Gatwick Parking park and stay packages

Staying at a hotel the night before you fly off to some exotic destination has become increasingly popular over the last ten years. Gatwick Airport has added another 1000 rooms to the existing Hilton and Sofitel hotels within the airport perimeter over recent years. This tells you that a lot of people want to put their head down with the peace of mind they have no problem when it comes to catching their plane.

This is an age of disruption coming from a number of causes which includes of late, volcanic dust, floods and powerful winds.

Hotels and guest houses have improved too with the help no doubt of the review web sites and on-line forums. Tea/coffee, wireless internet access and en-suite bathrooms are all considered standard these days in a very competitive market place.

With sleep and fly packages abound offering discounted rates from the big comparison companies like Trivago and Booking.com it is still worth while calling the hotel direct to see if they are offering last minute discounts.

Most hotels offer a bus service to the terminals although this comes at a small charge. With other hotels you drive to the car park in the morning and transfer to a shuttle into the airport terminal.

Some hotels only offer a taxi service into the airport which may cost upwards of another £20 to the cost of your room.

However, there are a limited number of hotels that offer a meet and greet parking service at Gatwick Airport included in the price. You are transferred to the terminal in their courtesy car and on your return from holiday your car is delivered to you on the terminal forecourt.

All these services are designed to bring more comfort and less stress to the travelling public at a time when the public are demanding more value for money.

Gatwick Airport Hotels with Parking

There are many advantages to staying at a hotel the night before you fly off to some distant destination. Not least is the fact that you can be assured you will be on time for your check in and boarding. At the time of writing this short blog gales and winds have caused havoc across the road and rail network causing mass disruption and traffic chaos. It's not just the fact that you may miss your flight but it's the associated stress and worry it causes. Not a great way to start your holiday as the whole purpose of a break is to get away from the daily stress we have to endure. Finding the right hotel for your specific requirements is another matter and Gatwick Airport offers an entire range of possibilities to suit your needs and pocket. So here are some questions to help you search for the right hotel; Q.1 What time do you intend to arrive at the hotel or do you want to spend some time at the hotel to help you wind down and relax? A.1 Choose a hotel that has leisure facilities and/or a bar depending on your needs. Q.2 Do you want an evening meal in the hotel and how much money are you prepared to spend? A.2 Fine dining or plain good wholesome food that is the question. Sometimes a good pub within walking distance is great. Q.3 Do you have a family and do you require a family room? A.3 Some hotels do not offer family rooms and others may charge a premium. Q.4 Do you require leisure facilities? A.4 A gym, swimming pool or sauna is great but make sure they also offer an early check-in so you have plenty of time. Q.5 What is your budget - do you want to keep the price below or above £100? A.5 A good many Hotels or Guest Houses offer accommodation below £100 including parking. Use the search engines like ‘Google’ to find the right one. Q.6 Is your priority a comfortable bed and a good night's sleep? A.6 Essential to start your holiday. Choose a hotel away from the bustle of the airport and busy roads. Q.7 Do you want breakfast before you leave the hotel or will you have it at the airport whilst waiting to board the plane? A.6 Having breakfast at the airport kills time after check-in and there are some good restaurants offering reasonable prices. Q.8 How important is the time factor in getting to the check-in desk on the morning of your flight? A.8 This is important as some hotels do not offer parking on site. Check first with the hotel. Q.9 Do you want to hang around in the morning waiting for buses or would you like to get to the airport in 5 minutes? A.9 Having to drive to a car park and transfer to buses on the morning of your departure is time consuming and stressful. Look for a hotel that offers direct transfers to the terminal. Q.10 Do you expect to pay extra for your transfer to the terminal? A.10 Most hotels will charge extra for a transfer between £3 and £5 one way. If you have a family this can add quite a bit to the overall cost. Q.11 Do you have a car and do you need to keep it somewhere safe for the duration of your holiday? A.11 Only use an operator that is part of the ‘Approved Operator’ scheme. A list of these can be found on the Gatwick Airport web site. Q.12 On your return from holiday do you mind having to wait for a bus, transferring your luggage and taking you back to a car park to pick up your car? A.12 This is time consuming and stressful especially if you are tired or have a family. There are better, alternative options. Q.13 Do you want a Gatwick Parking Service where your car is brought to the airport terminal. This enables you to drive directly home saving you valuable time especially after a tiring flight? A.13 Valet Parking or Meet and Greet Parking is available at most airports and is considerably more convenient and less stressful than park and ride operations. Q.14 Do you expect to pay extra for a Valet Parking Service? A.14 The present market place is extremely competitive and ‘Approved Operators’ are keen to win business off park and ride operators.

