12/14/2025
Part 3 - My Solo trip to London. WHY did I choose an airport hotel?
I stayed at Hotel Holiday Inn Express Heathrow T4 by IHG
Why airport hotel??
First and foremost it was the price. It was one of the lowest, unless I wanted to stay in a hostel. So not ready for hostels, which I am sure some are fabulous but I think I’d have to work my up to it (and maybe bring a friend)
Secondly was I did not know where anything was on London. Yes I should have researched it a bit better but hindsight is 20/20. I figured that the Airport would have a number of options to getting people out of the airport and on their way. I knew London had a subway system (and now a train and bus system too) so I took it as a safe bet that there would be a TUBE station at the airport going somewhere close to city center, which is where I needed to be 2 out of the 3 days there.
Once there, I realize that I made the right call. The Piccadilly Line from the airport seemed to be line that others crossed. Again I should have researched a bit more.
But most importantly, everyone knows where the airport is when I had to transfer lines. I would just asked which one takes me to the airport on the Piccadilly Line. This way I told no one my hotel name. I had a backpack on, I could just been going to a flight. Will this plan work in all places, well no but it worked here.
I was happy with my choice. It was clean. Breakfast was fantastic. I just added an hour subway time both ways to my day. Once you’d accept that, it was fine. Late nights were a bit nerve wracking but that was all me, nothing London or the underground.
During the day, there was an employee walking around the platform helping whoever asked. In the evenings, there was a person in the station. They were often close to the exits in a little house (like the ones used in parking lots) but still willing to help if needed.
Now here are some pictures of my time in London. As a travel agent, I probable should have taken some photos of the hotel, room and amenditiies and such but alas I did not so you’ll have to take my word for it. Here, however, is London. Day One was an all day city tour. Enjoy.
