Q My wife and I will fly into Heathrow from Dulles, arriving early in the morning and flying out 14 hours later to South Africa. Is there a hotel at or near the London airport where we can shower, sleep and eat?
Gerry Weinberger
Doswell, Va.
A Many hotels near Heathrow offer day-use rates, but you usually can't book them online at the chain's reservation site or through its toll-free number. Instead, you must call the hotel itself. While this may sound bothersome, you can negotiate some sweet deals by talking with a reservationist.
For example, I called the Comfort Inn Heathrow (011-44-20-8-573-6162) and a reservationist offered me a deal of about $110 for a room from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. But when I balked, he said, "What's your budget? We'll work with you on a better price." We agreed on about $100, including the 17.5 percent tax, and I believe he would have gone lower had I been ready to book. The Comfort Inn is about 2.6 miles from the airport.
The Hilton Heathrow Airport Hotel, connected to the facility by a covered walkway, also offers day-use rates, but you'll pay for the convenience: It's $225 for a room from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and I couldn't persuade the hotel to lower the rate. Info: 011-44-20-8759-7755.
Cheaper hotels with day-use rates include the Holiday Inn Ariel Hotel (011-44-870-4009040), with prices as low as $55, and the Ibis Heathrow Airport (011-44-208-7594888), with rates as low as $45.
For a list of other hotels near the airport: milesfaster.co.uk/heathrow-hotels-london.htmor londontoolkit.com/travel/heathrow_hotels.htm.
My two sisters and I are planning to send our parents to Bermuda. My mother uses crutches or a cane to walk, so we need accommodations on a bus stop that is accessible. What's the best place?
Claire Haverstock
