London's Heathrow Airport is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the fourth busiest in the world. The airport has five terminals and handles direct flights to 180 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and the Americas. Heathrow is in the London borough of Hillingdon, which is 12 miles west of central London and the final stop on the Piccadilly underground line. If passengers prefer to stay close to the airport, there are several hotels to choose from.
The Renaissance London Heathrow is located on the edge of Terminals One and Three and accessible, for a small fee, by the Heathrow Hoppa bus service. The hotel's 649 guest rooms all feature classical decor in green and beige colors, brass fittings, inlaid wooden furniture and framed prints of historic London scenes. Facilities include a fitness center that offers a personal training service, a solarium and sauna. The 18-hole golf course at Stockley Park is just 2 miles from the hotel. The on-site DUO fine-dining restaurant serves international cuisine for breakfast and dinner, and the hotel also has an on-site bar and coffee shop.
The Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel is half a mile north of Terminals One, Two and Three and can be reached via the Heathrow Hoppa bus. With decor that features brass-railed staircases, Persian rugs and chandeliers, Frommer's describes this hotel as the "poshest digs" at Heathrow. The 459 guest rooms feature hand-painted hardwood furnishings, rich English fabrics and Sicilian marble bathrooms. The International Suite features a freestanding bath and fireplace. The on-site Pegasus Spa has an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, dance studio and fully-equipped gym. Guests have two dining venues to choose from: the formal Henley's Bar and Bistro, and the informal Brasserie.
The Hilton London Heathrow is the only hotel at Heathrow Terminal Four to offer direct access via covered walkway, and a direct connection to Terminal Five by a shuttle bus that runs every half hour. The hotel features a glass wall so that guests can watch planes as they take off and land. The Hilton's 395 guest rooms feature wooden furniture and soundproofed windows. Frommer's recommends requesting a room on the fifth floor as they offer better amenities, such as bathrobes. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center, steam room, sauna and indoor swimming pool. Guests can choose between three on-site restaurants.
The Sofitel London Heathrow offers direct access to Heathrow Terminal Five, which is used exclusively by British Airways, via a covered walkway. The hotel's 605 guest rooms all feature beds with Egyptian cotton linens, a pillow menu and iPod docking stations. Some rooms offer garden views and the Imperial Suite features a Swarovski Crystal bathroom. Facilities include a 24-hour fitness, sauna, hot tub and five treatment rooms. The Wentworth Club, six miles away, has three golf course and 13 tennis courts. Guests staying in suites or Superior Rooms receive a complimentary breakfast. Dining options include the French Brasserie Roux and live cookery restaurant, Vivre.
