Name: Thistle Express London Luton
Address: The Mall, Library Road, Luton (Bedfordshire), Bedfordshire, LU1 2TR
Price range: US$35+
Rating: 8.8

Thistle Express London Luton Interior photo

Thistle Express London Luton Other photo

Key details

About the Hotel

The Mall, Library Road, Luton (Bedfordshire), LU1 2TR

Steps from the town centre

Very good

7.8

7.5

/10

3.0

3.7

Loved by Thistle Express London Luton guests

Good breakfast

Comfortable rooms

Friendly staff

Excellent value

Convenient location

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 5 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.

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
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
120 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
120 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

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

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

Thistle Express London Luton Location

The Mall, Library Road, Luton (Bedfordshire), LU1 2TR

Map view

City landmarks

Museum

Stockwood Discovery Centre

1.4 mi

Mall

The Mall Luton

2200 ft

Museum

Wardown House

1.3 mi

Landmark

High Town

2500 ft

Casino

Grosvenor Casino Luton

2600 ft

Park

Wardown Park

1.3 mi

Landmark

Luton Hoo Memorial Park

1.2 mi

Castle

Someries Castle

1.8 mi

Landmark

Stockwood Park

1.6 mi

Gym

Venue 360

1.3 mi

Church

Saint Thomas church

1.5 mi

Mall

Asda Luton Superstore

1.9 mi

Farm

Woodside Animal Farm

2.5 mi

Farm

Luton Hoo Estate

2.5 mi

Casino

Genting Casino

3.0 mi

Landmark

The Chiltern Gateway Centre

4.3 mi

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

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 Station 4 min · 1000 ft
Luton Airport Parkway Railway Station 20 min · 1.0 mi
Bus
Bus stop 2 min · 400 ft

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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:

Number of rooms:

161

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

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.

Review score

Based on 4 verified reviews

8.8 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Staff

8.6/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.4/10

Facilities

7.9/10

Comfort

8.1/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Clean hotel

Free tea/coffee

Good breakfast

Cons

Overbooked rooms

Non-working air con

Thin walls

based on 150 reviews

4/5

Jennifer from United Kingdom

Business traveller

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 04, 2026

9/10

fantastic central stay

shopping mall good breakfast modern 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 proximity breakfast 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

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 location shopping 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

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 links short walk free view television

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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