Leonardo Hotel EMA | 5-Min Walk to Terminal

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Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site Castle Donington Exterior photo

Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site Castle Donington Interior photo

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Key details

Hotel overview and key features

East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington, DE74 2SH

Close to Nottingham city centre

Great

8.4

8.3

/10

4.2

3.9

Loved by Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site guests

Comfortable bed

Spacious room

Friendly staff

Excellent location

Tasty food

"The room was huge."

Jacqueline from United Kingdom

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"We found our room to be lovely and spacious with possibly the comfiest bed I've ever found in a hotel."

Geraldine from United Kingdom

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"This hotel is comfortable, friendly, clean and very close to the airport, it also has a good restaurant and bar area that serves good food"

Mark

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4-star convenience at Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site

Amenities

Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport has 164 rooms designed for comfort and convenience. Guests have access to the Health and Leisure Club, which includes an indoor swimming pool and a modern gym. Additional wellness options include comprehensive spa services, a sauna, and a steam room.

Rooms

Each of the 164 rooms includes triple-glazed windows, air conditioning, and a 50' TV with Freeview. En suite bathrooms come with complimentary toiletries for added convenience. Accessible wheelchair-friendly rooms are also available to ensure ease of access.

Location

The hotel is positioned just a 5-minute walk from East Midlands Airport, offering quick access to the terminal. With 350 parking spaces, it provides one of the most convenient parking solutions near the airport. East Midlands Parkway train station is also a 15-minute drive away.

Business

Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport accommodates business travellers with 11 meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology. The Southwell Suite can hold up to 250 delegates, facilitating large events and conferences. This setup is complemented by a dedicated events team to support successful gatherings.

Dining

The Bar and Grill offers an all-day menu with a selection of dishes, including burgers, pizzas, and gluten-free options for diverse tastes. Early-risers can enjoy breakfast starting at 3 a.m., ensuring meals are served before flights. Room service is available 24 hours a day for those preferring to dine in their room.

Highlights

Location: 5-minute walk from the airport

Rooms: 164 rooms with triple-glazed windows

Business: 11 meeting rooms for events

Dining: Bar and Grill with all-day menu

“For travelers prioritizing immediate proximity to East Midlands Airport, this hotel presents a compelling advantage, being just a short walk from the terminal. Beyond the location, the property includes leisure facilities, such as a swimming pool and fitness center, plus meeting spaces, making it a versatile choice for both business and leisure stays, despite some past concerns with some rooms needing updating and food quality.”

Amelia BrooksLead Hotel Editor at Hotelairport

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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How it felt to stay here

Quiet Nights for Busy Days

“The room was big and clean and had a nice shower and a bath which was welcome after a busy day.”

Jonathan from United KingdomSeptember 2024

Safe Haven

“Its always the start of our holiday when we arrive the day before our flight”

Tracey from United KingdomMay 2023

Quiet Nights for Busy Days

“Despite being next to East Midlands Airport the double glazing is so good I was never disturbed by aircraft.”

Jonathan from United KingdomSeptember 2024

Choose your ideal room style

Choose from family rooms, suites, flexible cancellation & more

Superior Room Double & Single 4 Days
2 persons
26 sq. feet
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Superior Room Double Single Bed
2 persons
26 sq. feet
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Superior Room Double & Single 8 Days
2 persons
26 sq. feet
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details

Show all rooms

Prices and Availability

Check availability and prices for your travel dates right now!

August 2026 - August 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Stay relaxed and refreshed just minutes from the airport

Facilities: Great

8.5/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Coffee shop
Vending machines

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Jacuzzi

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Soundproofed rooms
Terrace
Garden furniture

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport, dining takes center stage with the Bar and Grill, offering international flavors in a warm and inviting setting. Guests can indulge in a variety of delicious meat and vegetarian options, making each meal a delightful experience as they unwind after a day of adventure.

