We are flying from CDG to LHR T4 at 9:20 PM and flying out of LHR T5 the following morning at 11:15 to the States. My question is that both T4 and T5 have hotels connected to them. The distance between these terminals is approx. 5 miles. Would your recommendation be to stay in arriving or departing terminals? Is there an advantage or disadvantage to either? I have searched Google before coming here -- need some advice from LHR travelers.
Thanks!
It's really up to you. I like the Sofitel in T5 but have never stayed at any hotel at T4. I would stay near my departure terminal.
All things being equal (price, in particular), better to sleep at the departing terminal: reduces morning stress and delay risk to zero.
The hotels in the neighbourhood of T4 (eg the Premier Inn) tend to be cheaper because this Terminal is these days a bit of a backwater. Best way to travel to Terminal 5 are the 482 or 490 bus (free); together they run roughly every 10 minutes and take 20 for the journey. Other methods require backtracking via T2/3.
I liked the T5 Sofitel and got a pretty good price with an early non-refundable reservation. I don't know the T4 options, but it would make more sense to me to go ahead to T5 after landing so you're right there in the morning. The Sofitel had a restaurant but I don't know how late it would be open. But maybe you'll have already had dinner in Paris -- surely the best choice!
Had the same issue a couple of months ago and opted to stay at the Premier Inn Terminal 4. Nice place - cheap prices. Features a nice restaurant, a bar, and a small deli that features breakfast items if you're on the go, and it's a short walk over to the Hilton if you'd like a little variety.
I looked hard at the Sofitel but in the end I just couldn't justify the extra cost involved.
Getting from the hotel to terminal 5 for our departing flight was pretty simple. The Heathrow Express underground train will get you there for free in about 30 minutes (door to door from the hotel). Can also book one of the airport mini-cabs (which the hotel will arrange for you) for about 15 pounds which, if you have a lot of luggage, might be the preferred way to go. Either way is an easy and convenient way to get between terminals.
I flew out of T5 last month and stayed overnight in the Thistle Hotel in Longford (adjacent to the runway). It is accessible via the "Heathrow Pods" from the T5 car park - so about 10 minutes in total from T5. There is a nice pub nearby as an alternative to dining in the hotel. The hotel itself is clean and comfortable, and offered a good breakfast.
This would presumably be less expensive than the Sofitel. There is also a Premier Inn across the road from the Thistle but you'd need to use a bus or taxi.
I have only stayed at the Sofitel. It is super easy to arrive at security check-in from this hotel - just minutes. I really do not know T4, but would recommend if you stay there to figure out eating arrangements. Hotel? Places to grab a sandwich? Again, directly across from the Sofitel in a Marks and Spencer selling sandwiches, munchies, wine - open 24 hours. Not my favorite meal, but it is there. I think there is a sandwich place close as well. Check out some airport maps. The thing is, once you are in arrivals, the food choices dwindle.
I believe, even though you are in Heathrow, you want to be checking into your departure flight 3 hours in advance, so for me, that is another plus for the Sofitel. If you use Avios, this is a good place to spend them!
Thanks for all your advice - I booked with Sofitel!
