I stayed at the biggest Premier Inn in the UK – and was pleasantly surprised

AS a travel journalist, I’ve stayed in a number of fancy 5-star hotels, but one of my favourite hotel chains in the UK is Premier Inn, thanks to its simple but purse-friendly rooms.

So I headed to the largest in the UK – which is handily located just outside the North Terminal at Gatwick Airport, making it perfect for a late-night visit after a long flight.

7

7

7

7

The Premier Inn hotel is literal steps from the Gatwick shuttle – just take the lift down and cross the road and it is right in front of you.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, it’s currently undergoing some new room refurbishments.

The hotel is open 24/7, due to its nature as an airport hotel, but has more than 10 self-check-in booths for a speedy rush to your room, although the four very slow lifts leave something to be desired if you are in a rush.

With 701 bedrooms, I ended up in their brand new Premier Plus rooms, found on the ninth ‘quieter’ floor, which was very clean.

I had great views of the airport, as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and kettle with chocolates, a large shower with toiletries and towels and a mini-fridge with complimentary water.

Plus unlike many hotels, they’d placed a USB socket near the bed, so you don’t have to worry if you forget your plug.

The rooms weren’t perfect – the WiFi didn’t seem to stretch to the top of the hotel – but they are definitely worth the extra £10 for some added luxury.

The hotel is often full so I had to book dinner and breakfast in advance as it gets busy.

7

But it has a range of classic comfort food options, including burgers, pizza and curries.

I opted for a lasagne, followed by a brownie with a glass of wine. 

They didn’t have everything listed – they were bizarrely out of avocado, French dressing and naans, but there is more than enough to choose from even if your favourite isn’t there. 

The £26.49 deal is best advised if you need something to line your stomach as it gets you two courses at dinner along with a drink, as well a breakfast the next day, which is a buffet option with both hot and cold choices including a cooked breakfast and cereals.

Like all airport travellers, I was mainly there to get a decent night’s kip and with the black-out curtains and barely any noise seeping through the walls – it passed with flying colours.

With rooms starting from just £43 for the base rate, the location and the price can’t be beaten if you have super early or late Gatwick flights, and all you want is some simple food and a good night’s sleep.

What more can you want from an airport hotel?

7

7