Thistle Express Hotel, London Luton

Hard to find, the signs aren't very clear and if you don't know Luton / the area then it's difficult to find the ramp to get into the hotel car park. Not that easy to find parking info online - we found it eventually but could be simpler.Breakfast is basic especially the takeaway breakfast but we expected that.In terms of location it's not great- stayed here with my partner but if I stayed alone I wouldn't have left the building, what seemed like gangs where hanging about I all areas, especially near the ramps and stairs up to the hotel, and homeless people all around. Also, if you park in the library car park there is no lift up to the hotel so have to carry the suitcase.The hotel itself is very basic which to be fair is what we expected for the price. What really ruined our stay was what happened during the night. At around 1am me and my partner were getting ready for bed in the bathroom when we heard a knock on the door. As it was 1am we didn't answer and just waited, fortunately we had bolted the door and locked it from the inside. After not answering the knock we heard somebody attempting to open the door for a good few minutes, whoever it was actually managed to unlock the door and we heard then attempting to open it, thanktully we bolted it from the inside. We called down to reception from my mobile phone which we had with us, multiple times, with no answer. Eventually we called out to the room and then checked it and it was empty. We then tried to call down to reception again multiple times from the room phone, with no answer. We spent the rest of the night freaked out and checking the peep hole and got barely any sleep; not ideal at all for my partner who had an 8am flight. I took my partner to the airport at 5am with the plan to come back and sleep until check out, which was quite scary after seeing the people who hang around the airport and what had happened with the door.Staff on check in were good, gave helpful recommendations about what was about and clear information on parking, security guard was friendly, room was clean and simple which was all we needed for an airport stay, location had access to everything that was needed around.

Paint falling off the walls, the towels with holes in them, carpet very dirty. There is a general feeling of complete neglect that gave me a very wierd vibe. I had stayed in places that were spotless at half of the price this hotel is asking.

My mother recently stayed here and had this to say :The staff must have been having a bad day as I was not met with warm intentions on various occasions when asking for supplies for my room.The bed was comfortable and and heating was adequate. It was a reasonably sized room also.Breakfast was a mess and I was surprised to find that most of the food was cold (beans, eggs, bacon, etc). I ended up only having toast as I was over it at this point and wanted to leave.Overall I believe the staff needs retraining on customer service and showing willingness to work with customers. As well as basic quality checks on food.

Here are the reasons for the 5 star:1. Affordable considering location and a good breakfast included.2. Fantastic noise dampening fans in the rooms3. Darkening shades in rooms4. Soft beds and pillows5. Sunny (front desk guy) was very nice and made us feel very welcomed and helped us figure out parking above and beyond I believe. He had a great smile and just seemed to care!6. Check in smooth and easy.This was our second time at this hotel. We would come back here each time we were in Luton. Thanks!

We needed a place to sleep late by the airport . For the price it's really good. Rooms are clean but old. It's really hard to find entrance, since the only one is from inside the mall.Ibfound the bathroom very weird .the toilet was so close to the door,you have to lift the seating part to be able to close the door!!!

This was first time we had to stay here due to flights delay. The location was great however rooms are average . I guess with a three star facilities that is the best they can do ! Service was excellent. We were checked in by Abdul with a smile although it was like 3 am in the morning. He was very knowledgeable regarding transportation, restaurants and local attractions. We had breakfast included in our price and it was okay. Value for money for a short stay .

Exactly what I needed for a quick one night layover. The staff was incredibly attentive and warm. They saw that I was exhausted and allowed me to go up to my room to rest before the check-in time. Very grateful for their help and hospitality. Breakfast was great. The cleaning staff does an excellent job keeping the reception area very clean and tidy. Overall great stay and will recommend.

Fantastic choice. We drove an hour, parked outside hotel entry, checked-in, walked around the corner for a nice dinner & crashed for a good night's rest. Early in the morn we enjoyed a top notch complimentary breakfast with great coffee. Then I walked 5mins to Luton train station to go to Gatwick for my flight while my husband drove home to start his workday. All smooth as butter & worked a treat. Highly recommended & we'll definitely be doing this plan again.

Stayed here at the Thistle Express for 13 nights as part of a business visit nearby Luton. Found this an ideal location and it's located right in the mall which is the center of Luton. 2 mins walk from the train station & bus interchange and you just hop on a train to London easily. Everything you need is right along the hotel though.It's actually a pretty basic hotel. it doesn't have a laundry/washing facility, no gym etc. But its totally bang on for the charge you pay. The rooms were basic and serves the purpose. Internet was very good but became a bit patchy towards the end of my stay.The Service is really good with the people at the front desk being really helpful. I have to particularly appreciate Vishal who helped me have a smooth check-in and always present whenever I need any support. He is a star along with a few more I could remember (Sunny, Leah etc)The Breakfast is free and even though the menu doesn't change everyday, the food taste is great. The bfast lady (forgot her name) always has a smile on her face. There is 24/7 free coffee/tea service which is wonderful.

Lovely clean rooms, comfy bed. Left for our flight before breakfast time but we're provided with breakfast to go. Can walk to hotel from interchange saving money on taxi's so good location. Worth the money.