7 hour LHR T5 Layover: Concorde Room or Sofitel?
Jun 28, 2018, 5:23 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
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7 hour LHR T5 Layover: Concorde Room or Sofitel?
Flying JFK-LHR-DEL in F with a 7+ hour layover at LHR from 11 AM to 7:30 PM. Does it make sense to go to a hotel, or can I kill the time in the Concorde Room? Hotel expense not an issue since I would be reimbursed on my expense report.
(I realize 11 AM to 7:30 PM is 8.5 hours, but with security, trains and walking, I could easily waste an hour+ with these formalities)
(I realize 11 AM to 7:30 PM is 8.5 hours, but with security, trains and walking, I could easily waste an hour+ with these formalities)
Jun 28, 2018, 5:24 am
#2
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
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Hotel if you want a rest, for sure.
Reasons?
- You are subject to various noises (mostly fellow passengers) in the lounge which may stop you from relaxing
- You can't book the Cabana for that long, and there is no proper bed there
- Shower facilities are better at Sofitel
What I'd do would be to relax at Sofitel, catch some sleep, have a shower, and then get to the CCR well-rested.
Reasons?
- You are subject to various noises (mostly fellow passengers) in the lounge which may stop you from relaxing
- You can't book the Cabana for that long, and there is no proper bed there
- Shower facilities are better at Sofitel
What I'd do would be to relax at Sofitel, catch some sleep, have a shower, and then get to the CCR well-rested.
Last edited by LTN Phobia; Jun 28, 2018 at 6:12 am
Jun 28, 2018, 5:27 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Personally, I could not stay in a lounge for 7 hours - it would drive me demented. More than an hour and I am bored.
I would definitely use the hotel option - go for a sleep, go to the gym, decent shower etc. Much more appealing than an airport lounge (however it good it may or not be).
I would definitely use the hotel option - go for a sleep, go to the gym, decent shower etc. Much more appealing than an airport lounge (however it good it may or not be).
Jun 28, 2018, 6:14 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2010
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Probably hotel for a rest. If you are a spotter type there are other airport perimeter hotels with good runway views (clearly time is on your side).
I am assuming you are ruling out heading into London. Heathrow Express can have you at Paddington in 15 mins so if you wanted to book into the T5 hotel (ie so handier for the trains than the aforementioned perimeter hotels) you'd still have ample time to go and stretch your legs in town if you wished.
I am assuming you are ruling out heading into London. Heathrow Express can have you at Paddington in 15 mins so if you wanted to book into the T5 hotel (ie so handier for the trains than the aforementioned perimeter hotels) you'd still have ample time to go and stretch your legs in town if you wished.
Jun 28, 2018, 6:18 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2013
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The fact that you would actually have the cost re-imbursed makes this a no-brainer : Hotel, no question.
More than around two (three max) hours in a lounge - any lounge - and I’ve really had enough.
More than around two (three max) hours in a lounge - any lounge - and I’ve really had enough.
Jun 28, 2018, 6:19 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2015
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Sofitel if your main objective is to rest and cost isn’t an issue here - security as a first class passenger at T5 will take you no time at all and you’ll find it much easier to sleep there. Cabanas in the CCR are a second option as pointed out above but with a 4 hour max usage rule and are nowhere near as comfortable as a good hotel room. If you just want to work and stay awake then the CCR is by no means a bad place to do it.
Jun 28, 2018, 6:23 am
#13
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Sofitel, if it's your thing there's also a gym and you can book massages and things too - and you will get them unlike the BA ones. You also get to go outside for a while too. Inside for all that time would drive me crazy.
Jun 28, 2018, 6:48 am
#14
Join Date: May 2011
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I have spent 6 hours in Galleries Club South before. It can be done! Trick is to keep yourself busy.
Go for a shower, Drink lots of water and don't go overboard on the alcohol if you can help it.
CCR has great reading materials and the table service is good. You will be able to fully relax there too. The terrace I find has the comfiest seating arrangements however also has the terminal noise which some would find bothersome.
Still I would choose CCR! Or Go Lounge Hopping around T5!
Go for a shower, Drink lots of water and don't go overboard on the alcohol if you can help it.
CCR has great reading materials and the table service is good. You will be able to fully relax there too. The terrace I find has the comfiest seating arrangements however also has the terminal noise which some would find bothersome.
Still I would choose CCR! Or Go Lounge Hopping around T5!