Where to Stay in London: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

That’s it, you’ve decided to go to London. You have finally got your departure and return dates; all you need to do now is book your hotel!

I know it’s often complicated to decide, especially if you don’t know the city well: Where to stay in London? In which district? Do you prefer a touristy and lively area or a more residential but somewhat remote one?

Are you more into hostels, small boutique hotels, or luxurious 5-star hotels?

As I know London very well, I have created this guide of the best places to stay in London, sorted by district and for all budgets.

With my recommendations, you can book your dream London hotel right now and ensure an unforgettable trip!

And at the end of this article, you will also find my selection of budget hotels in London as well as my list of the best places to stay in London if you’re travelling with family.

So what are the best places to stay in London as a tourist?

Let’s find out!

My Favorite Hotels in London

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in London, if you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Just click on the hotel name in orange for details and rates:

• Where to stay in London to visit the city: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London – Located close to Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster!
• Best Hotel in London for shopping: The Resident Soho, a few steps away from Oxford Street.
• Best 5* hotel in London: The Ritz London
• Where to stay in London on a budget: Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage, located in a beautiful Victorian-style building
• Where to stay in London with family: Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s with an indoor pool, your kids are sure to love it!
• Best London Hotels for a romantic getaway: NYX Hotel London Holborn by Leonardo Hotels or Sea Containers London.

In Westminster District

Westminster district is the perfect place to stay in the heart of London.

Between the Thames and Big Ben, you’ll be right in the historic core of the city and able to easily explore London. Full of history, this area, the most touristy and vibrant in the city, may not have the usual shaded, paved alleyways of Seville or Rome, but its broad avenues and grand grey buildings give it a unique charm!

It’s the essential district to stay in the heart of London.

I recommend this district for staying in London:

• If you want to be in the historic center
• If you’re passionate about English history and culture
• If you enjoy strolls in parks

Westminster is the perfect area to discover:

• Westminster Abbey: the most famous church in London. A UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 11th century.
• The Palace of Westminster commonly known as the Houses of Parliament
• Westminster Bridge: one of the bridges to see in London. It features on many postcards.
• Buckingham Palace: the residence of the Queen of England
• The Big Ben clock: a landmark you must see in London
• Clarence House: one of the royal residences.

Here is my selection of the best hotels in the Westminster District

The Z Hotel Victoria – from £150

This hotel is located just a 5-minute walk from Buckingham Palace and 800 meters from St James’s Park.

Rooms are small but perfectly equipped, including with a very comfortable bed. Even those without windows have air conditioning, so you won’t feel stifled. If you’re looking for a hotel where you just sleep after a day on the streets of London, this is an excellent choice for a very reasonable budget.

You can’t dream of a better location in terms of central location.

It’s the best place to stay in central London for a bargain price.

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London – from £200

Park Plaza welcomes you right across from the Palace of Westminster, a 5-minute walk from the London Eye.

The hotel offers spacious and contemporary rooms. You can also take advantage of many amenities such as a gym, a vast swimming pool, a spa, and a steam room.

And good news for food lovers, there’s an award-winning brasserie known for its sushi and a bar serving tapas all day long.

It’s an excellent choice for accommodation in London to visit Westminster.

Conrad London St James – from £350

This 5-star hotel enjoys an excellent location in the district, just 5 minutes from Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.

You will enjoy spacious and stylish rooms, all equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine.

And you can try out Conrad’s tea room, during the traditional afternoon tea while savoring delicious homemade cakes.

It’s the ideal luxury hotel to stay in London for sightseeing in Westminster on foot.

In Soho / Covent Garden / Piccadilly District

If you prefer a neighborhood close to bars and more lively at night, Soho is ideal.

Covent Garden, located just next door, is more cultural and commercial. It’s the perfect spot for some shopping or to enjoy street performances.

Piccadilly, often dubbed London’s mini Time Square, is also a very lively area. Between souvenir shops, fashion outlets, restaurants, and cafés, there’s always something happening.

