Finding a truly cheap hotel near Stansted Airport is about knowing where to look and when to book. Meta-search data from KAYAK shows average prices around $112 per night, with the cheapest recent rooms falling to about $93. This guide compares the most affordable options – from walking‑distance properties to parking‑inclusive packages – using verified prices and real guest feedback, so you can book with confidence.
Last checked: 2026-07-12
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Cheapest option: from £29 per night · Nearest hotels: walking distance to terminal · Parking bundles: available with many hotels · Shuttle service: offered by several hotels
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-07-12.
Sources reviewed: official property websites, meta‑search platforms (KAYAK, HotelsCombined, momondo), booking aggregators (Holiday Extras, Expedia), review platforms (Tripadvisor), and the official London Stansted Airport website.
We did not conduct on‑site visits, interview staff, or verify prices across every possible travel date. All prices and availability are subject to change.
Stansted Airport Hotel Snapshot
- March averages $95 per night (HotelsCombined)
- June averages $151–$160 per night (HotelsCombined)
- Budget listings from $48 to $69 per night (Expedia)
- Hampton by Hilton is 0.8 miles from the terminal (Tripadvisor)
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Cheapest option (Holiday Extras) | from £53.40 per night |
| Nearest hotels (walking distance) | Radisson Blu (5 min), Hampton by Hilton (0.8 mi) |
| Parking bundles available | from £75 with 1 week’s parking (Holiday Extras) |
| Shuttle service | offered by several off‑airport hotels |
Cheapest Stansted Airport Hotels with Parking
For budget travellers arriving by car, the best value often comes from parking‑inclusive packages. Holiday Extras lists entry‑level rates from £53.40 per night hotel‑only, and about £75 for a night plus one week’s parking – with the cheapest property currently being the Ash Barn Annex, according to their website. Meta‑search confirms that Sunday nights are the most affordable, averaging $107, while Saturdays can reach $133 (momondo).
Comparison table: Top budget options
| Hotel Name | Price per Night | Distance to Terminal | Parking Included | Shuttle Service | Rating (Tripadvisor) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport | ~£80 (variable) | 0.8 miles (walk) | Paid on‑site | No (walk) | Highest‑rated nearby |
| Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport | £105 (reviewed rate) | 5‑minute walk | Paid on‑site | No (walk) | 8.4 / 10 (Expedia) |
| Days Inn Stansted | ~£49–£50 | Short drive | Free / package | Yes | Mixed (budget) |
| Airport Lodge | ~£49–£50 | 5‑minute drive | Package available | Yes | Basic |
Prices based on publicly available listings from Holiday Extras, YouTube reviewer, and Tripadvisor.
Pros and cons of budget vs on‑airport hotels
On‑airport hotels like Radisson Blu and Hampton by Hilton cost more but eliminate shuttle wait times – you can walk to check‑in in under ten minutes. Off‑airport budget properties (Days Inn, Airport Lodge) undercut those prices by 40‑50% but require a short drive or shuttle, and guest reviews occasionally flag dated interiors and variable cleanliness. One TikTok reviewer described a very cheap walking‑distance property as having “dated interiors and mixed cleanliness” (TikTok). The trade‑off is clear: pay more for walkable convenience and predictable quality, or save money and accept a transfer.
“Prices start from as low as £53.40 per night and only £75.00 with 1 week’s parking.”
The bottom line: “Prices start from as low as £53.40 per night and only £75.00 with 1 week’s parking.”— Holiday Extras Stansted Airport Hotels page
Pricing bands: What you’ll actually pay
- Under £60: Off‑airport basics (Days Inn, Airport Lodge, Ash Barn Annex) – no frills, but budget‑friendly.
- £60–£100: Mid‑range chain hotels (Holiday Inn Express, Travelodge) – predictable comfort, often with shuttle or short walk.
- Over £100: On‑airport 4‑star properties (Radisson Blu, Hampton by Hilton) – walkable, full facilities, spa/gym at Radisson.
Which hotels can you walk to Stansted Airport?
Several hotels sit within easy walking distance of the terminal. The closest is Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport, which a YouTube travel vlogger notes is “roughly a 5‑minute walk” from arrivals. Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport is about 0.8 miles away – a comfortable 15‑minute walk along a covered walkway. Other walkable options include Novotel and Premier Inn, though their distances are slightly greater. For guests with heavy luggage or early flights, the Radisson Blu’s direct covered link is a major advantage.
