What’s it like staying at the Holiday Inn Express at Stansted Airport? Well much like every other hotel in the UK it was overpriced and somewhat depressing.
With that being said though it did do a job and it is probably the best of a piss poor bunch located within spitting distance of the airport.
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What the Holiday Inn Express Stansted?
This branch of Holiday Inn Express is located just off the main airport access road in Stansted, Essex. The hotel is part of the global Holiday Inn Express chain, aimed at business and budget travelers who want a reliable bed, a decent breakfast, and minimal fuss. The property itself is modern but uninspired, like most UK airport hotels.
It’s around a five‑minute drive to the terminal and sits amid other similar hotels, car parks, and chain restaurants. Being part of a chain, it has predictable service, functional rooms, and the standard features of the brand—Wi-Fi, breakfast included, and clean but basic interiors.
What are the rooms like and what is it like staying here?
Ok, so the rooms are not all that bad and are very functional. They have a decent bed, bathroom, TV with actual English channels, and a desk that you can work from. The overall vibe though for me at least is just a depressing one. This is maybe not as bad as a Travelodge, but it is still the McDonalds of British Hotels.
The halls are huge and feel like the Shining, and then there is the room numbering. I was staying in room 218, which was located on what I would call the 2nd floor, BUT which according to the hotel was on the first floor (after the ground floor). Overtly British confusion.
The breakfast though is actually baller and comes with all bookings. Great British fare such as sausages, beans, eggs, and toast, which may or may not have been halal. There was also continental stuff if that is your thing, croissants, cereals, and fruit juice. It’s a proper start to the day if you are about to catch a flight.
Location, getting there and away
Holiday Inn Express Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport
Stansted Mountfitchet
Essex
CM24 1RW
United Kingdom
The hotel is about five minutes from the airport terminals by car. They run a shuttle bus from the main entrance of the hotel to the terminal, which is convenient but not free. Unlike most of the world where airport hotel shuttles are complimentary, here you pay four pounds or roughly six dollars per person each way for the privilege.
Walking is possible but would take about 20–25 minutes along the access roads, not ideal with luggage. Taxis are quick and cheap for such a short hop, but if you don’t mind the extra cost the shuttle does the job.
Oh and theres a McDonalds within walking distance as well as a Marks and Spencer “garage” which is what fed me during the trip. Truly what a time to be alive….