I will be flying from Barcelona to London Gatwick on a Monday; the flight is scheduled to land at noon. I'm then flying home from Gatwick that Wednesday at 6:30 in the morning. I'm planning on one last day of 'whatever I didn't get to see in or near London when was there at the beginning of my trip' on that Tuesday--maybe even a guided tour type of thing to somewhere outside of the city. The question is--do I stay near the airport (I'm thinking Premier Inn, for its closeness and its cheapness) for two nights--monday night and tuesday night--and travel from there into London twice (or, perhaps, to somewhere else for the afternoon/evening on Monday) OR do I stay somewhere cheap in London (easyHotel) on Monday night? No matter what, I'm planning on staying at the airport on Tuesday night, since I'll have to be at the airport by 4am at the latest. I'm thinking it would be easier to just stay at the same place, what with checking in and out and carting my stuff around--I'll have only a backpack, but I will be traveling alone. Any input on this is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5513 posts
Tracy,
If it were me, I would stay Monday night in London. Choose a hotel that will hold your bag for you after checkout on Tuesday (most will, but ask before you book). For convenience, you might want to choose a place near Victoria.
I would stay Tuesday night at the Yotel right in Gatwick airport. You book for a specified number of hours. I've stayed there before an early morning flight. It is super convenient when you have an earlier morning flight as you are already in the airport.
I know check-in and check-out can be a pain, but I would much rather spend most of my time in London. It would be worth it to me not to have to return to Gatwick on Monday night and take the train back Tuesday morning. You would even be able to see a show on Tuesday night or take a pub walk before going to Gatwick to end your trip.
Others might feel differently, but I really like London in the evenings so even one extra night there would be worth it to me.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Why not stay at Gatwick and take the train from the airport to the seaside town of Brighton for a daytrip. Takes about 30 - 40 minutes. Or you could stay overnight.
Posted by
OP
Macungie, PA, USA
463 posts
wow--thanks for the great feedback! i've never heard of Yotel, but I think that's what I'm going to do for the night before crazy early flight. Thanks so much! Also, I think I'm convinced about staying in London on Monday night, but I also was contemplating Brighton, at least in the afternoon/evening on Monday, in which case...I don't know. I want to be in London early on Tuesday, I think, to go on some kind of cheesy guided tour (suggestions are welcome) so perhaps I should just...oh I don't know! Decisions decisions! And such great ones, too!