For early morning departures, many of you will find it convenient to stay overnight in a hotel right by the airport. You'll need to allow up to 2 hours for transport from central London. In addition, as of 2018 it is not possible to stay overnight in the airport lounge.
Sleeping in the terminal
Although the airport is technically open 24 hours a day (you can actually get to the Costa Coffe or Marks & Spencer supermarket in the arrivals hall 24/7, for example), you are not allowed to stay overnight.
Most areas of the terminal close between 0:00 and 2:00 and passengers are not allowed to stay.
Hotels near the terminal (walking distance)
The following hotels can be used directly at the terminal with a walking distance of up to 5 minutes without the need to use the hotel shuttle. Prices range between 100 gbp and 180 gbp.
Hotels within 5 minutes by shuttle
Approximately 1.5 km from the terminal, stay at two budget hotels that represent the best value for money in the area.
Walking is possible, but not convenient as there is no proper pavement leading to the hotels. The official hotel shuttle to both hotels costs 4 gbp and runs 24/7. You can pay at the driver with card and cash.
Prices are lower than the hotels directly at the terminals and start at 70 gbp.
Hotels nearby
There are many cheaper hotels within a 10-minute drive of the terminal, with prices starting from 62 eur. Nearby Ramada by Wyndham or Days Inn by Wyndham hotels may be attractive, but they don't have their own hotel shuttle and a taxi to the terminal will cost around 17 gbp one way, which cancels out the price advantage.
The only hotel with a 24-hour airport shuttle is the Novotel London Stansted Airport 4* 10 minutes from the terminal with prices from 92 eur.