I stay either at the Sofitel or the Thistle, they are two ends of the scale when it comes to price, however each has their good points. The PODS are easy and the bar at the Thistle has a great outdoor patio to view the airport and aircraft. If I need to work before a flight, go into London, or I am with the missus, I prefer the Sofitel.
I shall be at the Thistle before a 06:45 flight in early September after flying up with BA from NQY, but upon my return will be at the Sofitel so that I can easily get a bus to LGW on the Sunday morning to get my flight to NQY with Eastern.