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Where to Stay in London

Updated: June 18, 2023

There are thousands of London hotels to choose from. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed! We’re here to help.

This article will go through the best neighborhoods to stay in London and help you find the right hotel for first-time visitors (and even repeat visitors).


Overview

We’ve broken down our London hotel recommendations by area.

These are very central parts of London, well-connected by the London Underground (tube/public transportation), and great for sightseeing.

First, we tell you a bit about the area and what makes it unique and give you some examples of who might like to stay there.

Next, we list the most famous sights and attractions nearby.

We then break down some hotels into price ranges.

  • London Budget Hotels – Under £150 per night
  • Mid-Range London Hotels - £150 - £300 per night
  • High-End Luxury Hotels - £300 - £600 per night

*Prices are based on one midweek night in August, which is peak season. Rates may vary and will likely be lower during quieter times.

Finally, we make some niche recommendations, such as the best areas to stay in London for families, where to stay in London for a spa break, and what London hotels have the best views. 


Why Trust Our Advice?

It's hard to know who to trust when you’re planning a trip to London.

But you can count on us because we spend all day, every day speaking with tourists as we guide expert walking tours.

Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about London hotels (and stayed in quite a few ourselves). 

Our guests tell us what they like about their hotel, and especially – what they don’t like.

We also learn a lot from our London Travel Tips Facebook Group. It has roughly 70,000 members!

They make tons of comments packed with up-to-date hotel recommendations and detailed information, and they’re usually happy to answer specific questions.

You should join us for even more insider tips.

Click the image to take part in the conversation.


Where To Stay in London by Area

Below, you’ll find some of the best hotels in London, beloved by guests at all price ranges.

Of course, there are thousands of other great places to stay in London, but we simply can’t cover them all.

We’ve covered roughly a dozen of London’s legendary areas, so let us know if you would like a part 2 covering even more neighborhoods!


Soho and Covent Garden

Jam Packed Full of Action!

If you want to be within walking distance of most of London’s iconic attractions and you also like nightlife, dining, and shopping, consider Soho or Covent Garden.

These are two areas that make up the theatre district known as the West End.

They both have a slightly different vibe – Soho is known for nightlife, while Covent Garden is all about shopping.

In Soho, you’ll also find Leicester Square and Chinatown. The neighborhood is bordered by Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Shaftesbury Avenue.

Check out our guide to Soho & Covent Garden.


Budget 

Mid-Range 

Luxury

For Families

Attractions in Soho and Covent Garden

You’re also within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, the Royal Parks, and the British Museum.


Piccadilly Circus

For an exciting Nightlife

Piccadilly Circus is located in London’s West End, in the city of Westminster.

It has several notable sites and attractions and is one of the busiest road junctions in London.

Due to its central location, Piccadilly Circus is also a popular hotel area. Because of its exciting nightlife, young travelers are particularly fond of this lively neighborhood.

There are several things to do and see in this vibrant area like Piccadilly Lights, Theatre District, Trafalgar Square, Regent Street, Leicester Square, St. James’s Square, and so on.

Check out our guide to Piccadilly Circus.


Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

For Families

Attractions in Piccadilly Circus


Victoria and Westminster

Fit for a King

Located just a short walk from Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, you’ll find one of London’s busiest train stations – Victoria.

You'll also be within walking distance of sites like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and other historic sites.

This is a great area to stay if you’re flying into Gatwick, as you can take the Gatwick Express.

There’s a great mix of walkability, theatre options, and dining around Victoria, and you’re close to Pimlico and increasingly cool Battersea as well.

Check out our guide to Westminster.


Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury 

For Families

Attractions in Victoria and Westminster


Mayfair, Piccadilly, and St James

Sophistication and Luxury

If you crave something a little bit more tranquil and sophisticated, you might prefer these legendarily posh areas.

Mayfair is known for members-only clubs, embassies, and designer boutiques, while the small streets of St James are home to auction houses and 5-star hotels.

Piccadilly is the fashionable street that runs between the two areas.

These areas are close to major attractions – you’re really in the heart of Central London.

One of the nicest places to visit in this area is St James's Park, which is just a block from Pall Mall and next to Buckingham Palace.

