A Night in the Thistle Hotel at Heathrow's T5 - with Added Pod Action!!!
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- I recently had an overnight layover at Heathrow so took the opportunity to spend a night in an airport hotel - my series of Heathrow hotel reviews swells to three....
I chose the Thistle hotel, mainly so I could travel on Heathrow's Pods, an automated, driverless capsule which conveys you from the Heathrow Pod parking area to Terminal 5 in exactly 5 minutes - the Thistle is adjacent to this car park and can be easily accessed by Pod.
And the hotel.... It was.... Well, watch the video to find out!!!
Here's Citymapper - citymapper.com/?lang=en
⭐ #hotelreview #ThistleHotel #MattsPlanet ⭐
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⏰ Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1.52 - The Pods
4:46 - Accessing the Thistle
8:36 - Getting back to the Airport
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. This video may not be copied or reproduced without written permission.
If you’d told me that pod ride access cost the same as a bottle of Stella, I’d have thought “fine”. If you told me both those numbers were 8, I’d be thoroughly unimpressed.
That's brilliant! I may need to hire you as a script adviser!
9:13 9:14
Six tips for the Thistle LHR, stayed there a fair few times.
1. Join as a member, and you get a 15% with free cancellation. (But check usual hotel sites as well)
2. Bus outside the property goes to T5. Turn right and walk 5 mins for a wider choice of buses to T2/3.
3. If two are staying, go for a twin room. The double beds are small. 4. Parking deals are very good for members, the website to book isn't great. You keep the keys. Drive to the last couple of car parks, they normally have lots of spaces.
5. Take ear plugs...as you found it can be noisy.
6. Go to the White Horse for grub, good food and drink. Looks tiny but there are two bars/eating areas.
Well done for not banging your head on the pod when getting in. If you do and hit the sensor...it breaks the pod! I'm the same height as you and it's easy to knock your noggin!
Thanks Colin - excellent tips! And getting into that Pod is a challenge!
You could save the £8 by waiting for another arrival to buzz through to the hotel to let them in. Just as they go through, spring out of the bush you've been hiding in and tailgate through !
I could never possibly endorse such behaviour. Just make sure you've got the sprigs of bush out of your hair before you reach the reception desk!
I always use the Travelodge in Hounslow as a Heathrow Airport hotel. It’s walking distance from Hounslow Central tube station and 3-4 stops on the tube from Heathrow. Lots of great value food & drink options on the doorstep too, and at non-airport prices.
Thanks - that one's on my shortlist for when I next need to stay!
We stayed at this hotel a few months ago for an early flight. My friend booked it and after seeing the small rooms and high price/low quality food, I was wondering why we were there and not in the premier inn across the road. Then came the morning and the pod experience. All was forgiven! I’d probably stay there again just for the pod ride to start the holiday 😊
The Pods are fun - if the Thistle just included them in the room cost you wouldn't think twice about them!
I think the pod was £5 pre covid. I expect they increased the price once free bus fares were scrapped.
More of these tunes in future videos please Matt!
When the situation demands!!!!
The hotel is brilliant for plane spotting the bar is right next to the runway also with an outside viewing terrace of the runway,sadly when you was staying it was closed for a refurb
I was unlucky... The view from the cat park just isn't the same!
I stayed there on night before this video released. It was excellent. Basic, clean, efficient service, value for money. I’d stay again
Only problem was BA cancelled my early morning flight to Tokyo negating the need for the hotel. BA strikes again
How annoying! That makes for a long day at the airport too waiting for the later departure
Really useful as it’s often offered with pod and parking as a deal.
I can't think of a better way to get that last mile to T5!
2:37 Choooooon! 😎
Last July I had the option of staying at either The Thistle or the Premier Inn across the road. TBH, after this video, I’m glad I chose the Sir Lenny Henry Boutique Suites. The Thistle just looks…. tired. ☹️
As an airport hotel enthusiast, (I genuinely enjoy the experience) I really like your LHR hotel reviews. I’ve also stayed in the other Premier Inn on the Bath Road (super) and the Best Western when it was the Holiday Inn Ariel (not super). For a while I thought you were following my lead but no, you prove me wrong as my itineraries have always been Thistleless!
I did read something saying you can just walk out of the Pod carpark and double back to get to either the Premier Inn or the Thistle.... Which was tired - better on the inside though!
Have stayed at both many times. yes the thistle does look tired on the outside but the rooms are good. plus i like the fact i can view the aircraft on the viewing deck. plus the restaurant is decent too
Great Video Matt, if you're on a budget I can see why the Thistle might be a good choice. Only fly out of Heathrow twice a year so cost isn't as much of an issue. Having stayed in quite a few hotels in and around Heathrow my choice if you're flying out of T5 is the Sofitel, especially for an early morning flight the convenience and no extra transport costs wins!
I did stay at the Sofitel back when I had a proper job (with a proper income) - I thought it was a bit soulless but you can't beat the convenience.... But as with the snacks at the Thistle, you have to pay for that convenience!
Thistle is a tired old 70’s style airport hotel… but I do like it! Handy for T5 with the 423 bus stop outside. I stay there regularly. Although I was at premier inn at T4 the other day due to an early departure from T4. Back at thistle in a couple of weeks time.
