We will be flying from Chicago to Cape Town via London with 7 hours or so layover in Heathrow. Are there any hotels within Heathrow or near by, where we can rent a room in the morning (we are arriving in the morning) to take a shower and have some rest before our next long flight?

Thank you!

It's been a few years but I did something similar and got a reasonable rate from about 10 a.m. when I checked in to 8 when my flight left for Kenya. The hotel had a shuttle from the terminal.

I wouldn't presume to recommend a specific hotel but many will have day rates available as it is a fairly common issue when connecting from North America.

You could try the Yotel, which is IN one of the terminals. http://www.yotel.com/

See also http://sleepinginairports.com/europe/londonheathrow.htm

Google LHR lounges..I believe there are some that are not affiliated with airlines. Can't remember the names but I used one in Amsterdam for about 20E and had a peaceful, refreshing 5 hour layover. Or alos try your affilated airlines lounge, most have day passes. Have a great trip!!!

We used the www.sheratonheathrowhotel.com

Yotel isn't good for a full overnight because it charges essentially by the hour. But it is perfect for your situation. You'll only be there for about 4 hours so it would be cheaper than a day room in a full service hotel

I believe many airport hotel offer day rate, I've used thr Radisson Edwardian in the past but can't remember the day rate.

Easier all around to find something at Heathrow, there's a Yotel at Terminal 4.

Thank you so much for all responses! I reviewed Yotel, and it looks sufficient for what we need. So, we will go with that. Thank you, again!