Gatwick parking

Is there really any point in trawling various sites for reasonable parking rates? They all appear to quote exactly the same rates. Not only that, but you can get the same rate from each company (BCP, parking express) - just what is the point of these other sites, they fanfare discounts they simply don't offer.

Unless any of you know differently, or have some promo codes...[:I]

I usually just check BAA.com and Holidayextras.co.uk and then make my choice from there

[Neil]

I agree with Elaine - holiday extras usually has the best parking prices/deals

Neil

Tudor Rose are also cheap, and very good

They're the company that drive you to the Terminal, and bring your car back to the Terminal when you arrive back.

Tudor Rose are also cheap, and very good

I'll second that. I've been using them regularly for years and always found them excellent. Lately, they have started picking you up from the terminal on arrival & departure, rather than you having to go to them.

Originally posted by catsilversword
Is there really any point in trawling various sites for reasonable parking rates? They all appear to quote exactly the same rates. Not only that, but you can get the same rate from each company (BCP, parking express) - just what is the point of these other sites, they fanfare discounts they simply don't offer.

Unless any of you know differently, or have some promo codes...[:I]

Have just experimented and BAA / HolidayExtras as you say they quote the same price for the same car park for the same period. I think the differentiator is that you get a greater range of options from HolidayExtras.

Paul

Thanks everyone, pretty much what I've found.

With regard to the companies who drop you off, park your car and then pick you up on your return - I'm a bit wary of them. I find myself wondering how much care they take with your car, or even if there are occasions when they 'borrow' your car for the night or something. Ok, might be over cynical here.... it's called life experience![:(]

[Neil]

I used a service at LHR recently were the guy met me at the terminal took my car from me an was waiting with it when we returned, i to was worried about this but it was excellent, no problems what so ever, if you use a reputable company I think your car is in good hands.

Neil

I always use valet parking (unless I've got a limo!) at LGW: I've always found that the guys doing the parking are always 50+ so don't exactly fit the boy racer mould. I've never had a problem.

BC

Originally posted by Attitude23
I used a service at LHR recently were the guy met me at the terminal took my car from me an was waiting with it when we returned, i to was worried about this but it was excellent, no problems what so ever, if you use a reputable company I think your car is in good hands.

Neil

About the only travel "perk" I get from my employer is to use the valet style service when parking prior to flying. Have user Purple Parking and not had any problem.

Does anyone know how far from the airport they actually store the cars ? I'm sure I saw a Purple Parking minibus around a bunch of cars parked way away from Heathrow when on the Paddington Express a while back. I'm in such a hurry to get into / away from the airport I forget to check the mileage.

Paul

We used the purple parking valet at heathrow the other month for the weekend (with the discount through VS) and had it cleaned as well, arrived back to very clean and sparkling car would highly reconmend it.

Originally posted by BlackCat
I always use valet parking (unless I've got a limo!) at LGW: I've always found that the guys doing the parking are always 50+ so don't exactly fit the boy racer mould. I've never had a problem.

BC

Oi, steady with the 'guys 50+' thing - I reached that heady age just recently (apparently - it can't be true though, just a rumour )

Hey - just reached 1k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Neil]

Originally posted by pjh

Does anyone know how far from the airport they actually store the cars ? I'm sure I saw a Purple Parking minibus around a bunch of cars parked way away from Heathrow when on the Paddington Express a while back. I'm in such a hurry to get into / away from the airport I forget to check the mileage.

Paul

As far as i no, it isn't usually too far from the airport, i think my car had abt an exta 20 or so miles on the clock so would guess max 10miles or so away - IMHO its a very good service they offer and makes things a lot easier

Neil:)

Originally posted by Attitude23

Originally posted by pjh

Does anyone know how far from the airport they actually store the cars ? I'm sure I saw a Purple Parking minibus around a bunch of cars parked way away from Heathrow when on the Paddington Express a while back. I'm in such a hurry to get into / away from the airport I forget to check the mileage.

Paul

As far as i no, it isn't usually too far from the airport, i think my car had abt an exta 20 or so miles on the clock so would guess max 10miles or so away - IMHO its a very good service they offer and makes things a lot easier

Neil:)

It was so I could remember to starting adding that mileage to my expense claim [}:)] rather than a criticism of the offering. The times I've used it it has been spot on as a service.

