Hilton London Gatwick, United Kingdom

When we bought our flight to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, we wanted to make our journey as smooth and convenient as possible.

Since we had to buy separate tickets (We had to find our way from Dublin to London Gatwick.) we also didn't want to run the risk of missing a connection, so we booked the Hilton London Gatwick on the night before and after our flight to Bangkok.

Please see also the flight review.

We had still points left from the Hilton Honors rewards program and used them for both nights.

Arriving with Aer Lingus at London Gatwick's South Terminal we followed the signs to the hotel. It meant going to the parking garage and taking a lift.

It wasn't our first stay. When we were last there we were impressed by the friendliness of the staff and our treatment as entrance Hilton Honors Blue members. We received an upgrade to a newly renovated room at the time. Only parts of the lobby had been accessible then due to building work. Now the hotel is completely renovated.

As soon as we entered the hotel we encountered a nice atrium with Amy's Restaurant and Bar as center piece.

There was also a Costa Coffee and Journey's Friend gift shop.

At check in a few people were queuing in front of us, but it didn't take too long. We were welcomed as return guests (on both occasions) - even though it had been a few years back - and as Hilton Honors Gold members upgraded to an Executive Room with Executive Lounge access. We were pleased with this.

The hotel is large with over 900 rooms, so to locate the room can be an issue (which lift to take) and the walk could be long.

Besides Amy's there is also the Garden Restaurant and Charlie Fly's Sport's Bar. In room dining is 24 hours available. Starters begin at 7.50 GBP (ca. 9.45 Euro / 12.85 USD), pasta and pizza from 13 GBP (16.35 Euro / 22.25 USD), mains from 16.50 GBP (ca. 20.70 Euro/ 28.20 USD) and desserts from 8 GBP (ca. 10.05 Euro / 13.70 USD).

Our first room was located on the 2nd floor of the new wing with views over the garden and another wing of the hotel, while the second room was on the fourth floor in the same wing. The layout was slightly different, but the color scheme in different shades of brown and furniture was the same.

We had a queen-size bed, a chair with ottoman, coffee table, writing desk, credenza, large flat screen TV (with all important channels) and a wardrobe.

The artwork was photographs depicting nature, like leaves.

The tea/coffee making facilities were by Twinning’s Tea (Every day and peppermint) and Douwe Egberts Coffee, brown and white sugar and sweetener. The cups were by Villeroy and Boch.

The mini bar contained Pago juices from Austria, which we liked and took all two of them, one was 2.95 GBP (ca. 3.70 Euro / 5.05 USD).

The rest was more typical beverages like Coca Cola.

There was a short hallway with a wooden floor, leading off to the bath room. The bed room was carpeted.

The bath room was medium sized and tiled in different colors (green and white) and sizes. The bath tub and shower were separate and there was a sink and toilet. The first bath room was stocked with shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, while the other had also body lotion.

Both rooms were good, but I thought the layout of the first room was slightly more comfortable and the shower a bit bigger.

While my better half could sleep without any issues, I had problems. The pillows were too soft for me and didn't offer enough support.

Otherwise the bed was comfortable.

As Hilton Honors Gold Members we also received free internet access. It was spotty.

During our second stay the hotel had issues with their computer system, so no swipe of the credit card could be taken and we didn't have access to the minibar and the internet log in didn't function at all.

We were glad we had stopped at the Marks & Spencer's at the South Terminal to buy our dinner and a few beverages. We were too tired to bother going to the restaurant or order room service after our long flight from Bangkok, so the internet access wasn't that important and the drinks had been thank goodness already sorted.

I also received an apology at check out when I mentioned the mini bar had been locked.

The Executive Club Lounge is located on the 4th floor and easily to identify by the aquarium.

The lounge is L-shaped and longer than wide. There is a reception area, stocked with newspapers and check in/check out facilities.

The seating is restaurant style.

The buffet during Happy Hour was small, but sufficient to make dinner out of it. There were cold cuts, vegetables, cheese, crackers, stuffed peppadew, rolls, bread stuffed with grilled vegetables, chicken wings and more.

