What's the scoop on bunking down inside Heathrow, terminal 3 for one night? I'm catching an Air Canada flight to Texas very early (8:30am) and might get into to London very late the night before. I hate to spend $$ on a hotel room for 8 hrs - plus, I have a tendency to oversleep, so I'd like to bunk down inside the airport at the gate. Is this possible with all the rules & regs? And is it even safe for a 40yr old lady to do this alone? What say you? :)
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I did it and it was fine. A lot of cleaning and maintenance goes on during the night so you are never really alone. The shops close up at 9:00, though, so have some food/water with you for the night. You will see people camped out all over. And BTW, I was 49 when I did it.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
As an alternative, there is also the Yotel in the airport. You could get a room for as little as four hours there.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
You won't be able to sleep at the gate, though. You will have to stay outside security.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If you do decide to get a bed at an airport hotel, the Jurys Inn would be a good choice. It's close by the Hatton Cross Underground station which is the last station on the Piccadilly Line before Heathrow. Local bus #285 runs 24/7 between Hatton Cross and Terminal 3 and for that short stretch the ride is free.
Posted by
OP
Houston
13 posts
Steve, that is a great link, thanks!
Nancy, after looking at Heathrow overnight reviews on that link, I'm very impressed that you spent the night in Heathrow! Most reviews for terminal 3 are really negative regarding bugs, filth, no place to sleep, etc.
The Yotel std room is 68 euros, so not exactly cheap when converted to $ :) but its a good idea that I didn't think of. Yotel is in terminal 4. Thanks!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Adding to my previous post. The Ibis Hotel at Heathrow would be cheaper than the Jurys Inn. It also could be cheaper than even the minimum 4-hour stay at the Yotel.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I saw no bugs or filth (in fact, I was impressed with how clean it was), and I had a huge bench, with no armrests, all to myself. In my little area, there were four of us on similar benches off to the side of the main walkway through the terminal. I slept completely undisturbed all night. I guess everyone's experiences can be very different at different times.
Posted by
OP
Houston
13 posts
I checked and Ibis Hotel really is cheap (38) - very close to the airport with lowfare busses running continuously to terminals - great idea, thanks! If Yotel was in Terminal 3 and less expensive (68), I would go that route. Those little cubicles are so modern :)
Thanks to all :)
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
Heathrow Easyhotel rooms go for as little as 25 pounds a night ($40) when you book in advance. And they are all en suite. Rooms are tiny, bed and shower/toilet, but very clean.
I would think you would want to be freshly showerd and well rested!
Posted by
OP
Houston
13 posts
Easy hotel or Ibis it is :) Yes, I do need to be rested and showered since my flight takes me to Toronto for an 8hr layover before getting home.
Need energy to race through Toronto after a week of touring Ireland, Wales and London :)
Thanks for the help, folks!