard rooms have a king-size Hypnos bed, 40-inch flat-screen TV, workstation, and en-suite bathroom. Family rooms add two single beds and a sofa bed. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and complimentary toiletries. Room service is available for breakfast.

Dining options

The Thyme Restaurant serves traditional British meals on-site. There is also a Costa Coffee, a bar and lounge, and a 24-hour room service menu.

Holiday Inn London Heathrow Airport

The Holiday Inn London Heathrow Airport is close to the airport with a complimentary shuttle service. It has a 24-hour fitness centre, free Wi-Fi, a business centre, a bar and lounge, and a restaurant.

Location and amenities

Located a few minutes from the terminals, the Holiday Inn has a free shuttle to and from the airport, a 24-hour fitness centre, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a business centre.

Room options

The Holiday Inn offers single, double, twin, and family rooms. All have Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, iron, and hairdryer. Executive rooms include access to the Executive Lounge with complimentary breakfast and drinks throughout the day. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available.

Dining options

The Terrace Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an international menu including vegetarian and vegan options. There is a 24-hour room service menu and a Grab & Go service for sandwiches and snacks.

Ibis London Heathrow Airport

The Ibis London Heathrow Airport is close to the terminals with a free shuttle service. It has a 24-hour reception, a business centre, a bar, and a restaurant. Room options include Standard, Family, and Superior rooms with Wi-Fi.

Location and amenities

The Ibis is a few minutes from the airport with a free shuttle to the terminals. It has a 24-hour reception, business centre, and bar. Standard, Superior, and Family rooms are available, all with high-speed Wi-Fi.

Room options

The Ibis offers twin, double, and family rooms. All have a work desk, flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, and an en-suite bathroom.

Dining options

The Ibis has two on-site options: The Eatery, serving British and international cuisine with a popular breakfast menu, and The Exchange for lighter snacks and drinks. There is also a bar with cocktails and snacks, and an outdoor terrace in summer.

The Concorde Inn Heathrow

The Concorde Inn Heathrow is a short walk from the airport with a complimentary shuttle service. It has a fitness centre, sauna, swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar.

Location and amenities

Located a two-minute walk from Heathrow, the Concorde Inn has a 24-hour reception, car hire, currency exchange, a complimentary airport shuttle, and conference facilities. The M4 motorway is nearby for driving into London.

Room options

The Concorde Inn has single, double, and family rooms. All include digital TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, large private bathrooms, a kettle, hairdryer, and tea and coffee facilities. Family rooms have two double beds and a single bed.

Dining options

The Allegro restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows and serves international cuisine, from light snacks to three-course dinners. The Lounge Bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks alongside light snacks.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Heathrow

The Radisson Blu Edwardian Heathrow is connected to Terminals 2 and 3 by a pedestrian bridge — the most convenient on-site option for those terminals. It has room options from deluxe to suites, a spa, pool, fitness centre, business centre, and 24-hour room service.

Location and amenities

Situated directly across from Heathrow Airport and connected to Terminals 2 and 3 by a covered walkway, the Radisson Blu is the most convenient choice for travellers using those terminals. There is also a complimentary shuttle service. The hotel has a fitness centre, spa, pool, business centre, and 24-hour room service.

Room options

The Radisson Blu offers deluxe rooms, superior rooms, and suites. Deluxe rooms have a flat-screen TV, work desk, Wi-Fi, minibar, and tea/coffee facilities, with many overlooking the airport runway. Superior rooms add pillow menus, bathrobes and slippers, a Nespresso machine, and an iPad.

Dining options

The Pavilion restaurant serves British and international dishes with a seasonal menu. Afternoon tea is available. The bar stocks wines, beers, spirits, and light bites including sandwiches and salads.

Novotel London Heathrow Airport

The Novotel London Heathrow Airport is a four-star hotel a short drive from the terminals. It has an indoor pool, fitness centre, spa, and 24-hour room service. Standard, superior, and suite room options are available.

Location and amenities

The Novotel is within a short drive of Heathrow’s terminals with good transport links. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and 24-hour room service.

Room options

The Novotel has standard, superior, and suite rooms. All have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, blackout curtains, soundproofing, a mini bar, and private bathroom. Suites have separate living and sleeping areas.

