From the convenience of a hotel room to the flexibility and space of a serviced apartment, we?ve got the needs of your travelling executives covered, as Molly Dyson discovers
Hampton by Hilton Gatwick (pictured)
Hampton by Hilton is a relatively new brand in the UK, with 14 hotels across the country offering good quality, affordable accommodation. I have an early-morning flight, so I stay at the Gatwick location, which opened earlier this year. It?s ideally situated close to a shuttle that gets you between terminals in about five minutes, which means I don?t have to get up at the crack of dawn to rush to the check-in desk.
The property definitely feels new ? the brightly lit lobby practically glitters and the hardwood floors add a touch of elegance, making it stand out from the usual suspects when it comes to airport hotels. The receptionist makes friendly small talk while she checks us in and informs us we can grab some light bites at the lobby bar if we?re feeling peckish.
The hotel obviously has the safety and security of lone female travellers firmly in mind as we?re pleased to find the lifts can only be operated with a key. Upstairs, the chic d?cor continues, with stylish carpets all the way into our room. It?s quite large and features a comfy chair and a desk with handy outlets for laptops, as well as free wifi. The double bed is practically perfect and as we settle in to watch some TV, I can tell I won?t have any trouble sleeping. The bathroom is kitted out with a luxurious walk-in shower and the sink has plenty of room for my make-up. Hampton?s own Purity Basics brand of toiletries can be found in convenient wall dispensers. Female business travellers take note: I find the bath products nearly as good as the expensive ones I use at home.
In the morning we head downstairs for a complimentary buffet breakfast, which again sets the hotel apart from other budget names. Rather than the typical continental selection, we find the freshly made ingredients for a full English, and then some. For those who prefer a lighter meal, you can also opt for cereals, yogurts, pastries and cold meats.
As far as convenience is concerned, Hampton by Hilton Gatwick is ideal for overnight layovers, so you?re close to the airport for early-morning flights.
Hampton by Hilton Gatwick, Longbridge House, North Terminal, Gatwick RH6 0PJ; 01293 579999; hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/hampton-by-hilton-london-gatwick-airport-LONGNHX/index.html. Room rates start from ?75 a night
Supercity Aparthotels the Rosebery
Serviced apartments offer a viable alternative to hotels when you have people travelling from out of town for business meetings. Supercity?s selection of central London properties provides many of the comforts of home without breaking the company budget. The Rosebery comes with only one caveat: although it?s surrounded by several Underground stations, including Farringdon, Barbican, Chancery Lane and King?s Cross, it?s a bit of a trek from any of them if you have luggage, so expect to arrange for a taxi to complete your guests? journey. However, its location doesn?t detract from the appeal.
The secure reception features an entry-phone system and lifts that require a key card to be operated. Our lodging for the night is a premium one-bedroom apartment on the fifth floor. The heating and lighting is operated by a clever touch-screen control pad on the wall and it can even display instruction manuals for all the appliances.
My partner and I are stunned by the size of the open-plan kitchen and living room, which includes a combination oven/microwave, separate hob, dishwasher and refrigerator, as well as a dining table, sofa, coffee table and a desk under the wall-mounted television. The proportions continue into the large bathroom and spacious bedroom, where I feel a sense of envy regarding the massive built-in wardrobe.
As a base of operation, the Rosebery has everything you?d want: complimentary wifi, Sky TV, plenty of electricity outlets, an espresso machine and a kettle, as well as free tea, coffee, bottled water and milk. If you need to relax after a day of meetings, there?s a wine bar on the ground floor that serves light nibbles, along with a residents? gym. Plus, you can take advantage of loads of optional services such as a weekly maid service, dry cleaning, discounts at local restaurants and use of a Zipcar parked nearby.
With all this going for it, the Rosebery is the perfect place to make yourself at home while you?re in London on business.
Supercity Apartments, The Rosebery, 20 Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4SX; 020 7837 4400; supercityuk.com/the-rosebery.html. Room rates start from ?140 and corporate contracts are available, with the option of discounts for extended stays