Bar and Grill
International
Ambiance
The Bar and Grill features a cozy yet contemporary atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a busy day. Soft lighting and comfortable seating create an inviting space for gatherings of all kinds.
Key Offerings
With an extensive menu that includes both meat and vegetarian dishes, the Bar and Grill caters to a wide range of tastes. Signature offerings highlight local ingredients and vibrant flavors, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
Reservation
yes
Open for dinner from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Sunday until 9:00 PM); reservations recommended.

Location

East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington, DE74 2SH

Explore Castle Donington

Local Highlights

St Michael and All Angels

15 minutes' walk

A historic church featuring intriguing architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows, perfect for a peaceful visit.

Castle Donington Museum

5 minutes' drive

Local history is showcased here with exhibits detailing Castle Donington's rich past, making it an educational stop.

Donington Park Circuit

10 minutes' drive

Renowned for motorsport events, this race track offers thrilling races and can be an exhilarating experience for visitors.

East Midlands Aeropark

10 minutes' drive

An aviation enthusiast's paradise with a diverse collection of aircraft and a chance to learn about aviation history.

Hiking at Melbourne Hall The Gardens

15 minutes' drive

Beautiful gardens with walking trails offer a relaxing experience amidst nature, ideal for families and solo travelers.

Motorsport at Donington Park

10 minutes' drive

For thrill-seekers, this circuit hosts exciting racing events, making it a must-visit for adrenaline enthusiasts.

Yoga Classes near Kegworth

10 minutes' drive

Relaxing yoga sessions are available at local studios, perfect for guests seeking wellness and tranquility after travels.

Frankie & Benny's

10 minutes' walk

An Italian-American restaurant featuring a cozy atmosphere, with favorites like pizza and burgers. Reservations recommended.

The Two Birds Gallery

5 minutes' drive

A unique dining spot combining art and cuisine, serving locally sourced dishes in an inspiring atmosphere.

Live Music at Download Festival

10 minutes' drive

An annual music festival featuring a diverse lineup, attracting fans for an unforgettable weekend of live performances.

Cinema Experience in Castle Donington

5 minutes' drive

Catch the latest films in a family-friendly cinema nearby, with various genres to suit all ages and preferences.

Getting around

City Centre
Castle Donington 9 min · 2300 ft
Airports
East Midlands (EMA) 17 min · 4600 ft
Nottingham (NQT) 40 min · 16.5 mi
Bus
Bus stop 2 min · 400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site (reservation might be needed) at true.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP16 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

Hungarian, Polish

Year renovated:

2010

Number of rooms:

167

Former name

Hotel Thistle East Midlands Airport

Guest scores and detailed hotel feedback

Past guest experiences and opinions

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport is often chosen for its proximity to the airport, sometimes just a short walk away, making early flights much easier, with convenient access by Skylink bus as well. Many guests find the rooms spacious and beds very comfortable, with good tea and coffee making facilities, though some have found the bathrooms a bit small. The hotel also features a spacious car park, with convenient access to Donington Circuit.

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Review score

Based on 1862 verified reviews

8.1 /10

Great

81 %

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Staff

9.0/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.3/10

Breakfast

7.5/10

Pros

Comfy beds

Free vouchers

Friendly staff

Spacious car park

Close location

Cons

Loud noise

Noisy cleaners

Toilet issues

Cold room

luna from spain

Business traveller

standard double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 11, 2026

9.0/10

fantastic stay!

perfect location helpful staff competitive pricing

i appreciated the hotel's location so close to the airport. it was easy to find with plenty of parking spaces available. the staff were genuinely friendly and very helpful . i found the pricing competitive and fair.

i found the bar and restaurant somewhat overpriced. this was the only issue , really.

Facilities

9/10

ample parking is available near the hotel entrance. the hotel offers free wifi throughout the building. there is a well-equipped gym with cardio machines and weights for fitness enthusiasts.

Location

10/10

the hotel is close to the airport terminals. it offers convenient access to major roads. the location is ideal for travellers needing quick access to flights.

Dining

8/10

the restaurant offers a wide menu with varied options. breakfast includes a selection of hot and cold items. the bar provides a range of beverages and snacks.