Lots of love for the T4 Premier Inn in the comments!
@@MattsPlanet Hi Matt, yes I’ve done the T4 PI a few times but usually I’m out of T5 so always use thistle. Done the pod for novelty a couple of times but it is creeping up in price now, used to be a fiver. I did a trip a few weeks back where the thistle was actually sold out so I used the PI across the road from Thistle. The 423 bus is really handy for T5 as it’s about £2 and only a few mins ride. I always am bewildered why people pay for hotel hoppa which takes longer and costs more! Anyway I’m always chasing my BA Gold points, so I do enjoy your videos. Next work trip is Jeddah in 10 days time but not sure which carrier they got me on yet.
BTW, I was on Qatar yesterday (DOH-LHR) and to my surprise they bumped me up from economy to QSuite, which must have been because of my BA/OW status. Keep up the great work… as for your videos I’ll be “Sticking around”! 😃
@@manxusa Was supposed to go to Jeddah late last year but the cruise I was joining was cancelled as the Red Sea was deemed unsafe... One day I'll make it to Saudi!
Thanks Matt. Intriguing pod set up although it must be said that until you posted that it was 8x video speed, I was rather terrified. I have stayed once at the Accor hotel right next to T5 and it was certainly pricey although super convenient.
I thought that footage needed that explanation! Although its still brisk even at normal speeds!
Another excellent video - these are so handy for the information purpose. The airport hotels are always a suspect to issues that matter like sound, getting to-from/etc. Thank you Matt!
Thanks for watching Sergey
I am late to this vid: honestly, I'd be late for my own flight!
As usual, it's the 'little details' that make this an Oscar performance.
Did you ever do Sofitel T5? I guess I messed that too.
I am afraid I stay there sometimes: a) as Im a self-pampered pet b) its expensive-ish but very good and convenient for T5 and my Accor hotels freq pod card helps c) Im lazy and its convenient d) after too many conflict zones, Im a bit risk averse (pods are not for me!)
Great video. 😊
Thanks Matthew - you're not that late!!! I stayed at the Sofitel pre-channel (back when I had a proper job) and it was super, super convenient. I thought it was all a bit gloomy but it is a very comfortable option. I'm sure I'll cover it one day!
Big fan of the Thistle, my go-to before the 06:15 gut-puncher to Madrid. Worth noting the bus stop to/from T5 is much closer to the hotel entrance than the T3 one - plus you get to witness the famous Longford Pump (check Google maps if you haven't aready!)
Thanks - that MAD flight is a nightmare - I did it once but never again... Never say never again! There is a closer bus stop that will get you to T3 but it involves a change so I featured the one offering direct service... Still not a huge walk though
@@MattsPlanet Yup, you're in South America in time for dinner, but at what cost! Good to know re T3 buses, only worth considering in the absolute worst Houslow weather.
Matt these hotel and bus/train/pod links are invaluable to those of us with a fair trek to the London airports.
Well done! David
Thanks! This video is doing much better than the others.... I suspect its the Pods that's doing it!!!
@@MattsPlanet as you were flying from T3 I seem to recall have you ever tried the Aerotel (the one with no windows) which is landslide within T3 but is great for early morning lounge hopping. We paid £128 last May for one night (you pay by the hour) but at least there are no extra costs for bus transfers. You soon forget about the absent windows.
@@user-og3pb3kr2h Not tried that one... I don't live that far from LHR all things considered and I have great control over when I fly so its pretty rare for me to need to stay over.... Its on the list for consideration when I do though!
I stay in the Premier Inn T4 almost every month so I'm pleased your viewers are encouraging you to visit. It's a decent place for a working week in London, as well as a brief stopover. The Premier Plus rooms on the top floor are brilliant and, IMHO, better than plenty of pricier Hilton, Marriott and Sheraton options. Excellent soundproofing. Shame they don't have safes in Premier Plus rooms. The 482 and 490 buses from T5 take 15 minutes and then continue to Hatton Cross for the Piccadilly line, with the 490 taking you to Feltham for South Western Trains in another 15 minutes. Certainly the best price to quality ratio you'll find in and around LHR.
Lots of love for the premier inn at T4 - thanks!
I think I must be the odd one out here, because the series about airport hotels is the one I am always most interested in, but well, not everyone is the same…
Also, brilliant music. And processed sugar of course :)
Thanks! This video is doing OK so perhaps the other videos I did were just bad!!! I think featuring the Pod helped! As soon as I heard that music I knew!!!
Practical videos like this seem to be thin on the ground. Please continue to make them, they may not be as glamorous as a QSuite review, but they're really useful for planning the nuts and bolts of a trip.
Thanks Steve - that's certainly what I aim to deliver with this sort of video and I will keep making them. This one's not doing too badly actually!
Late to the party on this one!
Another enjoyable one Matt.
I've stayed at Thistle twice, both times lucky enough to get a... runway-ish(?) view on the south side to satisfy my plane nerd curiosity. Like you said, both times have been... fine - it's for a one-nighter, it has the basics, not much else to write home about unless you find yourself driving around the car park a few times to find a space.
