Airport hotels in auckland and London

[Skyring]

My annual DONE4 is coming up in a few weeks. Sixteen flights in sixteen days.

I've got places to be and people to see, but there's a couple of times when I need to sleep. I'd appreciate any advice.

Saturday I arrive in Auckland on QF43 at 1743 and leave Sunday morning on CX118 at 0830. That's about twelve hours, probably losing an hour in immigration and another couple checking in the next morning. It's probably not worthwhile getting a bus or taxi into a hostel in town for a few hours sleep, so I'm wondering about nearby hotels. I'm looking at the budget end of the market - just a bed and a shower is all I need.

I'll be sleeping at the Singapore transit hotel the following night. I've staid there before and it's a class act, good location, good value, pay for the time you need, QP nearby, lots of shops to browse through, tons of airside facilities.

Next night is the problem. Arrive Heathrow on CX253 at 2105, which means about ten before I'm through immigration. If I'm lucky. Onward flight is BA8082 from Gatwick at 1035. Not only do I need a hotel, I need to make the transfer. Again, i'm not keen on going all the way into London to my usual hostel, just for a few hours sleep.

 

[tuapekastar]

I've stayed a couple of overnights at the Comfort Inn Silver Point. It's fairly basic (as are most AKL airport area hotels, I'm led to believe), but clean.

There is a courtesy phone at the airport from where you can call and order/check the location of a courtesy bus (they will also return you to the airport - booking when you arrive is ok). Last time there I missed the courtesy bus at the airport because it was 'branded' with the name of a partner hotel they share it with (had 'Oak' in the name I think).

About 10 - 15 mins walk (turning left) from the hotel is a small shopping centre with a couple of restaurants, one of them Indian - ate there a couple of times and it is ok.

My only beef with the hotel, and this is unlikely to be an issue for you, was lack of air-conditioning. I was there at Easter so it wasn't overly hot (around 20 degrees) but the day had been as humid as can be, and the room was like a sauna (after midnight even). I understand this (no AC) is fairly normal for Auckland, except in 5* accommodation, but I find it perplexing and frustrating. In OZ, even in the cooler areas the slummiest fleapit motel is likely to have AC.

There was another very recent thread, either here or on FT, specifically re AKL airport hotel - may assist.

This hotel is on wotif if that helps.

 

[straitman]

Skyring,

The Ventura Inn near Auckland Airport has been recommended here in the past though I'm not sure who by. http://www.venturainns.co.nz

We are staying there on the 22nd Sept so I'm happy to report back.

 

[QF WP]

Next night is the problem. Arrive Heathrow on CX253 at 2105, which means about ten before I'm through immigration. If I'm lucky. Onward flight is BA8082 from Gatwick at 1035. Not only do I need a hotel, I need to make the transfer. Again, i'm not keen on going all the way into London to my usual hostel, just for a few hours sleep.

Skyring, are you looking for a LHR- or LGW-based hotel/motel??

 

[Dave Noble]

For the flight ex-LGW I would suggest getting to Gatwick and staying at the Sofitel which is attached to the north terminal.

Dave

 

[drron]

Skyring,

The Ventura Inn near Auckland Airport has been recommended here in the past though I'm not sure who by. http://www.venturainns.co.nz

We are staying there on the 22nd Sept so I'm happy to report back.

We stayed here in August and were happy with it.Certainly doesnt cost an arm and a leg.The room was large and adequately appointed.I would stay again.

 

[Keith009]

Next night is the problem. Arrive Heathrow on CX253 at 2105, which means about ten before I'm through immigration. If I'm lucky. Onward flight is BA8082 from Gatwick at 1035. Not only do I need a hotel, I need to make the transfer. Again, i'm not keen on going all the way into London to my usual hostel, just for a few hours sleep.

I'd transfer to Gatwick on the same night, then spend the night at Yotel Gatwick which is pretty good value and something different. It is in the South Terminal but is only a short walk to North Terminal where your BA flight will depart. Have a decent sleep, and rock up to check in before check in closes (45 mins before departure).

My review of Yotel:
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...els-world-blast-past-11965-13.html#post160872

 

[munitalP]

Skyring,

The Ventura Inn near Auckland Airport has been recommended here in the past though I'm not sure who by. http://www.venturainns.co.nz

We are staying there on the 22nd Sept so I'm happy to report back.

Basic, dodgy lift but for the price, good value for money. Ask for a carpark facing room as the main airport drive can be quite busy at night. Mr & Mrs! have stayed there a couple of times now, usually checking in at 0145ish tho.

Good luck!

Mr!

 

[Skyring]

Thanks for the help. Best thing about this site is that wherever I go, an AFFer or two has been there first.

Ventura Inn at Auckland - good price, basic facilities.
Yotel at LGW - for interest's sake if nothing else. I might find it a tight squeeze with my luggage, but looks hard to beat for convenience.

I usually stay at hostels, but if I can get a cheap single room somewhere, that always beats a noisy bunkroom.

Long shot, but I'll be staying a night in Dublin, a couple of nights in Seattle, a night in New York, and if anyone knows accommodation in these places within a loud shout of a hundred dollars a night, I'd be grateful. Otherwise I'll book hostel bunks, my ever ready cheap and cheerful home from home.