THE HOTEL: A fantastic location, linked by
a walkway from the train platform at London Gatwick Airport's North Terminal.
THE CHECK-IN: A busy lobby but an empty check-in area, thankfully. My only challenge was trying to decipher the thick foreign accent of the receptionist.
THE ROOM: My Superior room was pleasant, with a queen-size bed, flatscreen TV, stylish and neat wooden unit that combined a desk, mirror, minibar and somewhere to house the tea and coffee-making facilities and luggage rack. There was also a casual leather chair and the same rich oak-coloured, over-size headboard. The addition of an ironing board and iron was useful too. The white-tiled bathroom was small with lavish Hermes toiletries and towelling robe.
THE FACILITIES: There are 11 meeting rooms, all with natural daylight, ranging in capacity from six people boardroom style in the Reardon, to 300 theatre style in the Desoutter Suite. Several dining experiences are on offer, all radiating out from the cavernous atrium lobby: the a la carte La Brasserie, ‘British cuisine with a French accent’; Le Café for Mediterranean snacks; La Terrasse lounge and library bar; and the one I sampled, its Chinese/Thai combo called Gatwick Oriental with great food – a really good green Thai curry in my case – and prompt service. The hotel also has a business centre on the Podium floor which has wireless internet. There is extensive car parking, an executive club level called Luxury Club Sofitel on the eighth floor, with the usual free evening cocktails, breakfast and check-out. There is also an express check-out option via your TV or by completing a card and placing it in a box in the hotel lobby. The hotel also has a ‘So Fit’ gym on the ground floor that is open around the clock.
THE VERDICT: The hotel still retains an old Copthorne feel and little of the je ne sais quoi of its French management has filtered through. The reception/lobby area, with its large atrium, looks a little dated too. But it scores with a first class location.
THE DETAILs: North Terminal, Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, RH6 OPH. Rates for a superior double are from £139, suites from £206, and the 8th floor Club Sofitel £169, all plus VAT.
See: www.sofitel.com Gillian Upton
