Heathrow Terminal 5: I need a shower

September 19, 2008 12:24 PM

As I understand it, there aren't any public showers or pay-for-entry spas/lounges/hotel-pods with showers at Heathrow T5. (Only in the elite lounge that I can't get into.) I'll be there for 11 hours, between two longhaul flights. What's the easiest way to get myself to a shower?

I'm up for paying for a lounge, or a hotel pod, or whatever - I'm just not sure of what the most hassle-free way is to get to one. Do I just hop on a bus between terminals? I'd like to avoid having to go through security multiple times.

posted by stonerose to travel & transportation (10 comments total)

You can purchase access to Heathrow lounges in terminals 1, 2, 3, or 4 here.
posted by halogen at 12:33 PM on September 19, 2008

Which elite lounge? Sometimes you can buy a day pass or a trial membership.
posted by 26.2 at 12:34 PM on September 19, 2008

I'm sorry--it looks like none of these lounges have showers available. You're better off booking a night at an airport hotel. (I cannot recommend paying for a bed highly enough-- I once spent the night at an airport when I was 14, in order so save $100 or so. NEVER AGAIN.)
posted by halogen at 12:36 PM on September 19, 2008

11 hours? Is this overnight? Even so, assuming the complications of security, you could always hop on the tube and go looking for a public pool or gym. London's full of them.
posted by philip-random at 12:39 PM on September 19, 2008

It's an "overday" rather than overnight. I know a couple of places at Heathrow with showers, in other terminals. I am just looking for the easiest way, with the fewest security hassles.
posted by stonerose at 12:41 PM on September 19, 2008

Yotel in Terminal 4? I assume you'd have to pass back through security for the next leg of your flight, though.

Here's the Heathrow page on getting from one terminal to another.
posted by Hellgirl at 12:42 PM on September 19, 2008

Hmm. If you're willing to hop terminals then there are public showers in terminals 1,2 & 4.

Heathrow Airport BAA FAQ
posted by 26.2 at 12:44 PM on September 19, 2008

Just a thought, but if you can find a gym nearby you can probably get a day pass and shower there for less of a cost than renting a hotel room.
posted by lockle at 12:48 PM on September 19, 2008

The Marriott at the airport has a day rate. Last time I used it the cost was around $60. I believe it was for four hours, although my memory is hazy on that score. For a bit less, you can use the facilities at Urban Retreat which is actually quite nice.
posted by Lame_username at 1:22 PM on September 19, 2008

You can walk to the Hilton at Heathrow and pay to use their gym and showers. I did this about four years ago, and I paid 10 pounds (I wrote about it, briefly, here). Likewise, then you can justifiable sit around the Hilton for a couple of hours, which ain't bad.
posted by dbarefoot at 9:53 PM on September 19, 2008