Transport from downtown London to Heathrow

[dahntahn]

my wife and I are taking a tour of Cornwall in August that leaves and returns from a downtown London hotel. We have arranged to stay in that hotel the night before the tour, but will be dropped off at 5:00 PM on return, and have a flight home to the US the following day at 2:00 PM from Heathrow.
We cannot tell if it would be best to arrange to stay overnight at the same hotel and make our way to Heathrow in the morning, or travel to a hotel at Heathrow after the drop off. Is a taxi the best way to get to the airport? We will each be managing a large suitcase, so bus or train might be more difficult. And 5 PM might not be a good time to try due to rush hour traffic. Do Heathrow hotels have shuttle service to the terminal?
Any veteran London travelers with advice for us will be much appreciated.

 

[Luanne]

I'm not much of a veteran, having been to London only once, but we used a taxi both too and from the airport. I believe the place we stayed arranged for it both ways.

 

["Roger"]

In part, it depends upon how close your hotel is to Paddington station. From there, you can take the Heathrow Express (google it) straight to the airport. Travel time is 15 to 20 minutes. Since the train is dedicated to service between London and the airport, luggage will be expected.

As far as hotels at the airport, they do offer shuttle service, but given that your flight is not until 2:00 P.M., it would make for a rather boring morning.

 

[Jimster]

Take the Heathrow express. It is quick, comfortable and easy to use. The train stops inside one of the terminals. You can go on line and find out access points. I have also stayed by the airport but they still have to shuttle you to the terminal so that will take some time.

 

[Pompey Family]

We don't use the term 'downtown' in the UK and describing a part of London as downtown could pretty much refer to most of it.

 

[x3 skier]

Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect from Paddington Station the day of your flight is what I recommend. No need to get two different hotels. The only hotels with shuttles to LHR are those near the airport.

If you want to splurge, taxi or airport service is also readily available.

As Pompey says, "downtown London" is basically London.

Cheers