Summary
So you’re traveling to London? It’s a massive city with countless hotels and apartments, making the decision on where to stay quite overwhelming. However, this detailed guide on the best London hotels provides options for every type of traveler!
Whether you’re searching for a budget hostel, a mid-range stay, or the city’s most luxurious accommodations, you will find something that suits your needs. Importantly, no matter which hotel you choose, you’ll be conveniently close to a tube station, ensuring easy exploration of this vibrant city.
Where To Stay In London
London is a sprawling metropolis, and at some point, you will need to navigate the tube. Therefore, selecting a hotel near a tube station is essential for a successful stay. Additionally, consider which attractions pique your interest and attempt to find suitable accommodations within that area to maximize your exploration on foot.
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- First-Time Visitor: The best options for a first trip to London are Shangri-La The Shard, citizenM in Westminster, and YHA London St Paul’s Hostel.
- Our Overall Favorites: Recommended are Sea Containers London, Broadwick Soho, and The Crown and Sceptre.
- Alternate Accommodation: For apartment stays, consider Buckingham & Lloyds, Cheval Three Quays at The Tower of London, and The Apartments by The Sloane Club.
Where We Stayed
We chose to stay in Southbank to be near the Globe. Securing a deal at the Sea Containers Hotel, we found our visit thoroughly enjoyable, mainly due to the stunning views provided from our room.
Southbank: Our Recommendation
Located south of the Thames, Southbank is rapidly becoming a tourist hotspot. It is home to several of London’s iconic landmarks, such as the London Eye and Tate Modern. Furthermore, its proximity to major attractions like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to explore London on foot.
Consequently, Southbank hosts numerous Tube stations, making it simple to travel to other areas of the city. All hotels recommended in this region are within walking distance to a tube station.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Southbank
Pros
- Diverse hotel options
- Rich in landmarks and attractions
- In walking distance to the city center
Cons
- Expensive dining choices
- Limited budget hotel availability
Highlights of Staying in Southbank
Southbank features a multitude of attractions, from historical sites to world-class museums. It’s a go-to neighborhood for art enthusiasts.
- Tate Modern: The most visited art gallery in London, featuring modern artworks and a café with spectacular views.
- The London Eye: Offering breathtaking views of the city from one of its most recognized landmarks.
- Borough Market: A vibrant market known for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique shopping experiences.
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theater: A must-visit for theatre lovers, featuring replicas of Elizabethan costumes and a gift shop stocked with Shakespeare-themed items.
Best Places To Stay in Southbank
Suiting every kind of traveler, Southbank offers various accommodation options—from affordable hostels to luxurious hotels, ensuring something for everyone within easy access of transport.
Shangri-La The Shard, London
This luxurious hotel, situated in one of London’s most iconic skyscrapers, offers breathtaking views from its 202 rooms, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. Facilities include an infinity pool, a spa, and multiple dining venues.
Sea Containers London
This five-star hotel combines luxury with reasonable pricing, offering convenient access to local attractions. Its spacious double rooms offer modern amenities and stunning river views.
PubLove at Rose & Crown
This pub-hostel hybrid offers dorm beds starting at approximately $30. Its prime location near Shakespeare’s Globe and London Bridge makes it a great choice for budget travelers.
Westminster: Great Tourist Attractions
Westminster is ideal for tourists, boasting attractions like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben within walkable distance. The area also has impressive museums, parks, and easy tube access, although accommodations can often be pricey due to the central location.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Westminster
Pros
- Great for luxury accommodations
- Proximity to major attractions
- Close to trendy areas like Soho and Covent Garden
Cons
- Limited options for budget travelers
- Often crowded with tourists
Highlights of Staying in Westminster
Westminster is home to multiple world-famous landmarks, ensuring visitors have plenty to see.
- Westminster Abbey: A stunning Gothic church and one of London’s must-see attractions.
- Big Ben: The iconic clock tower that serves as a symbol of London.
- Buckingham Palace: An essential visit, where you can witness the changing of the guard.
Best Places To Stay in Westminster
Accommodations in Westminster cater mainly to mid-range and luxury travelers, making it less suitable for budget options.
Raffles London at The OWO
This exquisite luxury hotel features spacious, opulent rooms and top-notch amenities, ideal for a pampering experience. Be mindful that the nightly rates start at over $1,000.
citizenM London Victoria Station
Renowned for its prime location next to Victoria Station, this four-star hotel offers compact yet comfortable rooms equipped with modern facilities, making it ideal for travelers focused on accessibility.
hub by Premier Inn London
This budget-friendly hotel is the most affordable in Westminster, priced starting from $150 and conveniently located near Westminster Abbey and St. James tube station.