Not sure if it's still the same as it's been a while, but there wasn't a lift to the 1st floor when I've been there. Not too bad with a carry on but I'd imagine a family with a couple of big cases might have a bit more of a struggle.
Also I love the pod parking. LOVE the pod parking. Again it tickles another itch in my brain - autonomous driving pods? At an airport? While watching planes take off and land? Heaven. Though I agree that if you do it staying at the Thistle the cost does spiral somewhat. Plus one time we did it they were down for maintenance and we had to get a bus, which was a little annoying. I can't remember if we eventually got a refund. I think we did.
For me (or us, rather), I guess it depends where we go from - we often use the trusty Bath Road T2/3 Premier Inn on Bath Road (sometimes when not even using Heathrow, it's just cheaper than staying in central London!) - and what the prices are like at the time. In an ideal world it'd be a Premier Inn > Drive to Pod Parking > Pod fun > T5 if it's not too extortionate. We only ever seem to go from there or T3, and T3 we tend to use of the many park-and-bus options.
Which reminds me, I say all of this and I STILL haven't actually been on a flight since Feb 2020... that needs to change soon!
Adam, Adam, Adam!!! Feb 2020???? It's all back to normal! You don't even need to wear a mask!!!! Thanks for the comment and I hope you're back on the road soon!
Thanks for the info + video!
Cheers!
As always, entertaining and informative. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Great video Matt. We stayed at the Thistle last year - it’s ok. Probably the cheapest of the hotels “airport road” hotels. Were staying there again next month and will be using the Pod transfer service for the first time.
Believe it or not as well as the price one of the main reasons to stay there is the pub you mentioned just down the road where the food and beer is great - and far more reasonabley priced than the food in any of the airport hotels.
Thanks - I'd fully intended to hit the pub as there was football on that night but the rain just put me off - I had dressed for my destination and just wasn't equipped for a hike in the rain
9:52 - we did guess it Matt. Nice work on making us feel proper and correct . 8x 🤝😉
Would have been a long video without that editing!
Thank You✈️
Thanks for watching
I'll be doing the exact same thing in May. Your video really came in clutch. Thx Matt!
Enjoy! Hopefully the restaurant will be back open then
My personal experience of the pods was dreadful, thought it novel & a great idea for parking however as you say cramped height and the suspension or lack of it was bone shattering, on our return we wandered down to find they were out of action no info to pre warn us 🤬 ended up having to wait for the long stay bus Never again, we’ve since used the business car park which is 30 seconds down the road & always has small Mercedes vans ready waiting & the price is similar, however post you know what parking has become far too expensive at T5 sadly along with the dreaded drop off charge & at Gatwick 😕
We now use the cheapest but long winded option of the ( newly named ) super loop bus, unfortunately this means not being able to get first flights out ( although that might be a good thing sleep wise ) & having to trudge from the bus terminus through T2/3 to the train station for a connection (free) to T5.
Thanks - Heathrow is quite well connected these days by car, train, tube and bus so its good to have options!
Top video Matt that was very informative and a great guide for anyone staying overnight at Heathrow
Thanks - its a good option!
Hi Matt,
Thank you for some great laughs again!!! The hotel looks....Good to it's purpose...
Please keep going with these kinds of videos. They are a delight, slightly seasoned with sarcasm, knitwear and techno!!!
Stay well
Thomas
Thanks - I enjoyed the techno too! When I found it in the audio library I just knew....
My favourite part of the airport experience is the viewing points! Great video as always
Hard to get a good view of anything from inside LHR these days!
I stayed there twice in the last few months. A lot cheaper than pod parking alone and comparable with the cost of T5 long stay parking. Had early morning flights, otherwise I would’ve driven in on the morning and used T5 long stay. I did the opposite, hotel-T5-hotel and only paid for the pod from hotel to T5, both times. The hotel is not great but I only stayed there for around 10 hours and most of that time I was asleep. Good info about the A4 bus if I ever fly from T2 or T3. Great video as always Matt.
Thanks for watching - the bed was good and that's the most important thing if you just want to sleep without spending a fortune
just an idea re eating. What I do is pick up a bottle of wine and snacks/sandwiches from the T5 M&S food hall; then spend a cosy evening watching TV in my room.
Certainly an option if you're coming from T5... Not super cheap either but better than the hotel and perhaps also the pub down the road
Actually very useful info in spite of fewer people watching as you say. Thank you for sharing 🌷
It's not doing too badly actually!!
I love The Renaissance but this one does look far more convenient for T5. Those pods look far more exciting than the Hoppa Bus!
Lots of push-back on the £8 fee, but if the hotel put their rate up by £16 it would still feel cheap!
I fly out of LHR at least 20 times a year and had no idea these pods existed! Great video, as always!
Oh you've no idea what you've missed.
And if you go to the car park and come straight back it's free!!!
Will consider using this now as a T5 option. Thanks for another informative video Matt.
Thanks for watching!
