Thistle Express London Luton Beds photoThistle Express London Luton Exterior photoThistle Express London Luton Interior photo
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From35US$ /night
Check-in
02Jun2026Select date
Check-out
03Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

Location

Thistle Express London Luton is positioned just 10 minutes from Luton Airport and three minutes from Luton Station. This advantageous location allows for simple access to the town centre and major attractions like Whipsnade Zoo and the University of Bedfordshire. With limited on-site parking available for £10 per night, guests can enjoy stress-free travel to and from their destinations.

Rooms

The hotel offers a variety of room types to cater to different guest needs. The Express Single Room boasts a Hypnos mattress and essentials like a Smart TV, accommodating solo travellers. Families can opt for the Express Family Room, which includes a double bed and sofa bed, comfortably fitting three guests.

Dining

A complimentary continental breakfast is provided to all guests, ensuring a bright start to the day. The hotel also offers unlimited tea and coffee in the lounge area, available at all hours of the day. For late night cravings, guests can order a variety of pizzas for takeaway.

Business Facilities

Thistle Express London Luton caters to business travellers with quick response times for group bookings. The hotel's close proximity to Luton Airport and Luton Station makes it convenient for meetings or short trips. Corporate guests can benefit from exclusive rates designed for organizational needs.

Family-Friendly Amenities

The Express Family Room at Thistle Express accommodates families by providing spacious sleeping arrangements with a double bed and a sofa bed. Amenities such as a Smart TV and fast Wi-Fi keep all ages entertained during the stay. Breakfast and lounge refreshments cater to the needs of family outings.

Highlights

Location: Just 10 minutes from Luton Airport

Rooms: Express Single Room with Hypnos mattress

Dining: Complimentary continental breakfast

Business: Quick response for group bookings

“This Luton hotel stands out for its unlimited tea and coffee-a welcome touch. Its location in a shopping mall is undeniably convenient, appealing especially to business travelers and families drawn to nearby attractions like Whipsnade Zoo. While parking is limited, the central location offers easy access to local shops and dining.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
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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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
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, Luton (Bedfordshire), United Kingdom, LU1 2TR
Map view
The Mall, 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)
Discover Luton
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The Mall Luton
The Mall Luton
8 minutes' walk
Shopping hub featuring a variety of retail stores, eateries, and regular events, making it perfect for everyone.
Wardown House
Wardown House
25 minutes' walk
Victorian museum with art collections and beautiful gardens, offers seasonal events and free admission on select days.
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Stockwood Discovery Centre
25 minutes' walk
Interactive exhibits on local history and nature, plus gardens and a gallery. Ideal for families seeking educational fun.
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church
6 minutes' walk
Historic church known for its stained glass and architecture, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
Wardown Park
Wardown Park
20 minutes' walk
Perfect for relaxation or picnics, featuring lovely gardens, walking trails, and a serene lake to unwind.
Grosvenor Casino Luton
Grosvenor Casino Luton
10 minutes' walk
Casino offering gaming, dining, and live entertainment options, great for thrill-seekers looking for a fun night out.
Luton Kebab House
Luton Kebab House
1 minute' walk
Casual eatery famous for its flavorful kebabs and friendly atmosphere, ideal for a quick bite.
The White House
The White House
5 minutes' walk
Charming pub serving British cuisine with rotating seasonal menus and daily specials; reservations recommended.
German Doner Kebab
German Doner Kebab
6 minutes' walk
Modern take on traditional kebabs, offering fresh ingredients and unique flavors in a laid-back setting.
Venue 360
Venue 360
25 minutes' walk
Multi-purpose venue hosting live music, events, and sports; a great spot for all-ages entertainment options.
Grosvenor Casino Luton
Grosvenor Casino Luton
10 minutes' walk
Entertainment complex featuring a bar and restaurant plus gaming; popular for vibrant nightlife and themed events.
Getting around town
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

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Thistle Express London Luton is a modern hotel conveniently located minutes from the bus and train stations, and next to a shopping mall entrance providing access to the town's central square. Guests appreciate the inclusive breakfast with a good selection of options from full cooked choices to pastries, fruit and yogurt. Some guests have mentioned that they would have liked tea and coffee making facilities in their rooms. The comfortable beds and big TVs are commonly noted, and guests appreciate the 24/7 coffee, microwave access, and availability of snacks and drinks.
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Review score
Based on 3179 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
Town centre location
Easy bus transfer
Clean rooms
Friendly staff
Breakfast included
Cons
Horrible area
Cigarette smell
Guest reviews
based on 3179 reviews
7.6/10
based on 150 reviews
4/5
based on 7213 reviews
7.9/10
Benjamin from Germany
Business traveller
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 07, 2026
9/10

GREAT Stay Near EVERYTHING!!!

