I haven’t been myself, but as you said if its pictures you want, I would personally look elsewhere.
Another hotel nearby that I would suggest is the Thistle hotel…(see attached map for its location!).
Ok, so its not an ideal spot as it overlooks out towards the start of Runwa 09L, but you do get a good view of T5 (if you like BA aircraft…:D!), and if they have arrivals on 09L you can get some pretty good pictures as they pass over the threshold. If they’re taking-off in the opposite direction (i.e. from 27R), then you can get some decent pictures, especially of the widebodies as they rotate later off the runway.
As per Culpano’s reply, the photos will be backlit most of the day, and you will have to factor in the change in runways at 3pm, however below are a few examples of photos that I’ve managed to get from this particular location.
BA Airbus A320 arriving on 09L:
Emirates Airbus A380 departing on 27R:
The key difference compared to the Renainssse Hotel though is that the Thistle has a viewing area that is outside on the level of one of the restaurants at the hotel, and as far as I am aware it is/was open to the public, not just guests staying at the hotel. That said, it has been quite a while since I last went so this might have changed and would be worth you checking out beforehand.
Tip for car-parking though if you need it…there are a few car-parking spaces located outside of the hotel on the side of the road. You still have to pay using the meters that are dotted about, and make sure that you do otherwise they’ll clamp your car, but it will more than likely work out to be cheaper to do this rather than choosing to park your car in the hotel car park.
Hope this helps.;)
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