Gatwick Parking

Booking Agents or Book Direct.

 

We have all seen the advertisements for Comparison Sites which cover a wide range of products from insurance to airport parking. With the power of internet marketing becoming ever more powerful it is no surprise that the numbers of comparison sites are increasing year on year. Some web sites call themselves comparison sites and others as agents for the various company products they are selling but they are both ultimately the same.

Comparison sites are what it says on the tin, they offer the opportunity for you to compare prices on your chosen product and in some cases but not all, explain the advantages over one product to another. This is great for products like insurance or banking but does it apply to other businesses like airport parking?

What are the real advantages of buying through comparison sites compared to buying local or going direct to the product company? As with the example above we shall look at airport parking and explain the differences between booking through an agent and booking direct.

Depending on the agent or comparison site the Customer will have a choice of a number of parking operators to choose from. If we take Gatwick Airport Parking as an example these prices range from £35 upwards to over £100 for a weeks depending on the quality of the service. We will assume that the lower price range would offer a park and ride service ( transfer by bus )  and the higher price would be a valet parking service or meet and greet at the airport terminal. However this does not always apply as some agents offer a meet and greet parking service as low as £40 - £50. Prices as low as this for a valet service can only be offered by un-approved operators where they are compromising on safety and security. It is most unlikely the agent will sell the product for less than the operator itself.

Most parking operators are tied to their agents inasmuch as their prices cannot be more or less than the agent selling the product. This means that the parking operator will have to take a hefty chunk of its fee to pay the agent and this can be as much as 35%. Add this to the 20% VAT element of the booking it means that the operator is only getting approximately 50% of the total cost of the booking. This substantial cut in the operator’s profit margins can only reflect itself in the ultimate quality of the service the Customer receives. At a price range of £35 to £50 this means that the profit is small or non-existent or where the parking is not subject to adequate insurance, has no planning permission or even VAT.

The recently introduced Approved Operator Scheme at Gatwick will inevitably create a bigger divide in price between park and ride and valet parking. Airport Access Charges have been introduced for every vehicle that enters the forecourts. This again will create a greater burden on the Operator as it is them that will have to absorb the costs and not the commission agent.

Most of the Gatwick Parking operators have their own web sites in spite of the fact that most of their traffic is derived from the Agents. The Agents are superior marketers and this is readily demonstrated by typing in a keyword such as ‘Gatwick Park’ in a search engine such as ‘Google’. The first page is entirely made up of agents or comparison sites and sole operator sites are found further on.

If you look at price comparison web sites for airport parking and then compare them to sole operator web sites you will find an enormous difference particularly if the sole operator is an approved operator.

The sole operator’s web site goes a long way to explaining its service and the industry surrounding it. The agent’s web site is a long way short of descriptions and will simply show icons to indicate what is offered with no actual detail.

If you are a new Customer and you are booking direct with an approved parking operator at Gatwick then you will find the operator working hard to please you and to tempt you back again and again. Very often the operator will offer discounts for your next trip.

Gatwick Parking

Commission Agents Vs Sole Operators

Most parking operators have their own web sites and it has to be accepted that they would rather not pay agents fees if they could achieve the same sort of traffic without them. However, the agents are marketing experts and you will see this just by typing in the term ‘Gatwick Parking’ in your chosen search engine. The first page of results is entirely made up of Agents or comparison sites. Move on to subsequent pages and you will see more actual ‘Operators Web Sites’.

