Cruise Cycle

Review of Le Meridien, Gatwick Airport

I liked it.it. Can't beat the location whether you...

I liked it.it. Can't beat the location whether you are leaving on a trip or arriving. Super easy access to the North Terminal, but also direct access (including complimentary ba&age carts) to the monorail that runs to the South Terminal.

The hotels has the usual restaurants and bars that you would expect, but surprisingly they are super competitive with any.ofnthe restaurants and fast food places in the terminal.

The rooms are very spacious, the bathrooms large and well equipped, and we'll insulated to cut out outside sound and block out the sunlight so you can get a good sleep at any time of day or night. However, room sizes and bathroom sizes do vary depending on location in the building (outside or interior facing the atrium) .

It's part of the Accor chain of hotels, and benefits from the brands high standards, service, web presence and online services.

The only negative, which is quite surprising, is the lack of wall power outlets and USB charging ports in the rooms. For example, there was no receptacle or USB charging outlets between or anywhere near the beds. In fact, there were only 2 power receptacles in the entire suite available for customer use. When we asked the front desk about it they said it was the biggest, most consistent complaint they hear. Just for some contrast, we stayed at a YHA a few days ago and there were receptacles which also had USB ports built in at each bed and the room desk. Why Sofitel/Accor doesn't get this I have no idea but it's definitely behind the times.

On the other hand they offer very fast, free WiFi which is so easy to connect to and use. Definitely on 5he leading edge on this which makes it a real head-scratcher about the power receptacles and USB chargers.

All in all though it's five stars. Highly Recommended.