Hotels within 5‑minute walk
Only Radisson Blu sits directly connected to the terminal building. The official airport website lists it as one of the on‑airport hotels alongside Hampton by Hilton and Novotel (London Stansted Airport). No other hotel matches that five‑minute walking time without crossing roads.
Hotels with covered walkway
Hampton by Hilton is linked via a covered footpath. Guest reviews on Tripadvisor consistently mention the convenience of the walk, even in bad weather.
“Hampton By Hilton London Stansted Airport – Highest‑rated hotel within 0.8 miles of Stansted Airport.”
— Tripadvisor hotel listing blurb
What hotel is closest to the Stansted Airport?
The absolute closest hotel is the Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport, situated directly adjacent to the terminal. The official airport site confirms it is the hotel “on‑airport” alongside others. The second‑closest is Hampton by Hilton, 0.8 miles away. For off‑airport options, the Days Inn Stansted is roughly a 5‑minute drive and offers a free shuttle.
Closest hotel on‑site
Radisson Blu’s proximity means you can be at your gate within ten minutes of leaving your room. A YouTube review of a standard room costing £105 praised the “5‑minute walk from the terminal” and amenities like free high‑speed Wi‑Fi, gym, pool, and spa (The Walton Family Travels).
Closest off‑site with shuttle
For budget travellers, Holiday Extras lists Days Inn as a cheap option with a shuttle service. Guest reviews describe it as “cheap basic accommodation for 5 min drive to airport” (Booking.com). The shuttle runs 24 hours, making it viable for early‑morning departures.
Is there anywhere to sleep in Stansted Airport?
Sleeping inside the terminal is technically allowed but not comfortable. There are no dedicated sleeping pods or capsule hotels landside. After security, the departure lounge has bench seating and some quiet corners, but travellers report cold floors, bright lights, and regular announcements making sleep difficult. A weeknight in March might see you curled up on a bench – but for a few pounds more, a cheap hotel near the airport offers a guaranteed bed.
Sleeping pods
Stansted does not currently have sleeping pods. The closest option for a short rest is a lounge membership (e.g., No1 Lounges), which offers recliners but no private sleep cubicles.
Lounge access
Paid lounges like Escape Lounge provide comfortable seating, showers, and food, but they are not open overnight. If you have a long layover, booking a cheap hotel room is almost always more restful than staying airside.
Best for segments
- Budget solo travellers: Opt for Days Inn or Airport Lodge – under £55 per night with shuttle.
- Couples on a tight budget: Ash Barn Annex (Holiday Extras’ cheapest) or Travelodge Stansted Great Dunmow.
- Families needing parking: Holiday Extras park‑and‑stay bundles from £75 for one week.
- Early morning flyers: Radisson Blu or Hampton by Hilton – no transfer risk.
Our pick
Best value for most travellers: Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport offers the best balance of walking convenience, consistent guest satisfaction, and reasonable prices (especially for Sunday stays). If parking is essential, choose a Holiday Extras package at Days Inn – the savings on parking alone often cover the room cost.
Related reading: Luton Airport Hotel Parking: Best Deals & Prices ? Airport Hotels Near East Midlands – Walk & Parking Guide
Frequently asked questions
Which hotels offer free parking near Stansted?
Hotels like Days Inn and Airport Lodge include parking in package deals through Holiday Extras. On‑airport hotels charge for parking separately. The cheapest park‑and‑stay package starts around £75.
Is there a hotel inside the airport terminal?
No hotel is inside the secure terminal. Radisson Blu is directly attached to the terminal building, making it the closest possible option landside.
Do hotels near Stansted offer 24‑hour shuttle service?
Yes – off‑airport hotels like Days Inn and Airport Lodge provide 24‑hour shuttles. Always confirm with the hotel directly, as some run on‑demand.
Can I stay overnight at the airport if I miss my flight?
Yes, you can remain landside or airside overnight, but facilities are limited. The airport does not provide sleep pods, and benches are the only seating. Many travellers recommend booking a cheap hotel instead.
Are there any hostels near Stansted Airport?
Stansted does not have a traditional hostel within walking distance. The cheapest beds are at off‑airport budget hotels like Days Inn, which offer dormitory‑style rooms only occasionally – most are private rooms.
Sources cited
- KAYAK – Stansted hotel price data
- momondo – Stansted hotel averages and day‑of‑week analysis
- Expedia – Stansted hotel listings
- Tripadvisor – hotels near Stansted Airport
- London Stansted Airport – official hotel list
- The Walton Family Travels – Radisson Blu review
- TikTok review – lowest‑rated Stansted hotel
- Booking.com – Stansted airport hotels