by a traveller
some clean up crew came by and started having an intentionally loud conversation about how they don’t like people sleeping there
“I had the severe misfortune of sleeping at Heathrow during renovations..they went on ALL night. Many seats were removed, and there was drilling, hammering, ah, and icing on the cake: a fire alarm and evacuation order at around 3:30am (I didn’t bother moving). There were several travellers spending the night, but I felt a bit uneasy being the only female among them. I didn’t sleep very well, and it didn’t help when some clean up crew came by and started having an intentionally loud conversation about how they don’t like people sleeping there because they could have bombs on them. I was weary from 2 days straight travel and my sleep deprived brain became confused and convinced that they are the terrorists, warning us of our impending doom. I was utterly terrified, I didn’t dare look up, or so much as move for fear of setting off the imagined bomb. Hmmm…
It seems that there are only 2 free showers for the whole of Heathrow. When I finally found one, the attendant tried to rip me off and take the only 5 pounds I had to my name. There was to be a refundable deposit for using the shower, but she played the ‘Me speak no english’ card, trying to imply the 5 pounds was a fee and not a deposit..I think we settled for 2 pounds.
So overall, a night-marish experience, full of other absurdities as well..
I did sleep at Heathrow at an earlier date too, and it was a much better experience. My biggest problem was an old man shoving his feet into my hair as i slept, so overall not bad. Also there was a nice quiet area with fairly comfy chairs that was gone (being renovated) the second time around.”