Ostrich Inn
A 12th-century coaching inn 15 minutes from Heathrow
Airport access
How you get from this hotel to the gate.
About this hotel
History is the standout feature at Ostrich Inn: a coaching inn dating to the 12th century, now run as a 4-star hotel with public transport reaching Heathrow Airport in 15 minutes. The rooms stay understated, favouring vintage character over anything glossy or corporate, which makes for a quieter, more textured stay than the glass-and-steel hotels closer to the runway. The pub at the centre of the building carries the atmosphere after dark, pouring pints for guests who want an evening that feels like a proper night out rather than an airport waiting room. Ye Olde George Inn and Old George, both a minute away on foot, add two more options for a last drink before an early flight. Rooms fill fast given the character on offer, so travellers drawn to atmosphere over modern uniformity should book ahead.
- 12th-century coaching inn
- On-site pub
- Vintage-character rooms
- 15 minutes from Heathrow
Our take
This suits travellers who want character and a proper pub evening over a modern airport-hotel shell, with Heathrow Airport still 15 minutes away by public transport. History fans and couples wanting atmosphere get the most from the coaching-inn setting. Anyone prioritising the shortest possible transfer time, corporate-standard rooms or a large gym should book a purpose-built airport hotel instead, since the Ostrich Inn trades some of that convenience for genuine character.
- Book early if you want the coaching-inn character, rooms with the most vintage detail go first given the limited room count.
- Time the public transport link to Heathrow Airport around 15 minutes and build in a buffer for an early flight.
- Settle in at the on-site pub before trying Ye Olde George Inn or Old George, both a minute away for a second round.
Why we love it
- A genuine coaching inn dating to the 12th century
- Understated rooms with real vintage character
- A warm on-site pub for the evening
- Two more pubs a minute's walk away
Why guests love itI would pick the Ostrich Inn for families who want a night with some history before a Heathrow flight. It is a 12th-century coaching inn turned four-star hotel, and the vintage character of the rooms is rare this close to the airport, a good story for curious children. Heathrow is about 15 minutes away by public transport. The pub on site anchors the evening, and Ye Olde George Inn and Old George are both a minute's walk away.