My quest for cheap travel is often at odds with my North London address. I don't live anywhere near an airport and a bargain flight normally means a pre-9am departure and/or a post-10pm return, often resulting in me being utterly shattered on any city break I go on. For my recent 6am flight to Sofia, this horror was averted by a stay the night before at Yotel, Gatwick*.
Built within the airport's South Terminal, Yotel exists with short stays in mind - for those like me who don't want to leave their house at 2am for an early flight, or those arriving late who don't want to pay an extortionate cab fare to get into the city. The emphasis is on compartmentalised comfort, based on the popular 'capsule' concept in Japan.
The rooms essentially fit you and your bags; there's no need to unpack when you'll only be there for one night! I stayed in a premium room which came with a double bed that majestically folded out in full at the press of a button. There are plenty of little cubby holes to tuck things away, plus hanging space for my coat. My bathroom was a very decent size - in fact, I've seen London flats with smaller ones! Air con and lights could be controlled at the flick of a switch, and bottled water, tea and coffee were free and unlimited.
Charley stayed in a standard single room which was adorable. It was extremely small, but again it had all necessary amenities, and really all you need at that point s a bed and a toilet! If you are a severe claustrophobic, it may not be for you as the windows in the doors only look out to an internal hallway, but I found it cosy, rather than confined.
The only downside is that obviously being in an airport, the hotel's people traffic is pretty much 24/7 so at times, for this very light sleeper, it was a little noisy, but even then that was a very minor fault. It was so good to roll out of bed at 4am and only have to stumble a short distance to the departure gates, instead of schelpping all the way from home. I was obviously still knackered, but staying at Yotel made the whole early-morning charade 100x more bearable.
Prices at Yotel start from £37 and there's a minimum 4hr stay requirement.
Some photos courtesy of my Sofia travel buddy, Captain Charley
My stay at Yotel Gatwick was complimentary but all opinions are my own.
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This is really cute!!
ReplyDeleteThis is super cute I usually stay in Bloc but totally trying here next time
ReplyDeleteThe rooms like what I imagine space ships might be like if we start doing commercial travel. Which is a good thing, ideal for a sleep before a flight and pretending you're a space adventurer.
ReplyDeleteOh, I've got an early morning flight from Gatwick in a few months so this could be handy...
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This looks great! I've stayed in something similar in Singapore but will definitely consider this next time we have an early flight from Gatwick. Our flight home from Melbourne is at 5AM (I know *cries*) and right now I'm really wishing they had one of these too...
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good idea! Especially if you do have a pretty horrendous flight time. did you go through security before you checked in or did you still have to do that once you'd woken up? alice xxx
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Wow this sounds amazing, definitely an experience to try! I'm so glad they have come to the UK (but still longing to go to Japan haha!), adore your blog! :D xx
ReplyDeleteelizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara
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I'm actually going to Japan in September so I'm hoping I'll get to try one there too!
ReplyDeleteCx
Security was afterwards but we literally rolled right into it from the hotel and as we were hand luggage only it took zero time!
ReplyDeleteCx
Eeeek, that's a horrible flight time! But at least you'll be sleepy for some of it!
ReplyDeleteCx
Absolutely!
ReplyDeleteCx
OK, I thought this was fun to begin with but pretending I'm a space adventurer would've been so much cooler. Next time!
ReplyDeleteCx
Beds that fold out at the press of a button sold it for me!
ReplyDeleteCx
SO cute. And super practical!
ReplyDeleteCx
These are really cute - and anything that means a bit of extra time in bed before flying gets two thumbs up from me!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Those 6am flights are a blessing and a curse!
ReplyDeleteCx
Just stumbled upon this, and I'll keep it in mind. Unfortunatly, for the two early flights I have planned, the cab ride with my local tax turns out a lot cheaper than the price for the room. Is it worth for that 1 extra hour of sleep? Meh
ReplyDeleteThat's a fair point if the taxi is cheaper, I'd always prefer to stay in my own home. But a taxi from where I live to Gatwick is more expensive than a room at Yotel, so for me it's ideal!
ReplyDeleteI'd really be interested in visiting - I used to live in Japan (I see you're going in October). If you're going to Osaka there's a capsule hotel that's very foreigner friendly in a district called "America-mura". I've stayed there about 5 times now, I still say it's the best night sleep I ever have.
ReplyDeleteI am going to Osaka, thanks so much for the recommendation! If you have any other suggestions of what to do when there, please let me know!
ReplyDeleteCx