Europa Gatwick Hotel & Spa – Hotel near airport in Crawley (West Sussex)

My stay at the hotel had its ups and downs. The rooms were warm, comfortable, and clean, but the overall experience was marred by poor service and misleading room arrangements. The location was convenient for my needs, and the dining options left much to be desired.

The hotel could use some refurbishment and re-organization in the rooms. They were definitely not double occupancy, featured threadbare carpets, and were only tidied up after guests checked out, which should be done daily. However, the service, although in need of 'Charm School,' had polite and helpful staff despite being somewhat disinterested. The location, while OK with worn seating, had a comfortable seating area. The dining experience, although good, was a bit expensive, with an additional charge added to the bill that couldn't be removed.

The hotel looked nice from the lobby, but the rooms were a disaster with a disgusting smell of damp and smoke, making it impossible to sleep. The heating didn't work, and the staff were rude and unhelpful. Definitely not a pleasant stay.

The lodge room I booked on my way back from holiday was disappointing with a musty smell and a little fan heater instead of proper heating. The room was dirty inside, flickering lights, but at least it had a hairdryer. The service lacked professionalism and communication skills, with staff arguing in front of guests and a mix-up with room numbers. The location, amidst a littered swamp, near Hawth Park on a bumpy track, wasn't relaxing at all. The dining experience had its flaws with a rushed breakfast. The facilities were lacking in quality.

The hotel seems more like a 2-star than a 3-star establishment. The experience was marred by body odors in the family room with two beds and a set of bunk beds, which wasn't ideal when staying with my fiance. However, as a non-smoker, I appreciated the services provided, albeit the need for a good clean throughout the hotel.