HI LHR Ariel Master Thread [merged] - now a Best Western
Jun 20, 2010, 2:03 am
#31
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Jun 20, 2010, 6:15 am
#32
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I've stayed there twice (got outer rooms). It was fine for one night...very inexpensive and convenient, and I would stay there again when traveling solo. I never encountered a queue at check in. You just walk across the street and there's a bus stop a short distance away (in the free transit zone, as mentioned).
Jun 20, 2010, 11:56 am
#33
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I just spent one night at the HI Heathrow Ariel as had an early flight and needed the PC points. Got a cheap rate so was about half the price of the HI Heathrow. Easy access from the terminals, took the public bus rather than Hotel Hoppa.
Check-in was fast and the front desk staff were friendly. I booked a single so was expecting a small room so that didn't bother me. Room was clean and bed comfortable enough.
The TV was old and poor signal on all channels. My room key stopped working twice (had kept it away from phone and wallet).
There was little noise from outside, but I could hear the TVs and every bathroom noise from the neighbouring rooms so only got a few hours sleep
The fire alarm went off and had to go outside. It was handled fairly well by the hotel staff who handed out foil blankets to those who were cold.
Overall, I wouldn't go back even if it was much cheaper than the HI Heathrow.
Check-in was fast and the front desk staff were friendly. I booked a single so was expecting a small room so that didn't bother me. Room was clean and bed comfortable enough.
The TV was old and poor signal on all channels. My room key stopped working twice (had kept it away from phone and wallet).
There was little noise from outside, but I could hear the TVs and every bathroom noise from the neighbouring rooms so only got a few hours sleep
The fire alarm went off and had to go outside. It was handled fairly well by the hotel staff who handed out foil blankets to those who were cold.
Overall, I wouldn't go back even if it was much cheaper than the HI Heathrow.
I was there last night too. Booked a single room, was more than happy with it. It is better than some of the hotels that we get put in when we are away on night stops. Comfortable bed, shower with decent water pressure and effective air conditioning.
As said, the fire alarm went off and the fire service attended.
When I checked in, I waited about 2 minutes whilst the two staff dealt with other guests. On check out, I had no wait at all, but this was at 05:40 in the morning, so that did not surprise me.
I would certainly stay again on the cheap single room rate, I was very happy with it.
Jun 20, 2010, 12:43 pm
#34
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Hmm... I am starting to think you are stalking me...
I was there last night too. Booked a single room, was more than happy with it. It is better than some of the hotels that we get put in when we are away on night stops. Comfortable bed, shower with decent water pressure and effective air conditioning.
As said, the fire alarm went off and the fire service attended.
When I checked in, I waited about 2 minutes whilst the two staff dealt with other guests. On check out, I had no wait at all, but this was at 05:40 in the morning, so that did not surprise me.
I would certainly stay again on the cheap single room rate, I was very happy with it.
I was there last night too. Booked a single room, was more than happy with it. It is better than some of the hotels that we get put in when we are away on night stops. Comfortable bed, shower with decent water pressure and effective air conditioning.
As said, the fire alarm went off and the fire service attended.
When I checked in, I waited about 2 minutes whilst the two staff dealt with other guests. On check out, I had no wait at all, but this was at 05:40 in the morning, so that did not surprise me.
I would certainly stay again on the cheap single room rate, I was very happy with it.
I thought the room itself was fine - clean, comfortable bed, bathroom fine. Perhaps I was unlucky with my room location, just couldn't believe the amount of noise coming from the neighbouring bathrooms. I'll try earplugs if there is a next time.
Useful being within the Heathrow free transport area, saves on the Hotel Hoppa.
Jun 20, 2010, 12:49 pm
#35
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Probably because I think you were standing next to me at the wall at the edge of the car park when we had to stand outside. Dark blue sweatshirt or knitted top? Dark blue jeans? Had to come back to reception as your key card was not working after the fire alarm? That you? 
