AM6449

I had 2 stays at the LHR Renaissance recently and both times were fine. The hotel is a bit dated and not as nice as a lot of the other Rensaissances these days, but the front desk staff was decent and the lounge had a good selection last time as well. I'd check your luggage to your final destination and not worry about dragging bags back and forth.

SkiAdcock

Either the Ren or the Marriott is fine. I have a personal pref for the Ren, having stayed there many times.

You have 2 options into London - either take the Picadilly Line into the city or take the Heathrow Express/Heathrow Connect to Paddington & then tube or cab to wherever you're going for dinner.

Cheers.

sammyindc

Is it correct that neither the Ren or Marriott have a shuttle to and from the airport? I've never stayed at either property usually stay in the city but I have an upcoming trip which will require a 1 night stay close to the airport and was wondering what type of transportation is available to and from Heathrow.

SkiAdcock

There is the paid Hoppa, but I'd hit you with an expired RCC drink chit if you took it.

Take the free bus that runs along Bath Road from LHR. I think Ren is the 2nd or 3rd stop & Marriott is the 3rd or 4th. Go the central bus station at LHR, I think stands 19-21 & look for bus # 105, 140, 185 (those 3 come to mind). You'll be to hotel in 5 minutes.

Cheers.

Boraxo

Sharon, we have an extended overnight connection at LHR, arriving at 6:30pm and departing the next day at 12. Would you head into town on the HEX to stay at GH or GS, or simply relax at the Airport Ren?

Not sure if it is really worth the effort as we will have morning access to the T-5 BA lounges, but it would be nice to get a decent dinner. How is the food at the Ren?

AirMileMillionaire

I stayed at the Ren Heathrow early last spring. It was still quite cold out. The hotel DID NOT have the heat on for the guest rooms. We were forced to call the front desk and complain, in which case they sent a PLUG IN SPACE HEATER to our room. In the morning, we saw many of these space heaters in the hallway.

This at a Ren. Don't think I'll go back to this one.

AATrout

I've done that a few times with no problem with your time wiindow, and a stay at the GH is certainly a nice option. I have also done a variation: check in at the Ren or Marriott, clean up and change clothes, catch the bus, then head downtown for 3-4 hrs then grab another HEX back in time to get the bus home. They run all night so even if you get the last run on the HEX you'll be able to get home.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaro...901&r=105&t=tt

You have 4 bus runs compared to 2 cabs to/from the GH, but if it's a factor -you save a ton on the room and can splurge a bit more for dinner or shopping with the difference.

SkiAdcock

My first inclination would be to head into the city & stay at GH because you could have a nice room, good meal, and nice place for drink, plus time for brekkie before heading out to LHR the next morning. Having said that, GH/HEX is more pricey than Ren, so part of it is dependent upon your budget.

I know AATrout suggested checking into Ren & then heading into the city for dinner & back out that night, but given you don't arrive until 6:30pm, clear immigration, then get over to the Ren, then into the city & back out the same night, that's a bit of a pain/lot of travel in one night. I would either head into the city or stay at Ren, but not mix up both given your arrival time.

Re: Ren. I've not actually eaten dinner in the restaurant, so can't address that. I'm assuming it's ok. Last time I was at the Ren they had some robust offerings in the exec lounge & I think it went a bit late for food, so you might be able to grab a bite to eat in the exec lounge (or go to the restaurant). I think the wine/beer goes until about 10pm, and it is nice to have a glass of wine & watch the runway/planes taking off & landing in the lounge. There's also a pub about a 10minute walk from the Ren that FTers have visited.

Cheers.

thegoderic

At the end of the day, the Ren is a very basic airport hotel with nothing special to recommend it apart from a great view of the runway.

If you have the time and money headi into London. Enjoy either the steakhouse at GH or Maze / Maze Grill at GS. Infinitely better than the import Ren.

Boraxo

Yes my first inclination was to head into London for a nice meal, but not sure if it will be worth the effort by the time we get done with immigration, etc. Maybe better just to relax near the airport and visit the pub. That being said, HEX plus taxi is maybe 1/2 hour v. how long to get from LHR to the Ren?

I like the Maze too. Just not sure I want to schlep all the way into town when we have to head back @ 9am. Maybe I will try to get an earlier flight connection into LHR so as to have more time in the city. I do visit London on business occasionally so no big deal to miss a night in the city.

kar120c

5 minute bus ride, so depends on how often the buses are running at the time you get there. Also, the bus is free versus the HEX (20 pounds was it?) plus cab.

AATrout

The cool thing about either the LHR Ren or Marriott is that there are very few major international airports with an array of local dining (pubs) a few minutes walk from either hotel, which itself is like a 5 min bus ride. A few blocks W of the Ren is the 3 Magpies, an excellent pub, but turn right (N) a few blocks to King William IV a truly eclectic local pub with friendly locals and excellent bar fare. Really hard to find places like these that you can walk to from major airport hotels anywhere.

SkiAdcock

Here's an older thread re: pubs & restaurants that are near the Ren & the Marriott.

Pubs & Restaurants around LHR Marriott & REN

Cheers.

randidliyo

Has anyone posted the REN at Heathrow Airport? This propert is in dire need of an upgrade......a real flashback when you stay here.

BKKLEE

yes, over 20+ reviews............
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...w-airport.html