That said, it’s a lot quieter here at night than in Soho or Covent Garden!

Check out our guides to Mayfair, Piccadilly, and St James.


Budget 

Mid-range

Luxury

For Families

Attractions in Mayfair, Piccadilly, and St James


The South Bank

River views, Kids’ Attractions, and Lots of Fun

Take in the sweeping vistas of London’s most famous attractions.

This is the neighbourhood where you'll find View from the Shard, an observation deck offering some of the best views in the city.

The South Bank affords you views of the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, The Savoy Hotel, the Tate Modern, The Tower of London, London Bridge, and many other sites.

Check out our guide to the Southbank.


Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

For Families

Attractions on the Southbank


King’s Cross, Bloomsbury, and Holborn

Central and Convenient 

When you want to be in the center of everything and close to great restaurants, world-famous museums, and leafy squares, you’ll love staying in Bloomsbury and Holborn.

King’s Cross itself can be a bit hectic, but it’s great if you’re planning to take the Eurostar to or from Paris from St Pancras (connected to King’s Cross). 

We love strolling the iconic Bloomsbury Squares and spending time in the British Museum, British Library, and Sir John Soane’s Museum.

Covent Garden and Soho are just a short walk away, and there are some massive hotels here with good value rooms. 

Check out our guide to King’s Cross station.


Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

For Families

Attractions in King’s Cross, Bloomsbury, and Holborn


Kensington and Earl’s Court

A classic favorite for hotels at all price points, Kensington and Earl’s Court are home to hundreds of places to stay in London.

When you stay in this area, you’re to the west of the Royal Parks, which means you’ll likely want to take the tube to most attractions.

That said, this can be a peaceful place to stay with lively pockets of restaurants and shopping.

This is also where you'll find the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, and many other notable locations.

It’s a quick journey to Soho and Westminster and incredibly convenient when coming from Heathrow.

Check out our guide to Kensington.


Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

For Families

Attractions in Kensington and Earl’s Court


Paddington and Notting Hill

Whether you’re drawn here by the famous bear or the ‘90s rom-com, Paddington and nearby Notting Hill are both central and pleasant.

Home to the Paddington train station and plenty of hotels are varying price points; everyone can find a nice place to stay here that meets their needs. 

While there aren’t many famous attractions right in these areas, you’re on a quick tube journey from all the major sights. 

Check out our guide to Paddington station and Notting Hill.


Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

For Families

Attractions in Paddington and Notting Hill


Chelsea

This is widely considered one of the safest neighborhoods in London, and it's more of a residential area, but there are a lot of interesting sites to see as well.

Not only is Chelsea right next to the River Thames, but it's also close to Albert Bridge, the National Army Museum, and other sites.

Located south of Kensington and right across the river from Battersea Park, there are also a lot of great places to shop in Chelsea.

If you're looking for even more you can do here, consider taking our Self-Guided Literary London Walking Tour which goes through this neighborhood.


Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

For Families

Attractions in Chelsea


Tower Bridge and the City

Romans, Castles, and Iconic Bridges

Tower Bridge and the City are the most easterly area on our list, but this is a wonderful place to stay if you love history.

Many of London’s most famous attractions are nearby, and it’s very tranquil at night and on weekends when the bankers go home!

Remember – when Londoners say, “the City” in London, we’re referring to an ancient area called “The City of London,” which is the one square mile of the Roman City of Londinium.

This central location is home to the Tower of London and many crooked little lanes, but also the financial district and high rises such as the Gherkin.

If you're coming with kids, make sure to take them to Leadenhall to see the site that inspired Diagon Alley from Harry Potter!

Speaking of which, you might want to consider taking a Harry Potter tour as well.

Check out our guide to Tower Bridge.


Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

For Families

Attractions in Tower and the City


Shoreditch and Spitalfields

Street Art, Food Trucks, and Markets

The East End was historically ‘rough,’ but for better or worse, it is now gentrified and filled with trendy cafes, Michelin-starred dining, and boutiques.

Steps from Liverpool Street Station and with a culture and life of its own, the East End is attracting more and more tourists every year.

Known for its markets, historic Jewish population, and current Bangladeshi culture, Brick Lane is famous for curries.

