Premier Inn T4 vs Hilton Garden Inn T4 vs Thistle vs Sofitel? - FlyerTalk Forums (2025)

FlyingScientist

Join Date: Jul 2012

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It was the favourite means of transport when I stayed at the HGI Hatton Cross recently. – Well, certainly not for me...

KARFA

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I like the view from the PI T5, but these mcdonalds view rooms are only available to those with top tier purple princess status

Smid

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Last time I tried the hoppa it was christmas 21, and I didn't know about the buses from T4 Hilton, and other transport was off because T4 was closed. Cost 6 quid per person, had to wait nearly an hour for it to turn up (was hourly, not sure now), and it went all around the rest of the hotels before getting to T5, so was very slow indeed.

I'd be avoiding it now, even before they put the price up. It's a bad service for a bad price.

FlyingScientist

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After you have already paid TfL at the daily cap rate, the buses are free...

FlyingScientist

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lsquare

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What's so good about it? Hatton Cross doesn't have any elevators. It's a pain in the butt if you have luggage.

Last edited by lsquare; Aug 10, 2023 at 11:47 pm

xenole

Join Date: Jul 2009

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It's one stop on the Piccadilly Line from T2/3 or two from T5. 15 min walk to Tesco, and easy to head towards Central London.

Excess luggage could be a pain for most hotels unless you use the Hoppa or a cab / Uber (comments have been made about picky bus drivers not letting people of big cases, and sometimes buses can be full downstairs with airport staff etc.).
Most have some element of walking to and from stops; lifts and/or stairs; poor footpaths; crossing roads etc. Weather might play a part as well -all very well having a bus stop near by, but if you end up getting drenched during that 2-5 min walk, or you're completely exposed to the elements, it's not a good start after saving a few £.

lsquare

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Would you pick this or the Moxy?

xenole

Join Date: Jul 2009

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I had staff issues last time I stayed at the Hatton Cross HGI, so haven't returned.
The Moxy is fine (around £50 last time i stayed) and has a bus stop right outside. Advantage of Domino's, a Tesco Express etc. a few metres away.
HGI is better if you want T5 as one tube ride with 2 stops. No changing buses / tubes.
Really depends on how long you're there for and if you have status. Also how much luxury you want - a lot here won't pay £50 for a Premier Inn for a short overnight stay, but will pay 4-5x that for the Sofitel.

Got nothing with Marriott, so a few points with the Moxy and that's it. Might get a free breakfast, slightly better room etc. if using Hiltons or IHG hotels.

zen100

Join Date: Dec 2017

Posts: 923

PI T4 is normally my go-to place. Sure, the transit can be a bit of a faff - the covered walkway feels like a long walk, and then there is the Underground / HEX, but it's predicable and reliable.

While there is a bus stop just outside PI T4, if I have a suitcase of any size, I'm always cautious as to whether I will be allowed to board a bus - given there will be countless passengers doing the same. Didn't know PI T5 was walkable though, so might check that out in future. And the PI T4 hotel itself is nice, especially for the price point.

Never Stansted

Join Date: Mar 2010

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I seem to hover between the PI T4 and the Sheraton. The PI has been discussed and the only thing I’d add is that the extra £10 for a premier plus room is worth it. The Sheraton is ugly from the outside but is actually a lovely hotel with refurbished, comfortable rooms and a decent lounge. For some reason I don’t like the PI T5, it feels outdated.

Holiday Inn Express T4 also deserves a mention, it’s in the same building as the Crowne Plaza and you essentially get CP facilities for HEX prices.

HGI Hatton Cross is solid too.

bisonrav

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flarmip

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Personally speaking, I've long been a fan of the PI T4. The walkway means you'll stay dry getting there, regardless of the weather. Shame about the slightly inconvenient Tube/train link to T5, but it's perfect for a T3 flight. Even for a T5 flight the price usually outweighs the inconvenience.

Got an upcoming BAH booking involving the Thistle (was the cheapest place at LHR, needed to get the required 5 nights). Not exactly expecting opulence but it's good to know it's walkable, if I don't want to pay the ripoff Pod fee.

Though you are charged per person when you buzz through to reception and ask for the gate code. Given that [MENTION=64849]salut0[/MENTION] 's 7 year old is unlikely to go through the gate by themselves... might be difficult to make use of this 'loophole'.

PUCCI GALORE

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Dearest CWS, I’ll bet you’ve never done that in heels. I’m all for hopping on and off a bus, but my days of walking streets has long passed.

Im a bit of a fan of the Holiday Inn Bath Road. Often as I am no longer resident in the UK I rent cars from Avis. They are round the back. If I have an early flight, I leave the hire car the night before and use the Avis bus in the morning. Paying car parking at hotels when one is a guest puts me into a fury. However whilst it is mildly restrictive regarding eating, the hotel restaurant is not bad.

Dear salut0 , despite what you read here, for a flight so early the Thistle makes perfect sense. I do not want to faff about on public transport at a time that even the sparrows are still abed. The pod delivers my husband, the luggage (hand only), and me where I need to be with a minimum of fuss. So, if you see a Glam Goddess in reception with a past- cell by date and rather swish hand luggage. You will know that might be me 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. as yes, I have flopped in that house and just to add to the prurience of this Forum, I have never slept there alone. However, it is always with the same person (for 35 years now! )

PUCCI GALORE

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Naughty Boy. You’re a man after my own heart!