Thistle London T5 - By POD for £5 PP
Sep 19, 2016, 2:23 pm
#46
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Berks
Programs: BA, A3, Hilton, IHG
Posts: 215
I did this when I missed the 423 bus from the thistle / premier inn and it was quicker to walk than to wait for the next bus (0430 one Saturday morning). I walked past a long line of taxis waiting with their drivers either asleep on the back seat or "using the facilities" up a small mound. Had to walk into the Terminal via the bus lanes where the pavement ran out but luckily the roads were quiet enough
Feb 1, 2017, 1:46 pm
#47
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: SPG-Plat, Hilton-Diamond, Club Carlson-Silver, Cathay-Diamond, Virgin-Gold
Posts: 2,183
If I am reading this correctly you don't get charged to get buzzed in as such just once you approach reception they charge. I am leaving bags then flying on a back to back then staying the night so in this instance I may just get charged the once when I actually check in by the sounds of it?
Feb 1, 2017, 1:49 pm
#48
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Location: Leeds, UK
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If I am reading this correctly you don't get charged to get buzzed in as such just once you approach reception they charge. I am leaving bags then flying on a back to back then staying the night so in this instance I may just get charged the once when I actually check in by the sounds of it?
If you are going to T5 you can avoid the issue by using the 423. It is only 2 stops on the bus, and it is free.
Feb 1, 2017, 3:29 pm
#49
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You get buzzed into the Thistle complex, and that gets billed to your account, but if you pay to return to T5, you get given a card with the gate code number on it - probably rather necessary if arranged the night before in terms of logistics and the frailty of human data retention. So if you check-in (via whatever route) and ask for a Pod back to T5 to be charged to your room, you should get a small card with the number on it. They do change the number quite a bit, but not daily. The gate number works on both sides.
Nov 10, 2019, 9:16 am
#51
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,439
Bumping this topic again, I'm planning on staying at Thistle after coming off a BA flight, and am intrigued by the idea of the pods. Is there a way to access the pod system for free without using the paid-gate, or is this not allowed (possibly by walking via the carpark as indicated above)? At 5 pounds per person each way (all up, equivalent of 40 AUD for 2 people return!) the novelty unfortunately does not outweigh the cost of using the free bus instead.
Nov 10, 2019, 9:23 am
#52
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Posts: 1,448
Nov 10, 2019, 9:54 am
#53
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Bumping this topic again, I'm planning on staying at Thistle after coming off a BA flight, and am intrigued by the idea of the pods. Is there a way to access the pod system for free without using the paid-gate, or is this not allowed (possibly by walking via the carpark as indicated above)? At 5 pounds per person each way (all up, equivalent of 40 AUD for 2 people return!) the novelty unfortunately does not outweigh the cost of using the free bus instead.
To my knowledge, there is no way of cheating though if one was not honest, they could presumably tail gate someone who did the right thing and paid for the code, but it would definitely be unfair on people who paid and I wouldn't ever consider it myself. The Thistle can be very cheap and personally, if I stay there, I simply consider the pod cost as part of the room rate.
Nov 10, 2019, 10:01 am
#54
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,439
Thanks for the reply. Of course I know that unscrupulous methods exist but I was more wondering if there were less convenient but still legitimate ways of accessing the pods if we do not use the paid Thistle gate (hence why I mentioned exiting via the main carpark exit and walking around, possibly). I ask as I understand the 5 pound fee is for the gate access and as far I believe the pod system itself is free. If not no problem, I will either pay the fee or take the free bus, depending on how knackered I feel.
Heard very mixed things on Thistle and if it wasn't for the convenience to T5, would have definitely picked the Moxy instead.
but I was more wondering if there were less convenient but still legitimate ways of accessing the pods if we do not use the paid Thistle gate (hence why I mentioned exiting via the main carpark exit and walking around, possibly). I ask as I understand the 5 pound fee is for the gate access and as far I believe the pod system itself is free. If not no problem, I will either pay the fee or take the free bus, depending on how knackered I feel. Heard very mixed things on Thistle and if it wasn't for the convenience to T5, would have definitely picked the Moxy instead.
Nov 10, 2019, 10:03 am
#55
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I'd fully agree with that - it is not a great hotel by any standard. The main point is really about it being the second most convenient to T5 after the (much better) Sofitel for a (much lower) price...
Nov 10, 2019, 10:15 am
#56
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
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I know both hotels, I did the review of the Moxy on the Marriott forum. The Moxy is modern but takes a certain strength of character to stay there. The Thistle is like a worn pair of slippers: unexciting but surprisingly comfortable and does the job. If they are the same price then the Thistle is better, if you are also using T5 in-and-out, it is a no-brainer, it saves about an hour all told. If you are using T5 then the free 423 bus only takes a few minutes, or you could walk the whole way, it's just over a mile.
Nov 10, 2019, 10:25 am
#57
Join Date: Dec 2012
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OT for this thread but I stayed at the Sofitel recently and was not impressed. At all. Even with an upgraded room. Other than the absolute ease of getting to T5, it is not worth the extra money IMO.
Nov 10, 2019, 10:33 am
#58
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle.
Posts: 1,448
Thanks for the reply. Of course I know that unscrupulous methods exist but I was more wondering if there were less convenient but still legitimate ways of accessing the pods if we do not use the paid Thistle gate (hence why I mentioned exiting via the main carpark exit and walking around, possibly). I ask as I understand the 5 pound fee is for the gate access and as far I believe the pod system itself is free. If not no problem, I will either pay the fee or take the free bus, depending on how knackered I feel.
Heard very mixed things on Thistle and if it wasn't for the convenience to T5, would have definitely picked the Moxy instead.
but I was more wondering if there were less convenient but still legitimate ways of accessing the pods if we do not use the paid Thistle gate (hence why I mentioned exiting via the main carpark exit and walking around, possibly). I ask as I understand the 5 pound fee is for the gate access and as far I believe the pod system itself is free. If not no problem, I will either pay the fee or take the free bus, depending on how knackered I feel.Heard very mixed things on Thistle and if it wasn't for the convenience to T5, would have definitely picked the Moxy instead.
Nov 10, 2019, 11:29 am
#59
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: The Garden of England
Programs: BA Silver AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 659
Bumping this topic again, I'm planning on staying at Thistle after coming off a BA flight, and am intrigued by the idea of the pods. Is there a way to access the pod system for free without using the paid-gate, or is this not allowed (possibly by walking via the carpark as indicated above)? At 5 pounds per person each way (all up, equivalent of 40 AUD for 2 people return!) the novelty unfortunately does not outweigh the cost of using the free bus instead.
Spike
Nov 10, 2019, 12:35 pm
#60
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,925
I stayed at the Thistle a few days ago and when I checked in they seemed more assertive than they had been on previous occasions that I buy both the out and return Pod code. Maybe they are tightening up on the process?
I like the Thistle as it is convenient and cheap. This time I used parking there too for seven days at a cheaper cost than POD parking. There is nothing wrong with the room other than a few years use and the food is fine. The terrace gives you a nice view of the end of the runway and you can while away a few hours using FR24 to track the comings and goings. If staying overnight is part of the holiday then the Sofitel is better and dinner at the Belle Epoch gets you off to a good start.
I like the Thistle as it is convenient and cheap. This time I used parking there too for seven days at a cheaper cost than POD parking. There is nothing wrong with the room other than a few years use and the food is fine. The terrace gives you a nice view of the end of the runway and you can while away a few hours using FR24 to track the comings and goings. If staying overnight is part of the holiday then the Sofitel is better and dinner at the Belle Epoch gets you off to a good start.