How could someone staying at an airport hotel for few days (not for business) have a good time? You can go to London, which means you can either take a taxi to the Heathrow airport (12pound) or shuttle bus, and from then on take the subway to London city. Or, you can also rot in your room watching tv, movie, and get online, go to the pool or hang out at the lobby and the restaurant. So many choices right? In terms of the products offered, they are what you would expect from a Novotel standard. Professional service was reflected in my check in/out experience where both receptionists excelled. Though I did not get their names, their name tags indicated that they speak Germans, so I'd assume they are both Germans. One was a girl and the other was a tall guy (a multi tasker for sure). Another compliment goes to the housekeeping staffs who were courteous and did marvellously.

One thing that really disappointed me was my room service order. I ordered a Scotch pancake at around 9 pm, and what they served was what I could only described as chewy, dry, almost weapon-like round food. Only after eating half of those in awe and disbelief did I realize that I could simply send it back and get a new one! But it was too late, and i don't want to be the kind of people who ate half and requested back. I asked my partner if it is possible that scotch pancake means chewy pancake, and he told me, no, that is just an old pancake! Anyway, I ordered the pancake with a sandwich which was excellent. If you don't want to eat out or get bored with the room service choice, there are other restaurants in the surrounding area which deliver. In overall, I think the f&b staffs need improvement because it is up to them to serve an old pancake.

I only stayed here 1 night but would never again.

On entering the hotel the lobby looks impressive but it's all down hill from there.

The rooms have warm air units in which are very noisy and woke me up during the night a few times with clicking/banging noises & I can normally sleep through most things.

None of the 4 different reception staff I dealt with were native English speakers & were very frustraing to deal with, they struggled to spell my name which is not a hard name to spell & i had to go through each letter with them, they also ended up charging me for a breakfast which i did not have or ask for.

Room service was good but took 30-40 mins to arrive when I ordered food to my room

All I look for when staying in a hotel is that the staff are competent, the rooms are quiet & are a reasonable price, after my stay im not sure this hotel met even one of those.

Stayed 2 nights on a business trip. Staff friendly and helpful. Rooms clean, modern, functional; iron and ironing board in room and I like the fact that there is a 2nd door shutting off the foyer/bathroom area to provide an extra barrier to insulate from noise in the corridor. The only downside is no free WiFi in the rooms. Charging for a WiFi connection is scandalous. We ate 2 evening meals in the restaurant in the atrium downstairs. The food was of a very good standard, reasonably priced, and the service was excellent. Would gladly return (if the WiFi charges were lifted)!

This is in line with the rest of the Novotel brand. Large, well appointed lobby with bar and restaurant which looked nice, although I got nothing to eat. If you do want something to eat, head for THE PLOUGH PUB, on Sipson Road. Brilliant. Lovely food, huge portions at a reasonable price. 5 minute walk from the hotel. Be warned though, that's the only amenity near the hotel. No shops etc within walking distance.
The second time I've stayed here, and again I opted for the executive room. I think these are the same size as regular rooms, but with extra facilities. The room was an average size, with separate toilet and bathroom (bathroom was fine). Wardrobe, safe, flatscreen TV, desk all met expectations. The bed was comfortable. Be warned however, the website states 'free internet' in executive rooms, but this means wired internet into a laptop - not WiFi (most people would expect WiFi these days, no?)
Minibar was not very well stocked, would have liked to have seen a bigger selection.