There was a small selection of non-alcoholic drinks including Strathmore still or sparkling water, Squash and other soft drinks and a small selection of liqueurs, wines and beers.

The quality was good, so we were happy. During our second stay we missed the Happy Hour due to our late arrival.

We went on both occasions to the breakfast and enjoyed especially the fresh strawberries. There were coffee, tea, two juices, cold cuts, smoked salmon, fruit salad, cheese, scrambled eggs, cereals and much more. The items were regularly replenished, even shortly before the breakfast service finished.

Before our flight to Bangkok we arrived early; on our way back to Dublin we were there shortly before the breakfast service closed. We had already chosen our breakfast, when punctual at 10.30 hours the staff began carrying away the food without informing the guests. It would be nice if one of the hosts could go from table to table - maybe five minutes before - and advise they are clearing the buffet.

Breakfast was quieter during our weekday stay. On the Sunday nearly all tables were taken.

Wake up calls were delivered on time, so thumbs up for this.

Check out was pleasant and without any issues.

All staff encountered were very friendly and efficient.

We like the location, comfort of the rooms, quality of food and the staff.

The Hilton London Gatwick allowed us to travel without stress and arrive relaxed at our destination.

Should we need in the future again a night or two at Gatwick we would love to stay here again.

©2014

Flight Aer Lingus Dublin - London Gatwick / Emirates London Gatwick via Dubai International - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi

My better half found a good deal on Emirates' website from London Gatwick (LGW) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK). We hadn't been there for five years and wanted to return. We were at first a bit concerned about the coup and unrest in Thailand, but it seemed peaceful enough, so we decided to book the flight. To get to London Gatwick we bought a separate flight with Aer Lingus from Dublin.

The flight from Dublin to LGW South Terminal was full. Previous experience had shown that a pre-booked seat wasn't necessary. On this flight we were unlucky and weren't able to sit together. We chose then two middle row seats behind each other. Thank goodness a lady was so nice to change seats with us when she realized we belonged together.

Next time we consider the payable option of choosing our seats when booking the flight.

We had pre-ordered a meal, because our flight left in the afternoon, and we thought we would be peckish. Since a few months in-flight catering is provided by Clodagh McKenna, an Irish chef and TV personality. We chose the quinoa chicken salad with multi seed crackers, gluten free chocolate cake, fruit salad and coffee. For those, who don't like coffee, there's also tea available. Overall we were happy with the meal. It was refreshing, healthy and tasty. We would appreciate, though, if the description of the ingredients would be slightly more detailed. The salad contains raisins. One of us is allergic to them, so he had to pick them out.

More choice in regards to the beverage selection would be also great, i.e. also juice or water.

We find it also a bit sad that the beef salad is no longer available.

This particular Airbus A319 was a former Iberian plane. When Aer Lingus bought it they didn't change the interior, so the first generation Recaro seats are a bit uncomfortable (too few leg room) and don't have a net at the seat in front to store items.

Otherwise the flight was event less.

Before our next legs to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Bangkok we spent a night at the Hilton London Gatwick.  The review for this will follow.

The next morning we made our way to LGW North Terminal, where Emirates is based. The check in went flaw less and very few people were queuing.

Having heard only good things about Emirates we were looking forward to our first flight with them and we weren't disappointed.

The plane type was a Boeing 777-300ER. The seats were comfortable and there was ample leg room.

ICE, the entertainment system, offered a wide choice of movies, series, documentaries, games and music.

We were served lunch (prawn salad, chicken curry, chocolate dessert) and afternoon tea. Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine and liqueurs were also available.

I watched a documentary about Lance Armstrong and a few World Cinema Movies.

Connecting in Dubai was easy. To our surprise we were handed new boarding passes at the gate and advised our seat had changed. I thought I didn't read right. It stated we had been upgraded to business class - a first for us.

The plane type used was an Airbus A380. The Business Class configuration was 1-2-1. I had an aisle seat; he had the window seat. Our hostess introduced herself as Suzie and explained she and her colleague Fatima would take care of us during the flight. We were offered a welcome drink and had a glass of Champagne (Moet & Chandon NV Brut Imperial).

