Sofitel London Heathrow

It's the only hotel with a walk-through connection to LHR Terminal 5, and the modern building feels light and airy. The check-in staff were welcoming and helpful. Our room was spacious and clean, though it could use a few finishing touches. I had premium WiFi as an ALL Acor member, and it seemed noticeably faster than the standard connection. Joining the scheme is free, so I'd recommend it for that alone. Hot drink choices were limited, and there were no snacks such as biscuits. The walk-in shower had plenty of space, but weak water pressure and water that never got properly hot, even at the highest setting.

The hotel team turned a very difficult travel day around. I'd lost my phone, which also held my payment cards, and they let me use a phone to tell a family member I wouldn't be in touch. Then we discovered my travel agent had booked me for the following month. The team worked wonders to move the booking and find me a room. The front desk were fabulous, and even called me in the morning as requested, since I use my phone as an alarm. Their kindness made a terrible day bearable, and I have no hesitation recommending them. The room was spacious, tidy, warm and comfortable. I enjoyed a long soak with plenty of hot water, and the fluffy towels and full-size fluffy bathrobe were great. Unfortunately, without my phone or cards, I couldn't buy food or drinks, and didn't even have 10p for a payphone. I couldn't use the QR code to open the menu either. I guess 10p was the price last century!

This was my second stay, and I would definitely come back. The rooms, building, decor and facilities are great, and the room was very clean. The location is amazing, staff were great all around, and dinner was good and worth the money. My main gripe is breakfast and drinks at Vivre Restaurant. The cups and glasses for beverages are so small they're annoying, especially for what they cost. Breakfast is much more basic than dinner, and some of the food was bland and watery. I'd still recommend the place, but I'd skip breakfast and keep drinks to a minimum. Four out of five.

The restaurants on site were nice, and I enjoyed dinner at the multi-cuisine restaurant. Staff were attentive and service was nice. I stayed overnight for an early flight rather than make the hour-long trip to the city. Being off Terminal 5 was convenient, with an airtrain to the terminals. The hotel itself was very poor quality, three stars at best. The rooms were simple, with cheap furniture and very basic. I was surprised they wouldn't lend me travel chargers. The room didn't have multi-pronged outlets, and when I asked the front desk for a charger, they told me to buy one from the gift shop. I'd never run into that before.