RADISSON
BLU HOTEL EAST MIDLANDS AIRPORT
This was to be the third time I had visited the city of
Derby. On the previous
two occasions I had opted for a city centre hotel, this time,
however, my choice of hotel was to be the Radisson Blu
Hotel East Midlands Airport. The
reason for my choice was not as you may expect. The fact that
Radisson Blu Hotel is a mere one mile from the airport had, on this
occasion, nothing to do with my decision, I was not flying in or out
of the airport. The reason I chose the Radisson Blu over other hotels
in the area, besides being a wonderful four star hotel, was simply
the lure of the fantastic spa that the hotel boasts.
I was in the Derby area attending meetings over a two
day period, this required a hotel stay
for two nights. Having almost 200 miles to drive from
my home to Derby, I was keen to have a comfortable hotel with good
leisure facilities, somewhere
I could relax and unwind before and after my meetings.
Radisson Blu East Midlands Airport proved to be the ideal base in
which to do just that.
Located on the Pegasus Business Park, within close
proximity of the airport terminal building, the
Radisson Blu is a very good choice for those flying in or out of the
airport. The hotel runs a shuttle bus to the airport for its guests,
and offers 'Park Dream and Fly' packages which include a hotel stay,
parking and return shuttle. Being approximately 14 miles from Derby,
the hotel is also ideal for visiting this historic city. Nottingham
and Leicester are also within an easy drive, which affords travellers
the opportunity of visiting much of this beautiful part of England.
The hotel is a very modern, contemporary building, and
offers 218 extremely stylish bedrooms and suites,
all with modern contemporary furnishings. Five of the
rooms are classed as accessible rooms, and there are room card
operated lifts serving all floors. The rooms feature free high speed
Wi Fi and 24 hour room service. There is a mini fridge and Tea/Coffee
making facilities in all rooms, with Nespresso Coffee Machine and
upgraded toiletries in the suites. Robes and Slippers are also
included in Business Class rooms, as is the mouth-watering
array of food on offer with the excellent Super
Breakfast Buffet.
Breakfast and Dinner is served in The Runway Brasserie,
a delightful eating area offering views of the planes taking off and
landing. Breakfast is served from 6.30am to 10.30am Monday to Friday,
and
6.30am to 11.00am at
weekends. Food is also served in the wonderfully bright
and airy Bar area,
with its attractive and expansive high glass wall and ceiling,
from 11am to 11pm.
Other facilities at the hotel include
the Hasa Health Club and Serenity Spa, where you will
find everything you need to keep fit and healthy during your stay.
There is a very well equipped gym, a good sized swimming pool, sauna
and steam room. There are also treatment and beauty rooms available
for that extra pampering.
The hotel is equipped to deal with all manner of guests,
from the flight weary traveller to the explorer looking for a base
from which to discover this part of England. Business guests are well
catered for with 9 conference rooms with a total capacity of 400
guests. Social gatherings such as weddings or parties can also be
accommodated.
Located just off the M1, the hotel was easy to find, and there is ample
parking in the car park. My first impression as I drove into the car
park was a very favourable one, here was a very modern and stylish
hotel, an
attractive, impressive building that
stood out amongst other buildings in the area. On entering the
reception area, I was impressed with
the clean, light
and airy feel to this large and welcoming open space.
The area was furnished with an array of tasteful and unique chairs
and tables, with a 'Living Wall' feature behind the reception desk.
Leading on from reception was the bar area, business centre and
library, and finally the Runway Brasserie.
Check-in was quick and efficient and performed in a
professional and friendly manner.
My room was a Business Class room and was very nicely decorated with
large bird motifs on the wall. There was a coffee table and chairs
as well as a dressing table area, the room featured a large TV and
also offered views towards the runway, ideal for plane spotters. This
particular room featured a bath with overhead shower, whilst some
rooms feature showers only.
Having made myself a cup of coffee, I changed into my
swimming shorts and put on the complimentary gown and slippers, I
then made my way down to the spa area to make use of the facilities.
Towels and lockers are provided in the spa and there are cold drinks
available, as well as water. After spending a relaxing time in the
spa, I returned to my room to prepare myself for an evening out in
Derby.
It was a relatively easy 20 minute drive into the city
centre. As I would be dining out in Derby City on both evenings of my
stay, I, unfortunately, would not get the opportunity to dine in the
hotel's restaurant. However, if breakfast is anything to go by, I am
sure that any guest wishing to dine in the hotel's restaurant for
dinner, will not be disappointed.
The following day would involve a full day of meetings,
starting at 9am in Derby City. This meant an early wake up call,
arranged at reception on check-in, and an early breakfast. Breakfast
included all the usual hot and cold food and drinks from the self
service buffet that you would expect from this class of hotel, but
there was also the option of ordering extra items from a menu. There
was a surcharge for some items.
I enjoyed a most comfortable and relaxing stay at
Radisson Blu East Midlands Airport and it proved to be a very good
choice for my needs. Certainly, anyone flying in or out of the
airport should seriously consider this hotel.
Address for Sat Navs is: Herald Way, Pegasus Business
Park, East Midlands Airport, DE74 2TZ
Telephone: +44 (0)1509670575
Email: reservations.eastmidlandsairport@radissonblu.com
For more details visit :
www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-eastmidlandsairport