Sole operator web sites offer many advantages to the Gatwick Parking Customer. They explain in much greater detail every aspect of their operation including security, location, terms and conditions, operational procedures and complaints procedures. They supply landline telephone numbers, VAT numbers and 24 hour phone numbers in an effort to provide total peace of mind to the Customer. They will tell you exactly where your car is parked for the duration of your holiday or business trip. By contrast, comparison sites use ‘call to action’ methods on their landing pages.  They use a series of icons to inform you of the security, service offered and others. They will indicate an icon of a barrier where the said car park has an entry barrier or a CCTV icon where CCTV is being used. This in no way indicates the true nature of the barrier i.e., always closed or CCTV ( total or partial coverage) and in some cases there is no barrier or CCTV at all.

Gatwick Airport has recently introduced an Approved Operator Scheme. After achieving certain awards from Trading Standards and the Safer Parking Scheme operators are invited to join the scheme. Only 8 operators have achieved Approved Status. These approved operators have their car park sites inspected every year in order to remain within the scheme. It is the actual operator that receives the award not the agent or comparison site.

An approved operator will deal with you the Customer for the entire length of your booking from the time you make it to the time you return from your holiday and your car is delivered to you. They will keep you informed of any changes as a result of airport security alerts, traffic issues and any other issues. They have one very special item on their agenda and that is to provide you with a service that will keep you coming back time after time and for you to recommend them to your friends.

The Gatwick parking operator may not be so good at marketing but he does have your very best interest at heart.

Most sole operators will offer discounts on return bookings or ‘loyalty’ discounts the more times you use them even if this is over several years.

Good operators will have landline telephone numbers so any queries or requests can be dealt with just by lifting the phone. Good operators have 24 hour mobile contact or emergency contact. After all, you’re going to leave your prized possession in the hands of someone else so wouldn’t it be nice to have total peace of mind so that you can really enjoy your holiday!

So for your parking at Gatwick always choose an approved operator and preferably one that’s been around for a long time.

 

Horse Riding Holidays

When the summer starts we try to find new adventures and one of the most exciting adventures is horse riding in the sun.

Enjoy Fabulous Riding Holidays in Andalucia, Spain.  Ride the ancient mule tracks among the olive groves in the Sierras, explore the natural parks or take the trails overlooking the sparkling blue seas while riding well trained Spanish horses.

Horse riding holidays in France vary enormously, but all will show you the real essence of France. The country is the largest in Western Europe and has a huge diversity of landscapes, cultures and climates waiting to be discovered.

All agents will work closely with you to check both your ability and aspirations in order to match your groups riding abilities as well as selecting your perfect mount for your riding holiday.  Personal attention all week, with dedicated airport transfers, welcome meeting and evening meal with drinks and much more.

All our accommodation choices are within a very short walk of the beaches & old town. No driving needed!

Below is an example of a recent hotel stay in Spain. There are other options on offer including Villas to rent and Farmhouse Rooms. All prices are excluding flights.

Hotel Arrayanes Playa.

A well situated three star hotel just along the paseo heading towards Cotobro - right on the front with superb views overlooking the sea and just a 15 min stroll into the heart of the old town either along the promenade or beach.
Lovely swimming pool & sun terraces, with fantastic views across the bay to the Peñon and the Castillo de San Miguel.  In the evenings the pool side ambiance gets more intimate, ideal for drinks with friends or just chilling out in the warm evenings, watching the fishing boats working under the stars.
Friendly 24 hour reception with 33 spacious comfortable double rooms plus triple and family (4px) rooms.  Air conditioning is standard, as well as satellite TV, phones and fully fitted on suite bathrooms with hairdryers.
Restaurant with a great selection of Mediterranean dishes with international touches and also paellas and other local rice dishes as well as fresh fish.  In addition the restaurant offers a bar, an outdoor barbecue and a terrace with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean where you can enjoy cocktails or a wonderful meal.
Optional full laundry & ironing service, nice cafeteria and TV lounge.  Some rooms adapted for physically impaired guests.
Prices starts from £700 -£1125
Available at: riding-holidays-in-spain.com
Casa Delfin –fantastic casa for 2-6px with super view.
Prices from £700-£1145
Available at : riding-holiday-in-spain.com
Los Laureles Rooms -2-3px, breakfast included.
Prices starts from £700-£1185
Available at : riding-holidays-in-spain.com