Hi Matt. I have used the Thistle quite a few times and I agree that it's looking very tired now. The POD is a very convenient way to get to and from Terminal 5 but there is a bus 423 from outside the hotel direct to Terminal 5 even if it gets packed at times. The soundproofing in the hotel is good for keeping aircraft noise to a minimum but internally I agree with you. I prefer the Premier Inn over the road but then you can't use the PODs. Bus 423 or an hourly shuttle bus at £6.80 to and from Terminal 5. If you had eaten at the Thistle they do add a service charge to the bill!!!! Fair review. Regards and keep smiling.
Thanks Charles. I didn't eat there but the fare on offer was typical pub stodge.... Well priced and I didn't notice if a forced service charge was added.
Entertaining as ever Matt. Gotta say, it’s the Premier Inn T4 for me. Great value rooms, restaurant is decent enough AND they’ve got Costa for the morning. Also Hounslow by the tube is worth a look and not too far away. 😊👍.
Hounslow??????? are you kidding, it's a total shit hole.
4 or 5 votes for that property now! I need to go see what the fuss is about!!!
Its a bucket list thing for me, to 'play' on the Pods between flights one day, like kids used to play on escalators in department stores long ago. I might drink a whisky miniature during the ride to celebrate another bucket list item achieved. I wish there was a hack I could use to make them go faster though.
It's easy enough to do it you have the time! A bit like the intra-terminal train at DFW airport - always worth the time if you have it available!
On a longer layover at Heathrow, my fav thing to recommend people is to go up to Uxbridge area for the Battle of Britain Bunker, quite recently restored and depicts fighter command operations of the time. There's a bus that goes from the north side hotels area then a walk or a local taxi, or just a taxi ride alone. You might like to try this yourself. On a really long layover, see Windsor Castle.
I do wish there was a behind the scenes tour run by the airport. Nothing of the sort exists unfortunately.
Incidentally, at Manchester airport there are great things to do on the other side of the airport, where you can book a tour of a well kept Concorde or an old NImrod, plus watch aircraft movements along with the anoraks. Not so much between flights as such as this Manchester ( not so often used as a hub ), so perhaps before or after a single flight.
Another thing you could do until a few years ago, was pay a flying visit to a place of great bodily entertainment in Northenden before the killjoy authoritarians shut that down. Many a frequent traveller is familiar I am sure. For those struggling to recall the name, the substance that makes up a beach springs to mind.😀@@MattsPlanet
There is more Wardrobe space than in my Home. Iam Impressed. Nice Video as always. I Like it.
Thanks - who unpacks on a 1 night stay???
@@MattsPlanet Probably me, but thats part of my mental disorder :D
Was my hotel of choice in the 90s and it was a dump .... often getting a room down miles of gloomy corridors ... so why did i stay here? The roof terrace overlooking the northern runway... particularly to watch the evening departure of Concorde in the evening twilight... afterburners lit...glad it has been tidied up...good to see this vlog thanks Matt.No return until terrace open tho.
Would have been spectacular to see Concorde from there. It flew overhead a couple of times when I was on the M25 but that was as close as I ever got
Used the pods when parking at Heathrow , got a good deal as used expiring emirates miles (hard expiry of points) to convert to heathrow reward points which made a £60 parking voucher to park for 2 days.
Stayed at raddison, raddison red and raddison blu all on bath road, certainly a good option if driving and parking for heathrow and stopping overnight prior to a flight. All rooms avaliable in advance at good rates but be warned the prices at the hotels for drinks and food is very pricy even by london standards. Though most either on business expenses or on holiday /vaccation so all seem to be full.
Enjoyed this video and love the pods!
Thanks! I gather Pod parking can be a lot cheaper if bought well in advance. Guess you're a Radisson fan???
@MattsPlanet Not really tbh, was the cheapest when considering parking costs and overall package of hotel and parking etc
I have stayed in the T5 Thistle a fair number of times. Whilst the hotel only has 2 floors, there is no lift. No point using the Pod, as hotel reception have bus timetables and a 10 min ride drops you in T5.
From the restaurant, breakfast and dinner you can see planes take off or land. Unless you have a Sofitel budget this is the 100% best choice.
The Pods are a lot more fun than the bus!!! But your point is very valid!
Thanks, Matt. useful to know next time we have a very early flight out of LHR T5.
Its worth considering!
As an aviation geek i love the thistle and the viewing deck. have spent many hours there before flying across the pond. and handy from there to park in long stay 3 or 5
I feel I really missed out with the viewing deck being closed.... I'll have to go back!
The Thistle is actually pretty much a dump - BUT it does sometimes ( not always :( though ) offer a really super competitive 'Stay & Park' Rate, plus the pod service is a breeze. Word of warning though folks...............the pod service stops at 11pm I think, so if you are on a late arrival or delayed arrival you may well get stuck at T5 Arrivals because you try and get a bus, taxi or Uber to the Thistle at that time of night. I know as it happened to me once, and I had to sweet talk a dozing taxi driver to save my day. He was VERY reluctant indeed but when he saw the size of my carry on he couldn't refuse!
Thanks. The website says the pod hours are 04:00 to 00:30 which should cover almost all passenger movements but if disaster strikes it is certainly a long walk!!!
