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Summary of reviewsThistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 garners consistent praise from guests for its strategic location, particularly its proximity to Heathrow's Terminal 5, making it ideal for travelers with early flights or layovers. The short bus rides, driverless Pods and excellent public transport connections enhance the convenience, ensuring seamless access to the airport and even central London. Despite its closeness to a busy airport, the hotel maintains a quiet and comfortable atmosphere, offering unique perks like spectacular airport and runway views from the terrace and restaurant.
Guests frequently commend the breakfast, lauding the variety, quality and hot options available, including traditional English breakfast items and healthy alternatives. The breakfast experience is further enriched by the scenic view of planes landing and taking off. Although there are some minor criticisms regarding occasional lukewarm food and high pricing, the overall satisfaction with breakfast remains high thanks to the value for money and early service hours.
Dinner experiences at the hotel's restaurant receive mixed feedback. While many enjoy the pleasant atmosphere, lovely views and good food, some find the quality inconsistent and prices steep. Slow service and limited menu options occasionally detract from the dining experience. However, the convenience of having a restaurant on-site, especially for late arrivals, adds value for many guests.
Rooms are typically described as clean, comfortable and suitable for short stays, though some guests highlight the dated decor and need for modern amenities. The majority appreciate the practical, quiet atmosphere and essential comforts like comfortable beds, despite occasional mentions of lack of modern conveniences such as USB ports and fridges.
Cleanliness consistently receives positive remarks with rooms and bathrooms noted for being well-maintained. Some areas, like corridors, may appear tired and in need of refurbishment, but the overall cleanliness and the work of the housekeeping staff are frequently praised.
The staff is generally commended for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing positively to the guest experience across various departments. Quick check-in and check-out processes, along with professional and attentive service, enhance guests' stays, although occasional reports of less satisfactory interactions suggest room for consistency improvements.
The free Wi-Fi is usually reliable with good connection strength in public areas, although some guests note occasional slow speeds or connection issues in rooms.
Parking is appreciated for its convenience and ample space, despite the somewhat high cost and occasional issues with narrow spaces. Families find the hotel accommodating, enjoying the family-friendly environment and amenities, although some rooms might be on the smaller side.
Overall, the Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 offers great value with its excellent location, comfortable beds and a generally positive guest experience, making it a highly recommended choice for airport travelers. Show more
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Categories
Business Hotel
Close to Heathrow Terminal 5, this hotel provides meeting rooms and conference facilities suitable for business events. It offers essential amenities and services to ensure a productive stay.
Hotel with Parking
Offering on-site parking for 450 cars, this hotel provides secure parking with CCTV, regular security patrols, fencing, and floodlighting. It features Heathrow Park & Fly Packages and offers convenient transfers via a unique POD shuttle to Terminal 5 and the Hoppa bus to all terminals.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Cheap Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Standard Double RoomAn en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV with Freeview and tea/coffee making facilities are featured in this room. Air-conditioning and soundproofing are also featured.
Standard Twin RoomAn en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV with Freeview and tea/coffee making facilities are featured in this room. Air-conditioning and soundproofing are also featured.
Deluxe Twin RoomAn en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV with Freeview and tea/coffee making facilities are featured in this room. Air-conditioning and soundproofing are also featured. Extras include a Nespresso Machine and free mineral water.
Family RoomAn en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV with Freeview and tea/coffee making facilities are featured in this room. Air-conditioning and soundproofing are also featured.
Deluxe King RoomAn en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV with Freeview and tea/coffee making facilities are featured in this room. Air-conditioning and soundproofing are also featured. Extras include a Nespresso Machine and free mineral water.
King RoomThe spacious double room provides air conditioning, soundproof walls, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.3
Good
Location
The Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 offers a strategic location that has garnered consistent praise from guests, particularly for its proximity to Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport. The hotel is conveniently situated just moments away from the terminal, making it an ideal choice for travelers with early flights or layovers. Guests appreciate the short 10-minute bus rides and the efficient Pod system, which provides a quick and easy transfer between the hotel and the airport terminal.
The accessibility of the hotel stands out with public transport options aplenty, including buses and the innovative driverless Pods. These Pods have received frequent mentions for their convenience and efficiency, making the commute to and from Terminal 5 seamless. The location's accessibility ensures guests can avoid the hassle of taxis and enjoy straightforward connections to Heathrow.
The hotel's setting also offers some unique perks, such as spectacular views of the airport and runways from the terrace and restaurant, which have been highlighted by many. Despite being close to one of the world's busiest airports, the hotel maintains a quiet and comfortable atmosphere, making it suitable for a restful overnight stay.
Moreover, travelers find the hotel's location practical not just for airport access but also for reaching central London and other areas via public transport. Coupled with reasonable pricing and clean, comfortable accommodations, the Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 provides great value, especially for those prioritizing proximity to Heathrow's Terminal 5.
While some minor critiques exist regarding the property’s age, the overwhelmingly positive feedback about its convenient location and transport links makes it a highly recommended choice for airport travelers.
