Park and fly! (Airport Parking & Hotels (APH))

Member Name: emmachilcott

Product:	Airport Parking & Hotels (APH)
Date:	27/09/09 (54 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy, efficient service

Disadvantages: None

I have used APH Gatwick several times before, and always had a very pleasant experience, so when I booked our holiday this year and we needed airport parking, APH was my first choice, and I am happy to report that they are still my number one choice.


APH have depots at three airports, and they also offer overnight hotels, airport lounges, travel insurance and several other holiday extras to make your holiday a little easier, but I have only used their Airport parking at Gatwick and courtesy coach service, so that is the basis of this review.


When you put in a search for airport parking at Gatwick, APH is usually second on the list pricewise, but if you search around online, it is usually quite easy to find a discount - Money Saving Expert is excellent for this. I paid £53 for a week, and I believe that two weeks is somewhere in the region of £85, but rates can vary. Booking online is probably the easiest way to book your space. The website is easy to navigate, and you only have to go through a couple of pages before entering your payment details. A confirmation email is sent immediately, and you have to print this off and show it upon your arrival at the car park. Included on the invoice are easy to follow directions (from every direction) and the first time we went there, we got there easily on these instructions alone (and we have no sense of direction!!).


The car park and reception is open 24 hours a day. Upon arrival you drive under a barrier, and there are clear directions to indicate where you should park your car. Once unloaded, you simply go into the office and hand in your car key where it is attached to a receipt, and you are given another receipt which you have to take on holiday with you as it has instructions and your reference number which you will need upon your return. The check in process takes a matter of minutes, and I have never had to queue at all. You put the key back on your car seat, leave the car unlocked and head towards the courtesy coaches. Your luggage is weighed (taking away the possible panic at the airport) and loaded on to the coach. The coaches leave every 10-15 minutes, so there is never a long wait, and there is usually plenty of space. The coaches are spotless, and the drivers are very friendly and helpful. It is a ten minute journey to the airport, where your luggage is unloaded and you're off!!


On your return journey, before collecting your luggage, simply call APH reception to notify them of your arrival. By the time you have your luggage and have cleared customs, the coach is there waiting for you to take your back to your car. When you collect your car you are told exactly which bay it is located in and you are given your keys and a code to get out of the car park (again only a two minute procedure) and you are away - so simple!


I am extremely comfortable leaving my car here, and I know that it will be safe and secure. It is possible to have your car valeted whilst you are away, but I always like to leave mine clean in the first place! The service is fast, uncomplicated and efficient, and it is a pleasant way to start your holiday. I would not hesitate in recommending this service, and it will always be my first choice.

Summary: An uncomplicated way to start and end your holiday