Jun 20, 2010, 1:01 pm
#36
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Every time I stay at the Ariel they mess up on the points postings - watch this, almost every stay over the last 5 years (2 plus stays a year) they take the room rate before VAT and then subtract VAT from this amount even though it is on top of the room rate. Then they often add extra charges for phone calls that I do not make, or minibar charges for free platinum items in the exec rooms.
The Ariel used to give free parking and a welcome drink to Plat's but this stopped last year, and no points for the daily parking either. And they explain this "enhancement" as keeping in line with the competition around Heathrow.
I only continue to stay here because of the low rates and also ease of getting to/from the airport on the free bus transportation to the airport.
The Ariel used to give free parking and a welcome drink to Plat's but this stopped last year, and no points for the daily parking either. And they explain this "enhancement" as keeping in line with the competition around Heathrow.
I only continue to stay here because of the low rates and also ease of getting to/from the airport on the free bus transportation to the airport.
Jun 20, 2010, 1:15 pm
#37
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Probably because I think you were standing next to me at the wall at the edge of the car park when we had to stand outside. Dark blue sweatshirt or knitted top? Dark blue jeans? Had to come back to reception as your key card was not working after the fire alarm? That you?
I was wearing a black top and dark blue jeans and yes I had to walk back down to reception. You wearing a grey t-shirt and jeans, turned round to watch the planes landing?
Similar photo:
http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/z...85/HIAriel.jpg
Jun 20, 2010, 1:32 pm
#38
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Are you stalking me
I was wearing a black top and dark blue jeans and yes I had to walk back down to reception. You wearing a grey t-shirt and jeans, turned round to watch the planes landing?
Similar photo:
http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/z...85/HIAriel.jpg
I was wearing a black top and dark blue jeans and yes I had to walk back down to reception. You wearing a grey t-shirt and jeans, turned round to watch the planes landing?
Similar photo:
http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/z...85/HIAriel.jpg
And of course, I am a plane spotter, so I was watching the planes... Did you note, 2 x BA 757 one after the other...? A rare sight these days!
Jun 20, 2010, 1:47 pm
#39
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Yes, you did look a bit cold! I did notice the 757s although had just taken out my contact lenses so all a bit blury.. I am a plane spotter as well
Last edited by speedbird85; Jun 20, 2010 at 1:49 pm Reason: typ
Jun 20, 2010, 2:01 pm
#40
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Anyways, back to the Hotel... I was pretty happy with it, so will stay again if I have to. Public bus straight to T5 from the other side of Harlington Corner junction, within the free zone, all good...
Jun 20, 2010, 3:56 pm
#41
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Yes.
It is called the "Heathrow free-flow fare-free zone". Try saying that after a couple of pints
I have found the HI Ariel survivable if not particularly enjoyable. But then again I have never had the attraction of having the local firemen turn up...
It is called the "Heathrow free-flow fare-free zone". Try saying that after a couple of pints
I have found the HI Ariel survivable if not particularly enjoyable. But then again I have never had the attraction of having the local firemen turn up...
Jun 20, 2010, 4:23 pm
#42
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Jun 21, 2010, 12:01 am
#43
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The bus from diagonally across the junction takes you straight to T5, took about 15 minutes and runs roughly every 15 minutes, fantastic. Was very pleased.
Jun 24, 2010, 6:00 am
#44
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A quick update...
The points (including various promo codes) posted today (checked out Sunday). I also had a very satisfactory response to some comments I put to the hotel regarding my stay. I am inclined to think that the noise problems were with my particular room so I would be happy to give the hotel another go, especially for the low rate I paid.
The points (including various promo codes) posted today (checked out Sunday). I also had a very satisfactory response to some comments I put to the hotel regarding my stay. I am inclined to think that the noise problems were with my particular room so I would be happy to give the hotel another go, especially for the low rate I paid.
Jun 25, 2010, 11:09 am
#45
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including vat and breakfast. Can anybody confrim that this rate get points? (I have made a mistake once with IKEX3 and do not want to repeat it again)