Breakfast
Guest reviews of the breakfast at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 frequently highlight a positive dining experience. Many guests describe the breakfast as excellent, very good and hot with a wide variety of choices. The buffet spread includes both hot and cold options and notable favorites are the traditional English breakfast and a selection of healthy items. Several reviews commend the plentiful and fresh food, which contributes to the overall satisfaction.
The breakfast also gains praise for its value for money, especially when booked in advance and the accommodating early service hours. Guests often appreciate the opportunity to enjoy their meal while watching planes land and take off from Heathrow’s T5 runway, which adds a unique and enjoyable dimension to the breakfast experience.
Although there are occasional mentions of the breakfast being merely OK or only so-so, these are generally outweighed by the positive feedback. Some criticisms include items being lukewarm or dry and a few guests found certain breakfast components like scrambled eggs lacking in taste. Additionally, there were comments on the high pricing and suggestions for more convenient early-morning options for those with early flights.
Service received favorable remarks with waitstaff often noted for their helpfulness. Meals being replenished quickly during busy times is also pointed out as a plus. Overall, the breakfast at the Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 tends to meet or exceed expectations, making it a satisfying start to the day for many travelers.
Dinner
Guests at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 have had mixed experiences with dining at the hotel's restaurant and bar. The setting itself, including the lovely views of Heathrow's runways, is often praised for being pleasant and scenic, offering a unique backdrop for meals and drinks. The restaurant and bar are described as spacious and the ability to watch planes take off adds to the ambiance, making it great for aviation enthusiasts.
Many guests found the food to be good, even excellent at times with some expressing that it exceeded their expectations and was decently priced for an airport hotel. There were positive remarks about the variety of the menu and the availability of vegetarian options. The hotel's convenience for an evening meal after a late check-in or a long flight was also appreciated with some noting that the kitchen stayed open late enough to accommodate late arrivals.
However, not all feedback was favorable. Some guests criticized the food quality, describing it as disappointing, overpriced or lacking in flavor. There were complaints about slow service and limited menu options with a few reviewers mentioning that certain items were not available. Instances of underwhelming dishes, such as mediocre fish and chips or a chicken burger, were noted. Additionally, the restaurant prices were frequently highlighted as being quite steep, not always reflecting the quality of the meals provided.
Overall, while the restaurant offers convenience and a pleasant atmosphere, the dining experience at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 appears to be hit-or-miss, dependent on individual expectations and perhaps even day-to-day variation.
Rooms
The rooms at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 offer a mix of experiences according to guest reviews. Overall, they are clean, comfortable and functional, making them suitable for short stays, particularly convenient before a flight. Many guests appreciated the cleanliness and comfort with several remarks on the rooms being well-maintained and equipped with comfortable beds and essential amenities. Rooms vary in size, often described as small but adequate with some larger rooms being noted for their spaciousness.
However, the decor and furniture in some rooms appear dated and in need of refreshing with some reviews pointing out the signs of wear and tear and outdated bathroom facilities. Despite this, the majority of guests found the rooms to be practical and fitting for a night's stay with many acknowledging the quiet atmosphere and convenience to the airport.
Some specific critiques include the lack of modern amenities such as USB ports and fridges and a few reports of rooms being too cold or warm. Accessibility issues such as long walks to some rooms and no lifts were also noted.
In summary, while Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 rooms might lack modern style and some up-to-date conveniences, they provide a clean, comfortable and functional place to stay, particularly appreciated for short stays and proximity to Terminal 5.
Beds
Guests at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 frequently highlight the comfort of the beds with numerous reviews praising their softness and size. Phrases like very comfortable, super comfortable beds and comfortable, large bed are commonly mentioned, indicating a generally positive consensus. Many guests specifically noted the benefits of comfortable and clean bedding and crisp, white sheets. Words such as comfy and comfortable beds appear repeatedly, emphasizing the satisfaction with the sleeping arrangements.
However, there are occasional mentions of less positive experiences with some guests describing the beds as very hard or uncomfortable. Despite this, the majority of feedback suggests that the beds contribute to a restful night's sleep, complemented by comfortable rooms that add to the overall pleasant stay. Overall, the beds at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 are a major plus for most guests, even though a few have encountered issues with firmness and the need for bed upgrades.
Cleanliness
Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 receives generally positive feedback regarding its cleanliness from its guests. Many reviews highlight that the rooms are consistently clean, comfortable and well-maintained. Guests appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the functional nature of the amenities. The hotel's housekeeping services are often praised for their attention to detail, making the stay pleasant for travelers.
While the hotel is described as clean and quiet, it is also noted that the building is older and could benefit from some renovations and updating. Despite this, the overall atmosphere is tidy and neat with the housekeeping staff commended for their exceptional work in maintaining cleanliness.
However, a few guests noted minor cleanliness issues, such as dated bathroom fixtures with limescale and occasionally missed spots. Additionally, some areas of the hotel, like corridors and common spaces, appear tired and in need of refurbishment. Despite these minor drawbacks, the clean and comfortable environment makes Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 a convenient choice for an overnight stay near the airport.
