"The communal area with unlimited tea and coffee had a nice atmosphere, and was pleasant to relax in."
Caroline from France
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"Free hot drinks in the reception area too."
pete482 from United Kingdom
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"Best value stay possible in Luton I reckon."
K7682AGdan from Australia
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"The hotel is right next to the mall too which is great bonus incase you need anything."
Jessica from United Kingdom
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"The beds are comfy, the rooms clean and the fact breakfast is included makes it even better value."
ian192 from United Kingdom
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3-star Luton hotel with complimentary breakfast and 24-hour tea and coffee in the lounge
Amenities & Services
The hotel offers unlimited tea and coffee in the lounge area throughout the day. A complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast is served each morning. Guests also have access to free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, and limited on-site parking at £10 per night.
Rooms & Accommodations
All rooms come with Hypnos beds and Smart TVs. Room options include single, double, twin, and family configurations. Portable fans are available from reception for warmer days, as rooms are not air-conditioned.
Location & Transport
The hotel sits inside Luton's main shopping mall, steps from shops, restaurants, and a cinema. Luton Rail Station is a 3-minute walk, and London St Pancras is reached by direct train in 32 minutes. London Luton Airport is 2.7 miles away, with a 10-minute walk to the University of Bedfordshire.
Dining & Refreshments
Breakfast is included in the room rate and offers hot and cold buffet options. The lounge area provides unlimited tea, coffee, and hot chocolate at no extra charge. Around the hotel, guests find Nando's, Wetherspoon's, Burger King, and other fast-food outlets within walking distance.
Business & Family Travel
The 24-hour front desk can arrange early packed breakfasts for guests with early flights. Luggage storage is available, and a vending machine offers drinks and snacks. Family rooms accommodate groups, and the hotel is a 10-minute walk from the University of Bedfordshire.
Highlights
Location: Inside Luton shopping mall, 3 min walk to train station, 2.7 miles from airport
Rooms: Hypnos beds, Smart TVs, family configurations available
Dining: Complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast with unlimited tea and coffee in lounge
Parking: Limited on-site parking at £10 per night
Services: 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, early breakfast boxes
Nearby: 10 min walk to University of Bedfordshire, close to Whipsnade Zoo
Must-do experiences
Visit Stockwood Discovery Centre for gardens and local history.
Savor a Luton special: the local bratwurst from Luton Street Market.
Explore the picturesque countryside at Leagrave Park for a walk.
Take a tour of the inspiring Luton Hoo Estate for stunning views.
Enjoy a show at The Luton Library Theatre for local talent.
Select your room type
Thistle Express London Luton features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
Single Room
2 persons
11 m²
1 Single bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
11 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
11 m²
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
Thistle Express London Luton provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Very good
7.9/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Lift
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
Golf course
Services
Housekeeping
Welcome drink
Dining
Bar/ Lounge area
Children
Cots
Room features
Heating
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Thistle Express London Luton: Location in England
The Mall, Luton (Bedfordshire), LU1 2TR,
Map view
City landmarks
Museum
Stockwood Discovery Centre
2.18 km
Mall
The Mall Luton
660 m
Museum
Wardown House
2.11 km
Landmark
High Town
740 m
Casino
Grosvenor Casino Luton
780 m
Park
Wardown Park
2.12 km
Landmark
Luton Hoo Memorial Park
2 km
Castle
Someries Castle
2.95 km
Landmark
Stockwood Park
2.51 km
Gym
Venue 360
2.06 km
Church
Saint Thomas church
2.49 km
Mall
Asda Luton Superstore
3.02 km
Farm
Woodside Animal Farm
4.1 km
Farm
Luton Hoo Estate
4.06 km
Casino
Genting Casino
4.87 km
Landmark
The Chiltern Gateway Centre
6.84 km
Nearby
Church
St Mary's Church
470 m
Luton Borough Council Town Hall
Luton Town Hall
520 m
St George Street Luton Town Hall
Luton War Memorial
600 m
Park St
Vauxhall Heritage Centre
440 m
Restaurants
Luton Kebab House
20 m
51 Guildford St
The Engine
130 m
The Engine 43 Bute Street
The White House
350 m
The Galaxy 1 Bridge Street Galaxy Centre
German Doner Kebab
490 m
57-59 George Street
Subway
560 m
37 George Street
Tasty Fried Chicken
400 m
21 Manchester Street
Thai Bites
410 m
Luton Market
Pepes piri piri Luton
560 m
6-8 Chapel Street
Off the Wall
700 m
6-8 Park Street
The Red Lion Luton Pub
640 m
Castle Street
Explore Luton (Bedfordshire)
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Stockwood Discovery Centre
25 minutes' walk
An engaging museum featuring gardens and exhibitions on local history, perfect for families and history buffs.
