An unexpected overnight stay at Bloc Hotel, Gatwick Airport South Terminal - a review
Having arrived early to work from the British Airways First Lounge at Gatwick’s South Terminal we received notification from the airline that our flight to Nice was cancelled. We were in two minds whether to still go as it was just a short weekend city break but decide to proceed. Rather than trudging back to our home, we opted to book a hotel on BA’s cheque thanks to knowing our rights.
Many hotel options were available but with a rescheduled 0625 departure from Gatwick on the Saturday I wanted minimal hassle. Bloc Hotel easily fits this description. From reception, you are no more than ten paces from the Premium security checkpoint which easily makes it the most conveniently located hotel in Gatwick Airport.
Fairly sized room
Bloc Hotel has several room types from the cheapest windowless variant to the plush ‘Vista’ room – which was about all that remained when we booked on the day.
Vista is a room on the corner of the hotel. I was hoping that we’d get a good vista from this room of the apron and runway…instead it was of the rather grotty train station building. On the converse, who knew there was a massive British Rail logo on top of the building?
The Vista room type does the basics right. Starting first with the double sized bed that is snugly placed between the walls, window and open wardrobe. Bedding was soft and clean, while a large 32 inch (assumed) television flanks the end of the bed.
I slept well on this comfortable memory foam mattress which was a surprise considering I only have at most five hours. Sleep was aided by blackout blinds controlled by a central panel for all room lighting and blinds.
Underneath the bed is a smartly designed space to store large luggage – a design feature I am surprised more hotels don’t implement.
Behind this television is the wardrobe with a few hangers and space to put up a couple of pieces of clothing. The space around this is a little pointless with a padded stool that presses against the wall. It is nice not to feel too confined though.
The hotel provides a desk and hard plastic chair, with the former being a reasonable size. An impressive Nespresso machine can be found on the far left but, despite providing tea bags, there is no kettle, so I assume you need to use the Nespresso machine for hot water.
Finally, the bathroom is completely sectioned off in a wet room style. On the positive, the shower and tap was hot with plenty of pressure, while the bulk shower gel dispenser were of a good quality. My only issue with the bathroom is that it does take a while for it to dry, making it a little difficult to use without getting wet after somebody else has been in there.
Amenities…or lack of
With a sole focus on convenience and proximity to being steps away from security, there isn’t really much else to do while staying here beyond sleep or watch television. WiFi is patchy and a little slow, while mobile connectivity isn’t great either. In the landside, pre-security part of the terminal there is not much to do or eat either – unless you’re a fan of Greggs and Wetherspoons. If you’ve got time, I would probably head to nearby Horley for some dinner that will be cheaper and likely better than the landside part of the terminal.
There is, however, a Nescafe hot drinks machine on most floors of the hotel which is free to use.
Conclusion
The premise of Bloc Hotel Gatwick South is simple – a good night’s sleep and making it as easy as possible to get to your flight the following day. It succeeds on both counts and I can’t complain about the offering. There will be other hotels within the proximity of the airport with far better amenities, such as Courtyard by Marriott, but these alternatives still require a decent, uncovered walk outside to reach which isn’t much fun in the winter weather. I would recommend Bloc Hotel simply for the hassle free experience if nothing else. Now, if only British Airways would pay back the compensation I am owed after two months already elapsing…
