I will fly from London to Basel on October 23. My two best options are a 0715 flight from Luton LTN or an 0810 flight from Gatwick LGW. Both are EasyJet nonstop flights.
Because the flights are early I will spend the night at an airport hotel. I have limited experience with LGW (years ago) and have never used LTN.
Which airport? Which will be easier to deal with in the morning? Suggestions for airport hotels, preferably walking distance or with a shuttle that runs in the early mornings?
Thanks
There are three hotels connected to the the North terminal at Gatwick which is the terminal EasyJet uses. I've stayed at two-- the Sofitel and the Premier Inn. Both are fine. I preferred the Sofitel.
There are others in the area but the ones I mentioned above don't require ground transportation.
Twice I’ve stayed at the Yotel at Gatwick before an early morning flight. It is right in the airport so super convenient. The rooms are more like pods (you can barely turn atound), but fine for one person who just spent 8 hours there.
There are several hotels on the shuttle bus route between the station and the airport at Luton. I can remember (but have never stayed at since I'm just down the road) Holiday Inn Express, Premier Inn, Travelodge, Courtyard. There may be others. None in the actual terminal - there wouldn't be room!
I've used and been happy with the Sofitel at Gatwick, but last time thought that one of the Premier Inns (there are at least 3 in and around) would be more convenient and much less expensive.
I don't quarrel with your choice to stay at the airport, but if it were to fit into your plans, you could stay within walking distance of Paddington Station and take the Heathrow Express train, which starts around 5AM. If there is any difference between the two airports you named, it might be Easy Jet cancellation records, which might be online. Luton is a bit remote, compared to LHR. (I've been there twice, for flights to Naples, for example.)
I've never flown from Luton, I refuse to!
I've stayed at the Sofitel in Gatwick and at Heathrow, both are in the airport terminals however the one at Heathrow is much better than the one at Gatwick so whilst I'm prepared to pay the high prices for the Heathrow Sofitel I would be more inclined to opt for the Premier Inn at Gatwick.
Thanks to everyone, LGW it is, with overnight at either the Hampton or the Premier Inn.
There are TWO Premier Inns at or near LGW North Terminal:
— LGW North Terminal (Crossway, Gatwick North Terminal)
— LGW (A23 / Airport Way)
The latter is a bit further and I have a 0800-ish EasyJet flight. Which do you recommend? Does it make much of a difference?
Thanks.
For an 08:00 flight you need to be at the airport for 06:00. I prefer the convenience of actually being at a hotel in the terminal. Simply leave the hotel and you've a short walk (or shuttle) to departures. At that time of the morning I'm looking to maximise my time efficiency so if there's little difference in price I'd opt for the terminal hotel.
