The short answer: The Hilton is the big hotel next to the South Terminal and the cheapest we sampled there, so it is our pick for a family. The Courtyard has no shuttle, so it suits a family with a car.
2 stays · Last checked · How we checkTwo stays at the South Terminal for a family, compared on the walk and the facilities.
| Stay | How you reach S | Hotel to check-in | Room, typical | Transfer | Typical total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our pickLowest totalHilton London Gatwick Airport | Covered walkway to the South TerminalHilton: connected to the South Terminal by a covered walkway. The 3 minutes is from Holiday Extras only | 3 min | £98–£122 | £0 | £98–£122 |
| Also considerCourtyard by Marriott London Gatwick Airport | Gatwick Hoppa bus, taxi or carMarriott says about a 2 minute drive and no hotel shuttle. The Hoppa bus is GBP 5.25 per person. No bus times given. Door to check-in is our estimate | 15 min | £111–£136 | £5.50 | £117–£142 |
Prices are the lowest room we found on Booking.com across eight dates from November 2026 to April 2027, for two adults, one night, in Australian dollars. Family room details are not confirmed. Checked November 2026; your dates may cost more or less.
The right stay changes with the situation and the terminal.
Sleep close enough that the morning is a short walk or a short ride.
Early flight staysArr 23:55Get from the gate to a bed without waiting on a shuttle that has stopped.
Late arrival staysConnect 9hDecide whether to stay inside the terminal, next to it, or head out.
Connection staysLayover 7hA day room, a shower or a few hours out. What is realistic in the time you have.
Layover optionsStep-freeA short, calm route from the room to check-in, with as few steps, waits and transfers as possible.
Stays for older travellersLowest totalThe lowest total for the night, with the room and the trip to the terminal added up.
Budget stays