staying at Heathrow airpot

My wife and I have stayed at the Hilton Heathrow a couple of times when we've had early departures or simply laying over for a day or two. It's very nice and convenient. Personally, I like being close by and getting a little extra rest rather than being far away, getting up in the middle of the night, and finding transportation to get me to the airport.

There are lots of large chain hotels just off the airport property, reachable by the "Hotel Hoppa" shuttle bus. We stayed at renaissance but there are quite a few. Convenient and "American standard" services including good breakfast and also other meal facilities

For a list of Heathrow hotels with links to detailed explanations of costs and ways to get between the airport and the hotels, go here.

Carolyn, I recently stayed at the Jury's Inn at Heathrow. The Hoppa Bus (free shuttle bus to/from the airport) stops here every 40 minutes. It is a nice hotel with all the amenities.
I also spent several days in Ireland if you have any more questions. You can find some England and Ireland information @ http://missguidedtravel.blogspot.com/

Jury's Inn noted above is excellent! Was there in the fall.

Go to Hotwire or whatever site it is that you like and get a hotel near Heathrow. (If you end up with a Holiday Inn, which have all been fine based on my experience, make sure you have the street they are on as there are, I think five to choose from. Confirm with bus driver.) The hotels are all served by the Hoppa bus which, by the way, was not free when I used it 28 May and again on 06 June. You can pay for the bus on-board but make sure you have some English Pounds (if you don't have any get some from an ATM at Heathrow). Bus was I think 2 pounds per person. I snag something for breakfast at Marks and Spencers at the airport (upscale grocery store) located on the non-secure side of arrivals. You can pay with your credit card the issuer of which you have, of course, notified of your overseas travel. Most hotel rooms have a mini fridge so I just stuff my yogurt on top of all that expensive liquor inside. Try not to remove anything as many of the mini fridges have an automatic debit added to your bill when something is removed. I don't think I've ever been in an English hotel room that didn't have an electric kettle for making coffee/tea. All this makes for a quick exit the next morning.

The Hoppa buses are NOT free. The fare is £4.00. Local buses 285, 555, 556, and 557 between Hatton Cross (the Underground station close by the Jurys Inn) and the airport are free.