Wardown House
25 minutes' walk
A beautiful Victorian museum set in gardens, showcasing Luton's history and art, ideal for a leisurely afternoon.
St Mary's Church
6 minutes' walk
A stunning historic church known for its architecture and peaceful atmosphere, great for a quick visit.
Luton War Memorial
8 minutes' walk
A significant memorial honoring local heroes, perfect for a brief reflective moment during your stay.
Wardown Park
30 minutes' walk
A serene park offering walking trails, picnic areas, and lovely views, ideal for relaxation amidst nature.
High Town Walking Tour
9 minutes' walk
A cultural stroll through charming streets filled with local shops and history, great for art and culture enthusiasts.
Grosvenor Casino Luton
10 minutes' walk
An exciting venue for thrill-seekers, offering gaming, live entertainment, and dining options for a fun night out.
The Engine
2 minutes' walk
A casual pub specializing in hearty British cuisine, offering a warm atmosphere and signature ales. Reservations recommended.
Luton Kebab House
1 minute' walk
A popular stop for delicious kebabs and local fast-food treats, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
The White House
5 minutes' walk
A family-friendly bistro with a diverse menu featuring grilled specialties and vegetarian options, perfect for groups.
Venue 360
25 minutes' walk
A vibrant venue hosting live shows, events, and sports entertainment; great for a lively night out.
Genting Casino
10 minutes' drive
A lively atmosphere for gaming enthusiasts and a great spot for dining and nightlife; lively entertainment options.
Getting around England
City Centre
Luton (Bedfordshire) 4 min · 300 m
Airports
London Luton (LTN) 6 min · 3.5 km
London Heathrow (LHR) 87 min · 57.4 km
Train
Luton Train Station 4 min · 300 m
Luton Airport Parkway Railway Station 20 min · 1.6 km
Bus
Bus stop 2 min · 100 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP 7.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2008
Number of floors:
6
Number of rooms:
152
Former name
Menzies Strathmore Luton
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at Thistle Express London Luton.
Cleanliness
8.2/10
Comfort
8.1/10
Facilities
7.9/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.4/10
Location
8.2/10
Staff
8.6/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Convenient location
Modern room
Helpful staff
Good breakfast
Cons
Noisy rooms
Bathroom condition
Street safety concerns
Room ventilation
Guest reviews
based on 150 reviews
4/5
based on 7007 reviews
7.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Thistle Express London Luton
Is there a bus service available from Luton Airport to the hotel, especially for late-night arrivals?
22 October 2024
Yes, there is the Arriva bus 'A' (green bus) that runs 24/7 from Luton Airport to the hotel. The fare is £2.70.
What are the breakfast hours at Thistle Express London Luton?
03 November 2024
Breakfast is served from 06:30 to 09:30 on weekdays and from 07:00 to 10:00 on weekends. Guests can also request a takeaway breakfast option if needed.
How far is the hotel from Luton Airport, and what taxi service do you recommend?
04 December 2024
The hotel is approximately 10-15 minutes away from Luton Airport by taxi, which costs around £14. Taxis can be arranged through the hotel.
Are there parking facilities available at the hotel?
15 January 2025
Yes, the hotel offers limited on-site parking at a cost of £10 per night, on a first-come first-served basis.
What time should I check out of the hotel?
10 February 2025
Check-out is at 11:00 AM. It's possible to arrange a late check-out for an additional fee.
Does the hotel have interconnecting rooms for families or groups?
20 February 2025
Yes, the hotel offers interconnecting rooms that can accommodate larger groups or families comfortably.
Can early check-in be arranged if I arrive before the regular check-in time?
05 March 2025
Early check-in is subject to availability. It's advisable to check with the front desk on the morning of your arrival.
Is public transport accessible from the hotel to local attractions?
14 March 2025
Public transport options including buses and trains are available nearby, providing easy access to local attractions and Luton Airport.
Are there options for takeaway breakfast if I have an early flight?
01 April 2025
Yes, a takeaway breakfast can be arranged, consisting of pastries and coffee to go if notified in advance.
Is it possible to check in at any time if I have a late-night flight?
25 April 2025
Yes, the reception is open 24/7, so you can check in at any time after your flight arrives.