We were handed the wine list, which included two white (De Bortoli Estate Grown Chardonnay 2012 Yarra Valley and Voyager Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2012 Margaret River) and red wines (Les Fiefs de Lagrange 2005 and Te Muna Road Pinot Noir, Craggy Range 2011 Martinborough) as well as Quinta do Portal Colheita Port 2000 Douro.

There was also a large selection of spirits, beers, cocktails and liqueurs available. We tried the Patron XO Cafe. The coffee liqueur was excellent.

Our order from the light bite menu was taken. There were sandwiches, vegetable pie, Asian-style chicken fried rice, fried udon noodles, coconut tart, and instant cup noodles. We chose the Asian-style chicken fried rice. It was very tasty.

We were also asked if we wanted to be woken for breakfast and invited to join the bar at the back any time.

The amenity bag containing Bulgari toiletries was handed out and we were also offered to have our bed made.

The seat itself was very comfortable and at the press of a button turned into a lie flat bed. I thought it was romantic when looking up and the ceiling twinkled with star lights. There was enough room to either sleep fully stretched out or on the side.

There was also a minibar stocked with a Sunrasia juice, Voss water and other beverages.

ICE could be accessed via the IPad at the seat or via the large flat screen TV. Storage space was either overhead, in front of the seat or at the side.

The window blinds could be opened and closed fully automatic.

The seats were angled in a way that guaranteed privacy and nobody would disturb the neighbour, if they had to get up for some reason.

It was an overnight flight and if we hadn't taken care, we could have been easily overwhelmed with all the services provided and not slept at all. Lying flat definitely helps arriving more rested at the destination.

Continental breakfast consisted of fresh fruits, yogurt, croissants, pastries and bread, butter and preserves. He had as hot item the scrambled eggs with mixed peppers and I had the courgette and cheese omelette. There was coffee/tea, Champagne, orange or apple juice to choose from.

We were also given priority lane access at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Immigration was a breeze and the wait for our luggage wasn't too long.

After ten days in Bangkok it was time to return to Dublin.

Checking in at BKK was hassle free again and waiting time very short.

Our planes was on the legs between Bangkok/Dubai and LGW the Queen of the Skies.

It seems we had a slightly older Airbus A380 between BKK-DXB, because the seats were slightly different than between DXB-LGW and ICE slightly more difficult to use.

There was only lunch service (we had fish), but there was also noodle pots as snacks available for those, who felt a small hunger pang.

Connecting in Dubai was longer than on the journey to Bangkok. We had to take the connecting train. Previously we were able to simply walk to our next gate.

My fiancé wanted to surprise me with a watch from duty free shopping between DXB and LGW. When asking the attendant if it was available she promised me she would check with her colleague if he had it in his cart, because it wasn't in hers. After waiting for ages I had to follow up and was left disappointed. It wasn't available.

The crew on this flight seemed to be generally stressed out and tired.

For lunch we had chickpeas and sweet corn salad with tuna, grilled chicken and blueberry streusel cake.

Later afternoon tea with cheese and chutney and chicken sandwiches, double chocolate cake and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam was served. Unfortunately the scone was with raisins again and no alternative offered, so my better half had to forgo it.

Arrival at London was on time. After crossing the longest  gate connecting bridge in the world we had to walk for about ten to fifteen minutes to Immigration, where a long queue had built up. It was moving fluid and within twenty minutes we were at the baggage claim to pick up our suitcase.

We enjoyed flying with Emirates, the comfort in both Business and Economy Class, the service, the delicious food and ICE.

After staying another night at the Hilton LGW we checked in for our flight with Aer Lingus back to Dublin.

We were sitting together even without having chosen our seats prior to the flight and hadn't any meal, because we had paid access to the Number 1 Traveller Lounge at the South Terminal.

The flight was eventless, punctual and the staff as always friendly.

Dublin International Airport was efficient and we were at home two hours after landing.

©2014