Thistle Express London Luton Beds photoThistle Express London Luton Exterior photoThistle Express London Luton Interior photo
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From35US$ /night
Check-in
11Jun2026Select date
Check-out
12Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel overview and key features

The Mall, Library Road, Luton (Bedfordshire), United Kingdom, LU1 2TR
-
Close to the town centre
Very good
7.9
7.5
/10
3.0
3.7
/5

3-star Convenient Hotel Near Luton Airport

Location

Thistle Express London Luton is situated at The Mall, Library Road, Luton, LU1 2TR, just steps from Luton town centre and only ten minutes by car from Luton Airport. The hotel is located a three-minute walk from Luton Station, providing easy rail access to London St Pancras in approximately 22 minutes. This central location allows quick access to attractions like Whipsnade Zoo and Woburn Safari Park.

Rooms

Thistle Express London Luton offers thoughtfully designed rooms, including the Express Single Room featuring a Hypnos mattress and Smart TV. The Express Family Room accommodates up to three guests with a double bed and a sofa bed, making family trips convenient. Upgrade to the Express King Room for extra space and luxury, complete with a Nespresso(R) machine.

Dining

The hotel provides complimentary breakfast to all guests, ensuring that everyone starts their day effectively. Unlimited tea and coffee available in the lounge area offer a simple refreshment option throughout the day. For late-night cravings, a takeout pizza service is available, with choices like classic Margherita and Pepperoni.

Business

Thistle Express London Luton caters to business needs with flexible booking options and fast access to London for meetings or events. The hotel staff provides responsive service to group inquiries, ensuring prompt responses to any booking request. Corporate guests can take advantage of exclusive rates and convenient amenities to make their visit productive.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Family stays are supported with rooms designed for comfort, such as the Express Family Room that sleeps three guests. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast for children, making family meals hassle-free. Nearby attractions like Whipsnade Zoo enhance opportunities for family outings and entertainment.

Highlights

Location: Just steps from Luton town centre

Rooms: Express Single, Double, and Family Rooms

Dining: Complimentary breakfast and takeout pizza service

Business: Prompt responses for group bookings

“Location is key here, set right in a shopping mall, it's a practical choice when flying in or out of Luton. I see that the rooms are modern, and the unlimited tea and coffee is a thoughtful touch, plus being close to the airport and the University of Bedfordshire makes it ideal for different needs.”
Hotel logo
Amelia BrooksLead Hotel Editor at Hotelairport
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Choose your ideal room style

Choose from family rooms, suites, flexible cancellation & more
Single Room
2 persons
120 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
120 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room
2 persons
120 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Family Room
2 persons
250 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
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Prices and Availability

Check availability and prices for your travel dates right now!

Facilities

Stay relaxed and refreshed just minutes from the airport
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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Location info

The Mall, Library Road, Luton (Bedfordshire), United Kingdom, LU1 2TR
Map view
The Mall, Library Road, Luton (Bedfordshire), United Kingdom, LU1 2TR
Nearby
Church
St Mary's Church
1600 ft
Luton Borough Council Town Hall
Luton Town Hall
1800 ft
St George Street Luton Town Hall
Luton War Memorial
2000 ft
Park St
Vauxhall Heritage Centre
1500 ft
Restaurants
Luton Kebab House
100 ft
51 Guildford St
The Engine
500 ft
The Engine 43 Bute Street
The White House
1200 ft
The Galaxy 1 Bridge Street Galaxy Centre
German Doner Kebab
1700 ft
57-59 George Street
Subway
1900 ft
37 George Street
Tasty Fried Chicken
1400 ft
21 Manchester Street
Thai Bites
1400 ft
Luton Market
Pepes piri piri Luton
1900 ft
6-8 Chapel Street
Off the Wall
2300 ft
6-8 Park Street
The Red Lion Luton Pub
2100 ft
Castle Street
Explore Luton (Bedfordshire)
Explore Luton
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Stockwood Discovery Centre
25 minutes' walk
Stockwood Discovery Centre features beautiful gardens and galleries showcasing local heritage, ideal for family visits.
Wardown House
Wardown House
25 minutes' walk
Wardown House offers a fascinating museum experience set in a historic park, perfect for history enthusiasts.
Vauxhall Heritage Centre
Vauxhall Heritage Centre
6 minutes' walk
Vauxhall Heritage Centre displays a rich collection of classic cars and memorabilia from the Vauxhall brand.
Grosvenor Casino Luton
Grosvenor Casino Luton
10 minutes' walk
Grosvenor Casino features gaming tables and slot machines, plus dining options for an exciting nightlife experience.
Wardown Park
Wardown Park
30 minutes' walk
Wardown Park offers scenic trails, boating, and picnic areas, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
Woodside Animal Farm
Woodside Animal Farm
10 minutes' drive
Woodside Animal Farm provides a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with petting zoos and play areas for children.
Luton Kebab House
Luton Kebab House
1 minute' walk
Luton Kebab House offers tasty kebabs and fast food in a casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick meal.
The White House
The White House
5 minutes' walk
The White House serves a variety of British dishes in a warm, welcoming environment, with outdoor seating options.
Grosvenor Casino
10 minutes' walk
Grosvenor Casino offers various gaming options and hosts live entertainment for a lively night out.
Venue 360
Venue 360
25 minutes' walk
Venue 360 features live music events and comedy shows in a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for enjoying local talent.
Getting around
City Centre
Luton (Bedfordshire)4 min  ·  1000 ft
Airports
London Luton (LTN)6 min  ·  2.2 mi
London Heathrow (LHR)87 min  ·  35.7 mi
Train
Luton Train Station4 min  ·  1000 ft
Luton Airport Parkway Railway Station20 min  ·  1.0 mi
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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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

