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Summary of reviewsThistle Express London Luton is widely recognized for its exceptional location, nestled in the heart of Luton and offering swift access to major transport hubs, including Luton Airport, as well as shopping and dining options in the immediate vicinity. This geographic convenience makes it an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers.
The hotel’s breakfast garners positive reviews for being complimentary and providing a variety of options, including hot and cold items and vegetarian selections with fresh baked pastries and bacon rolls being particularly praised. However, some guests experienced minor inconveniences like crowded conditions and slow food replenishment. Dinner options, though basic with items like soups and cheeseburgers, are seen as sufficient for quick meals. The availability of pizza until 3 AM is a notable feature.
Rooms at the Thistle Express are generally lauded for their cleanliness, modern decor and comfort. Guests find the rooms spacious, well-appointed with USB ports, large televisions and effective heating. The beds are frequently highlighted for their comfort. However, rooms can sometimes appear small or in need of minor maintenance. The absence of in-room tea and coffee facilities is a common critique. Nonetheless, free bottled water and overall cleanliness contribute to a positive experience.
Staff at the hotel receive high praise for their friendliness, professionalism and helpful demeanor. Reception staff are commended for their attentiveness with special mentions for individuals like Vishal and Monica. These positive interactions significantly enhance the guest experience.
The hotel offers complimentary, high-speed WiFi, which is mostly reliable and appreciated by guests, although some report intermittent connectivity issues. Family travelers find the hotel accommodating with spacious family suites and a welcoming atmosphere, despite some concerns about room sizes and certain aspects of the surrounding area.
Overall, the beds are a strong point, often described as very comfortable and contributing to a restful stay. The hotel is seen as a good budget option, offering value for money with its clean rooms, comfortable beds, friendly staff and essential amenities. Despite some limitations, mainly in dining and room amenities, Thistle Express London Luton provides a reliable and convenient stay, particularly suiting those needing quick access to transport links and travelers seeking affordable accommodations close to Luton Airport. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Double RoomFeatures include a double Hypnos bed, a 40-inch flat-screen TV, safe and full length mirrors. Ironing facilities are also available.
Single RoomFeatures include a single Hypnos bed, a 40-inch flat-screen TV, safe and full length mirrors. Ironing facilities are also available.
Twin RoomThis twin room has 2 single Hypnos beds, a 40-inch flat-screen TV, safe and full length mirrors. Ironing facilities are also available.
Family RoomFeatures include a double and a single Hypnos bed, a 40-inch flat-screen TV, safe and full length mirrors. Ironing facilities are also available.
King RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, a carpeted floor and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.7
Good
Location
Thistle Express London Luton boasts a superbly convenient location that is highly praised by guests. Situated right in the heart of Luton, the hotel is mere minutes away from the main train and bus stations, making it an ideal choice for travelers using public transport. The proximity to Luton Airport is particularly appreciated with quick and easy access for those catching early flights or arriving late.
The hotel is linked to a shopping mall, which guests find extremely convenient for accessing shops, restaurants and other amenities. Central Luton offers easy reach to various dining and shopping options, which add to the convenience of the stay. Despite some difficulties in initially locating the entrance, the overall placement in the city center is advantageous for both leisure and business travelers.
For those looking to explore further afield, the hotel’s location provides easy connections to more extensive transport hubs, making trips to broader locales, including London, straightforward. The combination of geographical convenience, affordability and a clean, comfortable living environment makes Thistle Express a highly regarded choice for a stay in Luton.
Breakfast
Guests at Thistle Express London Luton have varied opinions about the hotel's breakfast offerings. Many reviewers highlight the breakfast as lovely, excellent and very good, appreciating the complimentary nature and wide selection of options. Some found the full English and buffet breakfasts to be particularly noteworthy with praise for the quality and variety of hot and cold items, as well as the inclusion of vegetarian options.
Several guests remarked on the great value for money, mentioning the convenience of having breakfast included in the room rate. There are mentions of delicious and tasty meals with some guests noting specific items like fresh baked pastries and bacon rolls received high marks. Unlimited tea and coffee throughout the day were also appreciated perks.
However, there are some critiques. A few guests found the breakfast to be chaotic and crowded at times with limited seating and slow replenishment of food items. Others observed that the selection could be improved, citing minimal variety and food being cold or not replenished quickly enough. Despite these few negative mentions, the overall sentiment toward the hotel's breakfast skewed positively with the buffet style and complimentary aspect being celebrated by most visitors.
