🇬🇧 Crawley, United Kingdom
Sofitel Gatwick
📍 North terminal Gatwick, Airport, Horley, Crawley RH6 0PH, UK
Photo: official website
Your stay — Sofitel Gatwick
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Crawley.
The Property — Sofitel Gatwick
The Sofitel Gatwick is a 4-star hotel that blends sleek, modern design with French flair. The lobby's open-plan layout and high ceilings create a sense of calm, while the soft colour palette and elegant furnishings evoke a sense of luxury. This hotel is perfect for travellers who want a comfortable, convenient base for their London adventures, particularly those with early flights from Gatwick Airport. The hotel's proximity to the airport and good transport links make it a solid choice for business travellers and families alike.
Chronicles of Crawley
Crawley, a town in West Sussex, dates back to the Iron Age, but its modern history began with the arrival of the railway in the 19th century. The town's rapid growth led to the construction of the famous Crawley Bus Station, which still stands today. In recent years, Crawley has undergone significant regeneration, with new developments and attractions emerging, such as the K2 arts centre and the County Mall shopping centre. The town's cultural identity is a mix of old and new, with a strong sense of community and a thriving arts scene.
Best Time to Visit
Full Crawley guide →Best months
The best months to visit Crawley are June and September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 22°C (72°F) and 19°C (66°F), respectively. These months offer pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds, making them ideal for exploring the town and its surroundings.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak month for Crawley, with the Gatwick Festival taking place, attracting large crowds and driving up hotel prices. This month is a great time to experience the town's vibrant atmosphere, but be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder months of April and May are great for budget-conscious travellers, with milder weather and fewer crowds. These months offer a perfect balance of pleasant temperatures and lower prices, making them ideal for exploring Crawley without breaking the bank.
Weather & packing
Crawley's climate is known for its unpredictable weather, so pack layers for your visit. Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella, as sudden rain showers can occur at any time of the year.
Live City Briefing — Crawley
- The M23 motorway is currently undergoing maintenance, which may affect traffic flow to and from Gatwick Airport. Visitors should plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra time for travel.
- The new Crawley Museum is set to open in 2026, featuring exhibits on the town's history and culture.
- The Gatwick Festival is a major event in the town's calendar, with live music, food stalls, and activities for all ages. Be sure to check the dates and plan your visit accordingly.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Sofitel Gatwick, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally above the 4th floor, to minimize potential street noise from the Northway. As the hotel has 4 floors, floors 5 and 6 are likely to be quieter.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or the lift, as they may be prone to noise from staff activity and elevator noise. Rooms near the rear of the hotel may also experience some noise from the surrounding area.
Best views
South-facing rooms may offer views of the surrounding area, while north-facing rooms may be quieter and less affected by direct sunlight.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Northway is a main road, so rooms on the north side of the hotel may be noisier than those on the south side. Expect some noise from the surrounding area, especially during rush hour.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's on-site parking, which is convenient for guests with cars. Be sure to book a parking spot in advance, especially during peak travel periods. Request a room with a king-size bed, which is a standard feature at this 4-star hotel. This will ensure a more comfortable stay for couples or solo travelers.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Sofitel Gatwick
Free WiFi throughout the hotel, speeds up to 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Serves all floors, including the historic Redhill and Horley wings
Complimentary digital newsstand through PressReader, no physical papers available
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop from 04:00, late check-out until 14:00 (subject to availability) for £50 fee
Available in the hotel's Baggage Storage Room from 06:00 to 22:00, £5 per bag per 24 hours
Step-free access, wheelchair-accessible entrances at the North and South wings, but some rooms in the Redhill wing have limited accessibility due to historic building constraints
On-site parking available, £20 per night; nearest public car park (Long Stay Parking) is a 5-minute walk away, £15 per 24 hours; Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points available, £3.50 per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: £50 advance deposit + £50 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: St Bartholemew's (870 m · ~11 min walk)
- Church: Horley Methodist Church (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
- Church: English Martyrs (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
- Mosque: Gatwick Muslim Centre (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Riverside Park — 390 m · ~5 min walk
Archway Theatre — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Kids Zone — 723 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 494 m · ~6 min walk
Boots — 578 m · ~7 min walk
Premier Express — 602 m · ~8 min walk
North Terminal Bus Station — 548 m · ~7 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Pound Sterling, GBP
Use ATMs for best rates; avoid currency exchange at Gatwick Airport or hotel desks — they mark up badly.
Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay accepted almost everywhere, including buses and small shops, but keep a few pounds for corner shops or market stalls.
