Get your holiday on before you hit the plane!
Gatwick hotels with added holiday factor!
It’s time to leave the country; the air is crisp with autumn, the forecast looks grim and the leaves are on the turn; what better way to escape the onset of winter than by jetting off to chase some sun? But once you’ve booked it, packed up, taken the dog to the kennels, cancelled your Tesco shop, got some insurance, got your Euros, and a million other little details sorted; chances are your holiday spirit will be drowning in the huge pile of pre-holiday washing you’re attempting to tackle.
Why wait until you hit foreign shores to start your holiday, when booking a hotel for the night before your flight could give you a much needed break after all that planning? But don’t just book any old bland and boring hotel; the right hotel can mean your trip starts from the moment you leave home.
Some things are worth doing properly!
There are so many hotels on offer, so we’ve rounded up the top Gatwick hotels with leisure facilities; the ones that will make you feel most like you’ve made it; these hotels feature pools to float in, gyms to work out in and spas to relax in; so you can make the most of your stay and start your relaxation regime before you’ve even taken off!
Arora
Facilities: Gym; Spa treatments
The 4-star Arora is less than 15 minutes from Gatwick and offers some serious pampering facilities. The health and fitness suite includes a 50 station state-of-the-art gym, complete with rowers, treadmills and bikes; perfect for working off the stress of the day.
And it doesn’t end there; you can enjoy a pre-flight deep tissue massage, or indulge in some reflexology followed by some serious unwinding in the steam room. Facials and other beauty treatments can be booked at the Relax Health Salon; ideal for a gorgeous pre-holiday glow.
The hotel has 432 rooms, all complete with satellite TV, mini fridges and comfortable beds; The Grill restaurant is on-site and ready to serve you up some delicious locally-sourced food. Head to Morgan’s Pub for a much needed drink after a hectic day, and you’ll soon rediscover that elusive holiday spirit.
Find it: Southgate Avenue, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 6LW
Head to Arora London Gatwick to book
Copthorne Hotel London Gatwick
Facilities: Swim; Gym; Spa treatments; Tennis courts
Overlooking 100 acres of woodland, this 4-star hotel is within 15 minutes of the airport and has some great facilities.
Guests of the Copthorne are able to use the facilities of the neighbouring gym, so you can make use of the 15 metre pool, steam room, sauna, solarium, tennis courts fully equipped gym and running track all free of charge. There’s also an adventure playground to keep little ones occupied.
In need of some TLC? Don’t worry, there’s beauty therapist on hand to cater to your every need!
Each room comes with a flat screen TV, Wi-Fi and satellite channels; they are spacious and comfortable spaces to unwind in. On-site there are two restaurants to choose from; Lion D’or serves up British classics while The Brasserie’s menu is more international.
Find it: Copthorne, West Sussex, RH10 3PG
Head to Copthorne Hotel London Gatwick to book
Crowne Plaza
Facilities: Gym
Make full use of the facilities at Crowne Plaza; there’s a fully equipped gym, a sauna, steam room and bubble seats all there to be enjoyed!
Affordable yet 4-star, this hotel represents serious value for money and at only 15 minutes from Gatwick, it’s a great place to wake up on the morning of your flight.
Designed to get you relaxed and ready to take to the skies, each room is decorated in warm, neutral tones and comes with satellite TV, a mini fridge, Wi-Fi and team and coffee making facilities; everything you need for a sound night’s sleep.
Feeling peckish? Head to The Cube for a bite to eat or a night cap before you jet off on your adventure.
Find it: Langley Drive, Crawley, RH11 7SX
Head to Crowne Plaza London Gatwick to book
Felbridge Hotel and Spa
Facilities: Swim; Gym; Spa treatments; Tennis courts
The 4-star Felbridge has so much to offer; perfect pool, fully kitted out gym, stunning spa, tennis courts, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi; it’s got the works! Just try and resist the tempting heated pool; but if splashing around isn’t your thing, get some serious relaxation on at the Chakra Spa. It has five treatment rooms and offers the opportunity for some pre-holiday pampering.
On-site choose from fine dining at Anise; an award-winning restaurant serving up traditional food with modern flair; or if you prefer a more relaxed eatery, Bay Tree Restaurant has a great menu and an informal atmosphere.
Each of the rooms at Felbridge is fitted with a Hypnos luxury bed; so comfy you’ll have to be forcibly removed in the morning. They also come with Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and high-pressure showers to wake you up after that blissful sleep!
