Interesting new option for layovers at Heathrow
Dec 2nd, 2007, 08:42 AM
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Interesting new option for layovers at Heathrow
Hello,
Since quite a few people seem to lay over in Heathrow on their way to/from Africa, I thought this might be of interest.
The European 'pod' hotel, Yotel, is opening a branch at Heathrow on 7 December 2007. If you've been to Japan you're probably familiar with the 'pod' hotel concept -- basically the rooms are little cabins which bear a strong resemblance to those seen on overnight sleeper trains, with a bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a TV. Basic but adequate for a few hours' layover.
They look like an interesting option if you're not travelling business class and have no lounge access but would like to rest during your layover. The rates start at about £25 for the minimum 4-hour booking in a standard cabin.
Unfortunately the Heathrow branch is in Terminal 4 so not the most convenient if you're not flying BA, but it's still doable if you want a place to rest.
Cheers,
Julian
Since quite a few people seem to lay over in Heathrow on their way to/from Africa, I thought this might be of interest.
The European 'pod' hotel, Yotel, is opening a branch at Heathrow on 7 December 2007. If you've been to Japan you're probably familiar with the 'pod' hotel concept -- basically the rooms are little cabins which bear a strong resemblance to those seen on overnight sleeper trains, with a bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a TV. Basic but adequate for a few hours' layover.
They look like an interesting option if you're not travelling business class and have no lounge access but would like to rest during your layover. The rates start at about £25 for the minimum 4-hour booking in a standard cabin.
Unfortunately the Heathrow branch is in Terminal 4 so not the most convenient if you're not flying BA, but it's still doable if you want a place to rest.
Cheers,
Julian
Dec 2nd, 2007, 10:47 AM
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We have booked a Yotel deluxe"cabin" on our trip over to SA in january'08. We have been told it is on the street side of terminal 4 so we will have to go through immigration etc to get to it and then back through for our second leg out of terminal 1. We have nine hours to kill so time shouldn't be an issue. We reserved for 5 hours and it was L50. (90CDN or so)
Will be happen to let all know how it was on our return
Regards
Bob
Will be happen to let all know how it was on our return
Regards
Bob
Dec 2nd, 2007, 10:54 AM
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The "pod" large enough for 2 adults?
Yes Bob, pls report back.
regards - tom
ps - I try really hard not to fly through Heathrow. Last time flew on SAA from USA east cost (JFK, IAD) into JNB. Liked it.
Yes Bob, pls report back.
regards - tom
ps - I try really hard not to fly through Heathrow. Last time flew on SAA from USA east cost (JFK, IAD) into JNB. Liked it.
Dec 2nd, 2007, 10:58 AM
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Thanks for posting this Julian, I had seen this as a 'coming soon' but wasn't sure if it was open yet. This will be a niceoption on our way home from Nairobi when we will have about 11 hours, even if we do have to go to T4 from T5. A bed and a shower would be a welcome item!
On their website I believe I saw that there is internet access in the cabins as well, but not sure if it was in all of them.
On their website I believe I saw that there is internet access in the cabins as well, but not sure if it was in all of them.
Dec 2nd, 2007, 11:46 AM
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Thanks Julian.
I had an overnight at Gatwick last week (on my way home from the Channel Islands) and I thought they had a Yotel, but I couldn't find any info. In any event, I ended up at the Renaissance, which was probably a better choice for a full night, as opposed to a few hours.
I'd be interested in seeing some reviews -- seems like a nice option for a daytime layover.
Michael
I had an overnight at Gatwick last week (on my way home from the Channel Islands) and I thought they had a Yotel, but I couldn't find any info. In any event, I ended up at the Renaissance, which was probably a better choice for a full night, as opposed to a few hours.
I'd be interested in seeing some reviews -- seems like a nice option for a daytime layover.
Michael
Dec 2nd, 2007, 11:59 AM
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Here's a review I read on the Europe forum about the Yotel at Gatwick.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=35084033
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=35084033
Dec 3rd, 2007, 12:03 AM
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Hello,
Sorry, I forgot to post the Yotel website -- it's http://www.yotel.com and you can book online.
Tom, the premium pod looks like it's probably big enough for two if they're fond of each other (the standard might be big enough for two if they're very, very fond of each other). If I have time on my next flight through Heathrow (coming up later this month) I'll go and check them out and report back.
Lynda -- I checked and yes there is free internet access (in both standard and premium pods). You can either use a laptop or access it through the TV. Not sure how well it works -- if you try it let us know.
There are a few Yotel reviews on TripAdvisor (for the Gatwick branch).
For those travelling to Tanzania, there is also a Yotel at Amsterdam Schipol, though KLM's connections normally mean you don't have too much time to kill there.
Cheers,
Julian
Sorry, I forgot to post the Yotel website -- it's http://www.yotel.com and you can book online.
Tom, the premium pod looks like it's probably big enough for two if they're fond of each other (the standard might be big enough for two if they're very, very fond of each other). If I have time on my next flight through Heathrow (coming up later this month) I'll go and check them out and report back.
Lynda -- I checked and yes there is free internet access (in both standard and premium pods). You can either use a laptop or access it through the TV. Not sure how well it works -- if you try it let us know.
There are a few Yotel reviews on TripAdvisor (for the Gatwick branch).
For those travelling to Tanzania, there is also a Yotel at Amsterdam Schipol, though KLM's connections normally mean you don't have too much time to kill there.
Cheers,
Julian
