If you're a contractor working near Gatwick Airport, finding comfortable, affordable accommodation shouldn't be another job on your list. Whether you're on a 2-week assignment at Manor Royal Business District, a 3-month project at Boeing, or a rolling contract with one of the many companies in the Crawley-Gatwick corridor — this guide covers everything you need to know.
Why Gatwick Is a Hotspot for Contractors
The Gatwick area is one of the UK's busiest employment corridors. Major employers include:
- Boeing UK — defence, space, and security (Crawley)
- Virgin Atlantic — airline operations and maintenance
- TUI UK — headquarters in Luton but significant Crawley presence
- Thales UK — aerospace and defence (Crawley)
- Nestlé UK — regional offices
- Manor Royal Business District — one of the South East's largest business parks with 500+ companies
- Gatwick Airport — ongoing terminal upgrades and infrastructure projects
With so many large-scale employers and constant construction/maintenance projects, there's year-round demand for quality contractor accommodation.
Upcoming Major Projects Near Gatwick
The Gatwick corridor is about to get even busier. Several landmark projects are either underway or in advanced planning — all of which will require thousands of contractors over the coming years:
Gatwick Airport Northern Runway
The long-awaited second runway at Gatwick (repurposing the existing northern/emergency runway for regular use) received development consent and is one of the UK's biggest infrastructure projects. The multi-year construction programme will require a significant workforce of engineers, construction operatives, and specialist contractors — all needing local accommodation.
Gatwick Airport Capital Investment Programme
Beyond the runway, Gatwick is investing billions in terminal upgrades, new pier facilities, and improved surface access. This ongoing programme creates sustained demand for trades across electrical, mechanical, civil engineering, and fit-out disciplines.
Data Centre Development — Crawley & Horley
The Gatwick Diamond area is rapidly becoming a data centre hub, with several hyperscale and colocation facilities either under construction or in planning across the Crawley, Horley, and Manor Royal corridor. These projects require specialist electrical, cooling, and IT infrastructure contractors — often for 12-24 month assignments.
Transport & Rail Upgrades
Network Rail and other operators continue to invest in rail capacity improvements serving the Gatwick corridor, including station upgrades, signalling works, and electrification projects.
Planning ahead? If you're a project manager or contractor coordinator looking to secure accommodation for teams on upcoming Gatwick-area projects, get in touch early — we offer priority booking and special rates for long-term project teams.
What to Look for in Contractor Accommodation
Not all accommodation is equal. After years of hosting contractors and tradespeople, here's what matters most:
Free Parking
This is non-negotiable. If you're carrying tools or driving a van, you need secure, free parking. Hotel car parks charge £10-15/day — that's £70-100 per week just to park. Our Waltz Gate apartment includes free private parking at no extra cost.
Self-Catering Kitchen
Eating out or ordering takeaway every night gets expensive fast. A fully equipped kitchen saves contractors £50-100 per week on food costs compared to hotel dining. Our properties include ovens, hobs, microwaves, fridges, and all the cookware you need.
Washing Facilities
If you're on a multi-week stay, a washing machine is essential — especially for trades that involve physical work. Every one of our properties has an in-unit washing machine and drying facilities.
Fast WiFi
Whether you need to submit timesheets, join video calls with your office, or just stream something in the evening — reliable high-speed WiFi is a must. We provide fibre-speed broadband at all our properties.
Multiple Bedrooms
If you're travelling with a team, having separate bedrooms makes a massive difference compared to sharing a hotel room or booking multiple rooms. Our Waltz Gate apartment has 2 bedrooms that can sleep up to 6, with flexible zip-link beds that can be configured as singles or king-size.
Accommodation Options Near Gatwick: Compared
| Option | Cost/Night | Parking | Kitchen | Laundry | Space | |--------|-----------|---------|---------|---------|-------| | Budget hotel | £60-90 | £10-15 extra | ✗ | ✗ | 1 room | | Premier Inn | £70-100 | £5-10 extra | ✗ | ✗ | 1 room | | Serviced apartment | £100-150 | Sometimes | ✓ | Sometimes | 1-2 rooms | | The One Retreats | From £130 | Free | ✓ | ✓ | 2 bed, 2 bath | | Airbnb (variable) | £60-120 | Maybe | Usually | Sometimes | Variable |
When you factor in parking charges, meal costs, and comfort — self-catering serviced accommodation like ours typically works out 40-60% cheaper than hotels for stays of a week or more.
Where We Are: Location & Travel Times
Our Waltz Gate property is in Horley, Surrey — perfectly positioned for the Gatwick corridor:
- Gatwick Airport — 5 min by car, 1 train stop
- Manor Royal Business District — 10-12 min drive
- Boeing UK (Crawley) — 12 min drive
- Thales UK — 12 min drive
- Virgin Atlantic (Crawley) — 12-15 min drive
- Horley Train Station — 5 min walk
- London Victoria — 35 min by train
- London Bridge — 40 min by train
- Brighton — 30 min by train
Booking for Teams
If you're a project manager needing to house a team, we make it simple:
- Tell us how many people and the expected dates
- We propose the best property configuration
- Agree rates — we offer competitive weekly and monthly rates
- Invoice your company directly — no personal expense claims needed
- Your team moves in with everything ready
We regularly host teams from construction companies, engineering firms, and aviation contractors. Many come back for repeat bookings because the experience is so much better than hotel living.
Monthly & Extended Stay Rates
For stays of 28+ nights, we offer special monthly rates that represent significant savings. These include:
- All utilities (electric, gas, water, council tax)
- High-speed WiFi
- Weekly cleaning
- Fresh linen and towels
- Free parking
- Access to all amenities
Contact us for a personalised quote based on your team size and duration.
NHS Staff Near East Surrey Hospital
Our Horley apartment is also under 15 minutes from East Surrey Hospital (Redhill) and Crawley Hospital. If you're a locum doctor, agency nurse, or healthcare professional on placement, we offer NHS discount rates with all the same amenities.
Book Direct for the Best Rate
When you book directly with The One Retreats, you always get the best rate — no OTA commissions, no booking fees. Plus:
- Flexible check-in/out times where possible
- Direct communication with our team via WhatsApp or phone
- Company invoicing available
- Repeat booking discounts for returning teams
Ready to book? View our Waltz Gate property or get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is your property from Gatwick Airport?
Our Waltz Gate apartment in Horley is just 5 minutes by car from both Gatwick terminals, or one stop by train from Gatwick Airport station.
Is parking really free?
Yes — free private parking is included at no extra cost. No daily charges, no time limits.
Can I book for my whole team?
Absolutely. Our 2-bedroom apartment sleeps up to 6 with flexible bed configurations. For larger teams we can discuss additional options.
Do you provide invoices for companies?
Yes — we provide professional invoices for all corporate and contractor bookings. Just provide your company details at booking.
What's included in the price?
All utilities, WiFi, parking, linen, towels, and kitchen essentials. It's a true all-inclusive rate with no hidden costs.