Novotel London Stansted Airport

The gym was the main letdown: the equipment looked old and poorly maintained, wires were lying around, and everything was packed into a badly laid-out room. It was busy while I was there, so updating and expanding it could make it a really useful facility. The rest worked well for an airport hotel. Parking and check-in were easy, the bar had plenty of choice, and the rooms were clean and, unusually for an airport hotel, quiet. The shuttle costs £4 each way, though after midnight it stops at other hotels too, which can make the trip home take quite a bit longer at an inconvenient time.

We left our car at the hotel while we went on holiday, after spending one night there before an early flight. The shuttle service was great, and reception gave us a warm welcome. The room and bathroom were clean, with tea and coffee facilities. I found the bed a little too hard, though my husband slept well. The pillows were very flat.

We arrived exhausted after a difficult trip, and the staff were kind and helpful. The room was a good size and very clean. The beds were just right for us, and the pillows weren't hard or lumpy. It was also a comfortable temperature, unlike so many hotel rooms that feel hot and dry. We'd happily stay again.

The convenient location for my business trip and the efficient, professional staff were the only positives. The hotel itself is badly in need of renovation. Furniture in the rooms, lobby, and bar/restaurant was worn, and the whole interior looked old and poorly maintained. The main light switch in my room was coming away from the wall and only worked if I jiggled it. Most of the bathroom fittings had visible rust, and the bed was rock hard. The online photos make the place look much better than it does in person. I've had positive stays at several other Novotel hotels around the world, so this one was a real disappointment. There are nicer hotels at Stansted Airport. I hope management takes a look at the Hampton or Radison and invests in improvements soon.