Not expected. Restaurants may add 10% for big groups; otherwise round up the bill or leave a pound or two for good service. Taxis: round up to nearest pound. Hotel porters: £1–2 per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Filter or instant coffee at a café or petrol station, around £2–2.50.
A supermarket meal deal (sandwich, snack, drink) for about £4, or a pub lunch special for £8–10.
A main at a chain pub or curry house: £12–15.
Not a street-food area — best cheap eats are pub lunch deals and supermarket meal deals around Gatwick and Crawley town centre.
Tesco, Asda, and Lidl are the main budget supermarkets in the RH6 area.
Crawley town centre has high-street chains like Primark, M&S, and Tesco clothing, plus a small market on certain days.
The cheapest way around is walking or a bus day pass (about £5). From Gatwick Airport to central London: take the Thameslink train (about £15–20 off-peak) rather than the pricier Gatwick Express.
Buy a railcard if travelling beyond London. Avoid eating at airport outlets — walk 5 minutes to Manor Royal or Crawley town. Use supermarket meal deals for quick, cheap food.
Good to know — Crawley
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.74 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
CrawleyWhere to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Crawley, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Sofitel Gatwick
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 494 m · ~6 min walk — pharmacy · Boots — 578 m · ~7 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Camfield House, Crawley → Gatwick Airport (LGW)
💡 Pre-book with local firms like Crawley Cars or Airport Taxis 24/7 for about £12-15 fixed rate; metered taxis at the rank can cost £20+.
Camfield House (stop: Pegler Way) → Crawley town centre / Gatwick Airport
💡 The bus stop is a 3-minute walk from the hotel. Buy a day rider (£4.50) if you're making multiple trips—it covers all Metrobus routes in Crawley.
Three Bridges Station → Gatwick Airport / London Victoria
💡 Use the Uber app or local bus (Metrobus 2/3/4) from Camfield House to Three Bridges station—it's a 15-minute walk otherwise. Off-peak return to Gatwick is cheaper than a single.
Camfield House → Crawley town centre / Three Bridges station
💡 Uber works well in Crawley but surge pricing hits during rush hour. For short hops, flag a local hackney cab—they charge a flat £4-6 within town.
About Crawley
Wikipedia ↗Crawley Town Football Club is a professional association football club based in the town of Crawley, West Sussex, England. The team currently competes in EFL League Two, the fourth level of the English football league system. Founded in 1896 as Crawley Football Club, helped to found the West Sussex...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Sofitel Gatwick?
Request a room on a higher floor, ideally above the 4th floor, to minimize potential street noise from the Northway. As the hotel has 4 floors, floors 5 and 6 are likely to be quieter.
Which rooms should I avoid at Sofitel Gatwick?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or the lift, as they may be prone to noise from staff activity and elevator noise. Rooms near the rear of the hotel may also experience some noise from the surrounding area.
Is Sofitel Gatwick noisy?
Northway is a main road, so rooms on the north side of the hotel may be noisier than those on the south side. Expect some noise from the surrounding area, especially during rush hour.
Which rooms have the best views at Sofitel Gatwick?
South-facing rooms may offer views of the surrounding area, while north-facing rooms may be quieter and less affected by direct sunlight.
What are insider tips for staying at Sofitel Gatwick?
Take advantage of the hotel's on-site parking, which is convenient for guests with cars. Be sure to book a parking spot in advance, especially during peak travel periods. Request a room with a king-size bed, which is a standard feature at this 4-star hotel. This will ensure a more comfortable stay for couples or solo travelers.
What time is check-in at Sofitel Gatwick?
Check-in at Sofitel Gatwick is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Sofitel Gatwick have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout the hotel, speeds up to 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Sofitel Gatwick?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Sofitel Gatwick?
A supermarket meal deal (sandwich, snack, drink) for about £4, or a pub lunch special for £8–10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Sofitel Gatwick?
The cheapest way around is walking or a bus day pass (about £5). From Gatwick Airport to central London: take the Thameslink train (about £15–20 off-peak) rather than the pricier Gatwick Express.
When is the best time to visit Crawley?
The best months to visit Crawley are June and September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 22°C (72°F) and 19°C (66°F), respectively. These months offer pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds, making them ideal for exploring the town and its surroundings.
Top Attractions in Crawley
💡 Stand on the footbridge at sunset for a view across the tracks toward the South Downs—clear skies permit a decent photo.
💡 Visit on a weekday morning to see the garden maintenance team at work—they're happy to point out the best seasonal blooms.
💡 Bring bread for the ducks—there's a family of swans that often shows up mid-afternoon.
💡 Park at the main car park (pay and display) but walk to the hidden meadow behind the animal enclosure—fewer people, better views.
💡 Check the website for their 'Saturday Stories' talks—often free and run by local historians.