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From35US$ /night
Check-in
13May2026Select date
Check-out
14May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

Thistle Express London Luton - A 3-star hotel with Hypnos beds, free Wi-Fi, and proximity to Luton's shopping and transport links

Thistle Express London Luton offers 152 rooms with Hypnos beds, smart TVs, hairdryers, irons, and safes, available in single, double, twin, and family configurations. A complimentary hot/cold breakfast buffet is served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM, and the on-site restaurant provides an imaginative menu with British and continental cuisine. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, including in rooms and public areas, with 24-hour front desk service and luggage storage. The hotel's location places guests within a 5-minute drive of the University of Bedfordshire and Stockwood Discovery Centre, with Luton Airport just 4.8 km away. Limited on-site parking is available for £10 per night via Guildford Street on a first-come, first-served basis. A cinema, shops, and restaurants are accessible within a few minutes' walk in the town center.

Pros

Hypnos beds and smart TVs in all rooms ensure comfort and entertainment.

Free Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast buffet add convenience.

The hotel's central location provides easy access to Luton's shopping and dining options.

Unlimited tea and coffee are available in the lounge area for guests.

The 24-hour front desk offers flexibility for early or late arrivals.

Cons

Limited on-site parking (16 spaces) may require alternatives during peak times.

The proximity to busy shopping areas may result in occasional street noise.

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Select your room type

Thistle Express London Luton offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special 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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Room Rates & Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Thistle Express London Luton offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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)
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Stockwood Discovery Centre
25 minutes' walk
Heritage exhibitions and beautiful gardens; ideal for families. Free admission on some days.
Wardown House
25 minutes' walk
A museum showcasing Luton's history in a Victorian house, surrounded by lovely parkland.
The Mall Luton
8 minutes' walk
Shopping destination with a variety of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment.
St Mary's Church
6 minutes' walk
Historic church known for its stunning architecture; a peaceful spot for reflection.
Wardown Park
30 minutes' walk
Large public park with walking trails and playgrounds; great for a leisurely day outdoors.
Luton War Memorial
8 minutes' walk
An important historical site ideal for sightseeing and photography nearby the vibrant town center.
Luton Kebab House
1 minute' walk
Casual eatery serving delicious kebabs and wraps. Perfect for a quick, tasty meal.
The White House
5 minutes' walk
Charming pub with a relaxed atmosphere; known for its hearty meals and local brews.
Grosvenor Casino Luton
10 minutes' walk
Vibrant gaming venue with live entertainment and dining options. Suitable for adults seeking nightlife.
Venue 360
25 minutes' walk
An entertainment hub featuring sports and events, perfect for families and large gatherings.
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

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 is frequently praised for its convenient location, particularly its proximity to the airport and train station. Guests appreciate the breakfast which includes a wide choice of pastries, as well as the cleanliness of the rooms. While most find the rooms comfortable, some guests have mentioned occasional minor issues such as peeling paint in some rooms.
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Review score
Based on 3021 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
Friendly staff
Clean hotel
Free tea/coffee
Good breakfast
Cons
Overbooked rooms
Non-working air con
Thin walls
Guest reviews
based on 3021 reviews
7.5/10
based on 150 reviews
4/5
based on 7257 reviews
7.9/10
Jennifer from United Kingdom
Business traveller
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 04, 2026
9/10

fantastic central stay

shopping mallgood breakfastmodern room
The location was great since it was in the shopping mall. i found the breakfast really good with plenty of options. the room was clean and modern. It included a large desk with good lighting.
0 Helpful
Naomi from Japan
Couple
Double Room
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 30, 2025
9.0/10

Airport proximity and a great breakfast

airport proximitybreakfast selection
The hotel is very close to the airport which i appreciated. I also found the breakfast selection excellent with a wide choice (especially the pastries!). I was pleased to find the room very clean.
Location
9/10
The hotel's location is very convenient, being close to public transport. A large shopping mall is adjacent to the hotel. This makes it easy to access retail outlets and dining options within a short walk.
Dining
10/10
The breakfast included a full cooked option, pastries, fruit, yogurt, and juices (a real treat). There is also a 'coffee bar' area with a microwave and seating, allowing guests to heat their own food and enjoy free coffee 24/7.
Rooms
8/10
The room had crisp cotton linens and a large desk with good lighting. The provided amenities such as a safe, full length mirror, iron, and ironing board add convenience. Opening windows provided fresh air.
0 Helpful
|
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Steven from United States
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 06, 2025
8.5/10

Convenient Location and Helpful Staff

convenient locationshopping center
I found the hotel very close to the shopping center. It made quick trips for necessities very easy. I was able to leave my bag while I did some shopping at the nearby mall. The hotel's location made getting around convenient. The staff were also very helpful. They assisted with directions and information.
They were not very friendly at all.
Service
8/10
The reception provided complimentary coffee and tea, accessible 24/7, I appreciate that. Staff offered assistance with directions. They were able to point out nearby shops and restaurants, I liked it.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel is directly adjacent to a shopping center that features many restaurants, cafes, and shops. This provides convenient access to amenities! The location is within walking distance to public transportation hubs.
0 Helpful
|
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joseph from united kingdom
Single
twin room
1 night in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 09, 2025
8.5/10

convenient and clean near transport

transport linksshort walkfree view televisionoutside noise
i found it very convenient for access to transport links. the hotel is a short walk from both the train and bus stations. my room was super clean and quite spacious, i had a large free view television. check-in was quick, staff were cute.
My room faced the square. The noise from outside was noticeable. some noise from people could be heard.
Service
9/10
the reception staff offered prompt service during check-in, and were helpful. requests, like extra pillows, were addressed quickly, with items delivered promptly. the staff were friendly on reception! though the parking was expensive.
Facilities
8/10
A self-service buffet breakfast included hot options such as sausages and bacon. the hotel is near a shopping center, about 15 meters away. It had a good selection of shops. the hotel offers convenient access to nearby transport options.
0 Helpful
|
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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.
How far is the Thistle Express London Luton from Luton Airport?
The hotel is 5 km from Luton Airport, approximately a 10-minute drive.
What are some attractions near Thistle Express London Luton?
Nearby attractions include the University of Bedfordshire (1 km), Stockwood Discovery Centre (2 km), and Whipsnade Zoo (10 km).
What amenities does Thistle Express London Luton offer for guests?
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, a 24-hour reception, and a lounge area with unlimited tea and coffee.
Is there parking available at Thistle Express London Luton?
Limited parking is available on-site 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.
What room amenities can guests expect at Thistle Express London Luton?
Rooms feature a Hypnos bed, smart TV, hairdryer, ironing facilities, and a safe.
What dining options are available near Thistle Express London Luton?
Nearby restaurants include Luton Kebab House (0.5 km), Ruby's Bar & Cuisine (0.5 km), and Papa J's Indian Tapas Restaurant Bar Luton (0.5 km).
Are there any accessibility features at Thistle Express London Luton?
The hotel is a smoke-free establishment, and special requests for portable fans can be accommodated at the front desk.
Does Thistle Express London Luton offer business services?
The hotel caters to business travelers with free Wi-Fi and a comfortable lounge area for meetings.
What is the layout of rooms available at Thistle Express London Luton?
Room configurations include singles, doubles, twins, and family rooms, accommodating up to three guests.

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