Stayed there a few times - it is cheap and convenient and has good stay-plus-parking deals for those of us that drive to the airport. I've never found out what happens at the gate for anyone who has booked POD parking and therefore shouldn't be charged again for use of the POD. Incidentally, the POD parking isn't as much as you quoted per day, if booked in advance.
For a bit more cheap convenience on Bath Road, especially your T5-T3 itinerary, I'd probably use the Ibis Styles. The bus stops are much closer to the hotel in both directions. However, unless we are pushing the boat out, and splurging on the Sofitel, my go to hotel location is T4. Good buses to T5 and train to T3. T4 long stay is usually the cheapest official car park, from where you can get the long stay bus to T4 or walk out to the ring road and get the TFL bus to T5. TFL buses are fine for HBO but not so good with large cases.
Thanks - park at the Pods, stay in the Thistle? An interesting scenario, Podwise.... And lots of love for T4 in the comments, especially the Premier Inn
I really appreciate this type of video, Matt 👍🏻 It is sometimes hard to get the feel of an airport hotel from a website. I've considered the Thistle before but was deterred by the drab exterior and wasn't sure if the appeal of a pod was enough to make it worth it.
The inside is definitely better than the outside.... Unless you're a 60's concrete enthusiast...
Another great video, Matt. I always like to see airport hotel options that I've not considered before.
That said, if I'm in budget mode, I've yet to find a Heathrow option that's better overall than the Premier Inn at Terminal 4. Frequently for less than you paid for The Thistle, you can have a Premier Plus room (which is nicer) at the Premier Inn T4. The restaurant is nothing to shout about, but the food there is better than I was expecting and I found their fish and chips is pretty decent. They also have a 24/7 Costa Coffee shop next to reception. Terminal 4 may be a bit out of the way where Heathrow is concerned, but the Premier Inn is easily reached by a five-minute walk under an enclosed (but not heated) walkway (the same used for the IHG and Hilton T4 hotels). Terminals 5 and Terminals 2 and 3 are easily reached via frequent bus services along the Southern Perimeter Road (the time to T2&3 not being significantly different than your journey from The Thistle). If you're a particular scrooge and they've started operating the trains (i.e., your morning flight isn't too early), you can make the journey to your terminal entirely for free using a Heathrow internal transfer from Terminal 4. I assume that it's the combination of the relative lack of flights from Terminal 4 and people not wanting to be bothered with an extra five or 10 minutes on their journey, but the Premier Inn T4 is often the cheapest option - not just compared to other hotel brands but also other Premier Inn hotels at Heathrow.
Thanks. Premier Inns are good and cheap is good too! Not flown out of T4 for some time but as you say, if you can decode the buses it needn't be a great impediment!
Tried the Premier Inn just opposite the Thistle, and tend to prefer them because they have good soundproofing. However, this Thistle hotel review with its small ground floor room made me nostalgic for my university days!
Thanks - you're spot on actually - this did have a university accommodation vibe to it!
Great video. I stayed at Sofitel and went on the PODS as a fun activity, they are free to use back and fore. A friend avoided the £8 charge by exiting the pod car park on foot and walking along Bath Road to the Thistle but I don't know how safe that was to do.
Thanks Richard. I think if you follow your green cross code the route you mention is safe and very cost effective!!! Not too much fun in the driving rain though!
I detest getting up to Heathrow for an early flight, so this interests me as I become more open to the idea of staying at an airport hotel. (0630 flight from Gatwick tomorrow, meaning an 0200 departure from home!)
Good video, with the Johnny Cab being a fun highlight.
Thanks. It de-risks the process somewhat too so you don't have to worry about motorway closures and other unexpected factors
Matt what do you think of the likely changes in Dublin Airport with all IAG Airlines including BA, from June 2024 being handled by Aer Lingus and all being squeezed into the bustling Terminal 2 😅 Also apparently the lounge will change to the Aer Lingus one then too.
T1 is hardly tranquil and deserted! T2 is a little smarter looking... I think I've been to the T2 lounge but don't really remember it.... I do recall that T1 and T2 are connected airside so the distinction is a little arbitrary!
Thanks for this, Thistle used to be great, now another jaded yesteryear experience.
The White Horse is a cracking pub btw, and won't charge you 8 quid for a bottle of Stella.
Thanks - I was really keen to visit as the footie was on, but the rain put me off.... Bad CZcamsr!!!
I wouldn't recommend walking around that shit hole of an area after dark....................I used to live quite near there so I know.
Matt, as usual very informative and useful video - did you have breakfast and if you didn’t did you see what it cost?
I had breakfast in the lounge in T3. I was offered it and I have £14 in my head but that may not be a reliable number.... Again you are paying for the convenience
Matt, your videos are always entertaining, informative and inspiring. This is an excellently timed video for me, as I am taking a 5 night holiday to Sofia on Wednesday (for obvious reasons) but on my return I will be staying in that very hotel before an early morning flight back to Manchester. You say you requested Conveyance, how did you do that please? Was it on the BA website? I take it, it is £8pp for the Pod. How much was the bus?
If I had one gripe about this video, it would be that black board scratching, cringey music you overlayed whilst on the Pod journey. Silence or you talking would be preferred. IMHO. 😁
Keep up the great work.
Can't believe we lost on Sunday.😥 oh well still 3 to play for.
