Holiday Inn London Gatwick - Worth An Ihg Hotel

So, picture this: you’ve got an early flight out of Gatwick. Or maybe you’re arriving late, totally wrecked, and just want to collapse somewhere close. That’s where the Holiday Inn London Gatwick comes in.

And yes, it’s an IHG hotel. So you know the drill—points, perks, and that familiar feeling of “OK, I’ve seen this exact carpet somewhere before.” But here’s the thing: is it actually worth it?

Let’s chat like we’re at a coffee shop, not a travel brochure. Grab your imaginary latte.

Location, Location, And… A Shuttle?

First up: getting there. You don’t need a map or a PhD in navigation. The hotel runs a free 24-hour shuttle from the North Terminal. Easy peasy.

But here’s the kicker: the shuttle says “every 20 minutes,” but my watch says “maybe, if the driver’s feeling generous.” Pack some patience. Or just bring snacks. You’ll live.

Once you’re on it, it’s a five-minute ride to a big, beige building that screams “business trip.” But honestly? That’s kind of the charm. It’s not trying to be a boutique hotel with a rooftop yoga session.

The Room: Familiar, But Comfy

Walk into your room, and you’ll think, “Yep, that’s a Holiday Inn.” The decor is aggressively neutral. Beige walls, a bed with a million pillows, and a TV that’s too small for the room.

But let’s be real: who cares? You’re here to sleep, not to host a fashion show. The bed is actually surprisingly comfortable. Like, “I might order room service just to stay horizontal” comfortable.

And the air conditioning? It works. That’s a win in my book because nothing ruins a pre-flight nap like sweating through your sheets. (Been there. Hate that.)

A Quick Bathroom Check

The bathroom is clean. Clean, not “spa-like.” You get a shower that’s either scalding or arctic—no middle ground. It’s like playing a game of “Hot Taps or Frostbite.”

But the water pressure is decent. You’ll rinse off that airport grime just fine. And the towels are big enough to wrap around your whole head, which is oddly satisfying.

Dining: When You’re Too Tired to Go Out

Let’s talk food, because airport hotels can be a gamble. The on-site restaurant, Junction, is… fine. It’s like the hotel itself: reliable, but not Michelin-star material.

I ordered a burger. It was a good burger. Not a “call your mom about it” burger. But the fries were hot and salty, and the beer was cold. That’s a three-point landing in my book.

Breakfast, though? Do not skip it. The full English buffet is legit. Sausages, bacon, eggs, beans—the works. Plus, they have a pancake machine. Yes, a machine that spits out perfect little pancakes like some kind of breakfast wizard.

The Vibe: Business Traveler’s Paradise

This hotel is packed with folks in suits carrying briefcases. You’ll see people frantically typing on laptops in the lobby at 6 a.m. It’s a vibe, but not a cozy one.

There’s a bar, though. A quiet bar with leather chairs where you can sip a glass of wine and pretend you’re a sophisticated traveler, not a person who just ate a burger in their pajamas.

Pro tip: grab a seat by the window. You can watch the planes taxi. It’s oddly hypnotic.

Is It Worth an IHG Stay?

Here’s the big question: should you use your IHG points here? Yes, absolutely. This hotel is a steal for points, especially if you’re on a budget or just need a pit stop.

But if you’re paying cash? It’s not cheap. You can find cheaper hotels nearby. The trade-off is convenience. You’re paying for that shuttle, the 24-hour front desk, and the guarantee that you won’t get lost trying to find your room after a 10-hour flight.

The Little Things That Matter

Free Wi-Fi? Yes, but it’s basic. Want to stream Netflix? You’ll need to pay for the premium version. That’s a tiny annoyance I’ll forgive because, again, I’m just here to sleep.

Soundproofing is decent. You’ll hear the faint hum of planes, but not the party next door. Unless someone is having a very loud argument about their lost luggage.

And the staff? Pleasant. They’re not overly friendly, but they’ll get you a taxi or an extra pillow without making you feel like a burden. That’s a win.

The Final Verdict

Would I stay here again? For sure. But only if I’m catching an early flight. It’s not a vacation destination. It’s a strategic stay—a place to crash, recharge, and roll out.

Think of it like a good pair of sweatpants. Not flashy. Not Instagram-worthy. But darn it, they get the job done. The Holiday Inn London Gatwick is exactly that: worth it, if you know what you’re signing up for.

Now go book that room—and maybe grab a pancake from the machine for me. Safe travels, friend.