Anyone used Hotel Hoppa for LHR T5?

[TubeWhine]

Probably overthinking… we’re going to have a short window to transfer from hotel to T5 and it’s early morning, and with DC with additional needs - so I need the plan nailed military-style. Seems like these buses only run hourly. There’s one timed well for when we’d need it, but our hotel is one of the ones closest to the terminal. Does it ever happen that the bus is full by that point? Am I better off just scheduling an Uber?

A slightly different thought if you are paying extras for transfer or an Uber anyway. There is always a risk in waiting for something.

The Sofitel is actually on the terminal at T5. So, you can walk it. More expensive but you are there. And no extras. Book on free cancellation and re-check prices up until departure.

That would be a lovely idea - and certainly one I’ll keep for next time! - but unfortunately we’re already booked.

Check the T&Cs and see whether you can cancel perhaps? I travel a lot for work and I always go for the free cancellation option, because prices can fluctuate as you get nearer the date. And flights can be changed by airlines too. Enjoy your trip. x

Does the service bus run past the hotel you're booked in?
Last year I was in the PI and needed to be in T5 at about 5am and when we got to the PI we asked about booking a taxi and they told us the first bogstandard service bus came through about 4 which would be taking staff to work.
We got that. Ran like clockwork.

Having been on one of those buses and watched it sail past several hotels I will never use it again.

@StarlightLady Not free cancellation but would have sucked it up if I hadn’t just checked the Sofitel’s availability and it’s too late. Think that may be the solution next time. And thanks so much - we’re all very ready for a break! X

@Movinghouseatlast that’s my worry. I’ll ask when we check in but schedule an Uber just in case anyway. Half term so it’s not going to be quiet generally. I haven’t had to stay over beforehand until now.

Use an Uber, was pretty full last time I took it and wasn't free either.

Next time my tip is to book long stay car park and drop off you and dc at the terminal then go park the car, we do this with my parents, not because they are disabled even it's just far easier than taking luggage on the transfer bus, do parks the car and jumps on the car park shuttle, costs an extra £5 but considering the total cost of the trips (dc moved overseas) I pay the £5

I don't think Uber run at Heathrow, it's Bolt I think. We used them last time we went and it was around a tenner from our hotel on the perimeter road to T3. I don't think we booked in advance, and they were there within minutes.

Thanks, all! Will definitely ditch the hotel bus option.

OP, if you are still prepared to take a hit on your current booking, check the Sofitel situation regularly, including different sites and comparison sites such as Trivago, Trip Adviser etc. people do cancel and rooms can become available later.

Will do! Looks a big help (if we can get the right room capacity).

Or phone them! Most airport hotels have a number of rooms set aside for flight delays etc. you might still be in luck.