Where to Stay in London: our selection of the best accommodation

That’s it, it’s decided, you’re going to London. You finally have your departure and return dates, all you need is the hotel to book!

It is often complicated to decide: Where to stay in London? In which neighborhood ? Do you prefer a touristic and lively area or a more residential one but a little out of the way? Are you more of a hostel, boutique hotel or 5-star hotel?

Thanks to our guide to the best hotels in London, classified by districts and for all budgets, make your choice easily according to your desires. As a family, alone or as a couple, follow our advice to find your ideal accommodation in the cool places of London.

And to find out all about the good deals on where to stay cheap in London and where to stay with your family, it’s at the end of the article.

So in which district to stay in London to visit?

In the district of Westminster

The Westminster area is the ideal place to stay in central London.

Between the Thames and Big Ben, you will be in the historic heart of the city and can easily discover London. Steeped in history, this very lively district is the most touristic in the city. Wide avenue and imposing gray buildings, Westminster is still very different from the usual tourist areas with shaded cobbled streets of Seville or Rome for example. But that’s what makes it so charming!

This is the essential area to stay in central London.

I recommend this area for accommodation in London:

• If you want to be in the historic center
• If you are passionate about English history and culture
• If you like walking in the parks

The Westminster district is the ideal place to discover:

• Westminster Abbey: London’s most famous church. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it dates from the 11th century.
• The Palace of Westminster commonly known as the House of Parliament
• Westminster Bridge: one of the must-see bridges in London. It is present on many postcards.
• Buckingham Palace: the residence of the Queen of England
• The Big Ben clock: a must-see landmark in London
• Clarence House: one of the royal houses.

Here is our selection of the best hotels in the Westminster area

The Z Hotel Victoria – from 150€

This hotel is located just 5 minutes’ walk from Buckingham Palace and 800 meters from St James Park.

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

You couldn’t ask for more in terms of a central location.

This is the best place to stay in central London on the cheap.

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London – from 200€

Park Plaza is opposite the Palace of Westminster, 5 minutes’ walk from the London Eye.

The hotel offers spacious and contemporary rooms. You can also enjoy many services such as a gym, a huge swimming pool, a spa and a hammam.

And good news for foodies, you’ll find an award-winning sushi brasserie and a bar serving tapas all day.

An excellent choice where to stay in London to visit Westminster.

Conrad London St James – from 350€

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

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

And you can try the Conrad’s tea room, during the traditional cup of tea in the afternoon while tasting tasty homemade cakes.

It is the ideal luxury hotel where to stay in London to visit the Westminster district on foot.

In the Soho/Covent Garden/Piccadilly area

If you prefer an area close to the bars and livelier in the evening, Soho is ideal.

Covent Garden, located just next door, is more cultural and commercial. This is the ideal place to do some shopping or see neighborhood shows.

Piccadilly or London’s mini Times Square, as it is often nicknamed, is also a very lively district. Between souvenir shops, ready-to-wear shops or restaurants and other cafes, you will always find something to do.

I recommend this area for accommodation if:

•  If you plan to experience London by night
• If you like downtown vibes and don’t want to take too much public transit to get around
• If you like shopping districts

To visit in the neighborhood:

• The covered market of Covent Garden  and its many luxury shops
• La boutique M&M’s World London
• The lego Store
• Chinatow
• Picadilly Circus,  the famous intersection of London with its giant screens of pubs, way Times Square in New York
• Regent Street, a great avenue ideal for shopping

Where to Stay in London, in the Soho / Covent Garden / Piccadilly district?

The Z Hotel Piccadilly – from 160€

Right in the center of London, 5 minutes from Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, this hotel also offers very easy access to the various public transport options.

The rooms are certainly quite small but very comfortable. The little space is optimized and they are well furnished in a modern style.

The hotel even organizes wine and cheese tastings every day around 5 p.m. A very nice note!

It is the perfect hotel where to stay in London for its good price/performance ratio.

If this hotel is full, I advise you to try your luck at the Z Hotel in Soho. It’s the same chain, so prices and services are equivalent. It is located in the Soho district.

The Nadler Soho – from 230€

Only a few minutes from Oxford Street, the hotel will allow you to access the shopping streets by day and the various bars of the Soho district by night.

Also close to the underground, it is the ideal place to stay in London and move quickly in the capital.

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

It is 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 Picadilly Circus and 6 minutes’ walk from the shopping areas of Oxford Street and Bond Street.

