Stevenage offers a surprisingly diverse hotel landscape, from historic boutique inns in the Old Town to modern chain properties near the railway station. On TripAdvisor, Hotel Cromwell holds the #1 spot among nine Stevenage hotels, reflecting consistently high guest satisfaction. This guide compares the main accommodation options, pricing patterns, and practical tips to help you choose where to stay.
Last checked: 2026-07-06
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Total hotels on Booking.com: 10 · Price range (Tripadvisor): from €58 · Nearest railway station: Stevenage (10-min walk from Holiday Inn) · Hotel with boutique character: Cromwell Stevenage (77 individually styled rooms)
How we researched this
Last checked 2026-07-06.
Sources reviewed: official property website (Premier Inn), booking platform listings (Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Travelocity), meta-search pricing data (Kayak, Trivago), review aggregator (TripAdvisor), tourism guide (The Hotel Guru), and local community discussion (Reddit).
No on-site visits or staff interviews were conducted; pricing and review data reflect publicly available snapshots at the time of research.
Snapshot of Stevenage hotels
- Hotel Cromwell is ranked #1 of 9 hotels in Stevenage on TripAdvisor (TripAdvisor, 2026)
- Holiday Inn Express Stevenage scores 8.4/10 on Hotels.com, the highest among major chain hotels (Hotels.com, 2026)
- Holiday Inn Stevenage is about a 10‑minute walk from Stevenage railway station (Booking.com)
- Premier Inn Stevenage North sits between St Albans and Hertford, close to Luton Airport (Premier Inn official site)
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Total hotels on Booking.com | 10 |
| Price range (TripAdvisor) | from $58 per night (Kayak) |
| Nearest railway station | Stevenage (10‑min walk from Holiday Inn) |
| Hotel with boutique character | Cromwell Stevenage (77 individually styled rooms, historic farmhouse origin) |
Is Stevenage a nice place to stay?
For many travellers, the question isn’t just about the hotels – it’s about the town itself. Stevenage combines a modern town centre with a historic Old Town, and its position in Hertfordshire puts Knebworth House and Hatfield House within short drives. The railway station offers direct trains to London King’s Cross in about 25 minutes, making it a practical base for both business and leisure.
Guest feedback consistently highlights the contrast between Old Town and New Town. On Reddit, one local resident described Old Stevenage as “the only decent side of the town” and “very nice”. Hotels in the Old Town, like Hotel Cromwell, tend to attract leisure travellers seeking charm, while New Town properties such as Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express prioritise functional access to rail and shopping.
What this means: if atmosphere matters, prioritise the Old Town. If you need quick train access or a predictable chain stay, the New Town hotels deliver.
Comparing the top hotels in Stevenage
| Hotel | Starting Price (per night) | Distance to Railway Station | Amenities Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Stevenage | from $82 (Kayak June average) | 10‑min walk | Mini‑gym, Destinations Bar & Restaurant, modern rooms | Business travellers, couples |
| Days Inn Stevenage A1 | from $47 (Trivago lowest) | ~5‑min drive (A1 location) | Free parking, Wyndham chain, updated TripAdvisor reviews (2026) | Motorists, budget stopovers |
| Travelodge Stevenage | from $47 (Trivago) | ~1.5 miles | Standard Travelodge fixtures | Budget travellers, no‑frills |
| Premier Inn Stevenage North | from $66 (Kayak 3‑star deal) | ~3 miles | On‑site restaurant, free parking, leafy setting | Families, airport access (Luton) |
| Cromwell Stevenage | $136 – $247 (TripAdvisor 2026) | ~1 mile (Old Town) | Boutique style, individually styled rooms, historic farmhouse heritage, restaurant | First‑time visitors, couples, special occasions |
Prices are indicative and fluctuate seasonally. Kayak data shows the best deals typically appear in June, with average rates around $82, while July peaks near $321. Saturdays trend cheapest (about $109), and Fridays the most expensive (about $381). The bottom line: book a Saturday in June for the best value.
Location and getting there
Stevenage railway station is the main gateway, with frequent services to London King’s Cross and connections to Cambridge and Peterborough. The Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express both sit within a 10‑minute walk of the station. For drivers, the A1(M) runs past the town; Days Inn and The Roebuck Inn (a 15th‑century pub with modern rooms) are both less than five minutes from the motorway. Premier Inn Stevenage North lies in a leafy residential strip between St Albans and Hertford, convenient for Luton Airport.
Our pick: best for each traveller type
For first‑time visitors and couples: Hotel Cromwell. Its Old Town location, historic character, and #1 TripAdvisor ranking make it the standout choice for a memorable stay.
For business travellers: Holiday Inn Stevenage. The 10‑minute walk from the station, on‑site restaurant, and mini‑gym offer everything a commuter needs.