You should consider this area for your stay if:

•  If you intend to experience London by night
• If you like downtown vibes and don’t want to rely too much on public transport to get around
• If you enjoy shopping districts

Places to visit in the district:

• The indoor market of Covent Garden with its many luxury shops
• The M&M’s World London store
• The Lego Store
• Chinatown
• Piccadilly Circus, the famous London intersection with giant advertising screens, akin to New York‘s Times Square
• Regent Street, a grand avenue ideal for shopping

Where to Stay in London: Soho / Covent Garden / Piccadilly Area

The Z Hotel Piccadilly – from £160

Located in the heart of London, just 5 minutes from Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square, this hotel also offers very convenient access to various public transportation options.

The rooms may be quite small but they are extremely comfortable. The limited space is well-utilized with a stylish modern design.

The hotel even organizes wine and cheese tastings every day around 5 PM. A very nice touch!

It’s the perfect place to stay in London for great value for money.

If this hotel is fully booked, you should try your luck at the Z Hotel Soho. It’s from the same chain, so the prices and amenities are comparable. It’s located in the Soho district.

The Nadler Soho – from £230

Just a few minutes from Oxford Street, this hotel provides easy access to shopping streets by day and the various bars of the Soho district by night.

Also close to the subway, it’s the ideal place to stay in London and quickly get around the capital.

The rooms are elegant and well-equipped, including a small kitchenette and a laptop safe.

It’s the ideal place to stay in London for a romantic weekend.

Hotel Cafe Royal – from £560

This 5-star London hotel is located just 50 meters from Piccadilly Circus and a 6-minute walk from the shopping areas of Oxford Street and Bond Street.

The luxury hotel offers rooms that combine classic materials with contemporary design, featuring stunning city views. Marble bathrooms and premium toiletries are part of the package.

After your day of sightseeing, you can just relax in the swimming pool or sauna before dining at one of the hotel’s 5 restaurants.

It’s the perfect place to stay in London for a luxurious retreat.

Chelsea / Kensington District

The Chelsea and Kensington districts are quite similar. You’ll find beautiful parks to stroll through, lots of luxury stores and designer boutiques for shopping, and beautiful Victorian houses with colorful facades to admire.

It’s also in this district that you’ll find a high concentration of luxury hotels. If you want to stay in London in a 5-star hotel, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

I recommend staying in this area of London:

• If you want to be in a residential, rather quiet neighborhood.
• If you still want to be in central London and thus not have to chase after metros and buses for your sightseeing
• To get the feeling of living in London

You can discover there:

• The Victoria and Albert Museum: the world’s largest art and design museum
• The Natural History Museum London
• Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, two of the many parks in the capital
• The charming pastel-colored houses

The Best Accommodations in the Chelsea and Kensington Area

Park Grand London Kensington – from £190

Close to the subway station and Museum Mile, this hotel will allow you to easily get around London’s districts.

The Park Grand London offers elegant and spacious rooms, with those on the higher floors enjoying a view over the rooftops of the English capital.

Quiet and very well soundproofed, it’s a hotel where you are sure to sleep well in London. The vicinity of the hotel is also very pretty and tranquil in the evenings.

San Domenico House – from £245

Bridging Chelsea and Sloane Square, this luxury hotel has a prime location. Close to Buckingham Palace, a must-see in London, and Hyde Park for a dose of greenery.

A 5-star boutique hotel, the establishment welcomes you to beautifully decorated rooms adorned with antiques and paintings collected from around the world. And you can enjoy the rooftop terrace for a city view.

If you are looking for a luxurious hotel with old-world charm in an upscale neighborhood, San Domenico is the best place to stay in London.

Other 5-Star Hotels to Stay in Chelsea / Kensington

As I mentioned, there is a large number of 5-star hotels in Chelsea and Kensington. If you want to stay in a luxury establishment in London, these two districts are an ideal choice.

