Stansted Hotels

The charming and historic Essex village of Stansted Mountfitchet is characterised by half-timber houses, an old windmill and some great attractions, such as a castle and a toy museum. This otherwise sleepy rural village was changed forever during World War II, when the US Air Force built an airfield some two miles way. That airfield has now become the third-busiest airport in the country and, as London Stansted Airport, is connected to the capital and the Midlands through excellent transport networks. Many Stansted hotels are invariably airport hotels, designed to meet the needs of business and leisure visitors before and after their flights.

The first criterion for any great airport hotel is location. The beauty then of this particular airport is its largely rural location which means there are few restrictions for building hotels close by. Good transport links are also essential and regular train services operate from below the terminal to the Midlands, Stratford, Harlow, Leicester, Cambridge, and Liverpool Street Station, London. There are frequent coach services too and although a longer journey time, present the best value for money for those wishing to visit the capital and other areas. The airport is served by the M11 motorway.

Additional features of Stansted hotels near the airport are directly associated flight services and information. Airport transfers are generally available and there is often a flight and other transport information desk within the hotel, which will display all the latest information on arrivals, departures and offer other services such as car hire. Airport parking is a perennial problem for many flight passengers and some hotels will offer special rates for long stay on-site parking. This will allow guests to arrive at the hotel the day before a flight, enjoy all the hospitality on the premises for the night and get an airport transfer the next day, leaving the car behind for the duration of their trip.

Then there are the facilities within the hotel and Stansted hotels which serve the airport will generally have a selection of features and facilities for both business and leisure guests. There may be leisure options such as swimming pools and fitness suites and almost certainly some stylish environments for dining and drinks. Additional facilities may include boutiques, hair salons, and stores to stock up on essentials for flights and holidays and casual coffee and lounge bars, often accompanied by flight and other information on screens.

Business facilities are likely to be extensive and many Stansted hotels are particularly designed to accommodate corporate travellers. To this end there may be different levels of corporate and executive services. Most hotels will have a selection of executive suites which will be fully equipped with the latest communications technologies in dual-line telephones and internet connectivity. There will be work desks and television with access to international news and business channels. Other common executive services include express check-in, airport pick-up and often privileged access to executive clubs and lounges.

There may also be general business services open to all guests, such as access to computers and office equipment for printing, copying and faxing. Many hotels will also be equipped to host meetings, with a range of flexible event spaces which can be adapted to suit a variety of meeting styles from classroom to boardroom. All catering and technology is usually available for planned meetings and events. While most Stansted hotels will be modern buildings, built specifically for airport clients, there are some traditional hotels too, in the village and surrounds which combine contemporary features and facilities with classic environments and warm hospitality. Certainly when it comes to hotels in the area there is no shortage of options.