Thistle Express London Luton Beds photoThistle Express London Luton Exterior photoThistle Express London Luton Interior photo
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From35US$ /night
Check-in
16Apr2026Select date
Check-out
17Apr2026Select 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 Mall Luton
Very good
7.8
7.5
/10
3.5
3.7
/5

Location

Thistle Express London Luton is strategically located for both convenience and exploration, just steps from Luton town centre. It is also a mere ten-minute drive from Luton Airport, making it a prime choice for travelers. The hotel is easily accessible, being a three-minute walk from Luton Station with direct trains to London St Pancras in just 22 minutes.

Rooms

Thistle Express London Luton offers a range of room options, including the Express Single Room featuring a large single bed with a Hypnos mattress. Guests can opt for the Express Double Room or Express Twin Room for additional space, both equipped with Smart TVs and charging points by the bed. The Express King Room boasts a king-size bed and a Nespresso(R) machine, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.

Dining

Every guest at Thistle Express enjoys a complimentary breakfast to start their day. The hotel offers unlimited tea and coffee in the lounge area, providing guests with refreshments at any time. For late-night cravings, pizza to go is available with a choice of classic Margherita or hearty Pepperoni.

Business Facilities

The hotel is well-equipped for business travelers with fast, free Wi-Fi available throughout. Quick responses to group inquiries aid in the planning of meetings and events. Exclusive group booking benefits include early or late check-in options and tailored quotes.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Thistle Express London Luton caters to families with its Express Family Room, which includes a double bed and a sofa bed for up to three guests. Families can enjoy complimentary breakfast alongside smart entertainment options like Smart TVs in the room. Unlimited tea and coffee in the lounge area make for a convenient stay for all ages.

Highlights

Location: Three-minute walk from Luton Station

Rooms: Express King Room with Nespresso(R) machine

Dining: Unlimited tea and coffee in lounge area

Business: Exclusive group booking benefits

“This Luton hotel, situated within a shopping mall, stands out for its surprisingly complete offering at a competitive price. Unlimited tea and coffee in the lounge is a definite plus. Its location proves ideal for both airport access and exploring nearby attractions.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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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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Price and Room 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, 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)
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Stockwood Discovery Centre
25 minutes' walk
A museum and park with beautiful gardens, the centre features exhibits on local history and a café, perfect for a family day out.
The Mall Luton
The Mall Luton
8 minutes' walk
A popular shopping destination, The Mall hosts a variety of shops and eateries, ideal for shopping enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Wardown Park
Wardown Park
20 minutes' walk
A scenic park featuring a lake, gardens, and walking trails, suitable for relaxation or picnics. Ideal for nature lovers.
Vauxhall Heritage Centre
Vauxhall Heritage Centre
6 minutes' walk
This automotive museum showcases Vauxhall's history, with vintage cars on display and interactive exhibits for guests of all ages.
Wardown Park Hiking
20 minutes' walk
Enjoy picturesque trails in Wardown Park, perfect for a leisurely hike or biking. Equipment rentals available nearby.
Luton Kebab House
Luton Kebab House
1 minute' walk
Famed for its delicious kebabs and casual vibe, this eatery can satisfy your cravings for savory flavors after a day's activities.
Grosvenor Casino Luton
Grosvenor Casino Luton
10 minutes' walk
Thrilling gaming experience with slot machines, table games, and live entertainment. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Yoga Classes at Luton
5 minutes' drive
Relaxation-focused yoga classes nearby, suitable for all levels. Pre-booking recommended for a peaceful escape from busyness.
The Engine
The Engine
2 minutes' walk
Charming atmosphere with a menu featuring classic pub fare, including burgers and steak, great for casual dining.
The White House
The White House
5 minutes' walk
Elegant setting with a focus on British cuisine, known for its Sunday roasts and selection of wines. Reservations suggested.
German Doner Kebab
German Doner Kebab
6 minutes' walk
Modern eatery specializing in authentic doner kebabs, offering fresh, healthy options, great for a quick meal.
Subway
Subway
7 minutes' walk
Quick service with a variety of customizable subs and salads, catering to health-conscious guests. Perfect for a fast bite.
Grosvenor Casino Luton
Grosvenor Casino Luton
10 minutes' walk
An entertaining casino atmosphere with live events, dining options, and exciting gaming opportunities for all guests.
Luton War Memorial
Luton War Memorial
8 minutes' walk
A historic landmark that hosts community events, providing cultural connections and insights into local history.
Venue 360
Venue 360
25 minutes' walk
Multi-purpose entertainment venue featuring live music, sports events, and community gatherings. Offers events for all ages.
The Mall Luton
The Mall Luton
8 minutes' walk
Home to cinemas and family-friendly activities, providing an entertaining space with shopping and movies for a fun day out.
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 enjoys a superb location, being just a short walk to Luton train station and close to a shopping mall, which many guests appreciate for easy access to transport and amenities. Rooms are generally considered comfortable, spacious, clean, and modern, often featuring pod coffee makers and comfortable beds; a few guests have mentioned that the shower pressure could be improved. The included breakfast is considered adequate, although some find it a bit monotonous after a few days.
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Review score
Based on 2889 verified reviews
7.5/10
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
Comfortable bed
Central location
Friendly staff
Cons
Strong smell
Stuffy rooms
Guest reviews
based on 2889 reviews
7.5/10
based on 150 reviews
4/5
based on 7342 reviews
7.8/10
Charlotte from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 27, 2025
8.5/10