fast check-incentral locationbuffet breakfastefficient service
Check-in was super fast and efficient. The location is fantastic because it is right by the shopping centre. A train and bus station are also VERY close. Breakfast offered a LOVELY buffet.
I noticed a very slight issue with the shower pressure in my room, it could have been a bit stronger.
Rooms
9/10
The room included useful amenities like a television and a kettle. The space was generally clean and tidy. It offered enough space to relax after a long day, I appreciated that.
0 Helpful
|
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Lucy from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 25, 2026
9.0/10

reliable stay

free beveragessecure roomnecessary amenities
the staff booked a taxi for me quickly. rooms include free hot beverages available all day. the room felt secure. it contained all necessary amenities.
the window opened only a little. i wished it could open wider.
Service
9/10
the staff was cute. quick check-in occurred with no delays. the team seemed efficient.
Location
8/10
the hotel is close to a large shopping center. access to transportation options is available nearby. it is easy to reach the train station from the hotel. multiple restaurants were nearby offering options for dining.
Facilities
10/10
the hotel offers complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day. a microwave is available in the dining area. breakfast bags were provided for early departures. a large free view television was in my super clean room.
0 Helpful
|
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Harper from United Kingdom
Family with children
Twin Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 22, 2025
6/10

adequate but with issues

convenient locationsmoke smellunsafe walkway
the location was convenient enough for my needs.
My room reeked of stale smoke despite the hotel being non-smoking. I needed to buy air freshener. the window barely opened, and it was very hot. the walkway to the hotel felt unsafe at night. I was not asked for feedback when checking out.
0 Helpful
Oscar from Sweden
Couple
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 18, 2025
9.2/10

a cosy nest for a blissful night

clean roombreakfast buffethelpful staffconfusing directions
the room was very clean with accessories. the breakfast buffet was accessible and timed well. staff helped us in many ways. i found the location quite quiet despite being central.
i found the entrance hard to spot and google maps gave me confusing directions. finding the entrance was stressful because i arrived late, i felt unsafe in the area surrounding the building. the shower drained slowly, so it needs unblocking.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel provided a breakfast buffet with a good schedule period. the hotel also has many shops nearby and is easily accessible!!! the endless coffee and tea were so comforting.
Service
10/10
staff members were friendly and offered help in many forms. they were super cordial. the female receptionist was fine, and all staff answered questions well when i asked.
Location
8/10
the location offers proximity to the train station, restaurants, and shops. the hotel is within the city. the hotel is a short walk from the station, convenient for the airport.
Rooms
9/10
the room provided all the needed accessories. the bed was very comfortable. the room was very quiet and clean. the room was a good size and reminded me of a home.
Dining
10/10
the breakfast choice was excellent!!! the self-service option meant i could eat the right amount. i love the endless supply of coffee and tea. it was a great start to the day.
0 Helpful
|
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Jordan from United States
Couple
family room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:October 29, 2025
9/10
convenient coffeefree breakfastcooked selection
The hotel offered a microwave in the coffee bar area for heating food. there were seats for eating. free coffee was available 24/7 in that area, which i found convenient. i also appreciated the free breakfast. It featured a full cooked selection with pastries, fruit, yogurt, and juices.
the hotel didn't provide water in the room, and i had to go to reception to fill my bottle.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Thistle Express London Luton
What are the check-in and check-out times at Thistle Express London Luton?
Check-in is at 15:00, and check-out is at 11:00.
What is the distance from Thistle Express London Luton to London Luton Airport?
The hotel is located 5 km from London Luton Airport.
Is parking available at Thistle Express London Luton?
Limited on-site parking is available for £10 per night, and it can be accessed via Guildford Street on a first-come, first-served basis.
What room amenities are provided at Thistle Express London Luton?
Rooms include a Hypnos bed, smart TV, hairdryer, ironing facilities, safe, and free Wi-Fi.
What breakfast options are available at Thistle Express London Luton?
A complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast is served daily on weekdays.
Are there any dining options nearby Thistle Express London Luton?
Nearby restaurants include Luton Kebab House, Ruby's Bar & Cuisine, and La Trattoria, all within 0.5 km.
What are the language capabilities of the staff at Thistle Express London Luton?
The staff primarily speaks English.
What recreational options are available near Thistle Express London Luton?
Nearby attractions include the University of Bedfordshire, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, and Stockwood Discovery Centre.
Is there a smoking area at Thistle Express London Luton?
Thistle Express London Luton maintains a smoke-free environment throughout the property.
What is the closest train station to Thistle Express London Luton?
Luton Rail Station is just a 3-minute walk from the hotel.
Does Thistle Express London Luton offer complimentary beverages?
Guests can enjoy unlimited tea and coffee available in the lounge area.

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