Hotels
United Kingdom
Luton (Bedfordshire)
Thistle Express London Luton
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Thistle Express London Luton Beds photoThistle Express London Luton Exterior photoThistle Express London Luton Interior photo
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From35US$ /night
Check-in
24Apr2026Select date
Check-out
25Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

The Mall, Library Road, Luton (Bedfordshire), United Kingdom, LU1 2TR
-
Steps from the town centre
Very good
7.9
7.5
/10
3.5
3.7
/5

Loved by Thistle Express London Luton guests

  • Room upgrade
  • Comfortable bed
  • Ideal location
  • Easy check-in
"Breakfast is inclouded and coffee is available 24/7."
Chrysoula from Greece
read full review
"Free tea and coffee from Reception and a surprisingly comprehensive breakfast made for an easy and comfortable stay."
DJD140215 from United Kingdom
read full review
"The hotel is next door to a shopping centre, where you have various restaurants, cafes, etc."
Lia-Maria
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Rooms at Thistle Express

Thistle Express London Luton has 152 bedrooms with singles, doubles, and twins. Rooms include a Hypnos bed, a smart TV, a hairdryer, ironing facilities, and a safe. Private bathrooms have shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Rooms have free Wi-Fi. The Family Room includes a double bed and a sofa bed, accommodating up to three people.

Food and Drink

A complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM. The restaurant provides an imaginative menu with classic British food and continental cuisine. Guests can enjoy unlimited tea and coffee in the lounge area.

Leisure and Services

Thistle Express London Luton offers laundry facilities and a bar. The property has a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage. This is a smoke-free hotel. Public parking costs GBP 10 per day. There are 16 parking spaces. Parking is accessed via Guildford Street and is payable on arrival on a first come, first serve basis.

Location Near Luton Airport

Thistle Express London Luton is located in the heart of Luton, 5 km from London Luton Airport. The hotel is within a 5-minute drive of the University of Bedfordshire and Stockwood Discovery Centre. The University of Bedfordshire is a 10-minute walk away. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Chiltern Hills and Sundon Hills Country Park. The Mall Luton is 0.5 km away.

Nearby Conveniences

The shopping mall is a few minutes' walk and offers a cinema, shops, and restaurants. Follow the sign for TK MAXX. Nearby landmarks include Luton Hoo Memorial Park (2 km away), Stockwood Park (2.5 km away), and Someries Castle (3 km away).

“This Luton hotel's central location, within a shopping mall and close to the train station, provides undeniable convenience. Complimentary breakfast and around-the-clock tea and coffee are welcome perks for early departures or late arrivals. While some past guests have noted inconsistencies, the competitive pricing makes it a practical option for business and leisure stays.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Airporthotel
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Select your room type

The hotel offers rooms of different types and facilities suitable for every traveler
Single Room
Single Room
2 persons
11 m² 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Double Room
Double Room
2 persons
11 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Twin Room
Twin Room
2 persons
11 m² 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
room details
Family Room
Family Room
2 persons
23 m² 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
room details
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Airport hotels designed with facilities that ensure convenience and comfort
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

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

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

The Mall, Library Road, Luton (Bedfordshire), United Kingdom, LU1 2TR
Map view
The Mall, Library Road, Luton (Bedfordshire), United Kingdom, LU1 2TR
City landmarks
Museum
Stockwood Discovery Centre
2.2 km
Mall
The Mall Luton
660 m
Museum
Wardown House
2.1 km
Landmark
High Town
740 m
Casino
Grosvenor Casino Luton
780 m
Park
Wardown Park
2.1 km
Landmark
Luton Hoo Memorial Park
2.0 km
Castle
Someries Castle
2.9 km
Landmark
Stockwood Park
2.5 km
Gym
Venue 360
2.1 km
Church
Saint Thomas church
2.5 km
Mall
Asda Luton Superstore
3.0 km
Farm
Woodside Animal Farm
4.1 km
Farm
Luton Hoo Estate
4.1 km
Casino
Genting Casino
4.9 km
Landmark
The Chiltern Gateway Centre
6.8 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
The Mall Luton
The Mall Luton
8 minutes' walk
A bustling shopping center featuring popular retail chains, dining options, and entertainment for all ages.
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church
6 minutes' walk
A historic church known for its stunning architecture and tranquil ambiance, perfect for a peaceful visit.
Wardown House
Wardown House
25 minutes' walk
A museum housed in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history and beautiful gardens for leisurely strolls.
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Stockwood Discovery Centre
25 minutes' walk
An interactive museum with exhibits on local history and heritage, plus lovely gardens to explore freely.
Wardown Park
Wardown Park
25 minutes' walk
A picturesque park ideal for walking, jogging, or enjoying a picnic amidst nature.
Luton Hoo Memorial Park
Luton Hoo Memorial Park
25 minutes' walk
An expansive park offering cycling paths and scenic views, catering to adventure enthusiasts.
Luton Kebab House
Luton Kebab House
1 minute' walk
Casual eatery known for its delicious kebabs and quick service, perfect for a satisfying meal.
The White House
The White House
5 minutes' walk
A relaxed pub atmosphere offering classic British dishes and a great selection of ales.
Grosvenor Casino Luton
Grosvenor Casino Luton
10 minutes' walk
A lively casino offering gaming tables, slots, and entertainment events for adults looking for excitement.
Luton Town Hall
Luton Town Hall
7 minutes' walk
Hosts a variety of performances and events, ranging from concerts to community activities for all ages.
Getting around
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 Station4 min  ·  300 m
Luton Airport Parkway Railway Station20 min  ·  1.6 km
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  100 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Thistle Express London Luton serves a full breakfast for free. 
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
Property is also known as
the thistle hotel luton
thistle hotel luton
thistle express hotel london luton
thistle express luton hotel
lu1 2tr

