Recommendations for hotels near Stansted Airport?

[dreamer24]

We have just booked a holiday for next year, flying from Stansted (we live in the far north of the country so this will involve driving down the day before and staying overnight before our flight). Can anyone who knows the area recommend somewhere relatively cheap to stay, within 30 mins or less (by car) of Stansted Airport? Ideally somewhere within walking distance of cafes / shops so we can have lunch and do a bit of shopping when we arrive the day before etc. Thank you!

Anyone?

Hi there. I can recommend the town of Ware, it has some cafes and you can get a taxi from there to the airport in about that timeframe. Hertford, just north of Ware, is also nice and slightly larger but it might take longer to get to the airport. Look at the little villages nearby, it’s quite a nice location and you should find something.

There is an airport bus (Greenline) which goes to the airport

There's not a tonne around there but the Radisson Blu on airport hotel is super convenient and has nice rooms. Usually seems to drop to under £100/night at off peak times. I'd be tempted to stop off somewhere that looks nice (possibly Cambridge) then head on to the airport itself for minimal stress!

I stayed at Radisson blu last summer, got it on last minute for about £80 was a great low stress deal.

I stay here very close and convenient Biirchanger services off M11

It’s quite close to the Braintree designer shopping village if you wanted to do some shopping there and then hotel at the airport.

Cambridge is just over 30 minutes, maybe 40. Chelmsford, Waltham abbey both 30 minutes drive.

Thanks all!

DH suggested Cambridge actually but I wondered if that was a bit far out from the airport? Our flight isn't until 7.45pm so we don't need to check in til around 5pm ish (I think?). So we do have a bit of time to play with. I wonder if Cambridge would be a good idea as it looks lovely.

We will have the car as we've already paid for airport parking so no need to rely on public transport etc.

Oh forgot to mention we'll have a 4 year old with us, so staying somewhere with places to entertain the little one would also be good!

I'll be staying at the Holiday Inn Express Harlow later this month as I'm flying into Stansted and meeting friends who live near Harlow. The hotel is beside a shopping centre and leisurezone.