To allow for some paint work to be done at Casa Canista, I decided to try the Sheraton Skyline, which had been described as one of the best airport hotels ever experienced by several fellow FTers.

Whilst this seemed like a bit of an over-statement, I can agree that this is a pretty good property, soon to be even better.

Setting aside location (ideal, very quick to get to from the M4 and minutes from all terminals), and noise cancellation (very good, apart when Concorde flew by with main doors open ), which are IMO the key features of a decent airport hotel, all the others key features of a great hotel are there (bar one or two, read on).

Check-in was excellent – room (booked as Exec room £106/n.) had been already upgraded to the Edinburgh suite (rooms 3012 and 3014). Suite is very nice, huge lounge area (which also contains a folding queen bed, ideal for kids), a small kitchen, two baths, and nice views on the inner courtyard (and the pool). Oddly (oddity #1), the suite is right next to the ice machine, which indeed shares a door with the kitchen (locked, obviously). This is truly weird, in terms of privacy and access... but actually isn’t really noisy at all. Maybe if I had been given a key I could have picked up some ice commando style (the thrill!).

The staff is really great – from check-in to the porter and bar crew, all were helpful and friendly.

Second rather odd thing is the organisation of the bar (oddity #2). Now whilst temperance is a virtue, a good margarita is a must have, yet impossible there... The initial cocktail bar, located next to the pool was closed by the previous manager. This was replaced by a cocktail list in the American sports bar (quite nice in itself). The new GM, has decided to try to re-open the cocktail bar... but in the meantime has taken away the cocktail list from the bar (!). So that’s pretty strange.

The staff was actually very talkative and several mentioned that the management changes had affected the service – IMO this is temporary and a potentially great property when all changes are implemented.

The first floor is the refurbished Executive floor, with all rooms re-styled. Saw one and they’re pretty large (huge bed), with High Speed internet (that the suite didn’t have, as it’s located on the third and last floor) and good amenities.

Speaking of which, Plat. amenities were waiting in the room - small but perfectly formed chocolate box and half bottle of wine.

For the plane spotters (not me, sorry) there is a huge (in terms of stock carried) shop in the lobby, Collectors Aircraft Models (apparently the World’s No. 1 supplier of Aviation models).

Overall, this is a pretty good hotel – it’s actually better than most airport hotels I’ve stayed at. It is nonetheless pretty quirky, which IMO stems from the recent changes in management. When the new GM is fully settled and implementing his projects, this should make for an excellent place to stay at LHR, far out-performing others (considering the sultry service at the Hilton in T4).

Hope this helps.


Canista