Gatwick Central Travelodge
I have stayed at Gatwick Central Travelodge three times now, always for early morning flights when driving from the Midlands the night before makes more sense than a 3am start. The hotel does exactly what it needs to do: clean room, working shower, bed that does not sag in the middle. The Hoppa bus to the terminal costs extra and runs to its own schedule, which caught me out on my first visit – I now budget twenty minutes more than the timetable suggests. For the price, it is hard to complain, but this is strictly functional accommodation rather than somewhere you would choose to linger.
Overview
Gatwick Central Travelodge is one mile from Gatwick Airport, making it a practical option for early departures or late arrivals. This review covers location, room types, amenities, and transport links for one of the hotels at Gatwick.
Hotel information
- Address: Povey Cross Road, Gatwick, RH6 0BE, United Kingdom
- Telephone: 08719 846506
- Year Built: 1978
- Year Last Renovated: 2018
Gatwick Central Travelodge Location
Gatwick Central Travelodge is about a mile from Gatwick Airport. It is also within a 30-minute walk of Horley Railway Station and Gatwick Airport Railway Station.
To reach the hotel from the M23, exit at Junction 9 and follow signs for Gatwick Airport. Go straight through the first roundabout, take the fourth exit at the next roundabout towards Redhill A23, then take the first exit past the Esso service station and turn onto Povey Cross Road. The Travelodge is on the left.
For airport transfers, the Gatwick Hoppa bus runs to and from the airport. It costs £4.50 per adult, £2.50 per child, and £10 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children). South Terminal: bus stop 9. North Terminal: bus stop 8. Many guests find the Hoppa an inconvenience — it runs to its own timetable and is not always reliable. Budget extra time.
Amenities and facilities
- On-site restaurant and bar: Serves breakfast (6:00–10:00am weekdays, 6:00–11:00am weekends) and dinner (5:00–10:00pm). All-you-can-eat breakfast buffet available.
- Parking: On-site parking for 200 cars at £8 per 24 hours, operated by APCOA on behalf of Travelodge. First-come, first-served — spaces are limited.
- WiFi: 30 minutes free; 24-hour access costs £3. Not ideal for extended use.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access available.
- Airport transfer: Gatwick Hoppa bus (not operated by the hotel) connects to both terminals 24 hours a day.
Room types
Three room types:
- Standard Room: King-size bed, 32″ TV, ensuite shower, blackout curtains, bedside USB charging, air conditioning.
- SuperRoom: All standard features plus a Lavazza capsule coffee machine, extra USB and power sockets, bedside reading lights, and a desk with lamp and chair.
- Family Room: Accommodates families with children. Non-smoking rooms available throughout.
Reviews
Guest ratings average 7.9/10 on Agoda (2,561 reviews) and 7.2/10 on Expedia. Common praise: convenient location, clean rooms, friendly staff. Common complaint: the hotel looks its age (built 1978), and some guests have reported cleanliness issues.
Here is a summary of pros and cons based on guest feedback:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient location near Gatwick Airport | Hotel may appear dated in some areas |
| Comfortable rooms with modern amenities | WiFi is not free |
| Friendly and helpful staff | Some guests have reported issues with cleanliness |
| Good value for money | Cost and inconvenience of the Hoppa bus service |
Ratings by traveller type (Agoda):
- Solo travellers: 8.1/10
- Business travellers: 7.7/10
- Families with older children: 8.2/10
- Group travellers: 7.3/10
- Local visitors: 8.2/10
Prices
Room rates typically range from around £40 to £150 per night depending on season and demand. The cheapest rates are generally in January and December.
Alternative accommodation options
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation options near Gatwick Central Travelodge, here are some nearby hotels:
- Dorking (from £29.99)
- Crawley (from £41.99)
Verdict
Gatwick Central Travelodge is a functional budget hotel that does the job for airport stays. The location is good, the rooms are clean, and the price is right — but it shows its age, the WiFi is not free, and the Hoppa bus adds cost and hassle. It suits leisure travellers and families who want to keep costs down. If being steps from the terminal matters more than price, the Premier Inn North Terminal is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Gatwick Central Travelodge from the airport terminals?
The hotel is about 1 mile from Gatwick Airport terminals. The Gatwick Hoppa shuttle bus runs every 20-40 minutes and costs £4.50 per adult. Many guests report the shuttle can be unreliable, so budget extra time. Taxis cost around £10-15 and take 5-10 minutes. Walking is possible but not practical with luggage.
Is parking free at Gatwick Central Travelodge?
No, parking costs £8 per 24 hours, operated by APCOA. Spaces are limited and available first-come, first-served. Book in advance through your hotel reservation if possible. If parking is full on arrival, you will need to find alternative paid parking nearby.
Does the hotel provide airport shuttle service?
The hotel does not operate its own shuttle. You must use the Gatwick Hoppa bus service which costs £4.50 per adult and £2.50 per child each way. The bus runs every 20-40 minutes but some guests report delays and unreliability. Factor in 30-45 minutes total travel time from hotel to terminal check-in to be safe.
Is WiFi free at Gatwick Central Travelodge?
WiFi is available but not fully free. Guests receive 30 minutes of complimentary WiFi access. Beyond that, you must purchase 24-hour access for £3. This is standard for Travelodge properties but worth knowing if you need WiFi for work or entertainment during your stay.
What time should I leave the hotel for an early morning flight?
For flights departing before 8am, allow at least 90 minutes from hotel to gate. This includes 20-30 minutes waiting for and riding the Hoppa bus, plus standard airport check-in and security time. Many guests report the shuttle being slower than expected, especially during peak early morning hours when multiple hotels use the same service.