Here is a short list of other upscale accommodations:

• The Kensington Hotel
• The Bailey’s Hotel London
• Blakes Hotel
• The Ampersand Hotel
• The Franklin Hotel – Starhotels Collezione
• Knightsbridge Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
• Jumeirah Carlton Tower
• The Hari London

In Notting Hill District

Of course, when mentioning Notting Hill, do you immediately think of the movie “Notting Hill” starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant?

The district is perfect if you’re a fan and wish to stay where your favorite scenes were filmed.

But even if you haven’t seen the movie, Notting Hill with its charming houses is one of the most trendy and nice areas to stay in London.

I recommend this district if:

• You want to spend a few days in beautiful Victorian houses
• You want to be in a neighborhood with a wide variety of restaurants
• You want to be close to the famous Hyde Park for strolls

You will discover in Notting Hill:

• Portobello Market, a market dedicated to antiques
• Lots of pubs for an enjoyable pub crawl
• Holland Park and its beautiful Japanese garden

Where to stay in Notting Hill

Portobello House – from 160€

The hotel is located just 3 minutes from Portobello Market and close to the subway and bus stops for easy access to the city center.

The rooms are very cozy and have all the necessary comforts.

It’s the ideal hotel for enjoying the Notting Hill area.

The Portobello Hotel – from 230€

Located around the corner from Portobello Market, the hotel is 15 minutes on foot from Hyde Park.

The rooms are warmly decorated, very English, with some featuring freestanding bathtubs or round beds.

It’s an excellent quiet choice of accommodation in London.

The Laslett – from 300€

This 5-star hotel welcomes you in several Victorian townhouses, typical of the Notting Hill district.

Located right beside a metro station, you can also reach Kensington Palace with a 10-minute walk.

All rooms are tastefully decorated and very bright. As a special feature, you’ll find books for a relaxing moment.

To indulge and stay in a luxury hotel in Notting Hill, choose The Laslett.

In Camden Town District

Camden Town is certainly one of the most unique and atypical districts in the city of London.

Renowned for hosting a multicultural population, you will find goths, punks, and hippies alike. Frequented by young people and students, it’s also a very lively neighborhood with numerous pubs and bars for evening outings.

The Camden Town district is ideal:

• If you love shopping and strolling through market alleys
• If you enjoy discovering other cultures and stepping out of your comfort zone
• For having a drink in a trendy bar

In Camden Town district, you can:

• Shop at Camden Market
• Taste flavors from around the world at Camden Town and its many restaurants
• Opt for a barge ride on the canal

Where to stay in London’s Camden Town area?

Camden Enterprise Hotel– from 150€

Located in a building from 1865, the hotel welcomes you 10 minutes from the market and is close to the subway.

Fully refurbished recently, the rooms are bright, very clean and the bedding is comfortable.

It’s the smart choice for affordable accommodation in London.

York & Albany – from 200€

Ideally located between Regent’s Park and Camden district, you can enjoy both the greenery and Camden Market.

The rooms are very warm and carefully decorated.

A library, a chic restaurant, and a bar where you can try your hand at cocktail making are also at your disposal.

The Level at Melia White House – from 350€

Located on the edge of The Regent’s Park and near Madame Tussauds wax museum, the hotel boasts having welcomed several celebrities and political figures.

Elegantly decorated with period wooden furniture, some rooms also offer access to the VIP lounge where you can enjoy a tapas buffet and drinks. Noteworthy for London weather, they are also equipped with an umbrella! 😅

Several luxury services are offered such as in-room massage, or a personalized training with a sports coach in the gym.

In Mayfair / Marylebone District

London’s rather upscale neighborhood, here luxury hotels and boutiques prevail. So, it’s not necessarily the place for admiring historic monuments but rather for the ultra-chic storefronts of the shops!

It epitomizes London’s luxurious district.