Old Spitalfields Market is a transformed working-class wholesale market, while Shoreditch is ever-cool (and ever-rowdy on Fridays and Saturdays).

Let loose with a drink with the after-work crowd, take a street art or food-tasting tour, and revel in the sheer ‘cool’ of these fashionable neighborhoods. 

Check out our guide to Shoreditch and Spitalfields


Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

For Families

Attractions in Shoreditch and Spitalfields


Camden Town

This is a bit further out from the direct city center of London, but there are more than enough tube stations (public transportation) in the neighborhood to make up for that.

If you're looking for more of a family-friendly place to stay, this is an excellent option due to all the attractions in the area.

Camden Town is right next to wide open spaces like the London Zoo, Primrose Hill, and Little Venice. It's also the home of Camden Market, one of the best places to shop in the whole city!

There are also a few great music venues in the area such as KOKO, Green Note, and The Fiddler's Elbow. If you're looking for excellent live music, consider one of these locations.

For even more activity ideas, make sure to check our post on things to do in Camden Town.


Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

For Families

Attractions in Camden Town


Where to Stay in London for Families

If you’re traveling to London with little ones, you’ll want to choose a hotel that suits the entire family’s needs.

It’s smart to book a hotel that is close to a London Underground Station, as some kids will complain mightily when forced to walk long distances!

Remember to wear comfortable shoes and pack band-aids (plasters in British English).

A family in Hyde Park. Image Source: Pixabay user Annie Bridie.

You want a lively and fun hotel that welcomes kids with open arms, but definitely not one that attracts the parties.

Also, kids love swimming in hotel pools, and there are a few hotels with pools in London!

Why not book a hotel with a kitchenette so you can keep snacks and simple meals on hand?

Similarly, an included hotel breakfast can really help you save money. 

Look for hotels in Covent Garden, Tower Bridge, or the Southbank when booking – these areas are near fun attractions for kids and have a nice family vibe.  

Alternatively, if you're looking for a more comfortable space, you might want to consider looking into a service like Trusted Housesitters instead!


The Most Recommended Hotels for Families in London

These centrally located hotels have a pool, include breakfast, and score more than 9/10 with guests. 

Budget-Friendly Hotels for Families in London

These hotels include breakfast and score higher than 8/10 with guests - they’re great for family vacations.


London Boutique Hotels

Sometimes you’re most focused on location, while other times, it’s all about the amenities.

Here are some of the most common amenities people look for when trying to choose a London hotel.


Where to Stay in London for Peace and Quiet

Looking for a calm and soothing stay? These hotels offer peace and quiet to weary guests.


Where to Stay in London for the Best Hotel Spa

Hoping to relax? These 5-star hotels have epic spas offering a wide range of treatments.


Where to Stay in London with an Amazing Rooftop

Savvy, sophisticated, and sexy – enjoy sweeping views of London from these rooftop bars.


Where to Stay in London with a Great Afternoon Tea

The best afternoon teas don’t come cheap – these are some of the most luxurious hotels in London.


Where to Stay in London for the Best Value

We don’t always have endless budgets for our accommodation, but we still want lots of inclusions, like free breakfast.

These London hotels are in great locations and offer a lot of added value.  

Jessica O’Neill is a long-time London guide with Free Tours by Foot, and she’s also known as The Museum Guide.

Check out her museum tours on YouTube, and feel free to ask her questions about hotels on our London Travel Tips Facebook Group. She also helps plan London itineraries for tourists, so do get in touch. 

About The Author

Jessica O'Neill

I'm Jessica O'Neill, and I am an expert in London's museums and culture. I love sharing my knowledge with my tour guests and my viewers on my YouTube channel, The Museum Guide. Read More... I first moved to London more than a decade ago to complete an MA in Cultural Heritage Studies at UCL, and continued my studies in memorials and contested heritage at the PhD level. I specialise in private tours of the East End, the British Museum, the National Gallery, and all kinds of oddities, medical history, and macabre history. I run the London Urban Oddities Facebook group. I hope to see you there! You can arrange a private tour with me by getting in touch with london@freetoursbyfoot.com , or visiting my website at The Museum Guide.
Updated: June 18th, 2023
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