[Neil]

Originally posted by pjh

Originally posted by Attitude23

Originally posted by pjh

Does anyone know how far from the airport they actually store the cars ? I'm sure I saw a Purple Parking minibus around a bunch of cars parked way away from Heathrow when on the Paddington Express a while back. I'm in such a hurry to get into / away from the airport I forget to check the mileage.

Paul

As far as i no, it isn't usually too far from the airport, i think my car had abt an exta 20 or so miles on the clock so would guess max 10miles or so away - IMHO its a very good service they offer and makes things a lot easier

Neil:)

It was so I could remember to starting adding that mileage to my expense claim [}:)] rather than a criticism of the offering. The times I've used it it has been spot on as a service.

Lol - you mean you actually claim the miles you use??, christ i normally just think of a number, double and add a few more on my claim forms, if you checked my forms back ive been to some amazing places in the UK.... apparently [:w]

Neil:)

Originally posted by Attitude23

Lol - you mean you actually claim the miles you use??, christ i normally just think of a number, double and add a few more on my claim forms, if you checked my forms back ive been to some amazing places in the UK.... apparently [:w]

Neil:)

VS beancounters are spawned from the same unholy host as my employer's beancounters.

Paul

[Neil]

Originally posted by pjh

VS beancounters are spawned from the same unholy host as my employer's beancounters.

Paul

oh poor you - I've obviously got a very trusting employer:D - Just hope non of my bosses decide to start reading V-Flyer anytime soon[:I]

Neil:)

Just going back to Gatwick
Where would be the best place to look for a stopover and two weeks parking. Want somewhere pretty close as want to make full use of Clubhouse in the morning, but also where can get reasonable grub on the night before

I hear tell that the Gatwick Hilton is a good option - you just walk through a - er, walkway - from the hotel to terminal. I haven't done it myself, but am SURE someone here has!

Just going back to Gatwick
Where would be the best place to look for a stopover and two weeks parking. Want somewhere pretty close as want to make full use of Clubhouse in the morning, but also where can get reasonable grub on the night before

We stayed at Le Meridian last year and got a night at the hotel + 15 days parking for around £150. This has a foot bridge connecting the hotel to the terminal. Although VS are in the other terminal so we had to get on the monorail to get there. This wasn't really a hardship though as we used twilight check in.

I gather the Hilton is connected to the VS terminal in the same way. I know a number of people have used the Hilton as we asked a similar question last year and got lots of good advice.

Hope this helps

Miopyk

The Meridien which is now the Sofitel has recently been thoroughly refurbished but reading the Sunday Times review I would stay away from it like anything.

The Hilton's exec rooms are nice, the others somehwat basic, but are very expensive and the restaurant is so so and often the parking included is off site.

I feel like I should be a travel agent for them but try the Arora International. Has free transit 24 hours and good deals on parking with an exceptional airport hotel restaurant (so much so our drug reps often take us their to wine and dine us) as well as a lovely deli. There's also a traditional pub. The premier rooms come with lounge access, only soft drinks but as much as you can drink or take back to your room plus hot drinks and pastries for breakie. Complete with plasma tv and computer - even though you get free internet included in the premier room rate. A night plus two weeks parking will work out about 120-150 with a van that takes you to the terminal and picks you back up with journey time of 5 mins max.

It is of exceptional standard with the best beds of all the LGW hotels and 24 hour service. Seperate walk in shower big enough for two and bath and great free amenities and very courteous staff. I always tend to trust a hotel that has a lot of airline crew based there as it means reasonable price, good security and good facilities and this has them all.

Thanks for the help
Last time we went we stayed at the Thistle which was OK. We ended up walking into Horley to eat though and found an awesome Chinese. Wouldn't mind going into Horley again from a different hotel.

Originally posted by Beduffshirl
Thanks for the help
Last time we went we stayed at the Thistle which was OK. We ended up walking into Horley to eat though and found an awesome Chinese. Wouldn't mind going into Horley again from a different hotel.

Was it a big white and green house on its own next to the police station?

Don't think so - it was a small place off the high street
It was dark though so could have had a green roof ??