Guest scores and detailed hotel feedback

Past guest experiences and opinions
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Thistle Express London Luton is frequently chosen for its convenient location near the train station, shopping centre, and a bus route to the airport, making it ideal for travellers. Many guests appreciate the good breakfast, which includes options like an English breakfast, ham, pancakes, and coffee. Rooms generally feature amenities such as a hairdryer, iron and ironing board, and a large TV; however, some guests have occasionally mentioned noise outside their windows. Guests find the hotel offers great value for money.
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Review score
Based on 3170 verified reviews
7.6/10
Very good
75%
Recommend
Staff
8.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Breakfast
7.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.7/10
Pros
Central location
Clean rooms
Good breakfast
Polite staff
Free coffee
Cons
Small car park
Non-working TV
Guest reviews
based on 3170 reviews
7.6/10
based on 150 reviews
4/5
based on 7209 reviews
7.9/10
Rosie from United Kingdom
Family with children
Family Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 18, 2026
9.5/10

Excellent Hotel Near Shopping Center

parking facilitieswaterhotel entrance
I found great parking facilities. It was just next to the mall, this meant I did not need to step to the street. The breakfast was alright with sufficient options. I enjoyed hot water facilities available at all times.
The hotel entrance was difficult. I had some trouble finding it. Google Maps did not clearly show it, because it sits above the road. I walked back and forth a few times.
Rooms
9/10
The room was spacious. It was comfortable and clean. I found nice, big towels. There was also a big television. It offered ample space and comfort for my family.
Service
10/10
The staff was helpful and polite. They provided prompt assistance. Free coffee was available all day. The hotel included breakfast in the room rate. I found the staff was attentive.
0 Helpful
|
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Jordan from United States
Single
king room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 18, 2026
9/10
free coffeecooked breakfasthelpful area
i appreciated the free coffee available 24/7 in the coffee bar area, a real plus. the hotel provides a microwave in the coffee bar area for heating up food. the free breakfast offered a full cooked option plus pastries, fruit, yogurt, and juices.
the walls seemed a little thin. i could hear some noise from neighboring rooms.
0 Helpful
Sebastian from Germany
Single
twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 07, 2026
7/10

adequate stay

helpful stafffurnished roomwhistling noisesound proofing
the staff were really helpful. they arranged a early takeaway breakfast for me, and a taxi. the room was bigger then i thought, and better furnished.
i found that the shower unit made a horrible whistling noise. i think the hotel needs better soundproofing because i could hear neighbours.
0 Helpful
Jessica from United Kingdom
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 14, 2025
9/10
safe installationgreat breakfastpleasant staff
i found the staff to be pleasant. the room had a safe installed. i appreciated the great breakfast facilities..
i did not appreciate that there were no locks on the bathroom doors. i noticed a hole was left where the lock was removed.
0 Helpful
mia from united kingdom
Single
twin room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 13, 2025
8.6/10

convenient stay near the station

great breakfasthelpful staffroom issues
My room was equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and a hairdryer. the breakfast included fresh juice and water. I found it quite convenient. it also has free tea, coffee & hot chocolate, many varieties. we will be back!
the initial room assigned lacked sound on the tv! a staff member moved me to another room. however, i was awakened by drilling. the tv also did not work in my third room.
Dining
9/10
the english breakfast included sausage, beans, and eggs! guests can enjoy free coffee and tea at reception. the breakfast was good, with many options.
Facilities
8/10
free coffee is available in the reception area, a definite plus. there is a microwave available for guest use. the location is close to the train station.
Location
9/10
the hotel is very close to the train station, handy. it is in the city center, providing easy access. the airport is a 45-minute walk.
Rooms
8/10
the room included a large tv, nice. towels were provided, convenient. a hairdryer was also available in the room.
Service
9/10
The staff were very helpful and friendly! i found the staff to be great and ready to assist. the staff greeted me warmly upon arrival. This was appreciated.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Thistle Express London Luton
What is the distance between Thistle Express London Luton and London Luton Airport?
The hotel is located 5 km from London Luton Airport.
What amenities are offered in the rooms at Thistle Express London Luton?
Rooms feature Hypnos beds, smart TVs, hairdryers, ironing facilities, and safes.
What are the check-in and check-out times for Thistle Express London Luton?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Is parking available at Thistle Express London Luton?
Limited on-site parking is available for £10 per night, accessed via Guildford Street.
What type of breakfast is served at Thistle Express London Luton?
A complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast is served daily.
Are there restaurants near Thistle Express London Luton?
Nearby dining options include Franksters (0.5 km), La Trattoria (0.5 km), and German Doner Kebab (0.5 km).
Does Thistle Express London Luton have a non-smoking policy?
The hotel is a smoke-free environment.
Is Wi-Fi available at Thistle Express London Luton?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What recreational options are available at Thistle Express London Luton?
Guests can enjoy unlimited tea and coffee in the spacious lobby.
What attractions are located near Thistle Express London Luton?
Nearby attractions include the University of Bedfordshire (1 km) and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo (3 km).
What languages are spoken by the staff at Thistle Express London Luton?
The staff is proficient in English.

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