Best way to get to hotel in London from Heathrow.

[Realtor at Sea]

My husband and I will be flying into Heathrow landing around 9:30 PM. We will need transportation to our hotel, the Doubletree Westminster, on John Islip.
Is it better to reserve a car service in advance or simply take a taxi at the curb?

[carla748]

Cheaper to hire a car service pre booked !

[chime]

It's very easy to catch the train from LHR to Paddington and get a cab to your hotel.

[Cotswold Eagle]

A taxi off the rank at LHR to central London will be in excess of £70. I'd endorse the previous two suggestions - I'd do it by the Heathrow Express, but arriving that late and perhaps not knowing the city, you may be better off booking a pick up.

By the way, that hotel is on its third brand in about two years - I'm not suggesting that's a problem in terms of the hotel itself, but cabbies might not recognise the name - it was the Mint before it became a Doubletree, and the City Inn before that, so they might know it as one of those!

[carla748]

I have ordered a car for Heathrow to the Courthouse DoubleTree by hilton near oxford st in soho and Just Airports is charging 32 euros or 36 with the extra luggage. I like the idea after a long flight having a car ready to take us to our hotel. Since yours will be late i think the car service will be the best for you.

[Underwatr]

Heathrow Connect uses the same tracks as Heathrow Express to Paddington, takes 10 minutes longer and costs half as much.

[Giantfan13]

You have been given several great suggestions. My Thoughts on the train, if you have several pieces of luggage, you may not feel quite like hauling them around, onto the train, off the train and then to a hotel.

I would also recommend one of the several car services. We used SimplyAirports and we would recommend them to anyone. We reserved a car to meet our flight. they usually monitor the flights and know about how long it will take you to clear customs and such. Or you can call them when you arrive and they will meet you at a given spot, again,after you clear customs. They will take you right to your hotel probably for 1/2 the cost of a regular taxi. If you are staying post cruise, they will also pick you up at your hotel and deliver you to your terminal.
Cost depends on the size of the car they need to take you in, and the amount of luggage you have. You can google them, then email or call and they will give you an estimate what it would cost.

Cheers

Len

[Cotswold Eagle]

Originally Posted by Underwatr

Heathrow Connect uses the same tracks as Heathrow Express to Paddington, takes 10 minutes longer and costs half as much.

True enough (well, it travels the same route, not the same tracks ). It's also half as frequent, makes several intermediate stops and doesn't serve T5, but you are right to highlight it as a significantly cheaper alternative.

[Underwatr]

Originally Posted by Cotswold Eagle

True enough (well, it travels the same route, not the same tracks ).

Yeah, I guess literally the same tracks wouldn't work for both an express and a stopping service.

[skisteamboat]

"Best" may mean several things.

Easiest is just take a cab but it is the most expensive.

Cheapest but likely most difficult is the Tube and tube/bus to your hotel

My standard arrival is Connect and Tube/Bus.

Depends on your definition of "best".

Cheers

[Realtor at Sea]

Because we are "senior citizens" and cannot do the trains, subways, etc. with our luggage.

[nonnie&dgd]

Originally Posted by Realtor at Sea

Because we are "senior citizens" and cannot do the trains, subways, etc. with our luggage.

I have ordered a car service to my hotel. It was not expensive and I need someone to help me with my luggage as well.

[Cotswold Eagle]

Originally Posted by Realtor at Sea

Because we are "senior citizens" and cannot do the trains, subways, etc. with our luggage.

In that case you should be able to pre-book a car service (known as a minicab in the UK) for about half the price of a taxi (the archetypal London 'black cab'), which you would just get at the rank. I can't offer suggestions, as I always use public transport or drive myself One thing to look out for is to avoid any that charge by the hour for waiting - delays are quite common at Heathrow.

Have a great trip!

[Peteacher2002]

Hi Carla,
Were you happy with your car service? Was the price quoted the price they charged?
Thanks

[carla748]

Originally Posted by Peteacher2002

Hi Carla,
Were you happy with your car service? Was the price quoted the price they charged?
Thanks

"Just Airports" and its 36 pounds for 2 suitcases and 2 carryon. 32 pounds with only two suitcases.

[xcomet]

Hello
We just did this! You will absolutely love the hotel ,brand new imacs for computer and tv. Just great! Very much an american hotel. Now as far as transportation goes. It was about 45 minutes. I can tell you who NOT to use.
BA transfers also know as London Transfers. They were an hour late upon our arrival, with a small car, (4 seater for 5 of us) when I specifically paid for the larger van with more passenger and luggage room. Upon our return , they had a small car again and were so late, we nearly missed our flight. Even the concierge at the wonderful double tree was calling and calling to see where they were. I have emailed them twice and no reply