1. As to our European friends complaining how hard to be globalist with a US dominant brand like Hyatt, all I can say is "That is a struggle you chose".
2. I was always under the impression that the HP's have no breakfast in Europe thing had to do with letting HP properties off the hook to providing any sort of breakfast at all. I was assuming that properties that made a breakfast, would have still included it to keep with the brand standard that applies to 95% of the footprint. But, admittedly, I don't have much experience on the continent with this brand, maybe there are lots of HP locations that offer a breakfast but chooses that it doesn't include it for globalists or other guests. Whatever, it's what it is, and some of us (me included) won't change our views on whether its a lame cheap cop-out or whether this is 'perfectly good, it's in the T and Cs'.
3. And, I am one that really DOES care about a 5th floor room over a 3rd floor room when it offers a better view of the the runways and less of a view of a logistics building and parking lot. I don't think I am in the minority opinion on this either -- lots of the flying public would care and appreciate it.
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Originally Posted by
beachfan
Parsing the above, it seems like the recommended choices are
Hyatt Place
Courtyard
Sofitel
HEX if you can get an award
I will be arriving T3 at 9am and departing flight the next day T5 at 5pm. I will do a combination of recovering from jet lag (crappy arrival time from the LA, won't be getting much sleep on the plan) and a little sightseeing - might have time for Windsor Castle or Kew Gardens.
The major advantage of the Hyatt Place to me is early check-in (plus stay credit).
It seems like the convenience of the Sofitel plus nicer rooms might be worth maybe $80 extra (to me) - one less segment to deal with after returning from kew..
Courtyard seems to be in the middle in terms of hard product.
How much is cab/uber to Hyatt Place? I am unfamiliar with Bolt. (We don't have mobility issues but will have two large and two carryon bags to deal with (for the two of us). If it saves 15 minutes and lugging luggage, might be worth it.),
An uber can be anywhere from $15 - $35 (US) depending on time of day/demand. A taxi would be around $15-$20.
I recommend just using a taxi from the terminal to the hotel. There is an easy to use taxi line right out the exit with taxis waiting for you.
From the hotel to the terminal, I'd use an uber if its in the cheaper range.