What is Aviator Hotel?

Aviator Hotel is a Selected hotel located in Farnborough, United Kingdom. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Aviator Hotel have?

Aviator Hotel has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Aviator Hotel located?

Aviator Hotel is located in Farnborough, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Aviator Hotel?

You can view more details and booking information for Aviator Hotel through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Aviator Hotel | Selected in Farnborough, United Kingdom

Name: Aviator Hotel
Address: 55 Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6EL, United Kingdom, Farnborough, Europe, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5

The Aviator Hotel in Farnborough, United Kingdom, consistently receives high praise as a Michelin Key Selected property, renowned for its striking design, exceptional service, and luxurious atmosphere.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Aviator Hotel garners an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, frequently described as "wonderful," "exceptional," "stunning," and "top-notch" by guests. It holds impressive overall ratings, with some platforms showing scores as high as 9.1 or 9.2 out of 10. In 2024, it ranked impressively in Tripadvisor's UK-wide Traveller's Choice Awards, coming in second, and in 2023, it was among the top 25 hotels in the UK, rating five stars out of five.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several outstanding features of the Aviator Hotel. The modern, sleek, and design-led architecture, which echoes an aircraft propeller and was designed by British architect Robin Partington (known for London's Gherkin), is a significant draw. The unique aeronautical theme is tastefully integrated throughout, from the central rotunda to aviation-themed cocktails. The friendly and helpful staff, the impeccable cleanliness, and the spacious, comfortable rooms are also frequently celebrated. Furthermore, the quality of the on-site dining and the vibrant Sky Bar with its runway views are major attractions.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at the Aviator Hotel are described as modern, spacious, luxurious, and exceptionally clean, often exceeding guest expectations. They feature contemporary furnishings, cutting-edge amenities, premium and hypo-allergenic bedding, and air conditioning. Guests appreciate thoughtful touches such as complimentary cookies, local mineral water, coffee machines (Nespresso), and well-appointed bathrooms with designer toiletries and powerful walk-in showers, and sometimes separate baths. Many rooms offer excellent views of the private Farnborough Airport runway, enhancing the aeronautical theme.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Aviator is a significant highlight, noted in the Michelin Guide for its "upscale dining." The hotel boasts two main restaurants: the intimate and fine-dining Brasserie and the more informal One Eleven restaurant offering bistro-style food. The Brasserie is praised for its sophisticated à la carte and tasting menus, featuring fresh, classical dishes with carefully selected boutique wines. Recent reviews laud dishes such as watercress soup with caviar, barbecued carrot, confit chalk stream trout, and fillet of beef, culminating in showstopping desserts like rhubarb soufflé. Breakfast is consistently described as excellent with a wide variety of delicious options. The stylish Sky Bar is a popular spot for signature cocktails and afternoon tea, offering panoramic views of the airfield.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at the Aviator Hotel receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests consistently describing them as friendly, helpful, polite, and attentive. Staff are often praised for going "above and beyond" to ensure a memorable stay, with some reviews noting complimentary upgrades for special occasions. The staff performance rating is exceptionally high, often cited around 9.6 to 9.8. This dedication to hospitality contributes significantly to the relaxing atmosphere and overall guest satisfaction.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Aviator Hotel's location adjacent to Farnborough Airport is a key aspect of its appeal, providing unique views of private jets taking off and landing. It's conveniently situated for those attending events at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre. For travelers, the hotel is easily accessible, being approximately 15 minutes from Junction 4 of the M3 motorway. Farnborough Main railway station is a short five-minute taxi ride away, offering direct train services to London Waterloo in about 35 minutes. While the immediate surroundings might offer limited additional dining options, the hotel's on-site offerings are extensive.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a premium option, the Aviator Hotel is often cited as offering "exceptional value" for its level of comfort, luxury, and service, representing "affordable luxury" for discerning travelers. Room prices typically average around $234, which is higher than the average hotel room price in Farnborough ($119), reflecting its upscale positioning. Rooms can start from approximately £113 per night, with more luxurious options like Aviator Studios and Sky Suites available as part of packages.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor recurring points of feedback include suggestions for slight improvements to breakfast buffet options, such as fresher croissants or the quality of buffet eggs. A few guests have noted noise from corridors or closing doors. Additionally, some point out the absence of a hot tub or swimming pool, which might not appeal to "spa queens," though the hotel does offer treatment rooms and a well-equipped gym.