By Jennifer Olvera
Sometimes an airport needs to be a little more than a convenient place to rest your head. These four-star hotels are just a stone's throw from London's Heathrow airport, which handles the most international passenger traffic in the world. They provide weary travelers with a range of amenities and the comfort of knowing getting to and from the airport won't be an ordeal in itself.
Hilton London Heathrow Airport
Located at Terminal 4 of the airport, this super-convenient but upscale hotel connects via a covered walkway and provides a shuttle to Terminal 5. Three restaurants, meeting space for up to 300, and a pool and health club are among the amenities. The contemporary rooms are soundproof and have high-speed Internet access, and in-room magazines to help pass the time. Packages that include airport parking are an option, too.
Terminal 4
Hounslow Middlesex
London, TW6 3AF
United Kingdom
+44-20-8759-7755
The Sheraton Heathrow Hotel
Online check-in terminals and departure and arrival monitors in the lobby ease travel stress, as do stays in the club-level rooms with king-size beds, bathrobes and slippers, LCD TVs and access to the lounge where breakfast, canapés and Internet stations are among the perks. All the warm, modern rooms feature signature Sweet Sleeper beds, in-room video games and mini bars.
Colnbrook Bypass
West Drayton, UB7 0HJ
United Kingdom
+44-208-759-2424
Park Inn Heathrow
More stylish (and vibrantly colored) than one would expect, this business-savvy hotel- located just moments from the airport features a heated pool and hot tub, fitness center with cardio equipment and sauna, and plasma screen with live arrival and departure information. An on-site conference center, WiFi access and express shuttle to the airport are among the other helpful amenities.
Bath Road
Heathrow Middlesex, UB7 0DU
United Kingdom
+44 -208-759-6611
Crowne Plaza London-St. James
Situated near landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern and the Houses of Parliament, this near-Heathrow hotel is by the tube station for easy airport access. The rooms are geared toward business travelers with services like high-speed Internet access, newspapers, complimentary still water and turn-down service. Three restaurants and a bar provide a place to unwind; conference and banquet facilities make it a one-stop-shop. There are also a spa and fitness facility.
45-51 Buckingham Gate
London, SW1E 6AF
United Kingdom
+44-20-7834-6655
Radisson Edwardian Heathrow
Classic rooms adorned in plush fabrics and Sicilian Carrara marble bathrooms set the tone at this attractive hotel and conference center. A business center, jewelry shop and restaurant serving modern British fare make the experience of staying here feel less corporate, a fact that's furthered enhanced by its proximity to Windsor Castle and Royal Park.
140 Bath Road
Hayes Middlesex, UB3 5AW
United Kingdom
+ 44-20-8759-6311
About the Author:
Jennifer Olvera, a DePaul grad, has been writing professionally--and covering topics from health to weddings, shopping and the green scene--for over a decade. In addition to penning international travel features for Chicago Tribune, LA Times and Frommers.com, she has become one of the preeminent dining, food, and entertainment writers in Chicago. Jennifer's work has regularly appeared in Zagat and Chicago Sun-Times as well as on Citysearch.com and Gayot.com.
