Rolfg

We are arriving from Prague at 8:00 p.m. Saturday night, and fly out again to Chicago at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. Is there a reasonably-priced hotel in or near the airport that we can check into? We don't want to guarantee, because the flight might be late and the cancellation deadline is probably 6 p.m. at which time we'll be in the air. What are our chances to book a room without a reservation? If need be, we can spend the night in the Red Carpet room, assuming it's open.

vhs100

You could try laterooms.com or
www.travelodge.co.uk and key Heathrow into the search bar.

fall06

It would really help if you posted what time of year this is. The last day of summer is less promising than a night in November.

I don't understand your reasoning about no wanting to guarantee yourselves a room. If your flight is late, all the more reason you will want to know there is a room waiting for you, rather than having to scrambe for one at 10pm.

Premiere Travel Inn is very efficient and quiet and serves food late. Take a taxi to it. It will set you back about 8 or 9 GBP.

TimS

The Heathrow Ibis Hotel site shows a standard rate of £45 for a double and a special rate of £35.

Rolfg

Thanks for the tips, truly appreciated. In answer to questions, our London stay is Saturday, Sept. 1. We're reluctant (or perhaps over-cautious) to guantee a room and then come in 2 or 3 hours late (it's happened to us before)and find that it's more practical to simply stay at the airport.

flanneruk

You can't overnight at any of the Heathrow airline lounges, or at any of the privately operated lounges, which all close (and chuck you out) by 2200 or earlier. And the Heathrow security system is unlikely to let you into the departure area after security till around 0500 anyway.

The only alternative to staying in a hotel is to sleep on the public chairs in the checkin areas or in the waiting areas near the arrivals areas. This will be frequently disrupted by cleaners and security guards. However you'll have a fair amount of company

If you really want to investigate this further, www.sleepinginairports.net. But unless you're destitute, It's about as sensible as overnighting on park benches.

Rolfg

Good grief, who'd a thought that airport overnighters now have their own website! Will (internet) wonders never cease? Thanks for this. I think under the circumstances, we'll definitely opt for a nearby hotel, of which there seem to be many.