airport hotels in the uk - flights of fancy for england, scotland, wales and ireland

Of course, with no visible signs of Heathrow losing its status as the world's busiest international airport it's perfectly natural for our overseas visitors to see it as the only entry-point to the UK but if you are planning a holiday or business in the Lake District or the Cotswolds it makes sense to shop around as UK airports like Manchester and Birmingham are more transatlantic than you think. These airports are also significantly closer to your holiday destinations than their famous Southern counterparts. At least ten airports across in the British Isles are now dealing with regular scheduled flights to and from North American destinations and by looking for flights to our lesser-known airports, you might even pick up a bargain.

If this is your first trip to the British Isles or likewise your first trip out of it, then Room4U has prepared a handy checklist of what's on offer at airport hotels in and around the UK, what facilities and services might be considered and what mishaps and disappointments can be avoided.

Which airport should I use?

Whilst certain decisions might be out of your hands as a result of your current location here's your priorities at a glance:

• Competitive rates - Price and availability should be top of your list. It pays to shop around. Get on the phone or visit the airport and flight provider websites. Late deals often offer the biggest discounts and can sometimes be grabbed weeks in advance.
• Distance from home - It can often be cheaper catching a train or bus ride to an airport out of town than to fly from your nearest airport.
• Costs of parking - Park and Fly packages are becoming increasingly popular. Look out for room rates inclusive of long and short stay parking options for your car or motorbike. Failing this, keep your eye on what hotels and airports may charge for secure parking. Getting parking covered early gives you peace of mind and makes for a more relaxed start to your trip. Packages often range from 4 day, 8 day and 15 day parking. Even low-cost, budget brands like Premier Inn provide this service, not just the all-singing, all-dancing luxury chains.
• Early departures/late arrivals - if you arriving at the airport some 12-15 hours ahead of your flight but don't plan on sleeping it may be a smart move to consider 'day use' hotel packages. You get all the perks the hotel has to offer without needing a room or a bed.
• Car Hire - sounds obvious, right, but some airports offer fairly limited car-hire services, so think this through before booking. Also, if you arriving late at night or early in the morning you are likely to need a car hire provider that offers 24 hour desk, or you could be hanging around till morning or paying extra for out of hours key collection.
• Rail, bus and taxi links - make a point to compare the costs and availability of each. Some airports have extensive rail links, others don't, so bear this in mind.

What kind of hotels should I be booking for the airport?

Whilst smaller guesthouse and bed and breakfast lodgings may be cheap, they are seldom the most convenient when it comes to hotels in or near airports. The larger chains, whilst more impersonal often have most things covered. Here's just some of the flight and travel perks on offer:

• Day use rooms and lounges - in those instances where you don't need an overnight stay.
• 24-hour reception - If you are arriving at two in the morning you don't want to have a problem checking in. Many of the bigger hotels in the United Kingdom offer 24-hour check-in and check out. Some also offer 24-hour gyms and spas and 24-hour dining options. You may not have snacked on the plane and may be hungry on your arrival. The average guesthouse isn't likely to offer much in the way of replenishment at three in the morning.
• Soundproofed windows and blackout blinds & curtains - sometimes the success of your entire holiday or business trip can rest on a good night's sleep. If you have trouble sleeping make your room has adequate soundproofing.
• Shuttle buses - you'll need these for getting to and from the airport when you fly from several of the major UK airports. Some offer complimentary shuttle-bus rides whilst for others a nominal charge may apply.
• On-site arrivals and departure boards and screens - some of the bigger International hotels in the United Kingdom display all the relevant flight-information on screens in the lounge.
• Wi-Fi internet connectivity - a must for business use. Keep in regular contact with business colleagues and clients, informing them of any delay at the airport or just keeping them of to date with commercial developments. You may also want to use the hotel's Internet to check-in online for flights - a hassle-free alternative to queuing.
• Executive lounges - don't fancy sitting with the plebs in the bar then some guests might enjoy the option of executive lounges to ease those pre-flight nerves or prepare that important business presentation.
• Limousine services - some hotels like Hilton can offer limousine hire complete with multilingual chauffeur guides and special airport transfer rates.

UK Holiday Ideas © 2011 Room4U