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Heathrow spotting hotels

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2016 10:44 am
by andygolfer
I'm hoping to go to Heathrow in the next few weeks and plan to stay overnight so I can get some late evening arrivals and/or departures.

I'm looking for tips on hotels close by and in Bat 21 (Nigel's) recent post read about the Renaissance which does a special spotter's package: http://www.marriott.co.uk/reservation/a ... ealsDetail

I've also seen the Thistle mentioned ( http://www.thistle.com/hotels/united_ki ... lsrc=aw.ds )

also somebody mentioned the Premier Inn on the Bath Road which is quite close to the 27R threshold: http://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/ ... INTTYP1=DB

and I've found a Travelodge on the Bath road as well (a bit further out from the 27R threshold: https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/381 ... tral-hotel

so can anybody advise on these hotels please and any others that are suitable/ideal for spotting at Heathrow (cost wise of these the Premier is much cheaper which is one consideration but happy to spend a bit more for the right venue).

I've posted it in this section as it might be useful for others in the future.

MTIA
Andy

Re: Heathrow spotting hotels

Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 5:02 pm
by Mike s
the Renaissance is one of the best if you just want to log from the room ,ask for a runway facing room, any level will do, i was at the Renaissance last year ground level runway facing and managed to log all the arrivals on rwy 27R ,It can be pricey but when i was there it was £68 for one night between me & my friend,the thistle is great for 09 Landings but is much pricier and if landings are on 27 you might not see much as they will turn off before the thistle hotel

Re: Heathrow spotting hotels

Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 5:32 pm
by Mike
Ground level rooms have a terrible view, I was there a few years ago and had a room on the top floor - it was wonderful. :)

Re: Heathrow spotting hotels

Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 6:03 pm
by andygolfer
I'm staying overnight at the T4 Premier Inn in a couple of weeks time and I've requested one of the 'spotter friendly' rooms overlooking the airport and 27L. It's my first stay there so can anyone tell me what focal length of lenses are necessary please (I've got a 150-600 which I think will be too large even at min zoom) and also as it will be dark from about 5pm I will want to try some night shooting so would my f.1.8 50mm be any use to make use of the light available or will I be too far away and need to use something a bit more flexible?

From pics I've seen it looks as if aircraft taxi both sides of the runway i.e. some between the hotel and 27L (taxiway S) so is there a holding point within view where they might be stationary long enough for even a shortish time exposure. I can see SB1 and S3 on the ICAO chart but not sure where they are relative to the hotel

any help will be gratefully received thanks.

Andy

Re: Heathrow spotting hotels

Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2018 1:09 pm
by GCIJem
I always use the Rennaissance Hotel & book a 'runway view' room on the website - it's always cheaper than the spotters package they offer, it's up to you whether you choose a breakfast package or eat elsewhere. As I travel with a person with mobility issues I'm happy to stay put at the window for my spotting & only leave for food & an hour in the spa in the afternoon. I'll be there again this coming weekend for 3 nights - roll on. :)

Sample pics taken from the room window.
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