Find it: London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 2BH
Head to Felbridge Hotel and Spa to book.
Sandman Signature
Facilities: Swim; Gym
It may be lacking a spa like some of the other options on our list, but the modern and contemporary Sandman Signature offers a great value stay less than 15 minutes from Gatwick.
Dive into the pool or head to the small but perfectly formed gym to burn off some of the day’s stress. Arts Grill has a contemporary menu and is a great place to grab a bite before heading to Club Bar for a celebratory ‘first night of holiday’ drink!
The light and bright rooms are spacious and airy, and the huge beds make for a perfect night’s sleep. Each room comes with a flat screen TV, air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi; perfect if you’re panicking about a last minute booking.
Find it: 18-23 Tinsley Lane South, Three Bridges, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 8XH
Head to Sandman Signature to book.
Location is everything
If your idea of stress-free holidaying is waking up on the doorstep of the terminal only a short hop and skip from the gate, then these hotels offer less leisure facilities but a location that can’t be beaten.
Hilton London Gatwick
Facilities: Gym
Located a short walk from Gatwick’s South Terminal; this 4-star treat of a hotel is perfect if you’re looking to get up and go from Gatwick.
There’s no pool, or spa, but the on-site gym is open 24-hours and is a great place to enjoy a pre-flight workout.
The soundproofed rooms pretty much guarantee a dreamy night’s sleep; kitted out with flat screen TVs, huge beds and Wi-Fi they are a great place to unwind after a demanding day.
Amy’s Restaurant is a great spot for a relaxing meal; the menu is packed with fresh and tasty dishes; for the perfect nightcap head to Amy’s Bar and sink into a sofa.
Find it: Gatwick Airport,West Sussex, RH6 0LL
Head to Hilton London Gatwick to book.
Sofitel London Gatwick
Facilities: Gym
Sleek and chic; the modern Sofitel is so close to the North Terminal you can practically fall out of bed and into check-in!
The 24-hour gym is on hand to take your mind off all those pesky planning details, and help you unwind before a hectic day of travelling.
With 24-hour room service on offer there’s no need to leave your elegant room; with a super comfortable bed, tea & coffee on hand, satellite TV and Wi-Fi you’ll have everything you need.
If you do venture downstairs, there’s a choice of restaurants waiting for you. Go for Chinese classics at Gatwick Oriental, something simpler at La Brasserie or a quick bite at Urban Café. Enjoying a cocktail at Kua Bar is the perfect way to toast the start of your trip!
Find it: Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, RH6 0PH
Head to Sofitel London Gatwick to book.
Pay & play
Good things don’t always come for free; sometimes you have to pay a little extra for a bit of luxury; the following hotels offer chargeable leisure facilities.
Holiday Inn Gatwick Worth
Facilities: Swim; Gym; Spa treatments
Nestled in gorgeous countryside; you’ll feel a million miles from the hustle and bustle of Gatwick but only 15 minutes from the terminal.
Guests of the hotel can make use of the neighbouring health club for only £6.00 a day. Fully kitted out, the club boasts a 25 meter swimming pool, a huge state-of-the-art gym, fitness classes, steam and sauna and spa services.
A 4-star hotel; the rooms as you would expect, come complete with Wi-Fi, flat screens TVs and those all-important tea and coffee making facilities. On-site the Lyttons Bar and Brasserie serves up fresh and uncomplicated food.
Find it: Crabbet Park, Turners Hill Road, Worth, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4SS
Head to Holiday Inn Gatwick Worth to book.
Europa Gatwick Airport
Facilities: Swim; Gym
Access a fully equipped gym, a gorgeous indoor pool and a host of extras like a sauna, hot tub and steam room for just £4.00 a session when you stay at this great value hotel.
15 minutes from Gatwick; Europa is perfect if you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to scrimp on facilities. There’s an on-site carvery and every room is spacious and light. Kitted out with TVs, Wi-Fi and comfortable beds; recharge your holiday batteries with a great night’s sleep.
Find it: Balcombe Road, Maidenbower, West Sussex, RH10 7ZR
Head to Europa Gatwick Airport to book.
Seriously stunning swimming pools
Researching these great hotels got us thinking about hotels around the world, and the pools they have to offer; we stumbled across some amazing pools, so we thought we’d share them with you; enjoy!
See the full list of Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘best swimming pools in the world’.