Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-External-New-24-1000x667.jpg" alt="Aviator Hotel Farnborough Hampshire" class="wp-image-33670" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-External-New-24-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-External-New-24-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-External-New-24-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-External-New-24.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A sleek, modern design hotel, Aviator is known for its cool Sky Bar, fine-dining brasserie and aeronautical location beside Farnborough Airport (the first powered flight in 1908 by Samuel Cody took off from here and the world-famous Farnborough International Air Show sees visitors touch down from around the world). </p>



<p>Commissioned by&nbsp;Robin Partington&nbsp;of Hamiltons, a British architect who led the design of The Gherkin in London, when Aviator launched there was a huge buzz. The fact that it’s no less popular and impressive today is testament to the  pioneering architecture, top-notch service and a high-budget interiors makeover in 2020. Not surprisingly, guests continue to rave: In 2024, Aviator ranked an impressive second in Tripadvisor&#8217;s UK-wide <em>Traveller’s Choice </em>Awards.</p>



<p>If you’re coming from out of town, the location is pretty convenient. Aviator is 15 minutes from Junction 4 of the M3 and five minutes by taxi to Farnborough Main railway station, with trains to and from London Waterloo in 35 minutes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-Rotunda-1000x.jpg" alt="Iconic stairwell Aviator Farnborough hotel Hampshire design-led" class="wp-image-31008" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-Rotunda-1000x.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-Rotunda-1000x-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-Rotunda-1000x-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-Rotunda-1000x-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Totally design-led, Aviator is modern and luxe at every turn. (Get a wow-snap by heading to the top floor to see the iconic central rotunda to full effect).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-brasserie-Heidi-2-min.jpg" alt="Aviator hotel Farnborough Brasserie " class="wp-image-34237" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-brasserie-Heidi-2-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-brasserie-Heidi-2-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-brasserie-Heidi-2-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-brasserie-Heidi-2-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Beyond the lobby, Aviation-themed nods are stylishly done throughout, from the blue cloud ‘windows’ in the lifts as you rise upwards to the stainless-steel aircraft models dotted around, black-and-white photographs of old aircraft and movie stars in the brasserie and signature Silver Jet, Air Mail and Virgin Jet (non-alcoholic) cocktails in the Sky Bar. In the bedrooms, walnut panelling and leather-accented furniture add to the private jet vibe.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-airfield-terrace-min.jpg" alt="Farnborough International airport" class="wp-image-34235" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-airfield-terrace-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-airfield-terrace-min-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-airfield-terrace-min-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-airfield-terrace-min-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Making the most of the sunny afternoon, after a bag-drop check-in, we take a seat on the terrace and relax with a glass of fizz while watching the private jets swooping in and out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1062" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-suite-min.jpg" alt="Aviator Farnborough Hotel Sky Suite bedroom" class="wp-image-34246" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-suite-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-suite-min-800x566.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-suite-min-1000x708.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-suite-min-768x544.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The hotel has 169 rooms, all with king-sized or super king-sized beds. Weekend Romance packages include a 5-course tasting menu, a bottle of Hampshire-made Louis Pommery England fizz, candlelit turndown, late check out and brasserie breakfast.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-do-not-disturb-sign-min.jpg" alt="Aviator-hotel-do-not-disturb-sign" class="wp-image-34239" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-do-not-disturb-sign-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-do-not-disturb-sign-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-do-not-disturb-sign-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-do-not-disturb-sign-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Depending on what level of sin-factor you’re up for, there’s Envy (in an Aviator Room). Lust (in an Aviator Studio) and (all-out) Greed, which upgrades you to a Sky Suite and includes paired wines with your tasting experience.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-Pommery-min.jpg" alt="Bottle of Louis Pommery England Sky Suite Aviator hotel Farnborough" class="wp-image-34244" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-Pommery-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-Pommery-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-Pommery-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-Pommery-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Unashamedly greedy (always), we head straight for our top floor Sky Suite. Inside, we find our bottle of Pommery England chilled and ready to go in the lounge area.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-bathroom-min.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34236" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-bathroom-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-bathroom-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-bathroom-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-bathroom-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There’s also an incredibly large lie-in worthy king-sized bed, (good news about the late check out), walk-in wardrobe, spacious, powerful walk-in shower and separate bath in the marble-clad bathroom. Plenty of amenities too, like the Nespresso coffee machine and kettle, mini-fridge with chilled local mineral water. Glam up for dinner with the Dyson hairdryer and straighteners in the desk drawer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="920" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-Brasserie_New-24.jpg" alt="Brasserie at Aviator hotel Farnborough" class="wp-image-33669" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-Brasserie_New-24.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-Brasserie_New-24-800x491.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-Brasserie_New-24-1000x613.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/05/Aviator-Brasserie_New-24-768x471.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en/hotels-stays/farnborough/aviator-hotel-4001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Noted in the Michelin Guide</a> for its ‘upscale dining’ Aviator’s Brasserie has an intimate vibe, with mood lighting and velvet upholstery.  </p>