Dining options

The Novotel has a restaurant serving seasonal international dishes, plus a bar and lounge for drinks and light snacks. Room service is available 24 hours.

Hilton London Heathrow Airport

The Hilton London Heathrow Airport is at Terminal 4 with a short walk to the terminal. It has a spa, fitness centre, pool, business centre, and multiple on-site dining options.

Location and amenities

The Hilton is at Terminal 4 and is a short walk from that terminal. It has a fitness centre, pool, business centre, free Wi-Fi, and several restaurants and bars on site.

Room options

The Hilton offers standard rooms, executive rooms, and suites. All have a work desk, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, toiletries, and daily housekeeping. Executive rooms have panoramic views; suites include a separate living room, kitchenette, and private terrace.

Dining options

The Hilton has the Eat & Drink Restaurant for all-day dining, the Lobby Bar for drinks and light snacks, the Podium Restaurant and Bar for British and international cuisine, the Terrace Bar, and a Grab & Go Café for quick snacks.

Park Inn by Radisson London Heathrow

The Park Inn by Radisson London Heathrow is in Stockley Park, a five-minute drive from the terminals with a free airport shuttle. It has a 24-hour fitness centre, heated outdoor pool, restaurant, 24-hour bar and lounge, business centre, and free Wi-Fi.

Location and amenities

The Park Inn is about five minutes from Heathrow terminals in Stockley Park, with a free airport shuttle. It has a 24-hour fitness centre, heated outdoor pool, restaurant, 24-hour bar and lounge, business centre, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Room options

The Park Inn offers deluxe rooms with a king-sized bed and separate seating area, family rooms with two doubles or a double plus two singles, and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the skyline. All rooms have air conditioning, blackout curtains, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.

Dining options

The Park Inn restaurant serves classic English and international dishes, with a breakfast buffet available each morning. The bar stocks wines, beers, spirits, and bar snacks.

Summary

Heathrow has hotels for every budget. The Radisson Blu and Sofitel are the best on-site options for Terminals 2/3 and 5 respectively. For better value, the Premier Inn and Holiday Inn properties on Bath Road are a short shuttle ride away. Match your hotel to your terminal if you can, and factor in shuttle times when planning early departures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a hotel at Heathrow or can I just take the train to central London?
The Elizabeth line connects Heathrow to central London in 30-45 minutes, and the Piccadilly line takes about an hour. For most travelers, staying in central London makes more sense unless you have a very early flight, late arrival, or long layover. Heathrow airport hotels are mainly worth it for flights departing before 7am or arriving after 10pm when you want to minimize travel time and stress.

Which Heathrow hotel is closest to which terminal?
The Sofitel at Terminal 5 connects directly via walkway and is exclusive to that terminal. The Radisson Blu connects to Terminals 2 and 3 via covered walkway. The Hilton at Terminal 4 is walkable from Terminal 4. For Terminals 2 and 3, the Radisson Blu offers the most convenient access. Always match your hotel to your departure terminal when possible.

Are Heathrow hotel prices lower on weekends?
The opposite of most London hotels – Heathrow airport hotels often charge less on weekdays when business travel is lower, and more on weekends when leisure travelers dominate. However, the difference is less dramatic than at City hotels. Book 4-6 weeks ahead regardless of the day for the best rates, and always compare the on-site hotels with nearby Bath Road options.

What is the cheapest way to stay near Heathrow?
Premier Inn and Holiday Inn properties along Bath Road offer the best value, typically £60-90 per night compared to £150-250+ for on-site hotels. They provide free shuttle buses to terminals, though you sacrifice the convenience of a 2-minute walk. For very early flights, the time saved by on-site hotels may justify the premium. For other situations, Bath Road hotels offer excellent value.

Can I walk between Heathrow terminals and hotels?
Only the on-site hotels connect via walkways – Sofitel at T5, Radisson Blu at T2/T3, and Hilton at T4. All other hotels require shuttle buses, taxis, or the Heathrow Express/Connect trains between terminals. The free inter-terminal train and bus services make terminal transfers straightforward, but factor in 15-20 minutes for connections when using off-site hotels.

Written by

Clint Edgar

Travel writer, dog-friendly travel expert, author of Dog-Friendly Weekends & Dog Days Out Brightwell-Cum-Sotwell, England, United Kingdom

30+ years travelling