Flying Finesse: Best Luxury Hotels Near 4 Busy British AirportsBy Angelica Malin
When you’re headed for a long-awaited holiday, that last night at home can sometimes be slightly anxious — last-minute niggles keep us awake. So starting your vacation a day early with an overnight stay in a salubrious hotel can prove to be the perfect tonic.
With that in mind, here are the best luxury hotels near four busy British airports.
Edinburgh
In January 2018, the BBC reported that Edinburgh had recorded 13.43 million passengers in 2017 — making it Scotland’s busiest airport.
And access for disabled passengers at Edinburgh Airport improved from ‘poor’ to ‘good’ according to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rankings — thanks to improvements made in collaboration with service provider OmniServ.
Begin your break at The Dakota Hotel Edinburgh — situated 10-15 minutes from the airport and close to the Forth bridges. Inside the sleek black exterior, suites are chic, subtle and comfortable — while the superb bar and grill serve wonderful whiskies, fine wine and beautifully-presented cuisine featuring fresh local ingredients.
A complimentary airport shuttle service is offered Monday-Friday — just pre-book as part of your package.
Glasgow
Vibrant Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city, and second busiest airport — it processed 9.9 million passengers in 2017.
And shoppers and food lovers at Glasgow Airport are spoiled for choice, with sumptuous Italian-American dishes from Frankie & Benny’s, fragrance bargains at World Duty Free and beauty treatments at AeroSpa.
If you want to chill out in a classy environment, the five-star Mar Hall Golf Spa and Resort is just ten minutes away from the terminal building — but feels a million miles away. The Edwardian mansion has 53 beautiful bespoke bedrooms, a championship golf course, spa and swimming pool.
But if you simply want to enjoy fine dining and refreshments amidst stunning scenery, there are few better spots to relax.
Luton
CAA figures placed Luton as Britain’s fifth-busiest airport last year, with 15.8 million passengers.
If you’re travelling in your own car for convenience, in-house and pre-booked parking options at Luton Airport are simple to arrange — there are several meet and greet services, while a new £20 million multi-storey car park is also in the pipeline.
When you want a pre-holiday treat that leaves you refreshed and revived, Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa is just over two miles form the airport and offers full-blown stately glamour. This five-star spa hotel straddles the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire border and features the highly-respected Wernher Restaurant and a country club with an indoor pool and relaxed dining at Adam’s Brasserie.
The only downside to a short break at Luton Hoo is that you might enjoy it so much that you’re reluctant to leave for your flight.
Manchester
Manchester’s air hub reported that it served 1.98 million passengers in May 2018 and 27.89 in the last financial year — a 6.4 per cent increase on the previous reporting period, making it the UK’s third-busiest airport behind Heathrow and Gatwick.
Relaxation for passengers at Manchester airport is provided by the Escape Lounge — a well-appointed haven that includes complimentary food and drinks, free Wi-Fi and family-friendly facilities for babies and toddlers. But the Radisson Blu hotel is your best bet for a little pre-flight luxury in Manchester.
Just 15 minutes from the departure terminals across the Skylink walkway, each delightfully-decorated room includes a well-stocked mini bar and you’ll enjoy breath-taking city and airport views at the Collage Restaurant while tucking into mouth-watering steaks and seafood.
So there are a few fabulous luxury hotels near four busy British airports — book today and you’ll feel blissfully serene on your next holiday flight.