We have all been in that situation where we’re stuck sleeping on an airport floor or questioning why they have to put armrests on the chairs in the waiting areas as we try and find a comfortable position to get some shuteye in an airport. It sucks and with the long layovers, delays and waiting that comes with airports it can really take a toll on us and our bodies. That’s why when I had an over ten hour layover in London, England on my way to Sri Lanka recently, I really wanted to take this opportunity to rest since I knew I wasn’t going to get that opportunity on either flights (can anyone really fall asleep on planes?).
After doing some research I came across YOTELAIR, a simple hotel located in terminal four of Heathrow Airport. YOTELAIR offers small cabins for travellers in one of the world’s busiest airports. The cabins have your essential amenities you need from a hotel to have a comfortable and good sleep before your flight but in a compact space. Each cabin has a bed (single, double and triple rooms available), a television, a fold-out workstation and a bathroom with a monsoon shower (the best feeling after a long flight).
The overall ambience of the hotel and rooms reminds me of a spaceship. The purple mood lighting and futuristic design really makes it a unique experience, plus you can’t beat being able to walk out of your hotel and not having to commute to get to your terminal/flight. The pricing is based off how many hours you need a room for which makes it perfect for when your layovers are at odd times or if you just need a place for a couple of hours in between flights. You choose your check-in and check-out times, however there is a four hour minimum and prices start at £37.50 ($48 USD).
Free coffee and tea is available at anytime to your room or at the reception and food can be ordered 24 hours from their snack bar. The menu is small and basic but given you’re in an airport, you also have the options of the other food places in terminal four or beyond. There is a coffee shop on the lower level, convenience store and a restaurant with a bigger menu next door.
The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. They printed out directions on how we could get to our departing terminal in the morning, offered to give us a wake up call and were able to help us out with anything we needed during our stay. YOTEL has hotels in several airports around the world including Amsterdam Schiphol, London Gatwick, Paris CD and London Heathrow. They also have hotels in Boston and Singapore.
Overall my stay at YOTEL was super comfortable and was exactly what I needed before I got on another eight hour flight. I would highly recommend booking YOTELAIR if you find yourself on a layover in Heathrow or in any of the other airports they’re in. Having the ability to go to a room instead of sleeping on an airport floor really made all the difference in my long-haul travel.
Other England content to read:
- 24 Hours in London, England
- 2 Days in Bristol, England
- 1 Day in Bath, England
- Highlights from England & Wales
Disclaimer: YOTELAIR offered me a complimentary stay in order to write about my experience. I only recommend things that I enjoyed, and think other travellers would also enjoy. All opinions in this piece are my own and 110% honest.
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