Staff
The staff at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness with many guests noting a warm and efficient welcome at reception. The team is characterized by their courteous and pleasant demeanor, contributing positively to the overall guest experience. Housekeeping is commended for their excellent work and the dining staff also receive high marks for their helpful and friendly service. Guests appreciate quick and efficient check-in and check-out processes and the professionalism and attentiveness of the staff is noted across various departments, from reception to the bar.
However, not all experiences are positive. Some guests report instances of rudeness and lack of interest from the front desk staff, along with occasional slow service. There were also remarks about the staff not answering phones or helping with heavy suitcases. Despite these occasional lapses, the majority of reviews highlight the staff's friendliness and willingness to assist with various needs, including arranging transport to the terminal and providing information about the hotel and its surroundings.
Overall, while the staff at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 generally earn high marks for their friendly and helpful attitudes, some guests have encountered less satisfactory interactions, indicating room for improvement in consistency and service orientation.
Wi-Fi
Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 offers complimentary Wi-Fi, adding a level of convenience for travelers. Guests appreciated the good Wi-Fi connection in public areas and throughout different times of the day, describing it as strong and stable at all times. Overall, the internet access generally worked well, allowing guests to stay connected. Despite its strengths, the Wi-Fi performance varied with some noting patchy connection speeds and occasional slowness. A few guests faced issues such as difficulty connecting in their rooms and incorrect passwords being provided. Nevertheless, the availability of free Wi-Fi and its overall functionality make it a practical choice for those needing internet access during their stay.
Parking
The parking situation at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 generally receives positive feedback for its convenience and ample space. Many visitors appreciated the ease of access and found the on-site parking arrangements straightforward and accommodating with plenty of spaces available. The availability of secure parking also adds to the peace of mind for travelers and the nearby POD parking is deemed particularly convenient for airport transfers.
However, the cost of parking is a point of contention. While some guests considered the parking rates to be reasonable and a good value, others found them to be somewhat high with fees typically around £15 per night. The complicated payment process and difficulties in booking parking online were also noted as areas needing improvement.
There were occasional complaints about the narrow car parking spaces, which could lead to door bumps and issues with parking spaces filling up quickly, especially during events. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment is that the parking facilities are reliable, easy to use and suitably located for those traveling via Heathrow Terminal 5.
Family
The 'Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5' caters quite well to families traveling with children, offering a range of family-friendly amenities and services. Families found the hotel to be a pleasant and comfortable spot and many kids enjoyed the excitement of seeing planes. Although some parents felt that the rooms, particularly the family rooms, were on the smaller side, the availability of adjoining twin rooms and family suites helped to address space needs.
The hotel's family-friendly environment and convenient location made it a popular choice among those traveling with kids. Parents appreciated the family-friendly dining options and that the hotel maintained a peaceful and safe atmosphere despite being near the airport. While some guests noted the absence of a lift as a challenge, the hotel's quiet surroundings and additional family rooms upon request were seen as positives.
Overall, the 'Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5' is recommended for families with children, providing a balance of comfort and convenience, although there is room for improvement in family accommodations and amenities.
3 Star
Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 presents a mixed experience for travelers, particularly those on short layovers or business trips. The hotel is notably old and tired with many reviewers pointing out its dated appearance and the need for renovations. Despite its aged condition, the hotel remains functional and adequately clean, aligning with the standards expected from a three-star Thistle Hotel.
While the facilities are basic and could use a refresh, they are considered appropriate for a brief stay. Guests appreciate the hotel's reasonable pricing, deeming it great value for money, especially given its prime location near the airport. The pods transport system adds further convenience, enhancing the overall value proposition.
It’s important to note that there are certain limitations, like the lack of lifts, which can be inconvenient for those with heavy luggage. Nevertheless, the hotel’s proximity to the airport makes it a practical and economical choice for travelers needing a straightforward place to rest before flights.
In essence, Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 is a no-frills option that covers the basic needs at an excellent price point. While it may not impress with modern design or luxurious amenities, it serves its purpose well for overnight stays and quick stopovers.
Business
Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 emerges as a practical choice for business travelers, particularly for those needing an overnight stay or convenient access to meetings near the airport. The hotel is well-equipped with functional business amenities, including stable Wi-Fi and numerous conference rooms, making it a suitable venue for hosting meetings and conferences. The business facilities are considered good and reliable for conducting professional activities.
While some facilities may appear dated, the hotel offers good value for money and provides the essential services required for a business trip. The staff is noted to be helpful and the rooms are clean, meeting the basic needs of travelers. The hotel’s location is especially advantageous, offering easy access to Terminal 5 via a pod system, which adds to its appeal for business travelers on tight schedules.
Dining options within the hotel may be limited, but an on-site restaurant is available and the standard of accommodation is generally satisfactory. Overall, Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 is viewed as a convenient, efficient and economical choice for business travelers needing a stopover or a place to conduct business near Heathrow Airport.
No, Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5.
No, Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5.
No, Thistle London Heathrow Terminal 5 doesn't have a gym.