Dinner
The dining experience at Thistle Express London Luton offers a mix of straightforward and convenient options for guests. The hotel's close proximity to the bus terminal and train stations makes travel to the airport easy and many guests find the grab-and-go style breakfast helpful. The breakfast selection is primarily continental, featuring pain au chocolat, croissants, yogurt, omelettes and sausages. While the freshly baked items and simple breakfast options are appreciated, some guests feel the choices are limited and express a desire for more variety, particularly preferring fried or poached eggs over scrambled.
The hotel’s restaurant provides basic fare such as soups and cheeseburgers and is noted for being clean and tidy. However, the absence of a full-service restaurant is a common critique with some visitors noting that they had to seek out alternatives like the nearby Wetherspoons or options within the shopping center. Despite these limitations, the availability of pizza until 3 AM is a noteworthy feature.
In summary, while the dining options at Thistle Express London Luton are adequate for a quick and simple meal, they could benefit from a wider selection and more dining variations to better meet guest expectations.
Rooms
Thistle Express London Luton receives generally positive feedback for its rooms, which guests describe as clean, modern and comfortable. Many have noted the rooms' spaciousness and good overall size, which caters well to solo travelers and families alike. The beds are often highlighted as very comfortable, ensuring a restful stay. Numerous reviewers also appreciate the stylish, contemporary decor and amenities such as USB ports for phone charging, large televisions and proper heating.
The hotel scores well on cleanliness with rooms frequently described as spotless and well-maintained. Guests enjoy the modern look and the good condition of the furnishings. Many guests found the rooms to be quiet and peaceful, adding to the comfort of their stay.
However, some rooms appear small, which may not suit all travelers. Moreover, others point out that certain rooms look tired and could benefit from some renovations and maintenance, such as addressing issues with bathroom fittings and ventilation noises. The lack of in-room tea and coffee making facilities is a common critique, though free bottled water is provided.
Additional comments suggest mixed experiences with room temperatures with some rooms reported as too warm, especially during hotter weather. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall impression is that the rooms are well-appointed for a short stay, providing a clean, comfortable and convenient base for exploring Luton.
Beds
At the Thistle Express London Luton, guests can expect an overall comfortable stay, particularly when it comes to the beds. Consistently described as comfortable, clean and cozy, the beds often receive high praise for enhancing the quality of the stay. Many reviews highlight a very comfortable sleeping experience with numerous mentions of super comfy and very comfortable beds. The large and clean beds also add to the overall positive atmosphere of the rooms.
Guests appreciated the comfortable mattresses and the good quality of the beds and pillows. Despite some occasional comments about firmness or slight discomfort, the overwhelming sentiment is that the beds are satisfactory. Visitors noted the beds as suitable for a good night's sleep with some even describing the beds as divine or exactly what you need after a long day of traveling.
The clean and tidy presentation of the beds adds to the appeal, making it a pleasant stay for many. While there were some instances of minor issues like stiffness or the need for extra pillows, the hotel's staff generally accommodated such requests, ensuring a more comfortable experience. In summary, the Thistle Express London Luton offers beds that are largely comfortable, supportive and clean, contributing to an overall restful stay.
Cleanliness
Thistle Express London Luton boasts impressively high standards of cleanliness, consistently reflected across numerous reviews. Guests frequently describe the spaces as clean, modern and well-maintained with many highlighting spotless rooms and communal areas. The rooms, often noted as spacious and stylish, also stand out for being impeccably clean with deep cleaning mentioned as a commendable practice.
Though there were occasional mentions of isolated issues such as stained carpets or musty smells, the general consensus portrays Thistle Express as a hotel that takes cleanliness seriously. Visitors appreciate the tidy and comfortable environment, which contributes significantly to their overall satisfaction. The combination of clean, well-equipped rooms and the convenience of a central location make it a solid choice for travelers seeking reliable accommodation in London Luton.
Staff
The reviews for the staff at Thistle Express London Luton paint a predominantly positive picture. Guests frequently describe the staff as friendly, helpful and professional. There are numerous mentions of the reception staff being particularly attentive, offering assistance with tasks like booking taxis and printing documents. Several staff members, including Vishal and Monica, receive special commendations for their exceptional service and attentiveness during breakfast.