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Thistle Express London Luton from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Thistle Express London Luton enjoys a convenient location next to a mall, offering easy access to the town square and just a short walk to the train station. Many guests appreciate the comfortable rooms, some even upgraded to king rooms, and bathrooms with bathtubs. Breakfast is often considered a highlight, with a good selection of hot and continental options; also, guests can enjoy free tea and coffee. Some guests have mentioned the exterior appearance of the building doesn't quite reflect the pleasant interior.
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Review score
Based on 3013 verified reviews
7.5/10
Very good
74%
Recommend
Staff
8.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Breakfast
7.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.7/10
Pros
Welcoming staff
Comfortable bed
Free tea/coffee
Good location
Clean room
Cons
Paid parking
Limited parking
Guest reviews
based on 3013 reviews
7.5/10
based on 150 reviews
4/5
based on 7332 reviews
7.9/10
sophia from united kingdom
Family with children
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 07, 2026
8.5/10

convenient stay

quick check-inwater stationconstant noise
i liked the 24h reception. the water station was at the reception, very useful. check-in was always quick, so i didn't waste time settling in. the location was convenient near the bus and train station.
the fan in the bathroom made constant noise. i could hear it in the bedroom even with the door closed. i think housekeeping should check such things and sort them out, especially since i couldn't move to another room.
Location
9/10
The hotel is very close to both the bus and train station. this made getting around easy. there are also shops, bars, and restaurants nearby. Everything is convenient for travelers.
Rooms
8/10
The room was a decent size, and it had everything i needed. i had a big tv, and the beds were comfortable. the bathroom included hot water, soap, and clean towels. Everything was in order.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel offers available car park. complimentary drinks were available in the reception area. these included different types of coffee and hot chocolate. i appreciated the accessible amenities.
Dining
8/10
Breakfast was good, the lady doing the cooking was very pleasant. The cooked breakfast and cereal were good. it was great value. different types of coffee are also available.
0 Helpful
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joseph from united kingdom
Business traveller
double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 29, 2025
8.3/10

convenient location and friendly service

clean hotelfriendly staffconvenient location
The hotel was always clean and staff were very friendly. Also the hotel was near a mall and the bus and train station. it was very convenient. i was able to leave my bag while i did shopping in the mall so close nearby! they extended our check out time because of a wait to check in, it was very considering and caring.
Service
9/10
staff provided luggage storage while i shopped at the nearby mall. the staff extended my check-out time due to an initial wait, demonstrating consideration and care. breakfast offers a selection, suiting varied preferences, with replenishments ensuring availability.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel's cleanliness impressed me. rooms offer a good size and layout. the hotel features convenient access to both bus and train stations. i found the proximity very helpful for my travel plans.
Location
8/10
the hotel is near a shopping mall. this provides easy access to various stores and dining options. the bus and train stations are also close. this simplifies travel to and from the area, though the parking was expensive.
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steven from united states
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 17, 2025
8.7/10

convenient location near train station

short walkconvenient diningfree parkingwarm air
The location was excellent! the train station was only a short walk away! i also appreciated the nearby weatherspoons. It offered convenient dining. i found the free parking particularly useful for my travel needs.
My room felt somewhat stuffy . A fan was available, however, it only circulated warm air. opening the windows offered little relief and introduced considerable noise.
Rooms
8/10
The room was spacious and clean. It met my needs well. the bed offered good comfort and i slept soundly. everything was modern and was well-kept. Though the temperature was a bit off.
Service
9/10
The staff members i encountered were helpful. they responded quickly to my questions and requests. the check-in process was efficient. the staff provided directions and information clearly. I had no problems.
Location
9/10
The hotel is close to the train station. This made travel easy. a shopping center is nearby, offering convenient access to shops. the proximity to the airport provides convenient transportation options! though the area around the hotel seems dodgy.
0 Helpful
|
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Ray from United States
Business traveller
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 28, 2025
9.0/10

