Bloc Hotel Gatwick: the South Terminal’s Slickest Hotel?

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With runway views, ambient lighting and touchscreen controls, Bloc Hotel Gatwick just might be the coolest hotel in the airport’s South Terminal.

If you’ve ever flown from London Gatwick airport before, you’ll know it’s not necessarily the nicest way to start your holiday. It usually takes longer to get to than Heathrow Airport, you can expect to queue at check-in and security and there’s usually a fair walk to your gate from the terminal. It’s hardly an ideal scenario, especially if you’re about to board a long-haul flight.

Luckily, you can get a good night’s sleep beforehand and avoid getting stuck in traffic en route to the airport by staying in Bloc Hotel Gatwick, conveniently located on the third floor of the South Terminal, right next to security.

Sleeping on the runway at Bloc Hotel Gatwick

Inspired by classic Japanese capsule hotels and equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities, Bloc Hotel Gatwick offers a luxury stay in unique, minimal surroundings.

From ‘Sleep’- a window-less compact cabin measuring just 9.5 sq. metres – to the swanky Runway Suite – a first-class, 32 sq. metre penthouse on the eighth floor with its own lounge and kitchenette – Bloc Hotel Gatwick has nine different room types to suit various group sizes and budgets.

All rooms are styled upon an ultra-modern, sleek design featuring ambient mood lighting, climate control technology, sound proofing, tablet room control, HD LED TV (with the exception of the Twin Rooms), monsoon/drench shower, hairdryer and high-speed WiFi. Meanwhile, some rooms also include complimentary tea and coffee, there are ironing facilities on each floor and the Runway Suite has a free minibar.

Does Bloc Hotel Gatwick have a restaurant?

While Bloc Hotel Gatwick doesn’t have its own restaurant or offer room service, you’ll find 17 different restaurants, cafes and bars located in Gatwick South Terminal. When you stay at Bloc Hotel Gatwick, you’ll be able to access exclusive offers at some of these establishments.

If you’ll be staying for more than one night, you may want to check out the Around Airports website to find businesses around airports in the UK, the US and beyond.

[socialpug_tweet tweet="Ambient mood lighting, Armani Roca designer bathrooms & awe-inspiring runway views: here's why you need to stay at @BlocHotelLGW next time you fly from @Gatwick_Airport! via @therarewelshbit"]

I’ve stayed at Bloc Hotel Gatwick on two occasions, once in a Vista Double Room and once in an Aspire room.

Vista Double Room at Bloc Hotel Gatwick

My Vista Double Room made me feel like I’d been transported through time into the future, with its compact capsule design (from 9.5 sq. metres) and vibrant purple mood lighting.

The window straddling the wall above my bed looked out right onto the runway; it was a shame I didn’t get to see it during the daylight hours. The curtains took the form of electric blinds. I couldn’t work out how to open and close them at first, but then I noticed the tablet sitting next to the bed.

Not only does this nifty little tablet allow you to control the blinds, it also enables you to switch all the lights on and off, adjust the temperature and check-out of your room – all without having to leave the comfort of your soft, pocket sprung king bed (well, until it’s time to check-out and go and catch your flight, at least!)

The bathroom was equally impressive and after seeing the monsoon shower, I knew I’d have no issue getting out of bed in the morning. It was actually styled as an Italian wet room as opposed to a traditional bathroom; the shower drenched the entire room when it was in use, so all surfaces were waterproof and the door was watertight.

Vista Double Rooms at Bloc Hotel Gatwick are currently priced from £87 per night on Booking.com.

Aspire room

Stepping into my Aspire room, I’m taken aback by the panoramic runway views peeking through the enormous windows.

After brewing a fresh coffee using the fancy Dualit coffee machine, I stand and watch in fascination as plane after plane takes off and lands on the runway.

The Armani Roca designer bathroom is just as elaborate, kitted out with an monsoon shower and luxurious Zenology toiletries.

As evening beckons, sunset sends glorious golden rays shooting across the runway, contrasting beautifully with the purple hues lighting up the window frame and the headboard of the bed.

It currently costs from £105 per night to book an Aspire room at Bloc Hotel Gatwick via Booking.com.

If you’re flying from Gatwick Airport’s South terminal sometime soon, I highly recommend staying at Bloc Hotel Gatwick. Based on the two times I’ve stayed here, I can’t imagine staying anywhere else when I fly from Gatwick’s South Terminal. It’s literally right next to the Departures Lounge, it’s often the most affordable option and, in my opinion, it’s far sleeker than the other hotels in the South Terminal. If you’ll be staying for more than one night, you may want to check out the

Flying from Gatwick Airport: handy FAQ guide

Does Gatwick Airport have other hotels?

Yes. In the South Terminal, you’ll find BLOC Hotel Gatwick, Hilton London Gatwick and YOTELAIR, with Courtyard by Marriott within walking distance. Meanwhile, from the North Terminal, you can access Premier Inn, Sofitel London Gatwick and Hampton by Hilton. 

Take a look at this handy map to find other hotels located near to Gatwick Airport – simply click on the price tag to view the corresponding hotel.

Is Gatwick North or South London?

Based in Crawley, West Sussex, Gatwick lies around 29.5 miles south of Central London, in south east England.  

Which terminal at Gatwick Airport does my chosen airline fly from?

Plan your journey in advance and check which terminal your flight will be leaving from – you don’t want any last-minute surprises when you arrive at the airport! The Gatwick Airport website contains a useful guide to which airlines depart from the North and South Terminals.

How early do I need to be at Gatwick Airport?

If you’ll be flying long-haul or within Europe, it’s recommended that you arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to your scheduled flight departure time. However, if you’re flying within the UK or Ireland, this is reduced to two hours. 

Where does the Gatwick Express arrive?

The Gatwick Express train departs from London Victoria and arrives in the heart of Gatwick Airport’s South terminal. If you need to travel to or from the North terminal, simple make the two-minute journey on the 24-hour inter-terminal transit shuttle. 

How many planes take off from Gatwick a day?

With over 46 million passengers using Gatwick Airport every year, it’s estimated that around 55 planes take off from the 3,316-metre long runway every hour – that’s over 1,300 flights per day!

Is Heathrow or Gatwick closer to central London?

The closest airport to central London is Heathrow Airport, which is around 15.6 miles or a 50-minute drive away. Gatwick Airport is around 38.5 miles away – that’s more than double the travel time at around one hour and a half!

[socialpug_tweet tweet="Could @BlocHotelLGW be @Gatwick_Airport's coolest hotel? @TheRareWelshBit thinks so!"]

Have you ever stayed at Gatwick Airport? Which hotel did you stay at and how did you rate your stay? Share your thoughts below.

Make sure you pin this post so you can find it again when you’re next due to fly from Gatwick Airport!

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