Room and rail service gives stress-free start to the holidays

Savvy holidaymakers will be grinning all the way to their favourite winter sun escape this Christmas by skipping the traffic jams, saving money and gliding smoothly into their holidays with Park Plaza Victoria London.

The stop and hop alternative - a night at the hotel and a next day train ride on the Gatwick Express to Gatwick - costs less than driving to the airport and paying for a fortnight’s parking.

Instead of battling wintery roads and clogged motorways, enjoy a relaxing night in a modern, stylish room at the four-star deluxe hotel and arrive recharged and refreshed at the airport in a mere 30 minutes on the train.

Traditionally stress levels soar as travellers battle crawling traffic, lost baggage and overcrowded airports during the festive season. With tolls set to be introduced on the key airport approach motorways the M25 and M23, travelling by car will cost even more*. Holidaymakers can leave this nightmare behind as they sleep in on the morning of their departure, enjoy breakfast in style and catch an easy ride to the airport, whilst planning what to splash their cash on.

Park Plaza Victoria London has noted a marked increase in couples checking in to the luxury hotel for one night and then taking the Gatwick Express to the airport the following day – in easy time for their flight to their holiday destination.

“We first noticed this tendency last year,” says Katja Lyle-Smythe, Director of Sales at Park Plaza Victoria London. “Over Summer 2008 the trend really took off and we’re already seeing smart travellers book the hotel for an easy start to their Christmas holidays.”

Lyle-Smythe says feedback from many overnight guests suggests they all expect their experience at the airport to be a nightmare. So they have built a stay in a top hotel into their itinerary to ensure their break begins stress free.

Park Plaza Victoria London is perfectly placed close to the Gatwick Express dedicated platforms at Victoria station and the cost advantage of not driving to the airport and having to park a car there during a holiday fortnight is irresistible.

“They are arriving at Park Plaza Victoria London, enjoying a good night’s sleep and walking across the road to the Gatwick Express in plenty of time,” says Lyle-Smythe. “It’s a case of letting the train take the strain and arriving pampered and pristine for the plane.”

Room rates at Park Plaza Victoria London start at £99 per room per night (excluding VAT, room only). For reservations visit parkplaza.com.

Tickets for the Gatwick Express cost from £28.80 return and can be purchased online at gatwickexpress.com or through Concierge at Park Plaza Victoria London.

*Department of Transport Command Paper 'Roads - Delivering Choice and Reliability' 16/07/08.