Rooms

9/10

the standard double room included a comfortable bed and a tv with several channels. the bathroom featured a shower and complimentary toiletries. the room was very clean!!!

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Bill from United States

Business traveller

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 29, 2025

9.3/10

totally awesome airport stay!

convenient location polite staff spacious room needed facilities

the hotel location was super convenient i walked to the terminal with no problems at all. the staff were very polite i felt right at home and also very helpful. i would definitely book again, i'm telling you. the room was very nice and spacious it had all the stuff i wanted.

i thought the restaurant value was a bit off, it cost more than i expected for what i got. but its ok.

Facilities

9/10

This hotel is near the highway, a superb spa provides treatments. a restaurant with tasty food. the comfy bed promises good sleep and there are jacuzzis and saunas to explore as well. What a find!

Rooms

8/10

the rooms include comfy beds i could sleep for days and soundproofing keeps it quiet. you get everything you need inside, it's all pretty standard, but it's what you want. everything is perfect.

Service

10/10

the staff is amazing, so thanks to all of them. the front desk is open 24 hours i could check in late. communication was great, so I always knew what was going on.

Location

10/10

the hotel's proximity to the airport is perfect only a five minute walk. the hotel is next to the airport i found no noise, a total plus. access is great, it's really easy to get here.

0 Helpful

Alex from United Kingdom

Business traveller

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 24, 2025

8.7/10

convenient airport proximity

helpful staff excellent location lovely bar food great room size

i found the staff helpful i especially commend mayura at reception i have stayed here several times before flights the location is excellent the bar food was lovely the room had great size and very good parking facilities were available

the corridor to the rooms looked narrow the room was not very clean i expected a better standard

Location

9/10

the hotel provides convenient access to nearby airport terminals providing a perfect solution for travelers it allows quick transit to and from flights without extensive travel distances i found it to be stress-free

Rooms

8/10

the rooms offer ample space equipped with comfortable bedding and practical amenities like dedicated workspaces the lighting is well-distributed and the temperature controls are efficient the layout ensures relaxation and productivity i noticed immediately

Service

9/10

the hotel staff showed great assistance with check-in processes and were responsive to requests for additional services like extra towels or specific dietary needs during meals they maintained a professional and friendly i felt comfortable

0 Helpful

luna from spain

standard double room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: October 19, 2025

7/10

comfortable bed crisp linen polite staff closed bar banging doors small bathroom

the beds were very comfortable. the crisp linen felt lovely and clean. the staff were polite. i really liked having two pillows each without asking.

the bar wasn't open when i wanted a drink at 11am. there was a lot of noise, doors banging and tv sounds from other rooms. the bathroom was a bit small.

0 Helpful

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FAQs

About Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site

What is the distance from the 4-star Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site to Castle Donington city centre?

Castle Donington city centre is reachable within a 10-minute walk from the 4-star Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site.

What is the nearest airport to the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site?

East Midlands airport lies within 0.6 km of the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site and is reachable with a 5-minute drive.

Does Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site have a car parking on site?

Yes, Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site offers a private parking lot on site.

What payment methods are available in the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site?

At the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site, guests can pay using American Express, Diners Club, and Bankcard as well as other payment methods.

What room types does the 4-star Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site comprise?

The 4-star Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site provides such room types as Superior Triple Room, Standard Triple Room, and Superior Double Room.

Does the hotel staff speak foreign languages?

Yes, the staff of the hotel can help you in Hungarian and Polish.

Does the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site provide business facilities?

For business travellers the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site offers 12 meeting rooms as well as conference equipment and a photocopy machine.

Are there any cleaning services provided at the 4-star Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site?

Yes, the 4-star Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site offers dry cleaning and ironing service.

Which facilities does the hotel provide?

Top locations of the hotel include baggage storage and a restaurant, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with a safety deposit box and a luggage locker.

Is swimming pool available at the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site?

Yes, the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport - On-Site features an indoor swimming pool.