HOTEL of the weekis

THE STAYBRIDGE HEATHROW

WHERE AND WHY If you don’t fancy getting up at 3am for an early Heathrow flight, check in here. Flight price versus flight time

a dilemma many grapple with and one I faced when an unfeasibly cheap flight to Bulgaria meant I would need to be at Heathrow for 6.30am. The solution was to book a night at the Staybridge, opposite the airport, thus avoiding a ridiculously early journey. I was very impressed with the room decor – it had a real flair and was a step up from generic airport hotels. We had a suite which was a good size with a walk-in shower, comfy

double bed and a lounge/diner area. There was also a full kitchen, which would suit a family. The free laundry is open 24/7. To get to the airport you can either book a hopper coach service for €7pp, or get the free bus.

ON THE MENU They don’t have an evening restaurant, but there is a small shop selling snacks and essentials as well as a free coffee/ tea area (the prices for the snacks weren’t as lively as you might imagine for an airport hotel). If you want something more substantial, there’s a discount in the next-door Holiday Inn restaurant. But we went

to Kaniz Indian restaurant, about 10 minutes’ walk away. Our rate included breakfast which, due to my early flight, I presumed I would miss – however, the hotel had a very flexible 6am start time, which meant I just had time to fit in coffee and cereal, from the better than expected selection of food.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE You’re not there for sightseeing, but the room looked out on to fields and the runway, which was fascinating – especially since it was so quiet.

WAKE-UP CALL Rooms from €122 per night. ihg.com/staybridge.