YNWA.
Steve. C.
Cheers Steve. "Requesting Conveyance" was to press a button on the screen in the Pod station. Your choice is station A or B. Very simple. The bus was £2 back to the bus station. I wanted the music to be futuristic - sorry if it annoyed!!! I'd still be happy with 3 trophies out of 4!!!
@@MattsPlanet. Matt as I stated in my comment I stayed at the Thistle. Mmmm yes functional but a little noisy, but hey go, I arrived at 22.30hrs and was away at 04.30hrs. Like used the pod to get to the hotel but unlike you (I think) I wasn’t charged for it. As I was travelling out of T5 to Man early that morning I did enquire about the pod back to T5. He said he could sell me a ticket so I opted for the bus. Stop was just outside on the same side as the Thistle and op site the Premier Inn. Whilst the bus was packed it was only a couple of quid and within 10 mins I was in T5. Cheers Matt.
YNWA. Steve. C.
Watched this video 10 times just to get the view count up for you
Every view counts so thanks!!
I didn’t have to pay a penny for the pod to the hotel. Just buzzed at the gate and let in.
Their system does seem to be flawed....
Sorry, I didn't take much in after seeing the £8 Stella. But I've successfully picked myself off the floor now.
Much cheaper in Dundee....
Isn’t the bottle extra large 650ml so not as expensive as indicated, although a clear margin due to convenience
Fascinating, as I need to book an Airport Hotel for a flight from T5
The thistle is a good option!
@@MattsPlanet it's Thistle, or somewhere close to Paddington and the Elizabeth Line in the morning
You forgot to mention the "tall fence" enthusiasts 😂
That's a minority group but they deserve a mention!
Hope your ok 👍🏻
I'm doing good! And hopefully will remain good for a considerable time...
I love an airport hotel video! 5 weeks and 6 days to Route 66!
I believe that's where you can get your kicks....
@@MattsPlanetthat is what I’ve been led to believe! There was a very reasonable upgrade to world traveller plus for both legs!
The pods are a hoot….the hotel, less so. Enjoyed the video.
Once you're inside the hotel it's ok!
I guess the only real benefit of the Thistle is the pods, but even then it's a stretch at that price. But hey, great job as always Matt 👍🏻😎 Appreciate any and all your videos you make
Thanks Matt - the Pods are good fun!
Their Stay & Park rates can be really good.
HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY MATT 💚🇮🇪💚🇮🇪
Thanks!
Interesting video 👍 I , along with wife, always park and fly from LHR hotels and have considered the thistle but since I’m Titanium elite Bonvoy (free room upgrade and breakfast) and we enjoy our creature comforts have always chosen a Marriott group hotel. The Sheraton Heathrow (not Skyline) for T5 or Renaissance for 1,2&3.
Your bus journey was also of interest. Again I’ve considered taking one to the terminal (have taken the Hopper; never again😬) Taxi or Uber to the terminal’s so much easier and normally
Black cabs can jump the queue to get back to the front if they get a short fare but you're right, they don't enjoy it! Buses are annoying with lots of luggage but I'm usually HBO and not much hand baggage at that so a bus is no issue.... Cheap, quick and no-one shouts at you!
@@MattsPlanet Unless it's changed, they only get back to the front of the /long/ queue, not the immediate terminal feeder. I took one to Bedfont years ago and he was extremely vocal in his displeasure.
@@ianworthington2324 There's a cabbie on CZcams called Tom the Taxi Driver and he explained how it works in a video - not perhaps to the very front of the queue but they get a significant leg up if they only get a short trip
I *like* the hotels videos, please do keep them coming. I've nearly booked this hotel three times now, but on each occasion cheaper and, I must say, more visually appealing options hoved into view shortly before booking time. Frankly, I also find it extremely irritating that Shanks' Pony out of T5 is not an option (I've tried this before, and you quickly run afoul of "Turn Back Now You Filthy Pedestrian Peasant" signs). Their Hostile Environment approach no doubt would make Theresa May proud, but just annoys me. 5 quid for cars, 8 quid per head for pods: penny pinching at its finest, BAA. But I'm well pleased to see the Thistle seamlessly continues that tradition by fleecing their customers with food options. I don't mind being robbed blind if it's at least done it with style.
Thanks Ian - it really is a hike to get anywhere from T5!!! I'm reliably informed that the Pod is free from BAA - its built into the price of the parking.... I'm also reliably informed that its quite easy to walk out of the car park and then go down the street to the Thistle or the Premier Inn.... I clearly wouldn't endorse that sort of behaviour!
@@MattsPlanet You had me check Google Maps. The "footpath" along the Western Perimeter Road seems to be a narrow 4-wide cobblestone affair, right up against the traffic, clearly designed to deter walking. I guess it *might* be possible as long as you were hbo without anything wheeled, but I wouldn't be in a rush to try it.
Having worked for thistle many yesrs ago thistle Heathrow was affectionately known as thistle death row
Not by the manager of the property itself I'm guessing but at least you knew which one you were talking about!!!
