It was always going to be a little confusing explaining to an eight year old that we are staying in an airport hotel but not actually flying anywhere. Yet despite the absence of a holiday in the sun, we both had a fabulous time at the Radisson Blu East Midlands Airport this weekend having been invited to try out the newly-opened hotel and its facilities.
Of course it's a tough job reviewing a £22m four-star luxury hotel. In our case it involved settling into one of their 14 business class rooms with a flat panel television, espresso coffee machine, complementary bottle of wine, free pay-per-view movies and most importantly – a very comfortable bed.
Our room also came with complementary toiletries, a view of the runway that IJ loved, and to top it off - free high speed Internet access, which I am yet to experience in any airport hotel and I’ve stayed in several this year. And did I mention the wine?
During our stay we dined in their gourmet restaurant overlooking the runway, named appropriately – the Runway Brassiere. The quality of the food was excellent and I was pleased to see a good selection of vegetarian options on the menu. The children’s menu had four different main course options as well as a selection of starters and desserts and the prices seemed reasonable. A three course children’s meal was priced at £9.95 and adult main courses priced between £11.95 and £18.95.
The standard of customer service was extremely high, as you would expect in a luxury hotel. Every single member of staff we came into contact with was very friendly and professional. We were made to feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble. When we arrived they chatted with IJ while I sorted out tickets for the car-park (which is very low cost if you’re on a Park and Fly package). Of course some of the staff were aware that we were there for the purpose of a review, but not all.
I wasn’t able to spend any time in the bar, but that’s what happens when you travel with children; however, we were able to relax in their lounge and reception area.
The hotel also offers full leisure and health facilities including a swimming pool, sauna and stream rooms. We didn’t have time to try them out this time but we took a look inside and they did look impressive.
The most important thing for me staying in an airport hotel, when I’m likely to be dashing off to catch a plane, is that the room is highly functional. I’ve stayed in airport hotels where there has been limited storage space, a lack of towels and plug sockets nowhere near a mirror. I’ve also used automated alarm call systems that have been hit and miss, which is far from ideal.
We experienced no such problems during our stay. Our room had three mirrors including a full length mirror and a magnifying mirror in the bathroom. There were plenty of towels and the bathroom was fully functional with a hand-held shower attachment in addition to the main shower and bath. There was plenty of storage space, climate control, and that all-important work desk if you’re travelling on business.
The hotel is literally 800m from the runaway at East Midlands Airport and, as you would expect, is very well sound-proofed. We did hear a handful of planes during our stay but the sound levels were very low and in no way disruptive to our stay.
I asked IJ what her favourite thing about the hotel was and she said: all of it. And I have to agree. I did wonder whether staying in an airport hotel would feel a little isolating but in fact the Radisson Blu exceeded all expectations and we would stay there again with hesitation.
The hotel is also located within easy reach of a number of local landmarks and attractions including Alton Towers, Swadlincote dry ski slope, the National Space Centre, Conkers and Twycross Zoo.
We enjoyed a one-night stay in a business class room with complementary dinner and breakfast free of charge for the purpose of this review. Prices per room start at £99 per night. Business class rooms cost £119 per night.
Radisson Blu operates Hotels and Resorts currently operates more than 30 hotels in the UK and the new hotel at East Midlands Airport offers a range of guest, conference and celebration packages. Full details are available from www.radissonblu.co.uk.
Looks like a really lovely hotel!
Posted by: Joanne Mallon | November 30, 2011 at 10:16 AM
It certainly was. Felt the room prices were reasonable too, especially compared to some airport hotels I've stayed in recently.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | November 30, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Awww, Rosie, I hate to see you roughing it.
Posted by: notsupermum | November 30, 2011 at 11:05 AM
I know. Such a hardship.
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | November 30, 2011 at 08:48 PM
I've stayed in this hotel before, it was fantastic! I once stayed at a hotel on the Gatwick airport site when the volcano ash was floating around inconsiderately in the atmosphere, that wasn't much of a pleasant experience!
Posted by: Maria | December 02, 2011 at 12:00 PM
A very interesting and useful review, Rosie. Many thanks. I often fly from East Midlands Airport and sometimes very early in the morning so this lovely hotel will come handy to me. Also, the Fly and Park offer is extremely useful. Ciao. A.x
Posted by: Lunarossa | December 07, 2011 at 12:00 AM