This is my 2nd stay at this property (first stay was about 2 years ago).  I was staying here for 1 night before going down to London. 

Location

The property is situated on the side of the South Terminal and it takes about 10-20 mins walk upon exiting the arrivals door.  However do becareful of the signage to the hotel, even I've been here before, I followed the path towards the North-South shuttle train and ended up going to the North terminal before returning to the South.  

At the junction to the train and further on, you have to walk slightly further and there is again a sign pointing towards the hotel.  Walking to the hotel basically passes through the car park.

I guess for guests wanting to save some money, might use this as their base hotel as there is the Gatwick express and other local trains that does run into central London (journey time is ~30-45 mins).  Parking is available but on the expensive side (as expected for an airport property)

Check In

I had done an online check-in, however since the hotel has no digital key facility, I still had to collect my keycard at the front desk.  Arriving night time, the front desk was actually very busy with lots of guests checking in.  I used the Elite line which was empty and staff seems well trained as I was actually called by the next available staff (sending back the other guests to wait - felt bad, but guess sometimes it's good to have staff recognize Elite benefits).

I was helped by a friendly and warm associate who noticed I checked-in online.  I was also asked if I wanted to keep the selected room online or an upgraded room (this is quite a frequent disadvantage of checking in via the app - even it promises to upgrade the room if available, it nearly never happens).  I was upgraded to a King room on the Executive Floor in the newer building.  I was given two glass bottles of water (was asked for my choice of sparkling or still) and information on breakfast and lounge.

All in all a very good check-in experience which made me feel welcome and appreciated.

Room

The room was in the newer wing (in reality this wing has been quite old too, but compared to the original building, it is newer).  My last stay was also in this wing. 

Room size was ok, sufficient for 2 and luggages without any issue.  From visual point of view, the furnishing was ok, did not look too outdated.  There was the usual tea/coffee making facilities, an emptied minibar (much appreciated) and a working desk.  There was also a chair and side table.  However all plugs were of UK type plugs with no international plugs available except for 1 outlet which was for US type plugs - however this did not seem to function.  

The TV was on the smaller side and of an older generation (still flat screen), as reaction was quite slow.  The usual selection of local and internation channels were available.  Internet speed in the room was good (was given a special login code - which I suspect is of premium speed for elite members?).

Bathroom size was ok with a walk in shower and a bathtub.  Water pressure and temperature was ok (though it did take slightly longer than usual for the water to warm up).  The toiletries provided was the usual Crabtree and Evelyn product.  

Temperature control in the room was ok, although the fan speed was on the higher side if you switched to the max - sounded like some industrial turbine, however when set to low speed, the temperature in the room was still as programmed.  The only small complain here would be the bed - it was very creaky - the mattrass itself seemed ok, however with every turn, the bed will creak (and I am not a heavy person).  

Noise isolation in the room was good - did not hear too much air traffic noise nor noise from the hallway.  However the view from the room was to another building, so not much of a view.

Dining

I had breakfast at the on-site restaurant which is one floor down from the front desk.  My last stay here I did not have the time for it, so it was my first time.  Was warmly greeted by the staff and brought to my table.  The place was busy, but I noticed that the staff were very efficient and good in clearing plates and tables.  

Spread was actually quite good, the usual mix of continental and English breakfast items.  The quality of the items was good.  

All in all, the breakfast experience was good.

Service

All in all, the interaction with the different associates from the different departments at the property was good - friendly and warm.  

Overall

In general, the stay was pleasant and worth the value - except for the issue of the creaking bed.  This time around I did not get a chance to visit the Executive Lounge (which I did the last round).  Had planned to arrive on time for the lounge but due to a flight delay with BA, did not make it on time before the evening canape session ended.  For those who have not stayed here before, they do have a fish tank before entering the lounge.

For me I would not mind returning to this property if the price is right.  

For those looking for a true newer property, than the Hampton Inn at the North terminal would be better, although it is not a full service hotel and prices can at times be more expensive.  For me, this property would be my first choice with the right price.