Convenient stay near the station

easy locationclean roomcoffee maker
The hotel is just a short walk from the station. This location made it easy to catch the bus to the airport. The room was clean and modern. it had air conditioning. I found coffee-making facilities with a pod coffee maker and water.
Facilities
9/10
The reception area offers complimentary coffee and tea anytime (a real plus!). The hotel provides convenient services.
Dining
8/10
A buffet breakfast is available with both sweet and savory options. Guests can select from yogurt and fruit at breakfast. The kitchen staff worked hard to keep the buffet stocked during peak hours.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Rosie from United Kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 18, 2025
6/10

mediocre stay, some issues

good locationtrain stationwhistling noisesoundproofing need
the hotel location is good, close to the city center and train station.
The shower unit made a horrible whistling noise. i should have complained about it and asked for another room but i didn't. also, i could hear the neighbors. The hotel needs better soundproofing.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Thistle Express London Luton
What are the breakfast hours at Thistle Express London Luton?
10 January 2024
Breakfast is served from 06:30 to 09:30 on weekdays and from 07:00 to 10:00 during weekends. Takeaway options are available for those needing an early start.
Is there a public transport option to get to Luton Airport from the hotel?
15 February 2024
Yes, there is a 24/7 Arriva bus 'A' service that connects the hotel to Luton Airport, costing £2.70.
How long does it take to get to Luton Airport by taxi, and what is the fare?
20 March 2024
The taxi ride to Luton Airport takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and typically costs around £14.
Can guests find transportation to the airport in the early morning?
05 April 2024
Transportation options include pre-booked taxis available at any hour and local bus services, which can be reached by a short walk.
Is there parking available at Thistle Express London Luton?
12 May 2024
On-site parking is available for £10 per night, though spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can late-night arrivals check in at any time?
18 June 2024
Yes, the reception is open 24/7, allowing for check-in at any time, including after midnight.
What is the bed brand used at Thistle Express London Luton?
24 July 2024
The hotel features beds from Hypnos, known for their comfort and quality.
Are there options for self-isolating guests at the hotel?
30 August 2024
Yes, the hotel accommodates guests who need to self-isolate.
What time is check-out at Thistle Express London Luton?
18 September 2024
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
How can guests get to the hotel after arriving late at night?
29 October 2024
Guests can either take a taxi or use public transport options available at that time.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room