I won't bore you with all with the details but due to an airline time change I needed to change my outgoing flight to one day earlier in order to make the connecting flight on to Venice.
Note to self -- never never again violate my own rule and schedule a connecting flight with less than a minimum 2 3/4 hours even in a smaller airport ....
(I allowed myself one Arghhhh but refuse to obsess over the increased cost or let it ruin my happy anticipation of my nearly 7 week travels.)
I'll need to get a hotel near Gatwick airport (I thought the Ibis would work) and am looking for ideas of what I might do on the Monday afternoon/evening after I check in. I'll be jet-lagged from the West Coast so don't really want to take the train into London for a few hours when I'm not at my most alert.
Any ideas or experiences to share?
Thanks!
SharYn
Posted by
Maryland, USA
533 posts
If you're open to taking the train someplace quieter, Lewes is a lovely little town to explore. There's a direct train from Gatwick every 30 minutes, and the travel time is 28-35 minutes.
Posted by
Folsom
2739 posts
There are many choices. Your decision may be budget driven. We are in the same boat, overnighting to catch a hop to Lisbon, and decided to make the best of it. We looked at the places attached to Gatwick, but did not want to hang at the airport. Another poster recommended a B&B. Looked nice but shower only. We really like a warm bath after a long flight. We eventually settled here: http://www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/langshott-manor-luxury-hotel-surrey/. Yes, its more expensive. But we can walk to the nearby town, have a pint. They have afternoon tea and what looks like a pretty good restaurant. We are going in June, and I'll post my experience.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2457 posts
We stayed at the Gatwick Gable End Guesthouse in nearby Horley several times. Top rated and maybe tops ten minutes from airport with free pickup and delivery to and from airport. There is a lovely restaurant in a four hundred old building, good food,great pub maybe ten minutes walk away. Six Bells.
Posted by
Seattle
287 posts
There's a Hampton Inn that's literally inside Gatwick. I stayed there last October to make my early flight back to the US. Very Clean and comfortable, nice little restaurant/bar in the lobby for a quick meal or drink, and even a Starbucks for your morning coffee fix. Highly recommend.
Posted by
OP
Berkeley CA
1321 posts
Thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate them and will check them out.
Has anyone taken the train from Gatwick to Brighton for the afternoon? I'm looking for something not stressful to keep me awake and on my feet before I turn in for the night.
SharYn
Posted by
Maryland, USA
533 posts
It wasn't from Gatwick, but I've taken the train to Brighton - there's definitely plenty there to keep you awake. Was there anything in particular you wanted to know?
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2805 posts
I would highly recommend The Corner House Hotel in Horley which is five minutes from the hotel, plus they provide transportation to the airport.
Posted by
OP
Berkeley CA
1321 posts
Thanks, again!
khbuzzard -- nothing in particular. Just looking for suggestions.
A British friend of a friend has just recommended Brighton and Lewes. I'll have to make a decision at some point but I don't think I have to do that soon.
I'm still open to ideas ...