Novotel Hotel Heathrow

        Had a break between returning to UK from Spain and our return home to New Zealand. It was totally relaxing, with excellent service from all the staff. Kids were well occupied with kids zone, internet and swimming pool. Wine selection was good (even had some from NZ) and the casual dining was excellent. Everything you'd expect from a quality French chain of hotels.

        When I arrived they said they didn't have my room because they were full, but they offered 2-3 upgrade options which all cost more money (starting at 15 pounds). I objected saying that where I came from if the hotel did not have a room for which I had made a reservation then I would expect the hotel to provide me a room of equal of better room at the same cost. The clerk was friendly and she quickly relented, and then someone apologetically indicated that she was required to first offer the paid upgrade options. But, had I not balked at paying the higher cost, they would have happily taken my money. Dinner was a very long wait at the hotel restaurant, and there was nothing near to walk to as an alternative that I could see. So, we ate there. The food was fine, but it was overpriced. The continental breakfast the next day was 11.5 pounds, which again, was fine but overpriced for a selection of cereal, yogurt, and pastry (along with coffee and juice). There was a 15 pound charge for Internet access. The price for the airport shuttle was 4 pounds per person, and since myself and my traveling companion had rode a cab from Heathrow the night before for 10 pounds (including tip), the shuttle was also no bargain. Overall, my impression of Novotel was "adequate for a night, but not great." I would have prefered to pay a higher price per night and not get nickled and dimed with the shuttle, Internet, and continental breakfast charges, but maybe that is just me.

        The hotel is fine and close to the airport. The hotel parking option and the adequate quality of the rooms etc make this a very cost effective and easy way to start and finish any trip leaving from Heathrow.

        Had a really relaxing fun time at this hotel. The whole experience was one of pampering and relaxing before going away. we were treated so well. The swimming pool was a real bonus, every airport hotel should have one, but only a few do, as in Heathrow there is little to do, so once you are at a hotel it is nice to just have the choice of a swim before dinner etc. The bedroom was a really modern, clean and a good size; there was a brilliant bathroom with an internal sitting part, and two brilliant showers one with a huge shower head. The atmosphere dinning area and seating bar/coffee area in the hotel was lively, as there was a conference going on in one of the business rooms. We have stayed in other hotels in Heathrow and this one is not as near to the airport as the others, but that was what we really liked about it, we had a great view of the woodland from our window and it felt like we were in a little village. There is a really cosy pub down the road, next door to the massive Holiday Inn and the whole ambience of surrounding area outside, made my boyfriend and I feel like we were nowhere near an airport or motor way.

        Very happy with price of hotel and car parking. Beer and food prices too high but I guess that's expected in hotels. However, reasonable restaurant just around the corner in walking distance. Woudl use for overnight stay again.

        The receptionist could not find my reservation, she went to the back room for quite a few minutes, when she came back said the reservation sitting on the fax machine, luckily there was a room available but if it was a busy season this may not have been the case so I was very not very happy.

        It was Ok, but we had to walk past reception in our swimming suits - odd!

        we needed the curtains to black out the room so as to sleep but it was very difficult due to the light coming through.

        This was a very clean, smart hotel & the rooms very comfortable. Booking in was easy & staff polite & helpful. Food in hotel was a bit expensive but there is a fish & chip shop, pub & little food self-service shop a short walk away if you wish to 'self cater'. Would be very happy to stay at Novotel Heathrow in future.