I recommend this area for your stay:

• If you enjoy shopping districts and want the opportunity to shop frequently
• If you like calm and residential neighborhoods

Things to see in Mayfair / Marylebone district:

• Regent’s Park and Hyde Park, two London parks that are a must-see
• Madame Tussauds museum, a very popular place in London. Just get off at Baker Street station to visit it.
• Selfridges, a department store with lots of luxurious boutiques

The best accommodations in Mayfair, London

The Z Hotel Gloucester Place – Starting from 150€

Located just 800 meters from Selfridges and close to the Madame Tussauds museum, this hotel offers the same features you’ll find in all the Z Hotel chain: small yet well-equipped rooms with comfortable beds, a welcoming staff, and a wine and cheese tasting starting at 5 PM.

This is the deal for where to stay in Mayfair!

The May Fair Hotel – Starting from 350€

Situated in the most luxurious district of the city, it would be a shame not to take the chance to experience a 5-star hotel.

The May Fair Hotel offers elegant and contemporary rooms with Italian marble bathrooms and luxurious toiletries.

As for facilities, you’ll have access to a spa, a gym, and even a 3D cinema!

The Ritz London – Starting from 500€

This 5-star hotel, with world-renowned fame and part of The Leading Hotels of the World chain, is definitely one of the most beautiful hotels in London.

You will be welcomed in a magnificent Neo-classical building, located right next to Green Park.

In this London luxury hotel, you can stay in splendid rooms with high ceilings decorated with gold leaf and fireplaces, blending antique furniture with ultra-modern facilities.

You can enjoy a typical but high-end British cuisine at the Ritz restaurant, Michelin-starred. Don’t hesitate to end your evening at the Casino adjacent to the hotel or at one of the nearby theaters.

The Ritz Hotel is the most beautiful 5-star hotel to stay in London for a luxury escapade!

In Southbank / Southwark district

On the south bank of the Thames, the Southbank area is one of the most dynamic in London. Facing Westminster, you’ll have a stunning view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Filled with numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants, this area is also lively, both day and night.

Southwark and Southbank are also known for their cultural richness. You’ll find a large number of museums, theaters, cinemas, and many festivals throughout the year.

You should stay in Southbank:

• To stroll along the Thames in the evening and see the illuminated monuments
• If you love urban culture
• To take advantage of many free exhibitions

Must-visits in Southbank:

• The banks of the Thames by foot or with a cruise
• The London Eye: London’s famous Ferris wheel
• Shrek’s Adventure London, where your kids can help Shrek save the world
• The Southbank Centre, offering a variety of concerts, festivals, and exhibitions
• The Tate Modern, a contemporary art museum

Here is my selection of the best accommodations in Southbank / Southwark district

Holiday Inn Express Southwark – Starting from 200€

The hotel is situated less than 10 minutes walk from the Tate Modern, by the Thames.

Rooms are modern and bright.

Completely renovated, it’s also very well soundproofed for a peaceful night’s sleep.

The LaLit London – Starting from 335€

Just a 5-minute walk from Tower Bridge and 500 meters from the Tower of London, this hotel is superbly located for sightseeing in London.

This 5-star hotel resides in a charming red-brick beautiful old building.

The rooms are modern and well-decorated, with most featuring a seating area. Guests also get to enjoy a complimentary smartphone for their entire stay and a free mini-bar.

The LaLit also offers a car hire service, which is convenient if you’re staying a week in London and plan to visit the surrounding areas.

Mondrian London – Starting from 500€

Luxury hotel, superbly located, Mondrian London sits on the banks of the Thames, a mere 15 minutes from the London Eye.

If you prefer contemporary luxury hotels with designer and uncluttered rooms, not too fussy, this is the ideal place for a good night’s sleep in London. Plus, most rooms have a balcony with direct views of the Thames, giving you an unobstructed view of the river and all of London.

Mondrian offers several premium services such as a spa and a large cinema room.

But the real bonus is its restaurant with a terrace right by the water, perfect for a romantic dinner. Afterwards, you can finish the evening at the rooftop bar to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

A magnificent luxury hotel to stay in London for a romantic getaway!

In the City of London District

The City of London is the business district of London.

In this area, you will find the oldest buildings in London as well as the most recent ones. A hub for traders, mixing modernism and tradition, The City impresses with its monuments and buildings.

