ONE of my favourite hotel chains in the UK is Premier Inn, thanks to its simple but purse-friendly rooms.
So on a recent trip abroad with a particularly early flight, I headed to the largest Premier Inn in the UK – located just outside the North Terminal at Gatwick Airport.
The Premier Inn hotel is literal steps from the Gatwick shuttle – just take the lift down and cross the road and it is right in front of you.
Celebrating its 10th-anniversary last year, it's currently undergoing some new room refurbishments.
The hotel is open 24/7, due to its nature as an airport hotel, but has more than 10 self-check-in booths for a speedy rush to your room, although the four very slow lifts leave something to be desired if you are in a rush.
With 701 bedrooms, I ended up in their brand new Premier Plus rooms, found on the ninth 'quieter' floor, which was very clean.
I had great views of the airport, so I could watch some of the planes take off.
There is also a Nespresso coffee machine and kettle with chocolates, a large shower with toiletries and towels and a mini-fridge with complimentary water.
Plus unlike many hotels, they'd placed a USB socket near the bed, so you don't have to worry if you forget your plug.
The rooms weren't perfect – the WiFi didn't seem to stretch to the top of the hotel – but they are definitely worth the extra £10 for some added luxury.
The hotel is often full so I had to book dinner and breakfast in advance as it gets busy.
But it has a range of classic comfort food options, including burgers, pizza and curries.
I opted for a lasagne, followed by a brownie with a glass of wine.
They didn’t have everything listed – they were bizarrely out of avocado, French dressing and naans, but there is more than enough to choose from even if your favourite isn’t there.
The £26.49 deal is best advised if you need something to line your stomach as it gets you two courses at dinner along with a drink, as well a breakfast the next day, which is a buffet option with both hot and cold choices including a cooked breakfast and cereals.
Like all airport travellers, I was mainly there to get a decent night's kip and with the black-out curtains and barely any noise seeping through the walls – it passed with flying colours.
Rooms start from £43, with Premier Plus room upgrades from £10.
Two course dinner with drink and buffet breakfast package from £26.49pp.
With rooms starting from just £43 for the base rate, the location and the price can’t be beaten if you have super early or late Gatwick flights, and all you want is some simple food and a good night's sleep.
What more can you want from an airport hotel?
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