Hi Matt - enjoy your videos! I’m staying at the Thistle on April 2nd, flying from T5 to the USA on the 3rd to (hopefully…🤞) see the Total Solar Eclipse on the 8th, and yours is the most recent review I’ve seen. Shame about the main restaurant being closed, but the meeting room didn’t seem too bad so I’ll probably try there - the prices seem reasonable on the hotel website, and it’s gotta be better than Mc D’s…! Flight’s at 9.30am (Club World, hopefully in the new Suite..) and I’m looking forward to trying either the A or B gate lounge for breakfast - I’m intending to get to the terminal for about 5.30-6.00am, and wonder if you have any advice as to how soon the lounges start to get busy? Many thanks!
Don't discount the pub round the corner as a dinner option too.... I think the security opens at 5 (or just before) so the immediate rush should be over by 5:30...
I've always lived pretty close to Heathrow so have never needed to stay at an airport hotel before or after a flight from there but I do use them from time to time when flying from Gatwick so I find this type of review quite helpful.
The Pod charge is a rip off. Presumably this is a surcharge imposed by Heathrow Airport Ltd because I can't see how the hotel could justify it. The fees at Pod Parking have been hiked a fair bit. I used it once when I flew to Amsterdam for a day back in 2019 and it cost about £30 for the day.
It looked fairly quiet at the time you made the journey but trying to cross the A4 can be tricky at busier times. An alternative is to take the 81 bus from outside the Premier Inn towards Hounslow and then change onto one the many TfL buses a bit further along the Bath Road (at no additional cost due to the hopper fare) that go into the airport bus station. A bit of a faff if you had a lot of luggage but otherwise straightforward. Probably more frequent services than the A4 bus too.
Thanks for that. The Pod change is completely down to the hotel I understand... And any bus journey is certainly complicated with luggage!
ANY public bus journey around LHR is horrific take my word for it, the people, the crush, the stench, the fumes and the time it takes. I can't think of a worse way to start a journey, especially a long haul one. After a half-hour ride on one of those buses, you'll feel rotten. Get a pod or a transfer, @@MattsPlanet
It doesn't look like the most salubrious hotel in the world, but 68 quid (plus 16 per person in the pods there and back) seems like a bargain compared to the 300 quid a night it can cost at the Sofitel. Especially considering it's almost as convenient.
Spot on! If they just priced the room at £84 and threw the pod ride in it would still be really cheap and the pods would feel less of a rip off!!!
Great video, although it is scandalous to charge £8 each way to get the pods where they are free if you want to walk! I feel their image would be better if it was included in the price of the hotel, even if that was just increased £8!
I do agree, although those not using the pods world probably feel ripped off... I'd love to know what Heathrow charges thistle to use them....
Another excellent review. I'm interested in hotels too, maybe not at LHR specifically being a London resident but definitely as a topic.
I have to say I can't believe LHR charges for those pod rides. Is this a common thing now? Back in the 90s when I was going to DFW regularly, they had a similar system (I believe now replaced with a new one) which went all over the airport site for no charge. £8 pp seems an awful lot just to get from the car park.
Thanks - I don't think I made it clear in the video - Heathrow isn't charging anything to ride the pods - they're included in the cost of parking in that particular lot. The Thistle charges you £8 to open the gate between their property and the pod car park... Kind of like highwaymen used to extort a toll for crossing a bridge in middle ages!!
@@MattsPlanet Ah ok thanks. That's a bit sneaky of them. I remember the bit with you going through the gate - I probably wasn't paying attention properly to the signs on it.
It looks basic but functional. I prefer the Premier Inn T4 as it can be found for under £40 a night quite often, I never actually fly from T4 but the price and inter terminal transfers being quick and speedy makes it very convenient. Thanks for the review, I enjoy these niche videos.
A couple of votes for the T4 premier Inn - its crept up the to-do list a few pegs, especially as I believe that location has their new style rooms too for a small premium
Plenty of votes for T4....
Ouchie £8 for that ‘pod’ which really should be a free service, for hotel or parking guests.
It is free for the parking customers as its built into the parking price.... The Thistle has decided to collect a toll for being able to use the gate access to it from their property
You can also get a bus, to save a fiver on the pod seven pound price. I like that hotel, basic but really nice especially the restaurant
I also read that there's nothing stopping you from walking out of the car park and walking round to the Thistle along the street, to avoid the gate charge.... But the bus works too!!!
I was looking at hotels around T5 (had a 8.30 departure time which is not that early but I wanted some time in the lounge). This is useful to know as the Sofitel, as you mention, is really rather pricey. However, now I'm wondering if i could be bothered with pods/buses (do the pods runs 24/7?) so I'd probably do what I did which is drive to the airport very early. Might pack my own booze at those prices!
Pods are advertised as running from 04:00 to 00:30 so close to 24 hours... And throw a can in your bag if you're staying there - that or nip to the Shell garage up the road
GIven that the Premier Inn Gatwick wanted £149 for one nights stay last year, £68 for a night at Heathrow seems like a bargain.
I was pleasantly surprised by how cheap it was. Didn't book too far in advance either...
Why didn't you use the bus stop infront of the hotel. Once I used it when I did planespotting at the terrace.