French Riding Holidays

If you are travelling from elsewhere in Europe then France will be almost on your doorstep and you will be spoilt for choice with many airlines, including the low cost budget carriers, competing for your custom.

Ride along the trails of past Kings. Starting at Blois we visit its superb castle before discovering the castles of Chaumont sur Loire, the residence of Catherine of Medici, of Chenonceau, called the castle of the Ladies, of Cheverny at the start of the Sologne region, and of Chambord, the most immense of them all. You will overnight one night in the castle of Chemery. This castle, dating from the 12th century, has a medieval atmosphere, and there you will enjoy a candlelit dinner washed down with wines from the Loire Valley. Along with faster than average riding on fit Anglos Arab horses, this is a journey of discovery not to be missed.

Prices starts from £1295 pp -8days/6days riding excluding flights.
Available at:unicorntrails.com

If you are travelling with lots of kit and you are flying from Gatwick Airport, why not try Valet Parking. Have your car picked up right outside the airport terminal and delivered to you on your return.

If you want to guarantee catching your flight then an overnight stay before you fly is a great idea. Park, sleep and fly packages are available at all Gatwick Hotels and all at reasonable prices.

Airport Valet Parking

Meeting and Greeting your airport parking provider.

There are many articles written on the advantages of Airport Valet Parking or Airport Meet and Greet Parking which are the same only different in name.

There is no doubt that the companies offering a meet and greet parking service at the UK's major airports carry a distinct advantage over their park and ride competitors. Any service that offers the modern traveller a reduction in their travelling time will undoubtedly secure their custom. Meet and Greet parking can reduce your travelling time from door to destination by as much as an hour and in many cases by over 2 hours.

Booking Meet and Greet Parking is easy. There are many web sites that represent these companies at all the major UK airports. The major search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo will all give you results if you type in key words like Gatwick Valet Parking or Gatwick Meet and Greet Parking.

However, finding the right company to suit your needs and pocket is more difficult. Since the introduction of Valet Parking in the 80's and 90's, its popularity has grown, not only with the increase of airport passenger numbers but also taking a significant slice of the park & ride sector. This increase in demand has introduced a plethora of Valet Parking companies to the market place most of which use the search engines to advertise their wares. 

Most of these companies have been established for a number of years and have invested heavily in parking compounds which meet the criteria of local planning officers. Liveried vehicles, uniforms, police vetted staff and proper insurance cover are just some of the essential items that bona fide companies invest in every year. This costs money and is reflected in the charges made by these good companies. A good and reliable meet and greet company will charge anything between £50 and £80 for a weeks parking and £80 to £110 for 2 weeks including VAT at summer rates. These rates are pretty much set in stone if you consider all the overall costs of running a bona fide Meet and Greet Parking Company. If you were to find a company advertising rates at lower that the above guide then you will probably find they are somewhat lacking in those essential requirements of running a fit and secure operation.

These are some points you should look out for when selecting your Airport Valet Parking Company.

Make sure you know the exact location of the place your car will be stored BEFORE you make that booking. It is not enough for the web site to state 'your car will be stored in a secure compound close to the airport'. Your own insurance company will need to know this information in the event something happened. 

Make sure you have the full registered address of the company you use (not just the storage location), the company number and the VAT number which should all be displayed on the web site.

Make sure you have a landline telephone number NOT a mobile number.

