Aviator

Airport hotels tend to be functional and frankly a bit boring, but Aviator is different, a stylish hotel with huge panoramic windows that give you a bird’s eye view of the planes taking off and landing on the runway at Farnborough Airport. Not only that, the striking architecture of this curvaceous design-led hotel will really catch your eye. Each of the overlapping floors of the central rotunda has been conceived to create the illusion of an aircraft propellor when viewed from the top floor – a design marvel.

Impressive styling and attention to detail are on point throughout, from stainless-steel aircraft sculptures to rotunda-shaped ceramics in the bedrooms – even airplane-shaped jelly babies for guests at reception. How cute is that? The golden age of aviation is celebrated with black-and-white photographs of historic planes and famous visitors, such as actress Angelina Jolie and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

Bedrooms are equally luxe. Walnut panelling, Venetian wooden blinds, Egyptian linen and goose-down pillows and duvets on king or super-king beds are guaranteed to provide a great night’s sleep, while powerful walk-in rain showers will put plenty of pep in your step in the morning. A sumptuous breakfast in the Brasserie will set you up for the day, and for other meals, there's a Josper grill featuring meat from local butchers, including a 900g T-bone steak, a tasting menu with wine pairings and excellent fish, veggie and fine dining options. The One Eleven American diner offers a relaxed vibe, while the Sky Bar is a great place to relax with a signature Silver Jet cocktail and those floor-to-ceiling views of the runway.

At weekends, pampering massages and facials are on offer at Sothy’s, plus there’s a fitness studio, complimentary movies and a music library – or why not pop next door to the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust museum and learn about the airport’s history?