The ones in front go to T5 and in the other direction it heads towards T2 and T3 but you need to change buses. I decided to just head to the nearest bus stop that went directly into Heathrow's bus station
Thanks for posting this. I’ve often wondered about the Thistle as a Heathrow stopover (I usually use the Premier Inn at T4). The Thistle often gets bad reviews, but it didn’t look too bad. The pods are certainly convenient for T5, but that £8 is a bit steep. Does the Thistle charge you for your incoming pod as well as the departing one? I do like the Premier Inn though. I’ve actually used it as a base when I’ve visited London for a few days after flying in from Inverness (home). If the weather’s OK I’ll happily stroll along to Hatton Cross and pick up the tube into the centre.
Thanks. Quite a lot of love for the T4 PI! The Thistle wants to charge you both ways for the pod and its their charge - nothing to do with Heathrow. Lets just say their process for capturing revenue is not foolproof...
@@MattsPlanet I understand there's a gate with a code that they give you in the hotel?
@@TarrelScot That's the process going back to T5. Seems to be more honesty based going the other way...
Pretty sure I saw Darth Vader passing by in one of the pods. Been through that airport and didn’t know they existed.
Its all very 21st century!
they really do have your pants down with the prices for the snacks / drinks... this is why i normally stick to a rubbish travelodge / premier inn as yoyu know what you are getting.
The convenience surcharge.... I really didn't find the Shell garage to be wildly inconvenient to cross the road for!
@@MattsPlanet good to know, thanks for the video / reply.
I'm grateful for the airport hotel reviews.
Would definitely consider that one. Interested to know what happens if you don’t pay the hotel? Do they make you take the pod back to the airport?
The fee is triggered by using the hotel's gate to the pod car park. So if they haven't been paid they won't open the gate to let you use the pods...
@MattsPlanet but if you are coming from the airport to the hotel and get to the gate?
You didn't seem to pay at the airport
@@scollyb The fee is imposed by the hotel rather than the airport and is collected through them controlling the gate to the parking zone.... Its not a foolproof system....
How would they check find out if you had paid only 8 Pounds instead of 16 Pounds? Paying 8 Pounds is really absolutely outrageous. 1 Pound would be ok but not 8
You pay the hotel - the pod is free but the hotel collects the revenue when they open the gate into their car park.
Any recommendations for hotels near London City we have an overnight for a 7am flight the following day?
I'm about an hour from LCY so never needed to stay over but there's a few by the Excel and also south closer to LCY
maybe the Aloft near the Excel? Although it’s very attached the the Excel, it’s also really close to LCY. There is also a Travelodge and a Courtyard, it depends on your budget I guess.
Not sure why these videos do worse for you than others. Personally, I find them useful and quite like them. Just from looking at Google Maps - it looks like you could take the pods and walk around the Thistle to the Premiere Inn, particularly as the alley you took to get to your bus stop seems to run right by the Premiere Inn. Is that feasable?
I think that's very possible - its not immediately obvious as to the specific route but others have commented that its possible.... And this video seems to be doing quite well!!
So is this hotel landside or airside? If I have a stopover in LHR, would I need to go through UK customs to get to it?
Every hotel in Heathrow is landside so customs and immigration are both required to get to the Thistle or any other hotel
@@MattsPlanet dang. Given that Heathrow seems to be a long-haul hub, I'm surprised that no one has ever decided to put in an airside hotel yet (I know Dubai has one, so I didn't know if Heathrow would).
thanks for the info!
I’d pay £8 if the pod was at 8x the speed!
£1 for regular speed? Should be £64 for 8x!!!
That £8 pod fee is a absolute rip off! I've ridden the pods before for fun, and just turned around and headed back for free. If you walked out of the main entrance to the pod parking and round to the hotel, I bet you could get away without paying it.
I have a feeling you could too! Not something I'd advertise in a video, but something I might mention in the comments....
Took my four year old transport enthusiast son to Heathrow a few weekends back, for rides on the pods to from T5 and car park stations A&B, alongside the inter-terminal trains. Lots of free transport 👍
@@MattsPlanetHow would you walk from the Pod parking lot to the Thistle? Looking on Google Earth there doesn’t seem to be a very clear route unless you walk in the road…?
@@user-hu3kn7hf1l I think you head along the perimeter road then cut through the car park to the immediate south of the Thistle but an expert may be able to confirm!
Can you recommend a hotel inside Heathrow
There aren't many! Sofitel is the only option in T5, there's 2 in the T2/T3 complex, neither I've ever stayed at and both are really expensive.... Plus a couple close to T4, the best of which is reportedly the Premier Inn which I'm staying in next week!
Those pods were made for fat, short old men like me. I have never used a convenient hotel/motel. I guess I like to spend money unnecessarily. That was a great rate. I do not know why folks do not watch these videos. It is, after all, a part of the travel experience.
It really is a good option - I'm fat, tall and old and I made it work!
56 pounds a day for parking?
I'm told its a lot cheaper if you book in advance.... But on the day? Yes
*EIGHT* pounds for a pod these days??
Per person!
What a grim, horrible hotel.
It's better on the inside!
@@MattsPlanet I recently popped in for a wee. I enjoyed that. Good toilets for visitors.