The advertised 20-minute-interval shuttle bus service was provided by ‘phone hotel’ for my week-end arrival, though I wasn’t aware of this and its not mentioned on their website – so make sure you’ve noted their number – they then arrange pick-up by taxi. You can be picked-up at the railway station, or from level 5 car park area if incoming flight … weekday mini bus service 0400-1200: and 1700-2300 …. leaving the hotel you book on one of their time slots, at reception (I did this when I checked in). Transfer took less than 10 minutes.
Reception on the day was a bit noisy, but then again there were a number of guys wearing tall green hats in the adjacent bar area, and Ireland had just seen-off England on their final 6-Nations game (probably most unexpected after the England-Scotland result the previous week-end!).
Good sized room with double bed, settee, and bathroom with spacious walk-in shower. Wifi by Virgin – getting online was easy (but included giving name and email address so I guess I’ll now be getting the Virgin sales emails?).
Dinner …served from 1700-2200 ‘with limited items available 24hr if arriving late’ …I spent a goodly number of minutes queuing to order meal … wine came quickly … food didn’t take too long and my curry was a reasonably generous helping; at ‘meal deal’ price of £15 including a 175ml glass of Merlot (very limited beer options on this restaurant system). Curry and rice both good; mini-nan like rubber. Mains reasonably priced at £10-15.
No undue noise in the room from inside/outside.
Breakfast: ‘light from 4 a.m. and express start with limited hot items including scrambled egg, sausage and baked beans’ from 6.30-10 a.m, and including yoghurt, pastries etc … I limited myself to a quick yoghurt in favour of switching to an earlier shuttle bus.
Having messed-up my ‘smart’ phone alarm in the past, and without #1wife this trip, was pleased to find an easy-to-program alarm call on the room ‘phone as back-up.
Parking (not an issue for me) £5 for any night you stay/£8.50 per night if u leave it when away (register at reception).
Morning shuttle to airport was on time and took less than 10 minutes £3.00 cash to the driver.
