Luxury In Transit: Stay at the BLOC Hotel with Inghams

Posted on May 26, 2017 in Austria Inghams Ski Holidays by Darryl Ball Tags:

BLOC Hotel – London Gatwick

Darryl Ball, commercial pilot for Norwegian Airlines, previously a professional skier and now a model and journalist, travels with Inghams every year for the Telegraph Ski Test to Kühtai, Austria. This March, he was invited by Inghams to stay at Gatwick BLOC Hotel on his way to the event.

As a commercial pilot and skier / traveller, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time in airports. The worst thing is transiting though an airport with a long wait for the next flight. I’m just in limbo, in high anticipation of the adventures to come.

Imagine being able to relax in a comfortable bed during one of these transits. Instead of wandering around killing time, or trying to sleep on the floor or across three adjoining plastic seats, think how good it would be to snuggle down in peaceful tranquillity after a hot shower! All without having to leave the terminal!

This is where BLOC Hotel in London Gatwick’s South Terminal comes to save the day. On my most recent ski trip to Kühtai, my journey consisted of an evening flight with Norwegian Airlines from Stockholm (my hometown) to London Gatwick, followed by a morning flight with Monarch the next day to Innsbruck, accompanied by the rest of the team from the Telegraph Ski and Snowboard Magazine.

To travel to a nearby hotel or to a friend’s house would have been expensive and time consuming, resulting in very little sleep. To camp out at the airport would normally mean even less sleep – not a good way to start the trip! As someone who likes to maximise efficiency, especially when travelling, staying at the BLOC Hotel was a no brainer!

Two minutes after collecting my luggage, and without even stepping outside the airport, I was greeted by a helpful smile as I collected my room key from reception. Then it was up to the seventh floor and my compact but well-furnished room, with its soundproofed windows overlooking the runway.

The double bed was extremely comfortable, equipped with an abundance of pillows! A touch screen on the wall beside the bed conveniently controlled the modern lighting and air conditioning. The bathroom was well designed with a toilet, sink and a waterfall-like shower all cleverly fitted into two square meters.

Needless to say, I was feeling both refreshed and content the next morning as I strolled leisurely to the check-in desk to meet the rest of the team…

Darryl travelled to Kühtai in Austria as a guest of Inghams and his trip included flights, transfers and catered accommodation (including breakfasts, afternoon tea and cake and five-course evening meals with complimentary wine) at Chalet Hotel Elizabeth.

To book, visit www.inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays or call 01483 791 114.