Central Location near Transportation Hubs

central locationfriendly stafffree refreshments
The hotel sits next to a mall entrance. That provides easy access to the town square. I walked to the train station. It only took a couple of blocks. Staff members were friendly. Free tea and coffee were available.
I noticed noise came from outside the hotel.
Service
9/10
The reception staff were polite and very professional. Assistance with early takeaway breakfast was available. The staff provided friendly service.
Rooms
10/10
The room was clean. The bathroom also had super clean conditions. The bed was comfy. That ensured a good night's sleep.
Location
9/10
The hotel is close to the train station. It is also near the bus station. This provides good transport links. A shopping center is only a short walk away.
Facilities
8/10
Free coffee and hot chocolate were available . The breakfast included tasty pancakes. A takeaway breakfast option existed. That helped those with early departures.
0 Helpful
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riley from australia
Family with children
family room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 01, 2025
8.7/10

surprisingly good!

helpful stafffree coffeegood mattressrough area
i found the staff to be very helpful with directions, this was great. the free coffee and tea downstairs was a really nice perk, i used it a lot. the mattress was good, i had really good sleep. breakfast offered many vegetarian options too.
the area around hotel felt rough when i arrived, there were many people around.
Location
9/10
the hotel sits very close to the railway station, i liked that. the shopping mall is near to the hotel, it means that i was easy find what i need. the center of town is near the station, so it is very central.
Rooms
8/10
my room was of good size with facilities available, this. the room was clean and very comfortable, thats why i enjoy it. the hot drinks machine in the lobby made it easy to grab something.
Dining
9/10
i was very glad to see the breakfast had a good selection. there are lots of vegetarian options available at the breakfast buffet, i try it and was good. the hotel provide a hot drinks machine in the lobby, very interesting.
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Questions of the users
About Thistle Express London Luton
What are the breakfast hours for guests at Thistle Express London Luton?
21 July 2024
Breakfast is served from 06:30 to 09:30 on weekdays and from 07:00 to 10:00 on weekends. A complimentary full English breakfast is included, and a take-away option is available for early risers.
How can I get from the airport to Thistle Express London Luton? Is there public transport available?
15 April 2024
The Arriva Bus 'A' (green bus) operates 24/7, connecting the train station to Luton Airport. The fare is £2.70, providing a convenient travel option.
What's the distance from the hotel to Luton Airport, and how much should I expect to pay for a taxi?
03 September 2024
The journey to Luton Airport takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes by taxi, with fares around £14.
Is there transport available to Luton Airport in the early morning?
09 August 2024
Yes, transportation options include booking a taxi directly from the hotel or checking the bus timetable at the nearby station, which is a 5-minute walk away.
Is there parking available at Thistle Express London Luton?
29 October 2024
Yes, on-site parking is available for £10 per night, but spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can guests check in at any hour, especially if arriving late at night?
14 December 2024
Yes, the reception at Thistle Express London Luton operates 24 hours a day, allowing guests to check in at any time, including after midnight.
Are takeaway breakfast options available for guests with early flights?
02 November 2024
Guests can request a takeaway breakfast when checking in, enabling an early start before flights.
What time do guests need to check out by?
20 December 2024
Check-out time at Thistle Express London Luton is set for 11:00 AM.
How can I reach Thistle Express London Luton if I arrive at 22:00?
25 September 2024
Transportation options include taking a taxi or using public transport, as the hotel can be accessed conveniently from Luton Airport.
Are there nearby attractions for guests to explore during their stay?
13 August 2024
Yes, guests can visit attractions such as Whipsnade Zoo and the University of Bedfordshire, both easily accessible from the hotel.
Is the hotel suitable for guests needing to self-isolate?
30 October 2024
Yes, the hotel does accept guests who need to self-isolate.

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Check-in
24Apr2026Select date
Check-out
25Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
  • Overview
  • Rooms
  • Price calendar
  • Facilities
  • Location
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