I have a VERY early flight out of Gatwick--6-something in the morning. I will be spending the day in London--this is at the end of a trip, and will be flying in to London from Barcelona to return home, with a bit more than 36 hours in between flights--I'll be staying in London for the first night (thanks to people's advice on this board). I want to stay somewhere VERY near the airport, as the flight is so early in the morning. My current options are Premier Inn Gatwick Central, which would require early morning walking, possibly on scary fast roads (I'm picturing the roads near Newark and Philadelphia International) OR Yotel, which would require, well, staying in the airport. Any and all input is greatly appreciated.
ok...this is an embarrassing question but...how do i know which terminal, north or south? i have my flight numbers...but that's it. god i cannot believe the things i don't know. i swear i am not an idiot. i have a master's degree. i promise. i've just never done this before!
Tracy, Go to the Gatwick Airport site (www.gatwickairport.com) and click on "which terminal". This appears on the left side of the page.
When I had a 6-something flight, I picked the Yotel and was extremely happy with that choice; it was great to take the train directly to the airport and walk to the Yotel and not have to wait for any shuttles to the hotel or from the hotel. I went to a show in London the night before I left. I then stopped by my London hotel to retrieve my bag, took the tube to Victoria, and train to Gatwick. I did not check in until after 10pm. It was extremely easy. It might have been cheaper to stay at one of the neighboring hotels, but being right in the airport was a huge plus to me.
I agree with Laura....stay at the Yotel.
First, you only pay for the hours you need. Second, why worry about shuttle buses that early (remember, you have to be there at 4 something if your flight is 6 something.) Third, if you're really lucky, your flight might be in the same terminal as the Yotel. If not, it's an easy ride over to the other terminal.
I was between those exact same hotels for the exact same situation for my honeymoon in June. We decided to go with Yotel because we only have a 8 hour layover, and by the time we take a shuttle or get to a hotel and check in, we will lose time. Plus the Yotel is at the same terminal we have to fly out of in the morning so it is very convenient. It is better than sleeping out in the airport, that's for sure!