<p>Included in the Weekend Romance breaks, we dine from the tasting menu. Locally grown (and underrated), watercress soup topped with indulgent caviar and parsley crisps gets us off to a great start.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-food-min.jpg" alt="Barbecued carrot fine dining " class="wp-image-34243" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-food-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-food-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-food-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-food-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Next, barbecued carrot isn’t something I’ve ever had before. It looks (and tastes) amazing, set off with orange and cumin jam, sea buckthorn gel and crispy chickpeas.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-food-3-min.jpg" alt="Beef fine dining Aviator Brasserie Farnborough" class="wp-image-34242" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-food-3-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-food-3-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-food-3-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-food-3-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Another local star, tender confit chalk stream trout is served with flavoursome braised lentils. It’s followed by a beautifully cooked fillet of beef with watercress mayo and sauteed spinach.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-souffle-min-1000x750.jpg" alt="Rhubarb Souffle at Aviator Hampshire" class="wp-image-34245" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-souffle-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-souffle-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-souffle-min-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-souffle-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>After a gorgeous palate cleanser, we end our feast with a perfectly risen, showstopping rhubarb soufflé with crème fraiche ice cream. Hats off to the chef – that’s not an easy one to pull off, especially on a busy Saturday night service.</p>



<p>Friendly and enthusiastic, the arrival of each course brings with it a well-paired wine from our knowledgeable sommelier, starting with another glass each of delicious Louis Pommery England (hic!). Sadly, I’m not convinced by the Lebanese white. (I’d love to get behind it but it sadly lacked flavour). However, a bold red and delicious Hungarian Tokaji dessert wine certainly did hit the mark.</p>



<p>If you don&#8217;t fancy the full tasting experience, Aviator&#8217;s &#8216;wine flights&#8217; transport diners to Paris, Rome, London and San Fransisco, with three first-class wines from each destination country.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access">DISABILITY ACCESS</h2>



<p>Guests with access requirements needn’t worry. There’s full wheelchair access to the entire ground floor and three lifts that enable wheelchair access to all public areas. Aviator also has 10 adapted rooms with wet room and interconnecting doors, plus lifts and ramps where needed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children">CHILDREN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-casual-restaurant-min.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34238" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-casual-restaurant-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-casual-restaurant-min-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-casual-restaurant-min-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Aviator-casual-restaurant-min-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The hotel has a grown-up vibe but there’s actually plenty here kids will enjoy. The well-priced kid&#8217;s menu comes from the Aviator’s all-day dining <a href="https://aviatorhampshire.com/one-eleven/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Eleven</a> diner style restaurant. (It also has instructions on how to fold it up into a paper airplane afterwards &#8211; fun). Cots are available free of charge for kids aged two and under, extra beds are £25 per night.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pet-friendly">PET FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Small dogs (of up to 12kg) can stay for an additional £25 per night. They aren’t allowed in bars and restaurants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Farnborough-International-Air-Show.jpg" alt="Farnborough International air show" class="wp-image-34253" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Farnborough-International-Air-Show.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Farnborough-International-Air-Show-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Farnborough-International-Air-Show-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/06/Farnborough-International-Air-Show-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farnborough International Airshow</a> takes place bi-annually in July (the next one is 22 &#8211; 26 July 2024). A short stroll away (open at weekends), <a href="https://airsciences.org.uk/museum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum</a> is dedicated to aviation history and free to visit. Highlights include flight simulators and a full-scale replica of Samuel Cody’s Flyer. If you fancy a stroll, <a href="https://www.hart.gov.uk/fleet-pond" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fleet Pond nature reserve</a> (the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire) is around 10 minutes’ drive. Guildford, with its shopping, cathedral and <a href="https://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/25595/Visiting-Guildford-Castle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">castle</a>, is around 20 minutes by car.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for: </strong>A taste of the high life, romantic break or special occasion splurge.</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>If you’re booked for a Weekend Romance break, you&#8217;ll want to get a babysitter. (Kids are welcome but the rooms are too luxe to share). There’s no hot tub or pool, which won’t suit spa queens. That said, Aviator does have treatment rooms and a well-kitted out gym if you don&#8217;t want to skip your weekend workout.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Rooms start at £113 per night. Weekend Escapes packages cost from £315 per couple in an Aviator Room (Envy); £415 for an Aviator Studio (Lust) and £515 for a Sky Suite (Greed).</p>



<p><em><a href="https://aviatorhampshire.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aviator</a>, 55 Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6EL</em>. <em>Tel. 01252 555 890</em>.</p>


Muddy stays: Aviator, Farnborough

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