For budget‑conscious families: Premier Inn Stevenage North. Free parking, a restaurant, and a quiet setting work well for car‑based family trips.
For spa seekers: Stevenage doesn’t have a dedicated spa hotel, but Hotel Cromwell’s upgraded rooms and restaurant create a calm retreat experience.
What is Stevenage known for?
Stevenage holds a unique place in British history as the country’s first post‑war New Town, designated in 1946. Its planned layout, with separate residential and industrial zones, set a template for later developments. The Old Town, with its High Street and medieval church, preserves a different character – narrower streets and independent shops that contrast with the modern town centre.
Famous names linked to Stevenage include Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton and actor Ed Westwick, both raised in the area (Wikipedia common knowledge). Wealth is unevenly distributed: some neighbourhoods in the north and west report significantly higher average incomes, while central and southern areas are more mixed.
Best accommodation for different segments
Over‑55s: Hotel Cromwell’s quiet Old Town setting and restaurant make it a popular choice for mature travellers. Spa seekers: As noted, no dedicated spa hotel exists in Stevenage, but the Farmhouse at Redcoats (a few miles away near Hitchin) offers a boutique countryside alternative. Families: Premier Inn Stevenage North stands out for its free parking and family‑friendly pricing. Budget travellers: Days Inn and Travelodge deliver the lowest rates, with Days Inn offering free parking and easy motorway access.
Why this matters: for a visitor with specific needs, the right hotel choice depends heavily on whether you prioritise price, location, or character – there’s no single best for everyone.
What is Days Inn Stevenage about?
Days Inn Stevenage A1 is a roadside hotel operated under the Days Inn by Wyndham brand. Located directly on the A1 trunk road, it caters primarily to motorists needing a convenient stopover or a low‑cost base for exploring Hertfordshire. TripAdvisor’s 2026 reviews show it has maintained an updated profile, though guest satisfaction varies. Its key advantage: free on‑site parking and easy access to Knebworth Park (less than 10 minutes’ drive).
How does it compare to Travelodge? Both are budget chains, but Days Inn is part of a larger international franchise (Wyndham) with a longer history in the UK. Travelodge rooms are more standardised; Days Inn properties can vary by location. For a similar price point, Days Inn Stevenage’s free parking gives it an edge for drivers.
Note: Days Inn is owned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s largest hotel franchisors. The Stevenage property is a franchisee‑operated site.
The trade‑off: if you don’t have a car, Days Inn’s roadside location is inconvenient – you’ll need a taxi or bus into the town centre or railway station.
How many migrant hotels are in Stevenage?
This question reflects a topic that has drawn local and national attention. Hertfordshire has seen a number of hotels contracted by the UK Home Office to accommodate asylum seekers, but the exact number of such hotels in Stevenage is not publicly confirmed. Reports from local news outlets (not independently verified in this guide) indicate that at least one hotel in the town has been used for this purpose in recent years.
Community responses have been mixed: some residents have expressed concerns, while voluntary groups in Hertfordshire have organised support efforts for people staying in the hotels. Because the situation evolves and the government does not publish detailed lists, travellers should check current news if this issue is important to their decision.
What to watch: The presence of asylum accommodation does not affect the guest experience at most hotels – chains like Holiday Inn and Premier Inn operate independently of such arrangements.
““The Hotel is a beautiful elegant space. Bedrooms are also beautiful and comfortable. The room itself was good. staff were attentive, friendly and accommodating.””
– Unnamed TripAdvisor reviewer, Hotel Cromwell guest
““Close to the city center and only a 10-minute walk from the railway station, Holiday Inn Stevenage has a mini-gym and features a modern and stylish Destinations Bar and Restaurant.””
– Booking.com property description, Booking platform editorial copy
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hotel in Stevenage for families?
Premier Inn Stevenage North is widely considered the most family‑friendly option, offering free parking, an on‑site restaurant, and a leafy setting away from busy roads. Its location also works well for trips to Luton Airport or nearby attractions like Welwyn Garden City.
Does Holiday Inn Stevenage have a restaurant?
Yes – Holiday Inn Stevenage features the Destinations Bar & Restaurant, serving breakfast, dinner, and drinks in a modern setting.
Is parking free at Premier Inn Stevenage North?
Yes – the Premier Inn Stevenage North offers free on‑site parking for guests, as stated on its official website.
Which Stevenage hotels offer afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea is not a standard offering at the major chain hotels in Stevenage. However, Hotel Cromwell’s restaurant does serve traditional afternoon tea by prior arrangement – it’s best to call ahead to confirm.
What hotel owns Days Inn?
Days Inn is owned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, one of the largest hotel franchising companies globally.
How far is Stevenage from London by train?
Stevenage to London King’s Cross takes approximately 25 minutes on direct Thameslink or LNER services.