The Best Hotels at London Gatwick (LGW) Airport

December 15, 2025 • By Santorini Dave

See Also

• Where to Stay in London
• Heathrow Airport Hotels
• Best Family Hotels in London

1. Sofitel Gatwick • 2. Hampton by Hilton • 3. Bloc Hotel • 4. Hilton Gatwick Airport • 5. Courtyard by Marriott Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Hotels – My Advice

• North Terminal vs. South Terminal: Unlike Heathrow, Gatwick’s two terminals are connected by a free, 24-hour automated monorail shuttle. It takes just 2 minutes. Therefore, you can easily stay at a North Terminal hotel even if you fly out of South (and vice versa), though staying at your departure terminal is obviously slightly smoother.
• Hotels at North Terminal (Connected):
  • Hampton by Hilton: My personal favorite for value. It is directly connected to the terminal (no shuttle needed), modern, and includes a decent free breakfast.
  • Sofitel Gatwick: The only luxury option. It is connected via a covered walkway. Excellent soundproofing, good restaurants, and a proper “hotel” feel.

• Hotels at South Terminal (Connected):
  • Bloc Hotel : Located inside the terminal (right next to security). The rooms are tiny “pods” with wet rooms, but you cannot beat the location for an early flight.
  • Hilton Gatwick: A large, full-service hotel connected via a covered walkway (about a 5-minute walk). Good for families who need space.

• Train Strategy (Gatwick Express vs. Thameslink):
  • Gatwick Express: The premium option. Non-stop to Victoria Station (30 mins). The most expensive.
  • Southern Trains: Runs the same route to Victoria but makes a few stops. It takes about 35-40 mins but is significantly cheaper.
  • Thameslink: The best option if you are staying in The City, Shoreditch, or near Kings Cross/St Pancras. It connects Gatwick to London Bridge, Blackfriars, and St Pancras directly. It is cheaper than the Express and often faster for those specific destinations.
• Day Trip Tip: If you have a long layover, skip the local area and take the train south to Brighton. It takes just 30 minutes. You can walk along the famous pier, see the Royal Pavilion, and have fish and chips on the beach. It is much more interesting than Crawley.
• Best Hotel for Families: The Sofitel (North Terminal) has the most spacious rooms and interconnecting options. For a budget family option, the Premier Inn (North Terminal) offers family rooms where kids often stay/eat free.

The 5 Best Hotels near Gatwick Airport

1. Sofitel Gatwick – Luxury

• Grand hotel connected to the North Terminal (200m) via a skywalk; a free inter-terminal shuttle connects to the South Terminal and train station.
• Rooms are luxurious and soundproof and feature mod-cons and ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs; connecting rooms are available and Junior Suites can sleep 5.
• Luxury Rooms and Prestige Suites offer 24/7 Club Millesime access with complimentary breakfast in the morning and canapes and drinks in the evening.
• Dining options include 3 great restaurants (European, Asian, and casual bistro) + 2 bars.
• Fitness center, on-site parking, and business center with support staff.
• Front desk, concierge, and room service are available 24 hours.

2. Hampton by Hilton – Moderate

• Good option connected to the North Terminal (50m) via a skywalk; connected to the South Terminal and train station by a 24-hour free inter-terminal shuttle.
• Comfortable and soundproofed rooms feature tea/coffee facilities and modern bathrooms, and include free breakfast; rooms with sofa beds can sleep 3.
• 1 café and bar with a limited menu; early (cold) breakfast starts at 4am.
• Adequate fitness center, small business center, and 24-hour front desk.
• Several dining options in both the terminals, or take the train to the city center (30 minutes).
• Note to NBA fans: I watched game 7 of the 2016 NBA finals at the Hampton’s hotel bar.

3. Bloc Hotel – Moderate

• Great budget hotel in the South Terminal, just steps from the departure gates on the third floor.
• Sleek, compact rooms with king beds, smart lighting, complimentary bottled water, fast wi-fi, and powerful rain showers; Family Rooms available.
• Discounted Gatwick Airport Valet parking and 24-hour front desk.
• Hotel guests receive a special booklet with discount vouchers for several restaurants, cafes, and bars in the terminals.
• The city center is less than 30 minutes by train from the station within the terminal.

4. Hilton Gatwick – Moderate

• Modern, pet-friendly hotel connected to the South Terminal and train station by a skywalk (500m).
• The spacious rooms are soundproof and feature blackout curtains and tea/coffee facilities; Twin Rooms can be connected with King Rooms to form Family Rooms.
• Suites and Executive Room guests can access the Executive Lounge to enjoy complimentary breakfast, refreshments, and drinks.
• 2 restaurants (international a la carte), 2 bars (1 sports bar), and 1 Costa Coffee outlet; breakfast starts at 5.30am (kids under 10 eat free).
• Other amenities include a bright, well-equipped fitness center and a business center.
• Concierge, front desk, and room service are 24 hours.
• Several restaurants and bars in both the terminals, and the city center is less than 30 minutes by train.

5. Courtyard by Marriott Gatwick Airport – Moderate

• Spacious, soundproof rooms with blackout curtains, tea/coffee facilities, and comfortable beds; some rooms have bathtubs and some rates include breakfast.
• Family Rooms and Junior Suites sleep 4; cribs/play yards for babies (available on request).
• Dining options include a nice restaurant specializing in burgers, a barbecue and picnic area, a small convenience store, and room service.
• Amenities include paid parking, good breakfast choices (chargeable), business center, modern and well-equipped fitness center, and 24-hour front desk.
• Several dining options in both the terminals, otherwise, catch a train to the city center.