Save yourself the hassle of checking in early in the morning by staying at an airport hotel – here we choose the best of the range

  • In Gatwick, the best budget option is the ultra-modern Premier Inn
  • Runway view rooms are available at Newcastle Airport at the DoubleTree by Hilton
  • In Edinburgh, your vacation can begin in style in the pink neon of the Moxy Hotel

Every week our vacation hero Neil Simpson digs into a brilliant vacation theme and does all the work so you don’t have to. This week: Airport hotels take the strain off early morning flights.

Checking in has never been fun and those for early excursions are now even worse as we need extra time to show that we filled out the correct forms and did not violate Covid requirements at our destination.

An overnight stay in an airport hotel is the most attractive holiday extra of the summer. For less than the cost of a family’s pre-departure Covid testing, forget about hitting the morning commuters while you sleep within sight of the runway. Better still, airport hotels are usually very aware of the Covid protocols. While facilities like restaurants, gyms, and pools are open, improved housekeeping, contactless payment, and table service are likely to be the norm for some time.

Take it easy: The work / relaxation area in Moxy, Edinburgh

Heathrow has dozens of hotels along its bypasses. The newly renovated Hilton at Terminal 4 is just a short taxi ride from all other terminals or you can take the Hotel Hoppa bus, which stops nearby. Right from the start, the hotel exudes a holiday mood: olive trees grow in the atrium and illuminated world maps on the bedroom walls. Rooms in August from £ 118 (hilton.com).

Newcastle’s DoubleTree

In Gatwick, the best budget option is the ultra-modern Premier Inn, a five-minute walk from the North Terminal, with its free shuttle to the South Terminal. Family rooms can accommodate up to four people and when adults choose a meal plan, two under 16 years of age receive breakfast for free. From £ 45 (Premierinn.com).

The Holiday Inn Express at Stansted has bright, modern rooms and is a five-minute shuttle ride from the terminal. Breakfast is served from 4 a.m. From 113 € (ihg.com).

In Luton, the Ibis Budget offers small, elegant rooms just a short walk from the terminal. In the breakfast room there are “Grab & Go” coffee cups and food bags to save time in the morning. From £ 47 (accor.com).

Travelodge is located 2 miles from Birmingham Airport and local taxi companies promise to get you to the terminal on time for early flights. When booking your room, arrange off-site parking for cheaper rates and a free shuttle. From £ 31 (travelodge.de).

Manchester Airport came to life with the opening of its new Terminal 2. The check-in, security, shopping and dining areas welcome travelers with the airlines Virgin Atlantic, Singapore and Etihad as well as the package travelers Tui and Jet2. The Clayton Hotel is within easy walking distance of both terminals or you can take the free shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes. Some rooms have runway views and there is a fitness room for pre-vacation workouts. From 100 € (www.claytonhotels.com).

In Luton, the Ibis Budget offers small, elegant rooms just a short walk from the terminal

In Luton, the Ibis Budget offers small, elegant rooms just a short walk from the terminal

Runway view rooms are also available at Newcastle Airport at the DoubleTree by Hilton. It’s a two-minute walk from the terminal and there’s a friendly bar and restaurant, a gym with floor-to-ceiling windows, and connecting rooms for families. From € 84 (Hilton.com).

Hotels around Glasgow Airport include the Courtyard by Marriott. Early morning taxis to the terminal cost around £ 7, rooms from £ 60 (marriott.com).

In Edinburgh, your vacation can begin in style in the pink neon of the Moxy Hotel. Check in at the bar instead of at the reception, then eat, drink, work or relax in the large ‘lobby meets living room’ area. Walk to the airport in about five minutes or take a cab for about £ 5. Rooms from £ 119 (marriott.com).

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