room-only
from the airport
customer rating
Three-star comfort at a budget price
Enjoy three-star hotel facilities at super-value prices with a stay at the Britannia Lodge – a popular Gatwick airport hotel that's often full, so book early! The Britannia Lodge is in the grounds of the Europa hotel, which is just off the M23 - and only five miles from Gatwick’s terminals. The 42 rooms in the annexe building are clean and bright with new furniture and crisp bedlinen, and best of all guests of the Lodge enjoy access to all of the Europa's three-star facilities, including a restaurant, bar and one of the most delightful swimming pools we've seen.
The annexe building itself – converted from the former staff quarters of the main block – is a pretty no-frills affair, but guests are able to take advantage of all the Europa hotel’s facilities, including secure onsite parking and a fully-equipped gym, swimming pool and health club. Britannia guests can also make use of the Mediterranee restaurant at breakfast and dinner, and Rafters Bar for drinks and bar meals, meaning the Britannia Lodge offers exceptional value for money.
The receptionist dealt with a couple but when the couple left she didn’t acknowledge my existence until she had finished chatting with another member of staff. A simple “won’t keep you a moment” would have been fine. The decor in the hotel is very outdated, cobwebs, dust and bits of rubbish every where. In the executive room, lights weren’t working, no cold water whatsoever and not enough toiletries for two people. The carvery isn’t a carvery it’s a buffet. The three course meal doesn’t have any choice of starter or dessert. Soup was a packet mix, meat frozen and defrosted and tasted of freezer burn. Potato’s had a chemical back taste. Desserts were flavourless mush. The bar man was also very rude. Managed not to acknowledge me for over 5 minutes whilst making coffee, again a polite “won’t be a minute” would have been nice. All in all totally disappointed and would not recommend this hotel to anyone. Definitely won’t be back
Mr Lane (Britannia Lodge)
Our customers rated Britannia Lodge on average 7/10 (76 reviews). Read Britannia Lodge reviews.
We recommend the Britannia for:
Canny bargain hunters - stay in a simple room at a great-value price, but with the benefits of an adjacent 3-star hotel on your doorstep.
Easy parking - the hotel has its own secure onsite parking and is situated an easy 15-minute bus or taxi ride from the airport terminals.
A spot of indulgence - take a dip in the pool, relax in the sauna and steam rooms, or work up a sweat in the well-equipped gym. However you choose to indulge yourself, it’s all on site!
Holiday vibes on a budget
- Relaxed 3-star comfort
- Rafters Bar brings the pub to you – comfy chairs, pool table and classic comfort food
- Take a dip in the pool or workout in the gym
- Spacious family-friendly rooms with space for the kids to crash
- Start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast
Tuck into a warm welcome at this traditional-style 3-star hotel, where great value meets home comforts. There's plenty to keep everyone happy – from a swim in the pool or a quick gym session, to a laid-back game of pool in the bar. Fill your plate at the buffet-style carvery, grab a drink in the cosy pub-style bar, and enjoy a relaxed, fuss-free start to your trip. Reliable, budget-friendly and full of character – just what you need before take-off.
Getting to the airport
On the day of your flight, take a taxi from the hotel to the airport. It costs £21 for a standard car, £27.50 for a 6-seater and £32.50 for an 8-seat minibus each way. Gatwick Airport's £7 drop-off fee is included in this price. You can book your taxi at reception when you check in.
A postcode for satnavs and a link to what3words will be on your booking confirmation to make your journey easier.
Check in from 3pm, check out by 10am.
Parking
If you need it, overnight parking is £5 – make sure you enter your car reg at reception when you check in.
If you need parking while you're away you could save money by booking it with your hotel – search our hotel and parking packages instead.
Rooms
Rooms are simple, clean and tidy, with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Rooms include:
- Tea and coffee
- Hairdryer
- TV
- En suite bathroom
The Britannia Lodge is in the grounds of the Europa. The rooms at the lodge are slightly smaller than those in the Europa, but that's the only difference.
Triple rooms – have 3 single beds.Family rooms for four – have one double bed and bunk beds, suitable for 2 adults and 2 children 14 and under.
Family rooms for five – have one double bed and three single beds, suitable for 2 adults and 3 children 14 and under.
Fancy an upgrade? Treat yourself to an Executive room for £20 to enjoy some more space to spread out.
Wifi
Wifi is free throughout the hotel and rooms.
Accessibility
The hotel is accessible and has:
- Accessible parking bays
- Entrance ramp
- Accessible ground floor access to reception and bar
- Induction loop
- Accessible toilets
The Britannia Lodge does not have any accessible rooms. If you need one, you'll need to book one of the rooms at the Europa, which has three accessible double rooms that include:
- Roll-in wetroom
- Wider doors
- Grab bars
- Alarms
If you'd like an accessible room, you can request one when you book.
Restaurant
Mediterranean Restaurant – 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Enjoy a daily carvery and load up your plate with your choice of roast meat, potatoes, and plenty of veg – it's a warm, comforting meal that always hits the spot. A firm favourite for good reason.
On quieter nights, the restaurant might take a break, but you can still grab a bite from the bar menu downstairs.
If you have any dietary requirements, speak to a member of the team who will be able to help you.
Bar
Rafters Bar – 4pm to 11pm. Food served 5pm to 10pm.
Settle into a fireside chair, with a glass of wine or pint of Guinness in hand, and enjoy the cosy, traditional pub-style vibes at the Europa. Take a look at the bar menu which has lots of choices including a popular nibbles board, Rafters burger or lasagne – and don't forget to check out the daily specials. Then rack ‘em up and enjoy a game of pool while you wait for your food to arrive.
If the weather is playing ball, take your food and drinks to the large courtyard garden and make the most of the sunshine and open space.
On quieter evenings, the bar may close earlier than usual.
Breakfast
Mediterranean Restaurant – 7am to 9am
Start your day the right way with a hearty breakfast from the generous breakfast buffet selection. Whether you're in the mood for a full English with all the trimmings or prefer something lighter from the continental selection, you'll find plenty to choose from.
If you have any special dietary requirements, speak to a member of the team who'll be happy to help.
Things to do
Head over to the leisure centre for a swim in the pool or a workout in the well-equipped gym. It's £4 per adult, £2 per child, and you can hire a towel for £1. You can also grab a coffee, tea or hot chocolate there on your way out for under 3 quid – bargain.
Spindles leisure centre is open 6.30am to 8pm weekdays , 8am to 7pm on weekends. Last entry on weekdays is 7pm and 6pm on weekends.
Children are welcome in the pool between 10am to 6pm (last entry at 5pm) – perfect for a splash about before dinner.
Good to know
The Europa is cashless, so you'll need your card or contactless to pay for anything while you're there.
Britannia Lodge address
Maidenbower,
Crawley
RH10 7ZR
Britannia Lodge Additional Information
| Star rating | |
| Address | Balcombe Road, Maidenbower, Crawley RH10 7ZR |
| Breakfast | Mediterranean Restaurant – 7am to 9.30am Start your day the right way with a hearty breakfast from the generous breakfast buffet selection. Whether you're in the mood for a full English with all the trimmings or prefer something lighter from the continental selection, you'll find plenty to choose from. |
| Disabled facilities | There are no accessible rooms at the Britannia Lodge so we'd recommend staying at the sister Europa hotel, in the same grounds. |
| Internet | |
| Wi-Fi | |
| Restaurant | |
| Swimming pool | |
| En-suite bathroom | |
| Trouser press | |
| Kettle | |
| Phone in room | |
| TV | |
| Satellite TV |