This district is for you if:

• You like modern districts
• You want to be in the city center without the bother of noise

Places to visit in The City:

• St Paul’s Cathedral, an iconic religious edifice
• The Monument: the tallest stone column in the world
• The Tower of London, former prison and site of torture and execution
• The Tower Bridge of London
• Museum of London on the social history of the city

Our selection of the best hotels in the City of London District

citizenM Tower of London – from £220

Located just 50 meters from the Tower of London and 200 meters from the Tower Bridge.

This hotel with its super original decor offers rooms with views of the Tower of London or the rooftops. The view is also magnificent from the rooftop bar.

It boasts an excellent quality-price ratio considering its location and is situated in a quiet area.

Andaz London Liverpool Street – a concept by Hyatt – from £350

Andaz London is a 5-star luxury hotel located 1.5 km from the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral.

The hotel offers spacious and modern rooms with luxury amenities from Plantation London range. Snacks and juices from the minibar are complimentary, and a free aperitif is offered every day when you return from sightseeing.

During the day you can unwind in the wellness center, and in the evening, you can dine in any of the 7 restaurants.

An excellent choice for a luxury stay in London.

Threadneedles, Autograph Collection – from £500

The 5-star hotel in The City is located just a 5-minute walk from the London Bridge or the Gherkin skyscraper.

The rooms are bright and comfortable, with city views. Water, newspapers, and luxury toiletries are also provided daily.

What we particularly appreciate is the comfort and quiet of this luxury establishment.

In Shoreditch / Brick Lane District

Shoreditch is London’s hipster district. Very trendy, it’s characterized by widespread street art, numerous hip bars, and some of the best restaurants in the city.

Why stay in Shoreditch district?

• If you like lively neighborhoods
• If you want to explore another side of London 
• If you want to be in the trendy area!

Things to see and do in Shoreditch:

• Walking around to admire the street art
• Tasting the Indian and Asian flavors of the restaurants
• Visiting the Old Spitalfields Market and Columbia Road Flower Market
• Exploring the Brick Lane Market

Where to stay in Shoreditch / Brick Lane area, in London?

The Z Hotel Shoreditch – from £160

There are many hotels in this chain, and for good reason: they offer excellent value for money.

The Shoreditch one is located only a 15-minute walk from Shoreditch High Street and offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. In the evening, enjoy a complimentary wine and cheese tasting!

M by Montcalm Shoreditch London Tech City – from £300

A luxury hotel with a modern architecture, it’s one of the best in the Shoreditch district. You’ll be close to King’s Cross and St Pancras station, just a ten-minute walk from the hotel. The subway is also right nearby.

The interior of the rooms at this 5-star hotel is also modern and stylish, with a stunning view of London. You’ll have luxury Hermes products in the bathroom and a smartphone at your disposal.

The hotel also has a spa, sauna, gym, and an indoor pool, quite rare in London!

Ace Hotel London Shoreditch – from £300

This luxury hotel is located close to Brick Lane Market and is near a subway station, making it easy to travel around all of London.

The rooms feature a quite original decoration, mixing graphic art and industrial elements, a departure from the classic style of some 5-star hotels in London!

Don’t miss out on admiring the view from the rooftop terrace.

If you’re young and you like quirky hotels, the Ace is an excellent choice for staying in London.

Where to stay in London on a budget?

If you’re on a tight budget but still want to make the most of London and see all the must-see attractions, here’s my selection of the best places to stay in London on a budget:

• Palmer Lodge Swiss Cottage is perfect for a solo traveler. This hostel offers dormitory beds from £20 per night. Located in Camden area, you can reach Westminster in 10 minutes by subway. The best budget-friendly place to stay in London!
• St Christopher’s Inn Oasis – London Bridge – Female Only: Just 700 meters from London Bridge, this hostel is exclusively for women and offers dormitory beds from £30. A good choice for staying near central London on a budget.
• SoHostel: Another hostel located in Soho district, bordering West End. Dormitory bed from £30 per night. Everything is super clean, and you can even enjoy a cheap, delicious, and hearty dinner. One of the cheapest accommodations in London.
• Safestay London Kensington Holland Park: A hostel located in Kensington district. Dormitory bed from £30. A bonus: the hostel is located in a beautiful old building with a large garden and a pond. A great deal for staying in London on a budget.

