The Aviator Hotel

Upon entering the Aviator Hotel, there is a «stairway to heaven», a backlit cloud-​like exaggeration of airstairs. A bit of imagination and you could be boarding a private luxury jet, until you reach the reception desk. Everything is upholstered in rich jewel tones, and the portholes and leather in the elevator were «aviation-​chic.» The staff is as friendly, responsive and starched as cabin crew, and the bar is lively with suited people in transit. Yet, the food was the quality of in-​air meals served on an average Cross-​Atlantic Boeing 747 flight.
I started having problems when I went in search of my room. The hotel has galley type wooden fire doors placed at quite close intervals. Push through one swinging door and you encounter another and again and again until I was unsure if I wasn’t caught up in a dream sequence from Inception. I remember making a mental note to take it easy at the bar in the evening.
Once I finally found my room, I encountered the phantom shower head. There were two knobs in the shower, and I turned the wrong knob. Out of the ceiling poured torrential rain directly on top of my head — cold rain, very cold. I was only saved by my feline ninja reflexes. My colleagues, who were also staying at the hotel, reported similar mishaps with their showers.
Having conquered the shower, I was pleased with the rest of the accommodations. I hadn’t been placed in economy class. I had a window with a view out onto a small, local air field — thus the name and theme of the hotel. The bed was big (I’m sure the thread count was high) and the pillows were firm and hotel stiff, which I particularly like. I had a small sofa built into the wall under the window and large mirrors.
For dinner that night, we (my colleagues and I) were hosted, served and entertained by hotel staff. I’m going to say first that I was really excited about this dinner. The menu had been written with an explicative Frenchy style, which automatically induced me to imagine artistic, exquisite food. Things like Black Sea Bass served with red wine au jus and cyfron purée on a bed of foie gra pâté a la sauvignon buree petite and so on. I vaguely understood that I would be served a soup, fish and a selection of cheese. Now, my expectations were high, so when I got the food, which I’m sure was prepared with the best intentions, I was so disappointed. The service was excellent, but the food was sad. Sad like ravioli microwaved in a card board box on an airplane.

The soup was tasteless, and my wrist got tired from shaking copious amounts of salt and pepper into that Butternut Squash Purée ala Britainique. The Blackened Sea Bass with Cyfron Purée (I don’t know what this was — it was like a potato but it wasn’t a potato and it had some name like «cyfron») Au Jus Red Wine was subtle and savory but very lonely on the plate. The fish’s skin was crunchy and the meat delicate, but it swam in death as it did in life, except in death it swam in a pool of vinegary sauce. The cheese was fine, but nothing to write home about. There was nothing French about the cheese. I was hungry before, during and after.
Breakfast the next morning was a bit better, but again rather bland. Typical British fare — beans, floppy bacon, eggs and HP sauce. Perhaps British cuisine is underwhelming in general. I didn’t have much of a chance to find out as I supplemented the hotel meals with sandwiches from Sainsbury’s for the whole trip.
Near the end of our business dinner, two of the waitress staged a fight. One of them was screaming at the other that she had «stolen her man.» It wasn’t clear if they were actually fighting or not and everyone got very quiet. I suspected something was up because it was highly theatrical. In the end it was a part of a rather cheesy performance where the waitresses sang and danced to three or four songs. I suppose it was somewhat novel and amusing, and I commend the energy, enthusiasm and vocal styling of the two girls, but two songs would have sufficed. Of course they tried to make us dance. I got out of it by talking to the «DJ» who was just a kid playing music from a pre-​set iTunes list with old, old kitschy songs.
After dinner, a quick visit to the bar was in order. The hotel bar seemed to be the only real place in the vicinity of the hotel itself to take leisure. It was set up like a lounge and was staffed by boys in suspenders and slicked back hair, which gave it a sort of 1920’s lounge finesse. It took forever to get drinks. I had one and went to bed as I was quite satisfied with the wine service during the dinner anyway.
So besides the phantom shower, the airplane quality food and the strange dinner entertainment, the aviation themed Aviator hotel was a rather pleasant place to layover if you ever have to stay in this small town outside of London.

The Aviator hotel is a total gem nestled in the countryside of Farnborough. Upon first glance, the hotel would seem to be cold and small, and once you enter, the spacious and glamorous entryway lends itself to the small but luxurious experience this hotel offers. The staff is attentive, welcoming, and well trained to suit travelers and rooms are large, well laid out, and they offer premium free wi-​fi which is great for the business traveler. Considering there isn’t ANYTHING to do in the area, the bar in the hotel lends itself to a quick late night getaway, and I would highly recommend to someone visiting the area, or does not want to stay in the London area.

I have stayed at the Aviator twice and travel frequently into the Surrey area on business from the U.S. The Aviator – by far – is the most contemporary and stylish hotel you’ll find in the Surrey area, with exceptional (but not flawless) service and small details that I don’t even find in some of the premium U.S. brands like W.

This hotel is extremely trendy & stylish. Low lighting, bose speakers throughout, blue lighting in ceilings. Automated sensor lighting in hallways.
Great welcome when you enter the hotel, and the rooms, at least the deluxe on the 4^th floor, are very well worth a stay here.
However my only issue was with some of the service received, mainly at breakfast & dinner in the restaurant. It seemed like the staff weren’t interested really in paying attention to the customers and was usually waiting quite some time to get anyone’s notice. Having said that, when the food did arrive, it was excellent.
The bar in the evening had 2 excellent waitresses, the others need a little more personality training. The «barmen» were unable to replace an empty keg of beer, which is what you learn on your first day on the job as a barman.
All in all, I will probably be back when over for work, but it just needs a little more thought and staff training.
LOVED my room though!