Getting there:

Connected to T4 by a 6-minute walkway – those who hate walking, and listen I’m one of them! call ahead to the concierge desk once you hit the departures level  T4, next to where you come out of the lifts from the transfer train (Heathrow Express from T1, T2 & T3 – free by the way) concierge will meet you with a rather ingenious four-wheel electric buggy, hey-presto in minutes, you’ve arrived at reception.

Don’t let your first look inside this spacious ‘hanger’ put you off. It’s got everything we crafty travellers require when kick-starting our trips. The hotel has four restaurants [if you include the bar] indoor leisure centre, shop, executive lounge, generous size rooms, conference facilities & good internet connection.

Meet & Greet:

The check-in was a breeze, very friendly and helpful staff on hand. Our room was already prepared and within 5-mins of arrival we’re up on the second floor unpacking our overnight-bag. In the room you get free coffee making, mini bar [charged] bathroom was clean, fresh towels, room was tidy and maintained, nice window overlooking southern part of airport [not overly noisy, but remember you’re at the world’s busiest airport!]

Insiders’ menu choice:

Tonight we’re eating in Zen Oriental. It offers a modern Chinese and authentic oriental specialities such as crispy and aromatic Szechuan duck, and braised prawns with ginger and spring onion, formal dining from both a la carte or a set menu.

The Insiders highly recommend the curry chicken puffs, salt and pepper squid and shredded lamb with lettuce leaves to start with. The ‘little’ mint leaf was an extra touch, bringing out the full flavour of the lamb. For your main dish try, prawns in a spicy mango sauce, duck in ginger and pineapple and the house speciality fried rice. Wash it all down with some excellent glasses of house red.

Breakfast is served from 05:00-11am. We plumped for The Brassiere Restaurant on the ground floor. Newspapers free and rather nice English breakfast tea served at your table. You can choose from a wide selection of fruit, cereal, savoury breads & cakes, porridge, and the full English - which I might add we opted for – well you’re on holiday, aren’t you!

The Insiders’ Fact Box:

Twin room on BB: £120
Zen Oriental: £115 [includes wine and gratuity @ 15%]
Transfers: Free via Heathrow Express from T1, T2 or T3
Insiders’ Overall rating: 8/10

Insiders little hidden gems: Oscar’s perfect for just a light bite, recommend the club Sandwich and the Hilton burger, the fat chips are to die for! Dancers Bar is good just to relax in with a glass or two of wine, located in the atrium, cocktails served 24hrs - you’ve been warned! Baby sitting service is available by external registered child-minding firms, as at reception, and disabled parking right outside front door. If you do walk, keep hold of the airport baggage trolley, as you can simply wheel your own bags up to your room.