Thistle London Heathrow T5 - London Heathrow

Thistle London Heathrow T5 is a simple, no-frills option for travellers looking to stay close to the airport. It’s the closest off-site hotel to Terminal 5 and offers a handy base for early flights or overnight layovers. The hotel features a restaurant and bar with views of the runway, perfect for casual drinks. While the hotel is a little dated in places, it still offers the essentials for a short, functional stay.

Getting to the terminals is straightforward, with Terminals 2 and 3 around two miles away, and Terminal 4 around four miles away. Located right next to the hotel, the Heathrow PODs are the quickest way to reach Terminal 5 in around five minutes, though they run only between 04:00 and 00:15 daily, and fares can vary. Alternatively, the local bus 423 stops just outside on Bath Road and whisks you to the airport in around 10 to 15 minutes. Plenty of other nearby transport links make this hotel very accessible, including the London Underground and rail station at Heathrow Terminal 5, which serves direct trains to central London.

Rooms are clean but basic, with warm tones and practical amenities, including Wi-Fi, a TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Layout-wise, do note that some rooms are located a fair distance from reception. Deluxe rooms offer a little more space and perks like a Nespresso coffee machine. If you’re travelling as a group, book a Standard Family Room or Executive King Room. The Standard Family Room can sleep up to three people, while the Executive King Room can sleep up to four.