Family Accommodation in London

Here are the best apartments and hotels for family stays in London:

• Apartment Holcroft Court: Located near Regent Park and the Madame Tussauds museum. This two-bedroom apartment includes three double beds and two sofa beds, accommodating up to 7 guests. Modern and spacious, it’s also well-equipped with a dishwasher and washing machine. Starting at £230. I highly recommend this apartment for a family stay in London.
• Private Apartments – Covent Garden – Leicester Square: Located in Covent Garden on a quiet street. There are several types of apartments available for 4 to 6 guests, all featuring a living area and a kitchen equipped with an oven and dishwasher. Starting at £280. Spacious, clean, and comfortable, it’s one of the best places to stay in London with family.
• Grange City Hotel: Situated in the City district. This 5-star hotel offers family rooms starting at £330. Your children will also be delighted with the swimming pool. Another excellent choice of family accommodation in London.
• Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square: Located just next to Trafalgar Square. One-bedroom suites with a kitchenette for 4 people start at £370.

What is the Best Hotel in London?

If you are looking to stay at the best hotel in London, you should opt for The Ritz London. It’s reputation speaks for itself, and you can be sure to find all the high-end services you would expect from this type of 5-star establishment.

For equally luxurious accommodation with a contemporary twist, I also recommend the Mondrian London, which freshens up the sometimes-stuffy style of certain 5-star hotels while maintaining excellent service.

Where to Stay in London: The Best Hotels Summary Table

To give you a better idea of the hotels you can stay at in London, whether in the city centre or elsewhere, I’ve compiled a table summarizing all the ones I’ve mentioned in this article. You can sort them by price or by neighborhood!

Hotel	District	Price
The Z Hotel Victoria	Westminster	150€
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London	Westminster	200€
Conrad London St James	Westminster	350€
The Z Hotel Piccadilly	Soho - Covent Garden - Picadilly	160€
The Nadler Soho	Soho - Covent Garden - Picadilly	230€
Hotel Cafe Royal	Soho - Covent Garden - Picadilly	560€
Park Grand London Kensington	Chelsea - Kensington	190€
San Domenico House	Chelsea - Kensington	245€
The Franklin Hotel	Chelsea - Kensington	380€
Portobello House	Notting Hill	160€
The Portobello Hotel	Notting Hill	230€
The Laslett	Notting Hill	300€
Camden Enterprise Hotel	Camden Town	150€
York & Albany	Camden Town	200€
The Level at Melia White House	Camden Town	350€
The Z Hotel Gloucester Place	Mayfair - Marylebone	150€
The May Fair Hotel	Mayfair - Marylebone	350€
The Ritz London	Mayfair - Marylebone	500€
Holiday Inn Express Southwark	Southbank - Southward	200€
The LaLit London	Southbank - Southward	335€
Mondrian London	Southbank - Southward	500€
citizenM Tower of London	La City	220€
Andaz London Liverpool Street	La City	350€
Threadneedles, Autograph Collection	La City	500€
The Z Hotel Shoreditch	Shoreditch - Brick Lane	160€
M by Montcalm Shoreditch London Tech City	Shoreditch - Brick Lane	300€
Ace Hotel London Shoreditch	Shoreditch - Brick Lane	300€
Palmer Lodge Swiss Cottage	Cheap Hotel	20€
St Christope Inn Oasis – London Bridge – Female Only	Cheap Hotel	30€
SoHostel	Cheap Hotel	30€
Safestay London Kensington Holland Park	Cheap Hotel	30€
Apartment Holcroft Court	For Families	230€
Private Apartments – Covent Garden – Leicester Square	For Families	280€
Grange City Hotel	For Families	330€
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square	For Families	370€

You’re traveling to England? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about London: All my articles to help you plan your trip to England are listed there.

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