Best Places & Hotels to Stay in London: Your Ultimate Accommodation Guide

Best hotels and places to stay in London

How to navigate areas in London

London is one of the most visited cities in the world, and it's easy to see why. The city boasts a bit of everything, from world-famous landmarks to cutting-edge cultural experiences and family-friendly attractions, all delivered with a helping of unmistakable British charm.

Anyone visiting the Big Smoke should bear in mind that Greater London is a huge and sprawling metropolis, covering over 607 square miles. That's more than twice the size of New York City.

Picking the right area and hotel for your stay can make or break your experience. With London's landmarks and attractions spread far and wide, it pays to pick your base carefully. If you don't know your way around London, deciding where to stay can feel overwhelming, which is why we've created this useful guide to help you narrow it down.

Here we'll show you the best areas to stay in London and highlight what makes each neighbourhood special. We'll also suggest a variety of hotels – from quirky boutique stays to luxury spa hotels and the best cheap hotels in London – helping you find the perfect base for your London adventure.

A complete guide to where to stay in London

Each neighbourhood in Central London has its own unique personality and appeal. The best hotels in London for you mainly depend on which landmarks and attractions are top of your itinerary, the vibe you're looking for, and your budget for accommodation.

From the young and trendy streets of Shoreditch to the upscale sophistication of Kensington, let's discover which area of London is right for you.

West End

Prepare to be endlessly entertained in London's West End. Think bright neon lights, late-night restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and of course theatres – 39 of them in total! If you plan to stay in the West End, make sure you don't tire yourself out sightseeing, because this part of the city comes alive after dark.

Best for: Theatre-lovers, foodies, and bar-hopping.

What to do: Indulge in some retail therapy at the indie shops in Covent Garden, catch ashow in Leicester Square, then hit the bars in Soho.

Where to stay:

The Savoy – One of the most renowned hotels near Covent Garden in London, famous for its Art Deco style – perfect for a special occasion.
Karma Sanctum Soho – London’s original rock’n’roll hotel. Stylish music-inspired rooms and a 5th-floor rooftop terrace with a bar and private jacuzzi.
Z Hotel Covent Garden – Compact but comfortable rooms right in the centre of the West End.

South Bank and Bankside

This central district is located on the south bank of the River Thames. Here, you'll find the London Eye, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare's Globe. Enjoy a scenic riverside walk for iconic views of some of London's most famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Shard, and Tower Bridge.

Best for: Couples, families, and first-time visitors.

What to do: Take a scenic stroll along the South Bank promenade, hop on the London Eye forpanoramic views, explore Borough Market, or cross the Millennium Bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral.

Where to stay:

Sea Containers London – A design-led luxury hotel inspired by the glamour of 1920s transatlantic travel, complete with a rooftop bar and spa.
CitizenM Bankside – Modern rooms with an XL king-size bed, a bedside iPad, and wall-to-wall windows.
Premier Inn London County Hall – Great for families looking for cheap hotels in central London without sacrificing location.

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Kensington and Chelsea

Kensington and Chelsea are among the most elegant and upscale districts in London. Here, you'll find beautiful, white, terraced townhouses, pretty leafy streets, designer shops, and world-famous museums. However, the area's sophisticated reputation means it can be quite pricey to stay here.

Best for: Families, museum-lovers, and anyone seeking a classic, high-end London experience.

What to do: Visit the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, take a stroll through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, or go shopping at Harrods.

Where to stay:

The Kensington Hotel – Whether you choose a cosy room or a spacious suite, expect sophisticated and lavish interiors and a first-class service.
Hux Hotel – A mid-range, boutique hotel that describes its interior as a "sensory sanctum" that "envelops you in dreamlike decadence".
Garden View Hotel – A comfortable, budget hotel located just 50 metres from Earl's Court.

Shoreditch and East London

Shoreditch is a major hub for tech and creative industries, giving it a young, trendy, and lively atmosphere. Here, you'll find a rich cultural scene, street art on every corner, indie shops, international street food, and vibrant nightlife. Note that it stays lively here late into the night, so it may not be right for you if you like to turn in early.

Best for: Creatives, young travellers, and night owls.

What to do: Explore the curry houses and trendy vintage stores along Brick Lane, check out the street art around Shoreditch High Street, and enjoy music and dancing after dark.

Where to stay:

Montcalm East – One of the top spa hotels in London City, this luxurious Marriott hotel features iconic architecture and a creative spirit to match its location.

Batty Langleys – An eccentric 4-star boutique hotel with an opulent interior filled with antiques and oil paintings.
Point A Hotel Shoreditch – Affordable, modern, and minimal rooms right in the heart of Shoreditch.

Notting Hill

If you want to live out your British Rom-Com fantasies, then what better place to do it than Notting Hill? Wander down tree-lined streets, past pastel-fronted houses, peruse weekend markets, and people-watch at a cafe with a slice of cake and a coffee. Notting Hill is one of the most charming and picturesque areas to stay in London.

Best for: Couples, photographers, and those who like to explore at a more relaxed pace.

What to do: Soak up Notting Hill's relaxed and romantic atmosphere as you wander down its leafy, picturesque streets. Visit Portobello Road Market and then stop to refuel at a cosy coffee shop.

Where to stay:

The Laslett – A luxury boutique hotel carefully decorated with artwork and vintage curiosities.
Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel – Four individually designed rooms full of character and comfort, located above a tastefully decorated pub serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Notting Hill Gate Hotel – A 3-star hotel offering comfortable and affordable rooms just moments from Hyde Park.

