Stansted Airport Lodge

I was impressed by how much was included for the price. It’s a quiet place with free private parking and a private bathroom, and I liked the property overall. The mattress was very basic and uncomfortable, but everything else was exceptional. You can decide for yourself after watching my video on YouTube. Search for Stansted Airport Lodge, Takeley Street, Takeley, CM22 6QR 16 10 2025.

We were staying here while moving house nearby, and during our second night I spotted bed bugs. I had my two babies in the room and asked for a refund for the last night so we could book somewhere else. They ignored that request and moved us to another room, which was worse. There seemed to be an infestation across the hotel, and they acknowledged it. One and a half weeks later, nobody has replied to my emails or calls, and my one year old son is still covered in bites. The bites are all over his face, hands, feet and legs and are still causing him problems. We had to throw out a lot of our clothes and baby things so we wouldn’t bring them to our new house. The owner also owns a second hotel in Harlow with even worse reviews. They rely on one day travellers who are leaving the area because it’s near the airport, so they absolutely don’t care. Please, please don’t use this hotel. I included two photos.

It’s handy for the airport, but there was no sleep at all. The banging went on until 3am, so we gave up and slept at the airport, where we got better rest. The beds were dirty and there were no staff around. Honestly, sleeping in a tent beside the M1 at rush hour would have been better. Avoid.

The room was huge, though it looked tired. For under £40, I got a bed, an ensuite shower and parking, so I can’t really complain. It seems fine if you just need somewhere to crash for one night. Reception was a little confusing: I had to call a number to get someone to come down with a key. After that, it was all good.