HOTEL of the week

NOVOTEL LONDON HEATHROW T1, 2 & 3

WHAT AND WHERE The four-star Novotel London Heathrow Airport T1 T2 and T3 Hotel is on Bath Road on the chargeable Hoppa bus route – or just walk

across the road and it’s free on TFL services to T2/3. After a fast and friendly check-in we headed to our third-floor contemporary room, which came with tea and coffee making facilities and water.

The bed was very comfortable and there were loads of USB point for our devices. The stylish but simple bathroom had a great, easy-to-operate rainfall shower and good quality Fairtrade amenities.

Despite the proximity to the runways

and busy Bath Road, we heard no aircraft or traffic noise whatsoever. Curiously, there was no bedside table or cubby hole for phone/alarm clock.

ON THE MENU The Nest restaurant and bar area is an eye-catching, relaxed atrium space with raised breakout areas reached by spiral staircases and it’s a nice spot for a pre-dinner drink.

My wife and shared the tasty vegetarian mezze platter to start (€11) then both opted for a tangy Cajun spiced chicken burger with fries (€19). They hit the spot.

We’d been tempted by the impressive choice of

curries (the head chef is from India) but thought perhaps not a good idea before a 12hr flight!

Breakfast in The Nest is a buffet (from €13) and there’s a range of goodquality hot and cold choices.

Yoghurt and fruit and a ‘mini’ English was just the job before a long-haul journey.

Service in the bar and restaurant was attentive

but not intrusive and, like the check-in, friendly. WHILE YOU’RE THERE For travellers needing to shape up before or after a flight there’s a gym, which looked to have all you’d need.

WAKE-UP CALL Rooms from €78 a night roomonly. accorhotels.com NIGEL THOMPSON

■ Government coronavirus advice means the hotel is currently closed