Westminster and Victoria

You don't get more central than Westminster. This is the part of London pictured on almost every postcard. Stay here and you'll be within walking distance of all the main landmarks, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament.

Best for: First-time visitors and people wanting to stay a stone's throw from London's most famous landmarks.

What to do: Tick off London's most iconic landmarks, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

Where to stay:

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences – An opulent 5-star hotel near Buckingham Palace offering some of the most luxurious accommodation and finest personal service in all of London.
Page8 Hotel – A stylish 4-star boutique hotel offering cosy rooms equipped with a Marshall Speaker and a Blueair air purifier.
The Z Hotel – Conveniently located near Victoria Station, these compact rooms feature comfortable beds and thoughtful touches designed for the modern traveller.

Bloomsbury

Stay in Bloomsbury to experience a quieter, more refined side of London. This area has a cultured, intellectual vibe and is home to the British Museum and the University of London. The streets are lined with beautiful Georgian terraces and pretty garden squares. And when you're ready to explore further, Covent Garden, Oxford Street, and the West End are all within walking distance.

Best for: Bibliophiles and history enthusiasts.

What to do: Visit the British Museum and the Charles Dickens Museum, take a walking tour of Bloomsbury to learn about its literary past, and then stop for afternoon tea at a cosy café.

Where to stay:

Kimpton Fitzroy London – A luxuriously styled hotel located in a breathtakingly beautiful landmark building to the east of Russell Square.
The Memoir Club – A modern hotel with comfortable and homely art deco-inspired rooms.
Thistle London Bloomsbury Park – Located just steps from the British Museum, Thistle offers contemporary, family-friendly, budget rooms in Bloomsbury.

Canary Wharf

If you're attracted to clean and modern architecture, London's financial district could be a great place to stay. While you won't find much in the way of tourist attractions here, there are plenty of affordable hotels in Canary Wharf, alongside shopping centres, waterfront restaurants, and excellent transport links for fast access to central London.

Best for: Professionals, families, shopaholics, and those who appreciate modern architecture.

What to do: Discover the history of London's Docklands, spot modern art installations, and explore hidden green spaces like the Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Jubilee Park.

Where to stay:

Lansbury Hotel – Canary Wharf's only heritage hotel, situated within a stunning Grade II listed building, offering luxurious, timeless rooms and exceptional service.
Novotel London Canary Wharf – A 4-star hotel promising great facilities, including a pool, gym, and rooftop terrace.
Travelodge London Docklands Central – One of the best-value Travelodge hotels in London, ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

London accommodation options beyond the traditional hotel

London is a vibrant and diverse city that attracts visitors from all around the world, and its accommodation options are just as varied as its visitors. You don't have to opt for a traditional hotel; why not consider:

A self-catering apartment: Ideal for longer stays, families, and groups. Usually, apartments offer more space and a private kitchen, which can help save money on meals.
A boutique hotel: Bored with characterless hotel rooms? Boutique hotels provide a more stylish and memorable stay.
A hostel: If you're on a tight budget, staying at a hostel is a great way to make your trip more affordable. Many hostels now offer private rooms and stylish communal areas too.
A bed and breakfast: If you're looking for a more intimate experience, staying at a bed and breakfast can offer a homely and personalised stay.
Pubs and Inns: We love our cosy pubs here in the UK, so why not stay at one for an authentic taste of British hospitality?

What to consider when choosing the right London hotel for your trip

The accommodation you book can make or break your trip. Get it wrong and you could blow your budget on the hotel, spend hours on public transport every day, or struggle to sleep thanks to noisy nightlife.

We recommend setting a realistic budget for your accommodation and drawing up a rough itinerary for your trip before you book your stay. That way, you can book a hotel that's central to your plans and ensure you've got enough spending money left over to enjoy your trip.

Once you've narrowed down your price range and location, think about what kind of stay suits your taste and travel style best. Do you prefer somewhere lively or peaceful? Historic or modern? Would a spa or on-site restaurant make your stay extra special, or perhaps an in-room coffee machine is your only must-have?

Spending time researching and choosing accommodation that is right for you can transform a good trip into an unforgettable one.

Top tips for booking your London accommodation

As one of the world's most popular destinations, London's hotels fill up fast, especially in central areas, so it's best to book your stay as early as possible.

Always check that you're booking through a trusted platform. Hotel booking scams are on the rise, so double-check the website is legit and secure before making a payment. Sometimes, booking directly with the hotel can offer perks, so be sure to compare deals.

Some hotels offer free cancellations for a small additional fee, providing peace of mind that you won't end up out of pocket if your plans change. Before you confirm your booking, always check the fine print, looking out for things like hidden fees and parking charges.

And finally, never underestimate the value of customer reviews. In addition to providing an honest, unbiased opinion on the accommodation, they often include useful insider tips about local hidden gems and the best ways to get around.

Getting to your London hotel with Heathrow Express

Do you dream of watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, tucking into fish & chips in a cosy London pub, and dodging pigeons in Trafalgar Square?

London is a city like no other. It’s iconic, cosmopolitan, and multicultural. From world-famous landmarks and museums to international cuisine, vintage markets, and vibrant nightlife, there's something for everyone.

Once you've found the perfect place to stay, don't forget to book your airport transfer. Heathrow Express offers fast, affordable, and stress-free transfers between Heathrow and central London, whisking you to Paddington Station in just 15 minutes.

Tickets start from just £10 and children aged 15 and under travel for free. Book your Heathrow Express tickets today to get your trip to the capital off to a smooth start.