Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport Reviews: Real Guest Insights

If you have an early flight from East Midlands Airport and want to roll out of bed and check in within minutes, the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport is the closest on-site accommodation. This evidence-based review aggregates verified guest experiences across Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Expedia, and the hotel’s own platform, focusing on the three details travellers ask about most: the walking distance to the terminal, whether breakfast is actually included, and how it compares head-to-head with the nearby Premier Inn. According to the operator’s official website, the property sits at Ashby Road, Castle Donington, DE74 2SH, and it is the closest hotel to the terminal.

Last checked: 2026-07-17

Location: East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington, England · Number of reviews: 6,931 (Leonardo Hotels); thousands more on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia · Overall rating: 89/100 (Leonardo Hotels); 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor (excerpts show ‘excellent’) · Key amenities: Restaurant, bar, gym, pool, spa, on-site parking (paid/free depending on package) · Walking distance to terminal: Described as ‘easy walking distance’ by multiple guests

Can you walk from Leonardo Hotel to East Midlands Airport?

The short answer is yes—and the walk is fine for most travellers with a wheeled suitcase. Rome2Rio calculates the straight-line distance at approximately 500–576 metres, which translates to a 5–10 minute walk on a well-lit route. A representative TripAdvisor user review calls it “about 5 minutes walk from the airport, making it very convenient for travellers.” The hotel’s own location page states that the property is “adjacent” to the terminal, and the operator’s FAQ confirms there is no dedicated shuttle because one is not needed.

How far is the hotel from the airport?

Travel Weekly, a trade publication, notes the distance as about 400 metres—slightly closer than the Rome2Rio figure, but both estimates fall within a tight 400–576 metre range. Multiple reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com echo the “5-minute” claim, and several guests mention that the route is signposted and safe even for solo travellers arriving late. The hotel is situated away from the flight path, so guests report minimal aircraft noise despite the proximity.

What is the best way to get from the airport to the hotel?

For guests who cannot walk—due to heavy luggage, mobility concerns, or late-night arrivals—taxis are available from the terminal rank. The journey is less than one mile and typically costs a few pounds. The hotel’s own FAQ notes that while walking is the recommended option, taxis can be arranged through reception.

The bottom line: The hotel is genuinely walkable to the terminal—no shuttle or taxi required for most guests.

Is breakfast included at the Leonardo Hotel?

Breakfast is not automatically included; whether it is part of your stay depends entirely on the rate package you book. Some room rates include a full English or continental breakfast, while others are room-only. The hotel’s official site states that continental breakfast is available from 03:00 (useful for extremely early flights) and a hot breakfast from 06:30 onward. Skyscanner lists typical service times as 06:00–10:00 Monday–Friday and 06:00–10:30 Saturday–Sunday, which aligns with standard airport hotel hours.

What time is breakfast served?

On weekdays, breakfast runs until about 09:30–10:00, and on weekends and public holidays it extends to around 10:30, per the official website. The 03:00 start for continental items is designed specifically for travellers catching pre-dawn flights—a feature that guests on TripAdvisor and Booking.com frequently praise.

How do I know if breakfast is included in my room rate?

Guests recommend checking the booking confirmation email or the “rate details” section on the booking platform. If it is not listed, contact the hotel directly. Booking.com reports that breakfast at the hotel receives an average rating of 7.3/10 from verified guests, with one reviewer describing it as “really nice with so much choice.” Skyscanner gives an indicative price of about £16 per person when breakfast is added on, though this may vary by season.

“The breakfast at the Hotel was really nice with so much choice.”

– Verified guest, Booking.com

The takeaway: Always check your rate before booking. If you need a hot meal before a 06:00 flight, the 03:00 continental option is a real perk.

Are Leonardo hotels better than Premier Inn?

This is the comparison many travellers ask, and the answer depends on what you value most. A TripAdvisor review of another Leonardo property (Derby) states “Excellent stay – better than Premier Inn,” reflecting a common sentiment that Leonardo hotels offer superior amenities—specifically a pool, spa, and on-site restaurant—compared with Premier Inn’s more stripped-back model. At East Midlands Airport specifically, the Leonardo Hotel holds a rating of 89/100 from 6,931 reviews on the official site, while Premier Inn properties in the area typically score between 80 and 85.

What do recent reviews say about Leonardo vs Premier Inn?

Guests who prefer the Leonardo cite the full-service restaurant, the pool and gym, and the walkable location as clear differentiators. Premier Inn, by contrast, often requires a short bus or taxi ride from the airport, and its rooms are typically more basic. However, Premier Inn can be cheaper—starting rates are often £10–£20 per night lower—and some travellers prefer its consistency. A Booking.com guest who stayed at the Leonardo noted, “The pool and the lovely bar area make this feel less like an airport stopover and more like a mini-break.”

The pattern: If amenities and walking distance matter more than price, the Leonardo wins. If you are on a tight budget and don’t mind a short transfer, Premier Inn is a strong alternative.

Is parking available at Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport?

Yes, the hotel has on-site parking with approximately 350 spaces. It is paid parking, and the cost varies depending on whether you book a “stay and park” package or a standard room. The official website notes that parking must be booked in advance during busy periods—especially when the airport car parks are full. Many guests recommend the “park and fly” packages, which bundle parking with an overnight stay, as these can work out cheaper than paying for airport parking separately.

The implication: If you are driving, book a package that includes parking; it often saves money versus paying at the barrier.

Does the hotel have a gym or pool?

Yes. The Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport features both a gym and a swimming pool, as confirmed by the official website. Guests on Booking.com and TripAdvisor regularly mention using the pool before a flight or after a long journey. The spa adds another layer of relaxation that is unusual for an airport hotel. A TripAdvisor user wrote, “The pool was a lovely surprise—perfect for unwinding before an early flight.”

Our pick: Who should stay at the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport?