Heathrow or Gatwick Hotel?

Back in the last millenium ('94-'95 school year)when I lived in London, we used a hotel, several times, that's located right across from Gatwick's north terminal. I think it's called Travel Inn or Travel Lodge. Inexpensive, modern, and super convenient. I think I'm remembering correctly that they had a free shuttle to the terminal. You can't walk because there's a road and a fence, but it's that close.

I've never stayed here, but find the concept quite intriguing. Yotel is located in Gatwick and soon Heathrow. They're pod-style hotels located inside the airport that you can rent by the hour (4 hour minimum). Web site http://www.yotel.com/. I suspect the claustrophobic need not apply.

Chances are a Hotel from '94-'95 has either changed name or at least changed policies. That is common in the Hotel Industry. While the suggestion is appreciated, the recommendation is a bit vague and a little outdated. =)

Is there a current website for this hotel?

If anyone can provide a current specific name, address or website that would be most appreciated. =)

Re the "pod" hotels: they look pretty interesting. Heathrow one opens in December.

We have stayed at the Travel Inn at North Terminal at Gatwick many times. It is very convenient, clean and comfortable. We usually check into the hotel , unload all our luggage, fill up the car with petrol at a filling staion next door, turn in the car at the airport, then walk back to the Travel Inn from the airport ( I would not try to do it with luggage or late at night because you do have to cross busy roads without a light). Then we take the shuttle to the airport the next morning. There is a charge for the shuttle TO the airport (5 pounds I think), but it is certainly worth it. There was not a charge if they were picking you up at the airport, from what I remember. You could call the hotel to arrange for a pickup--I would do that ahead of time to be sure they are picking up that late at night. They then can take you back to the airport the next day to pick up the bus to Heathrow in the morning. It is unlikely that there is a bus to Heathrow that late at night.

Hi Leslie,
I would probably either book a hotel near Gatwick or alternatively, take the Gatwick Express to London and stay at a hotel near one of the tube stations between Victoria and Earls Court. One nice thing about staying in London is that it will make it easy to do a little walking or sightseeing in the morning before you leave for Heathrow You could then take the tube to Heathrow from your hotel.

An earlier post mentioned a "Travel Inn" or "Travel Lodge." The hotel that is across from the North Terminal at Gatwick is now a "Premier Inn." This hotel began as a "Travel Inn," a competitor of "Travelodge." The company aquired "Premier Lodges," and subsequently changed the name to "Premier Travel Inn," but recently they have dropped the "Travel" and have branded themselves "Premier Inn." You can book rooms online at www.premierinn.com. Rooms at Gatwick start at about GBP 65 per night, breakfast is not included and runs about GBP 7.50 extra.

As for getting to Heathrow from Gatwick. The National Express Coach 700 takes about 70 minutes and costs GBP 17.50. It runs every 15-20 minutes until noon, and every 30 minutes thereafter.

I hope this helps, have a great trip.

Thanks to everyone for your great tips!