Bedfordshire is an English county with a long history, much of it associated with a convenient location in the heart of the country and near the nation's capital. The largest town is Luton and it typifies the historic and economic endeavours of the region, with a notable manufacturing role in hats and cars. Nowadays, the historic buildings and old factories play host to more modern industrial and leisure pursuits and the town still benefits from its excellent location, just 30 miles from London. Luton hotels are many and varied and as well as offering first class accommodation for visitors to the town, serve as airport hotels for the capital.
The enduring success of the town owes a lot to its superb transport networks. Major roads close to the town include the M1 which links London with Edinburgh and A6 which connects to all points North West. The town has three train stations which link all the major centres of the country and an airport too, London Luton Airport which is situated less than 2 miles from the town centre. The airport is the fifth busiest in the country and acts a hub for many major carriers serving destinations in Europe.
As a result of the airport and the convenient road and rail networks to London, there are many Luton hotels which offer facilities and services for air passengers. These may include long stay hotel parking, airport pick-up and easy availability of flight and travel information from the front desk. There are hotels very close to the airport but given its close proximity to the town, most hotels will offer convenient stop-over accommodation for those waiting on flights out of the country or travelling in from other destinations with a view to enjoying all the sights and attractions of London.
Given the high number of business visitors to the capital who arrive through the airport, many Luton hotels will offer a full range of business services. This will almost certainly mean high speed Wi-Fi internet connections and business features available within the hotel such as computer and meeting room hire and secretarial and courier services. There will be stylish lounge and dining areas too, ideal for informal business lunches. Some hotels have executive suites specifically designed for the corporate traveller and other hotel services may be available such as laundry, dry cleaning and shoe shine.
Those spending time in the town have many leisure options. There are two major parks, Wardown Park which contains beautiful gardens and a museum and art gallery, and Stockwood Park, with various leisure and sports facilities including an athletics track and 18-hole golf course. Whipsnade Zoo and Woburn Safari Park are also close by and town is famed for its large scale festivals which include Europe's largest single day carnival held on the May Day bank holiday, and celebrations for St. Patrick's Day in March. The town also has a well attended theatre and a host of excellent dining and drinks establishments. Tourist information on all the local attractions will be available from the Luton hotels.
The choice of accommodation in the town is impressive and in addition to grand hotels old and new there are smaller establishments in which a warm welcome and good local hospitality are the key features. Some are housed in traditional inns, which offer all the classic pub atmosphere and facilities, including some excellent pub food and other Luton hotels are little bigger than charming bed and breakfast guest houses which offer a comfortable sleep, a hearty home-cooked breakfast and a position close to all the town's attractions and transport services.