The best hotels near Gatwick Airport

We're firm believers that holidays begin at home. Why subject yourself to hair-frazzling hours of gridlock before you've even arrived at the airport?

These hotels combine efficiency, comfort, and stratospheric levels of service to keep you feeling pampered – whatever time you need to catch your plane.

If it's the full 24 ours before you fly, or just somewhere to lie down during a layover, we've got you covered. Have a nice flight! 

Gatwick Airport Hotels 

Yotel

Which ever way you turn when you get on the plane, at Yotel you can book a cabin designed by the team behind British Airways’ First Class, all in a capsule hotel owned by the team behind … YoSushi. Hey, whatever works. The futuristic rooms are tiny, yes, but they’re eminently affordable and each of them comes with a SmartBed. These cozy cabins can be booked for as little as four hours (a steal at £32), so it’s perfect for any awkwardly timed layovers. Located inside the South Terminal, and only 15 minutes from the North Terminal, you can sleep, shower, grab something off the 24-hour menu, then be on your way in no time. If you’ve got a lot of luggage, consider booking a premium room to avoid a serious case of overcrowding. Ask at the front desk for a Lumie, lights that help you sleep by mimicking natural sunrise and sunset – your Circadian rhythms will thank you.

South Terminal, Gatwick RH6 0NP; Yotel

Bloc

Windows? Where you’re going, you won’t need windows. Sure, Bloc’s standard rooms don’t have much (read: any) views, but they’re cost-effective, comfy, and literally inside the South Terminal. Allegedly, it’s the closest hotel to an airport security gate. With ambient lighting, any tech amenities you might need, and monsoon showers from £116 per night, there’s a reason Bloc is a favourite among cabin crew. Early fliers can make use of an in-room check out. And if you happen to want a room with a view, their Runway Suite offers the best look you’ll get at a plane this side of the troposphere. You’re basically on the tarmac.

South Terminal, Gatwick, RH6 0NN; Bloc

Hilton London Gatwick

The first traditional hotel on our list is Gatwick’s largest, with over 800 rooms available to the intrepid traveller. Conveniently, there’s a covered walkway to South Terminal, which is pretty classy if you think about it. No fear with regard to tucking in before taking off: Amy’s Bar offers drinks and tapas, Charlie Fry’s Sports Bar lets you catch up on any games you missed while mid-air, and the Garden Restaurant – with its focus on health food – will help replenish the vitamins drained by international travel. There’s even a steakhouse. No wonder the Telegraph compared the Hilton’s aesthetics to the more comfortable of HMR prisons – at £105 for a room in high season, it’s a steal!

South Terminal, Eastway, Gatwick RH6 0LL; Hilton London

Hampton by Hilton

Another Hilton, another covered walkway to your terminal. This is about as close as you can get to the North Terminal, and has all the trustworthy convenience of its Southern cousin. Continental breakfast is served from 4am and you can grab a free hot breakfast from 6am. There’s a fitness centre open 24 hours, if you’re the kind of person who finds that a few kms on a spin bike, you know, prepares you for a red-eye flight. If you prefer to unwind before you take off, upgrading to a Queen Room entitles you to oodles more space, and even a bathtub. Otherwise, you should be able to get a room for £135.

Longbridge House, North Terminal, Gatwick RH6 0PJ; Hampton by Hilton

Softiel

A touch of Parisian class in the North Terminal of (occasionally) gloomy Gatwick. There’s a fountain, so you know it’s fancy. Smiley staff and state-of-the-art gyms make for a pre-flight stay that’s suitably efficient and even a little bit luxurious. Check out any reviews of Sofitel Gatwick and you’ll be met with overwhelming praise for the service and the kindness of the staff. Take your pick of pan-Asian food at their Vanda restaurant, or ‘modern British’ fare at Le Petit Reveur. Rooms start at £143 per night, but Sofitel also offers a ‘romantic getaway’ package, which includes champagne delivered to your suit – perfect if airports happen to va va your voom.

North Terminal, Gatwick, RH6 0PH; Sofitel

Langshott Manor

Granted, most airport hotels are pretty utilitarian. Not Langshott Manor. “More a private house than a hotel,” this 16th century manor offers guests “Tudor-with-a-twist” luxury from Alexander Hotels. It’s proper country retreat, and only an eight minute drive from Gatwick. Expect open fires, roll-top baths, and four poster beds. The Mulberry restaurant, awarded 3-AA rosettes, serves up local seasonal produce, and the St Peter’s bar does a mean Brandy Alexander. Rooms start at £159 per night, and some of those even come with a terraced garden. Careful, you might find yourself crossing your fingers for a cancelled flight.

Ladbroke Road, Horley, Surrey, RH6 9LN; Langshott Manor