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.
Gatwick Central Travelodge: A Comprehensive Review
Situated conveniently close to Gatwick Airport, Gatwick Central Travelodge is a practical choice for travelers with time constraints. This article provides a comprehensive review of the one of the hotels at Gatwick, covering its location, amenities, room types, prices, and guest experiences.
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 conveniently located just a mile from Gatwick Airport, making it an ideal choice for travelers with early morning departures or late-night arrivals4. It is also within a half-an-hour walk of Horley Railway Station and Gatwick Airport Railway Station5.
To reach the hotel from the M23 motorway, exit at Junction 9 and follow the signs for Gatwick Airport. Go straight through the first roundabout, and at the next roundabout, take the fourth exit towards Redhill A23. At the next roundabout, take the first exit past the Esso service station and turn onto Povey Cross Road. The Travelodge is located on the left-hand side2.
For those arriving by air, the Gatwick Hoppa bus provides a regular shuttle service to and from the airport. The cost is £4.50 per adult, £2.50 per child, and a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) is £10. South Terminal shuttles can be picked up from bus stop 9, and North Terminal shuttles from bus stop 82. However, it’s worth noting that many guests have found the cost and convenience of the Hoppa bus to be a drawback, with some suggesting alternative transport options6.
Amenities and Facilities
Gatwick Central Travelodge offers a range of amenities and facilities to ensure a comfortable stay for its guests:
- On-site Restaurant and Bar: The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar that serves breakfast and dinner2. They offer an “Eat All You Can” breakfast buffet7. On weekdays, breakfast is served from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. On weekends, it is served from 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m2. There are also light bites, drinks from the bar, and delicious mains served between 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m2.
- Parking: Chargeable car parking is available for customers on a first-come, first-served basis2. The hotel has onsite parking for 200 cars7. Parking at the hotel costs £8 per 24 hours7. The parking service is operated by APCOA Parking Services on behalf of Travelodge7. Please note that parking availability is limited8.
- WiFi: WiFi is available in the rooms, but it is not free9. Guests can enjoy 30 minutes of free WiFi or purchase 24 hours of access for £32.
- Accessibility: The hotel offers wheelchair access for guests with mobility needs4.
- 24-hour Airport Shuttle: A 24-hour shuttle service is available to transport guests to and from both the North and South terminals4.
Room Types
Gatwick Central Travelodge offers three different room types:
- Standard Room: These rooms feature a king-size bed, cosy duvet and four pillows, 32″ TV, ensuite with shower, blackout curtains, bedside USB charging, and air conditioning2.
- SuperRoom: These rooms offer added comforts such as a Lavazza A Modo Mio capsule coffee machine, plenty of power sockets and USB charging points by the bed, bedside reading lights, a spacious desk with a lamp and desk chair, blackout curtains, a 32” TV with Freeview, a cosy 10.5 tog duvet, and four plump pillows2.
- Family Room: These rooms can accommodate families with children8. Non-smoking rooms are also available4.
Reviews
To gain a comprehensive understanding of guest experiences, we analyzed reviews from various sources. Gatwick Central Travelodge has received an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 based on 2,561 reviews on Agoda9. On Expedia, the hotel has a rating of 7.2 out of 1010.
Guests have praised the hotel for its convenient location, comfortable rooms, and friendly staff9. One guest commented, “Super convenient, comfortable, clean and value for money.” 9 Another guest mentioned the staff, stating that “Sam was very friendly, helpful, polite & professional.” 9
However, some reviewers have mentioned that the hotel appears dated in some areas, which could be attributed to its construction in 19783.
Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of Gatwick Central Travelodge 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 |
Analyzing the reviews by traveler type reveals some interesting trends:
- Solo travelers: 8.1/10 9
- Business travelers: 7.7/10 9
- Families with older children: 8.2/10 9
- Group travelers: 7.3/10 9
- Local visitors: 8.2/10 9
These varying scores suggest that the hotel might better cater to leisure travelers, particularly families, than those traveling for business or in groups.
Prices
While precise pricing details were not consistently available, the average price for a room at Gatwick Central Travelodge can range from $37 to $242 per night3. For budget-conscious travelers, it’s worth noting that the cheapest deals can generally be found in January and December5.
Alternative Accommodation Options
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation options near Gatwick Central Travelodge, here are some nearby hotels:
- Dorking (from £29.99) 2
- Crawley (from £41.99) 2
Conclusion
Gatwick Central Travelodge presents itself as a viable option for travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodation near Gatwick Airport. Its convenient location, comfortable rooms, and friendly staff make it a popular choice, especially for families9. While some aspects of the hotel may appear dated and the WiFi is not complimentary, it generally offers good value for money4.
However, the cost and inconvenience of the airport shuttle bus service are significant drawbacks to consider6. Travelers might want to explore alternative transportation options or factor this expense into their budget.
Overall, Gatwick Central Travelodge is best suited for leisure travelers, particularly families, who prioritize proximity to the airport and affordability over modern amenities and complimentary WiFi.
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?
Parking is free but spaces are extremely limited and available first-come, first-served. You must book parking in advance when making your hotel reservation – it is not guaranteed without advance booking. If you arrive and parking is full, you will need to find alternative paid parking nearby, which eliminates the free parking benefit.
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.
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