Guests also appreciate the staff’s efficiency and informative interactions. Despite a few criticisms about unresponsiveness and unfriendly behavior, the overwhelming consensus is that the staff contributes significantly to a pleasant stay. They are often seen as polite, kind and cooperative, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The positive impact of the staff is further highlighted by guests who mention that their efforts made the stay enjoyable and comfortable. Overall, the staff at Thistle Express London Luton are praised for their warm and professional approach, ensuring guests have a pleasant experience during their visit.
Wi-Fi
Thistle Express London Luton offers complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel, frequently highlighted in guest reviews alongside mentions of free coffee and tea, creating a welcoming atmosphere right in the reception area. Guests appreciate the strong, fast and unlimited high-speed internet, describing it as very good and decent in quality. Many have found the WiFi in the rooms to be solid, reliable and adequate for their needs and some even mentioned enjoying excellent WiFi during their stays.
There were mixed experiences noted with some guests enjoying seamless and amazing internet connectivity, while others experienced intermittent and weak signals or found the connection to be somewhat irregular in certain areas. Despite a few reports of slow or non-functional WiFi at times, the predominant sentiment from guests about the hotel's internet suggests a positive experience overall, contributing to a comfortable stay.
Family
Situated in close proximity to the train station, Thistle Express London Luton is a convenient choice for families visiting the area. The hotel offers a range of family-friendly rooms and suites, which many guests have found to be spacious and accommodating for groups with children. The family atmosphere is welcoming and the staff are noted for being particularly friendly towards families and children.
Visitors staying at the hotel with kids have had positive experiences overall, noting it as a good value option for families. The family suite has been described as large, providing ample space for an extended family or those with small children. Despite some minor inconveniences, such as the absence of a mini-bar for baby food or occasional overcrowding in family rooms, most families have found the accommodations practical.
However, it's worth noting that the surrounding district may not feel entirely safe for some family members and the hotel has been described by a few as not very suitable for a family vacation due to space constraints. Nevertheless, for short stays and visits with the family, especially given its convenient location near transport links, Thistle Express London Luton remains a recommended choice for many.
For those needing a place to stay with family members of various ages, including small children, the hotel's friendly and accommodating atmosphere makes it a viable option. Despite some criticisms, the overall sentiment points towards positive experiences for family stays.
3 Star
The Thistle Express London Luton stands out as a convenient and budget-friendly option, especially suitable for travelers seeking proximity to the airport. The hotel, which exudes the essence of a solid three-star establishment, is noted for its great value, clean rooms and overall good condition. Most guests appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, who are highlighted as a significant positive aspect of the stay.
While the hotel delivers on essential services effectively, it is firmly within the budget category, translating to basic facilities without extravagant features. The comfortable beds and clean rooms contribute to a decent three-star experience that aligns well with its price point. The presence of a free hot drinks machine and the availability of tea and coffee at reception add to the convenience offered to guests.
However, the breakfast received mixed feedback with some finding it typical and others deeming it adequate but not impressive. Some guests also noted the lack of in-room coffee facilities as a downside. Despite these minor letdowns, the hotel’s value for money, strong location near the airport and the overall satisfactory service make it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Accessible
Thistle Express London Luton offers a highly accessible experience for guests with disabilities. The hotel's location is conveniently and centrally situated, making it ideal for those needing easy access to various transportation options. It is only a short drive from Luton Airport and both the train and bus stations are a quick five-minute walk away. Additionally, the proximity to shopping malls and other essential services enhances its convenience.
Guests appreciated the accessible features, including rooms tailored for those with disabilities, 24-hour reception and ramps leading up to the rooms. However, some reviewers mentioned difficulties in finding the entrance and the lobby, highlighting a need for better signposting.
For an overnight stay before a flight, the hotel proves perfect with clean, modern accommodations. While parking might be somewhat challenging to navigate, the overall accessibility to buses, trains and the airport is rated highly. Noise from nearby pubs can be an issue but doesn’t overshadow the hotel’s ease of mobility throughout the premises. Despite minor setbacks like the absence of AC, Thistle Express London Luton stands out for its well-maintained facilities and accessible accommodations.
No, Thistle Express London Luton doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Thistle Express London Luton.
No, Thistle Express London Luton doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Thistle Express London Luton.
No, Thistle Express London Luton doesn't have a gym.