I wasn’t joking I was pleasantly surprised by the Travelodge as I’d go for a Premier Inn as First Choice.

Ive stayed at the Sofitel twice. The first time I took afternoon tea. There was no menu presented, no run down of teas, I was frogmarched/ walked to a glass chiller cabinet to choose my patisseries, I would have had some champagne if they hadn’t ignored me whilst they brownnosed a larger group, they had my name spelt wrongly so couldn’t find my reservation despite me presenting my BA Holidays prepaid voucher. I asked at the bar what gins they had and some bottles on a shelf pointed out to me, not the best when you are short sighted and when ordering food, when I did manage to find someone to take my order it like every other dish that was brought out was presented to every person in the bar/lounge area by a different person until it’s claimed by the rightful owner. Even Morrison’s can deliver a breakfast to me by giving me a number I place in a teapot on the table.

My second time time I was given an upgrade to club room as a service recovery gesture, welcomed back, had afternoon tea and drinks in the lounge, ordered bar food (their baked Camembert was amazing) again paraded around all the diners, was actually presented with a drinks menu so thought I’d sample some gins but 30 seconds after my Camembert and wine arrived so did the bill, tab closed so took a stroll to M&S in arrivals and grabbed a couple of cans of pre mixed gin and some nuts and watched tv in my room. Asked for breakfast in the lounge 10 mins before end of service got a bigger role of the eyes than you could role die in Vegas with a huf as if the lounge host would have to make it and pay for it himself. Each stay cost £134 excluding the extras. Asked for Guest services manager on check out of the second stay and asked if my expectations were too high and why the farcical way food was delivered suggested they have an offsite breakfast at their local Morrison’s,

Plus Room at the Travelodge, welcomed, keys given, room preference checked if I still wanted it. Asked what time I would be leaving and told of the hopper times and the TFL bus outside every 10 mins and the times of those as well. Nespresso coffee machine in rooms along with chocolate, bottles of water, premium tea bags, larger desk area, fan, ironing board and iron, usb charges and plugs next to bed with shelves next to charging points for devices, Food a bit ropey but had eaten during the day and bar service attentive from enthusiastic staff. Cost £25 including a £5 premium for the Plus room. Monitoring real time progress of bus, Left hotel about 4 mins before bus arrived walked 75m across car park to bus one third full, a couple of stops to the central bus station and a short walk to First check in at T3. No wait at security and in CX F literally 20 mins after walking out of hotel door.

Cant seem to find it but there’s a very useful thread including a list of CWS choices if I recall for Heathrow hotels.
If using the tube to transfer from T5 to T3 it’s free but you need an OYSTERCARD with credit or a contactless Card. HEX now give you a free interterminal ticket but if you e misjudged the train and have to wait 15 mins can easily be 20-25 mins from Sofitel reception to T3 check in.

This was the Travelodge Heathrow Central. Premier Inn is normally my choice for the breakfast and dinner (meal deal options) but I had a Travelodge credit voucher from a service issue. And had breakfast in the lounge. This was an advanced rate booked in November for March. Travelodge are clearly targeting the corporate account demographic with these new plus rooms which sell for £5-£10 more. It’s just outside the Heathrow free travel zone but was perfect for a night before the Gibraltar do.