Somewhere to stay: Hilton London Heathrow Airport

What's the hotel like?

Catching early-morning flights, I've stayed at several airport hotels and it usually means getting a taxi or shuttle bus and travelling for what seems like forever to the perimeter of the airport or beyond. However, that's not the case tonight. Firstly, I'm not disembarking or boarding a flight; but my room-mate is. My father's arriving after a three-plane journey, and staying here will allow him to relax before he embarks on the final leg of his journey home, which will take him about three hours.

To find the hotel, I follow the Hilton signs (which I've never noticed before) and by check-in area G slip through a door, for a long walk through a metal-clad corridor, with occasional photos of Hiltons worldwide.

The hotel is a large white building with an extremely light and airy atrium, crossed by walkways from the central lift shafts. A winding path leads from extra-wide revolving doors to the reception desk, then past the various bars and restaurants, with sculptures, water features and full-size trees in planters to catch your eye, to the (free, 24-hour) fitness centre, swimming pool and beach bar at the rear of the building.

My first stop is the Executive Lounge, where free drinks and snacks are available while I wait for my dad's flight. I sip my pour-it-yourself G&T, nibbling mini spring rolls and sweet potato bites and reading the papers.

What are the bedrooms like?

Our twin executive room is compact but big enough for two, with beverage-making facilities, iron and ironing board, safe and flatscreen TV. It has a view of trees with central London in the distance and just an occasional glimpse of a plane taking off.

There's plenty of wardrobe space, but we agree that another mirror by the TV would be a good idea.My dad is particularly taken with the waffle cotton bathrobe.

The light-blocking curtains don't quite meet in the middle so I have to keep them in place by plonking my bag on top of them. However, the double glazing gives excellent soundproofing. You can hear the planes when you step outside the hotel!

How's the bed?

The bed is not what I'm used to: it's a single! Mind you, it's a generously proportioned single. There's no gap between the beds so you need to be comfortable with your travelling companion. The beds are firm-based with a super-soft matress topper. We both slept very soundly. And as we lie chatting in the morning, we rave about the pillows, which have an inner chamber filled with feathers and an outer stuffed with down. I know, because I took mine out of its cover and found the label!

What's in the bathroom?

There's no bath, although the walk-in shower space is big enough to fit one. When travelling, I find a bath before bed is a great way to ease tight muscles and relax, with a shower before setting off in the morning to perk up.

Peter Thomas Roth is the toiletries brand, with shampoo and conditioner, body wash and body lotion - much easier than rooting around in your case for your own.

What about eating and drinking?

As it's at an airport, with guests coming and going at all hours, with their body clocks set at all times, the various opening times at this Hilton's four restaurants span 7am to 1am, with 24/7 room service.

We sat down to dinner in Oscar's (described as casual dining) at 10.30pm. My felafel burger and chips hits the spot - I'm ravenous - but my dad is less satisfied with his roasted veg and goat cheese panini as the veg aren't roasted, he pronounces. However, a glass of wine each is a welcome nightcap before we head to bed.

Next morning, breakfast is served in the Executive Lounge. My dad chooses a cooked breakfast followed by Danish pastries, while I opt for watermelon, toast with smoked cheese and prunes. I love the pick-and-mix aspect of a buffet breakfast!

Anything else?

Escape to the beach bar area at the back of the hotel. Beside the lake are naturalistically planted flowerbeds, with raked sand, tables and chairs and an air of peace - the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of flying. The swimming pool appears to merge through the glass wall if you want to wind down a little more energetically.

What's nearby?

The rest of the world! Well, Terminal 4 is obviously nearest, via the covered walkway, but there's a half-hourly shuttle bus (£5) to and from Terminal 5, and Terminals 1,2, and 3 can be reached via Heathrow Express, Heathrow Connect or Piccadilly Line.

Transferring between terminals is free on all train, Tube and London Bus services.

If you're arriving, not departing, London Paddington is 15 mins and £21 away by Heathrow Express, 42 mins and £9.90 away by Heathrow Connect, or central London (Piccadilly Circus) is 48 mins and £5 at peak times (£3 off-peak) away by Piccadilly Line.

Find out more

Rooms start from £192 per room per night, breakfast included. Contact Hilton London Heathrow Airport, Terminal 4, Hounslow TW6 3AF, 020 8759 7755, or visit www.hilton.com/hilton-london-heathrow-airport

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