Covent Garden: Best For Shopping
As Central London’s entertainment and shopping hub, Covent Garden boasts attractions within walking distance. Although it’s an expensive area, its charm and central location make it hard to resist.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Covent Garden
Pros
- Excellent shopping and nightlife
- Central and easily accessible
Cons
- Accommodation can be pricey
- A bustling area often filled with tourists
Highlights of Staying in Covent Garden
This area is well-known for its shopping and vibrant nightlife, alongside a rich theater scene.
- Shopping: The historic market offers numerous shops and eateries.
- Theaters: Covent Garden features historic venues along St Martin’s Lane.
- Royal Opera House: Visit for guided tours of this architectural marvel.
Best Places to Stay in Covent Garden
Covent Garden has a range of mid-range and luxury hotels, but options for budget travelers are limited.
The Savoy
A prestigious five-star hotel, The Savoy offers spacious rooms and a prime location for sightseeing and shopping.
Strand Palace Hotel
This mid-range hotel provides modern rooms and excellent value, situated within walking distance of numerous attractions.
Travelodge London Covent Garden
With an average nightly rate of around $125, this budget hotel offers basic accommodations close to key attractions.
The City Of London: Best For Sightseeing
As the oldest part of London, this area boasts historic architecture and essential landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, averaging surprisingly affordable hotel options.
Pros and Cons of Staying in The City Of London
Pros
- Rich in history and landmarks
- Variety of hotel pricing
- Walking distance to major sites
Cons
- Guards a primarily financial district
- Limited entertainment options
Highlights of Staying in The City Of London
The best experience here includes strolling through its streets and admiring the historic buildings.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: Visit this iconic church and enjoy breathtaking views from the clock tower.
- Sky Garden at the Walkie-Talkie: A popular spot for relaxing with stunning panoramic views.
- Tower of London: Delve into the history of this castle and view the Crown Jewels.
Best Places To Stay In The City Of London
Vast and diverse, the City of London features multiple hotels conveniently located near public transport.
The Ned
Set in a historic building with spacious rooms and quirky décor, this five-star hotel allows easy access to the city’s attractions.
YOTEL London City
Known for compact rooms, this hotel offers an affordable stay with good facilities, although room sizes can be quite small.
YHA London St Paul’s Hostel
This hostel is an excellent budget option with competitive room rates, situated near essential attractions and tube stations.
Kensington: Best For Budget Travelers
Providing a reprieve from the city center crowds, Kensington offers an array of attractions and museums while maintaining proximity to popular spots.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Kensington
Pros
- Fewer tourists
- A variety of museums
- Affordable accommodation options
Cons
- Distance from the city center
- Limited hotel options
Highlights of Staying in Kensington
This neighborhood features notable attractions attractive to visitors.
- The Natural History Museum: A must-visit with diverse exhibits on life and nature.
- Kensington Palace: Open for tours showcasing its royal heritage.
- Victoria and Albert Museum: A large collection of art and design elements housed in stunning architecture.
Best Places To Stay In Kensington
Kensington offers diverse accommodations, but proximity to tube stations is wise for easy access to central London.
The Kensington Hotel
Renowned for its elegance, this five-star hotel offers a great balance of luxury at competitive rates.
Blackbird
This stylish four-star hotel provides delightful accommodations with the added benefit of breakfast included.
The Crown and Sceptre
A charming pub and hotel combination offering chic rooms close to public transport and local attractions.
Where To Stay In London FAQs
What area of London is best for tourists to stay?
Central London is the best area for tourists, encompassing the City of London, Westminster, Soho, Covent Garden, and Southbank.
Where not to stay in London as a tourist?
Avoid areas like Canning Town, Hackney, and Tower Hamlets due to higher crime rates and distances from popular attractions.
What are the safest boroughs in London to stay in?
Statistically, the safest boroughs include Harrow, Kensington and Chelsea, and Richmond Upon Thames, with Kensington being the most suitable for tourists.
What is the nicest area in London?
Camden Town is frequently cited as the nicest area, known for its vibrant market and arts scene.
Plan Your Next Trip To London With These Resources
- 15 Best London Foods and Where To Get Them
- 26 Festive Things To Do In London For Christmas This Year
- 21 Best Day Trips From London
- London Itinerary – Planning the Best 3 Days in London
- How to Get from London Airport to City Centre
Travel Planning Resources
For your next trip, consider using these trusted resources.
Your Flights: Find the best flight deals on Skyscanner.
Your Hotel: Search booking sites for competitive prices on hotels in your desired area.
Your Apartment Rentals: VRBO is excellent for securing affordable rental properties.
Travel Insurance: Always essential; here’s a recommendation:
- Safety Wing – For occasional travelers.
Need further planning assistance? Our Resources Page offers great companies for your travel needs.
