Gatwick”s location in the depths of Sussex means that it doesn”t have the density of hotel accommodation that its fellow-BAA airport Heathrow has, but with a little imagination some very interesting properties can be found.
What this means in practice however, is that instead of a crowded concrete jungle, the Gatwick traveller has a choice of more individual bases, most of which feature short shuttle services to the airport.
And some of these hotels are starting to market themselves as destinations in their own right. Take The Felbridge Hotel in East Grinsted that recently underwent a ”5m refurbishment and which was bought 18 months ago by entrepreneur Paul Warren.
Completed in December 2007, the upgrade is evident on walking into the hotel. It feels and looks new, with a neutral cream and brown d”cor prevalent throughout, while the Chakra Spa ” offering Elemis treatments such as massage, facials and body wraps - has become a feature in its own right for the local population.
The Felbridge obliviously still considers Gatwick to be important, but its upgrade to a four star property means that the hotel has taken a step up in quality and views itself as much more than an airport dormitory.
There are some 120 bedrooms ranging from standard doubles (”155) to the luxury suites (”245) and all have flat screens, hairdryers and Elemis toiletries. The room I stayed in also featured an enormous bathroom complete with his and hers sinks, while for those at the top end, the luxury suites have a complimentary fruit basket and bottle of wine, more space and dressing gowns.
Food is a key element of The Felbridge”s offering with the Anise Restaurant being the property”s flagship and featuring new head chef Matthew Budden”s menu using produce sourced from local suppliers, such as Chapel Down Wines and the Pure Oyster Company.
For less formal dining ” the Anise has two AA Rosettes ” the hotel also has the Bay Tree Restaurant, which also doubles as the breakfast room, and offes a children”s menu.
And for evening relaxation, there's the Qube Champagne & Cocktail Bar, resplendent with chandeliers and a Champagne table featuring a removeable centre with an ice bucket to keep everything chilled. Two plasma screens and friendly staff have also made it popular with locals who pop in, although be warned, it isn't exactly cheap.
Felbridge, Qube Bar
From a business perspective, The Felbridge has several meeting rooms that can supply catering and which offer conference call and audio visual facilities. The Willow Suite has a dining area, with the addition of a conservatory and can accommodate 80 people for dinner or 100 theatre-style.
What is perhaps most surprising though is the Grand Ballroom. Because the hotel is essentially on just two levels, it comes as a surprise to walk in and see just how enormous it is ” perfect for weddings or large functions, although of course room dividers add flexibility.
”The Grand Ballroom is a hidden gem,” said Felbridge director of sales Nathan Chart. ”From a business perspective, with a facility of this size, it can attract the corporates from London as well as multi-nationals to cater for up to 500 people theatre-style.”
I even braved a treatment in the Chakra Spa and was pleasantly surprised. I opted for what I thought would be the least involved ” the head massage ” a ten-minute affair or so I thought. Well, not at all.
Felbridge, Chakra Spa
Low lighting, soothing music and a very warm room greeted me as the very professional masseuse, noting that ”you look a bit tense,” proceeded to ease every ache and twinge out of my back, shoulders and of course, head. In fact, the 45min procedure is so relaxing that I was advised to lie on the bed for a further 15min afterwards to slowly bring myself back to normal.
The Spa is itself very popular with the local community and has six treatment rooms, hair salon and a Jessica Nail Bar, as well as swimming pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool and gym. Holistic treatments are also available, including aromatherapy.
For those with a bit of time to spare, Sussex offers the nearby Lingfield Park Racecourse and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Wakehurst, while the Felbridge will sell a Glyndebourne Festival Package from 18 May to 31 August this year. Prices are ”180 based on two people sharing and includes a gourmet picnic with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and a stay in a junior suite. Also in the package is English breakfast and complimentary access to the Chakra Spa”s swimming pool, steam room and sauna.
The Felbridge”s proximity to Gatwick will always mean that it”s a convenient place to stay before travelling. But for those looking for something more than simply a bland airport hotel, it genuinely comes replete with a host of other attractions that make it far more than just a place to stay before jetting off.
Simon Warburton
Editor ” ABTN
The Felbridge Hotel
Tel: 01342 337700
www.felbridgehotel.co.uk