Make sure your vehicle is parked reasonably close to the airport just in case you have to retrieve that teddy bear left in the car. Do not allow your vehicle to be taken miles from the airport as this will increase the road risk and reduce your petrol tank. Always ensure the mileage is recorded when passing your vehicle over.

A reliable indicator for a good company will be the length of time is has been in operation. Most companies will advertise the number of years they have been established.

Fully comprehensive road insurance is imperative. Most companies will state on their web site the Insurance Company they use for road risks.

All good companies will have uniformed staff with appropriate ID's and all of a mature age. After all, you would not expect to pass your vehicle to a boy racer!

This article has been written to throw a bit of caution your way when choosing a Valet Parking Company at a UK Airport. All too often we hear of bad press regarding airport meet and greet companies. These antics are connected directly to poorly run, newly formed companies and should not be associated with long established companies that invest strongly in their enterprises year on year.

 Written by Trevor Bryan a director and owner of an Airport Valet Parking Company established over 20 years.

Looking for Gatwick Parking

Always on impasse when we want to book our airport parking, especially if you fly from Gatwick Airport.


Booking your Gatwick Parking can be very ‘trying’ for your nerves. If you don’t have friends or relatives to recommend you a reputable and reliable car park you’ve got to go through the tedious search online.

Not the search itself is what gets you but how do you chose the right Gatwick Parking ,the one that offers you the peace of mind that your car is safe and to be good value for money as well.

A lot of companies just flourished overnight at Gatwick. If you browse the internet for Gatwick Parking you get a lot of companies who offer you ‘the best deal’ then others.

A lot of them will enchant you with their well structured website, to the point content and REALY good prices. But in this day and age almost anyone could make a good website but what lies behind the ‘SO GOOD WEBSITE’ will make you wonder.

We tend to take at face value all that is said to us, either over the phone or online when we make a booking, but who checks all this car parks at Gatwick to assure you that they are true to their word?!


Airport Valet Parking Contractors Association will do that for you. AVPCA is an Association of valet parking contractors that have come together to protect their industry from the increasing number of rogue operators and bad practices.

In particular, the Association has been formed as a result of the increase in professional looking web sites, offering discounted services but regretfully lacking in solid investment into premises, insurance, staff training or have little call for Customer Relations.

Their aim - Protecting customers against rogue airport parking firms and bad practices in airport parking.


Planning Permission
To ensure that all their members have principal places of business that has the correct planning permissions for the operation of airport parking.

Arbitration Services
If a dispute does arise all the members have signed up to their arbitration and dispute resolution charter giving a complete peace of mind.

VAT Registered Businesses
Making sure that all members are correctly registered for VAT ensuring that you receive correct bills & invoices, assisting you in your accounting processes.

Land Line Telephone Number
It is a requirement that all members have registered telephone landlines. They don't accept those operators who only use mobile phones.

Registered Business Offices
As part of their due diligences to protect you, the customer, they check that all their members have registered offices at companies’ house and they visit those offices.

Up-To-Date Financial Accounts
To ensure you are not dealing with a "fly by night" firm all members are required to supply audited financial accounts showing they are solvent.

Certified Accountants
In addition to checking the solvency of their members they also check out their accountants to ensure that accounts are provided by reputable companies.


Criminal Records Bureau
To protect consumers AVPCA runs checks on all our members to ensure that they are in turn checking the CRB records of all of their staff.

Interaction With Local Police
In order to best protect our customers, their members interact with Local & Airport Police wherever possible. History shows that Rogue Traders cannot afford to embrace the Local Police and use the help and advice available to protect our customers.

Full Liability Insurance
In the event of an accident you need to know that all our members have the required amount of insurance cover. They run these checks an all their members for your peace of mind.

20 years of Success.. Thank you all..!

We are so glad to say that we have completed 20 years of our business and we are so thankful to all our clients for making this successful. Please have a look on our new video of the parking service. We hope that you all having a very good day. :)