Room by the runway: Aviator Hotel, Farnborough

If you have a love of planes (or a partner with one) then a break at The Aviator Hotel combines the best in modern hotels with the fun of watching the runway! By Debbie Djordjevic

Opened just three months before our visit, The Aviator is right on the edge of the runway at the Farnborough Airport. But don't let this put you off as it all adds to the fun!

 

Looking like a modern office block from the outside (although shaped like the propeller of an airplane) the hotel is anything but office like, with a dramatic entrance hall complete with sweeping staircase leading up to the main reception.

 

It's the décor that really gives the Aviator the edge over most modern hotels catering predominantly for the business trade. Although everything is new and sleek there's a subtle celebration of the heyday of travel to the interior design which leaves you asking whether you are in a hotel or a facsimile of an upmarket 30s cruise-liner?

 

A hint of an Art Deco theme has been continued throughout the hotel by award-winning designer, Amanda Rosa. Stylish and discreet, the hotel has its feet very firmly in the 21st century in terms of mod-cons and service, while looking to earlier styles and influences to create an atmosphere that immediately feels relaxed and welcoming.

 

Why go there?

There is no getting away from the fact that it is in the main, used by travellers who use the airport - including the flight crews. But this little modern gem of a hotel is getting quite a reputation locally for a fantastic bar (the cocktail list is extremely extensive) and good restaurant - which apparently is always booked up by the locals at weekends. Service throughout the hotel was friendly, efficient and professional while retaining a relaxed atmosphere (suits and jeans both welcome).

 

We arrived on a Friday night and were expecting it to be almost empty so were pleasantly surprised to find the atmosphere buzzing in both the bar and restaurant. But the highlight was definitely the suite we had been given on the runway side of the hotel. Big windows with thick glass afforded a brilliant view without the take-off noise, and the suite itself was spacious, comfortable and complete with internet connection, well-stocked mini-bar, and the in-house video showing a selection of films still showing at the cinema gave us little reason to want to leave the suite at all.

 

What's nearby?

Historic Farnham is about 20 minutes away by car and provides good shopping opportunities and plenty of places for coffee and lunch - and don't forget a quick look at the castle while you're there. Next to the hotel is the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum housed in a 1908 listed historic building. This was the original home of the Royal Balloon School and now overlooks the runway of TAG's Farnborough airfield where planes can be seen in the air as well as historic planes on the ground.

 

Further information

Rooms cost from £185 a night. Contact Aviator Hotel, Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6EL. 0870 220 8000, www.aviatorfarnborough.co.uk

 

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