The luxury hotel offers rooms combining classic materials and contemporary design and offering a magnificent view of the city. Marble bathroom and high-end toiletries complete the package.

After your day of sightseeing, all you have to do is relax in the swimming pool or in the sauna before going to dinner in one of the hotel’s 5 restaurants.

This is the perfect hotel to stay in London for a luxury stay.

In the Chelsea/Kensington area

The districts of Chelsea and Kensington are quite similar. You will find beautiful parks to stroll around, full of luxury stores and designer boutiques for shopping and beautiful Victorian houses with colorful facades to contemplate.

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

I advise you to stay in this area of ​​London:

• If you want to be in a residential area, rather quiet.
• If you still want to be in central London and therefore not run after the subways and buses for your visits
• To have the impression of living in London

You can discover there:

• The Victoria and Albert Museum: Museum of Art and Design, the world’s largest of its kind
• The Natural History Museum of London
• Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, two of the many parks in the capital
• The charming houses in pastel colors

The best accommodations in Chelsea and Kensington

Park Grand London Kensington – from 190€

Close to the tube station and the Museum Mile, this hotel will allow you to move easily to visit the districts of London.

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

Quiet and very well soundproofed, this is a hotel where you are sure to sleep well in London. The surroundings of the hotels are also very pretty and quiet at night.

San Domenico House – from 245€

Between Chelsea and Sloane Square, this luxury hotel is very well located. Close to Buckingham Palace, a must-see place in London, but also to Hyde Park to enjoy the greenery.

A 5-star boutique hotel, the establishment welcomes you in beautifully decorated rooms adorned with antiques and paintings brought from all over the world. And you can take advantage of its rooftop terrace to admire the view of the city.

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

Other 5-star hotels to stay in Chelsea / Kensington

I told you, there are plenty of 5 star hotels in Chelsea and Kensington. If you want to stay in a luxury establishment in London, its 2 districts are therefore an ideal choice.

Here is a small list of other high-end accommodations:

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

In the Notting Hill district

Of course, when you mention Nothing Hill, you immediately think of the film Love at first sight at Nothing Hill with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant?

The area is therefore perfect if you are a fan and want to stay where your favorite scenes were shot.

But don’t worry if you haven’t seen the film, Notting Hill, with its charming houses, is one of the trendiest and coolest places to stay in London.

I recommend this neighborhood:

• If you want to spend a few days in beautiful Victorian homes
• If you want to be in a neighborhood with a wide choice of restaurants
• If you want to be close to the famous Hyde Park to walk around

You will discover in Notting Hill:

• The Portobello Market, a market devoted to the sale of antiques
• Plenty of pubs for a happy pub crawl
• Holland Park and its beautiful Japanese garden

Accommodation in the Notting Hill district

Portobello House – from 160€

The property is located just 3 minutes from the Portobello market and close to the metro and bus stops to easily reach the center.

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

This is the ideal hotel to enjoy the Notting Hill area.

The Portobello Hotel – from 230€

Located around the corner from Portobello Market, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from Hyde Park.

The rooms are decorated in a warm, very English style, some with free-standing bathtubs or round beds. 

It is an excellent choice where to stay in quiet London.

The Laslett – from 300€

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

Located right next to a tube station, you can also reach Kensington Palace in 10 minutes on foot.

All the rooms are very tastefully decorated and very bright. Small peculiarity, you will also find books to give you a moment of relaxation.

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

In Camden Town

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

Renowned for being home to a multicultural population , you will find there goths as well as punks or hippies. Frequented by young people and students , it is also a very lively district with many pubs and bars to go out in the evening.

The Camden Town district is ideal:

• If you like shopping and strolling between the market aisles
• If you like discovering other cultures and getting out of your comfort zone
• For a drink in a trendy bar

In Camden Town, you can:

• Shopping at Camden Market
• Taste the flavors of the world in Camden Town and the multitude of restaurants
• Opt for a barge crossing on the canal

Where to Stay in London in the Camden Town district?

 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 metro.

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

This is the right plan where to stay in London for not too much money.

York & Albany – from 200€

Ideally placed between Regent’s Park and the Camden district, you can enjoy the greenery as well as the 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 creating cocktails are also at your disposal.

The Level at Melia White House – from €350

Located on the edge of The Regent Park and close to Madame Tussauds wax museum, the hotel prides itself on having hosted several celebrities and political figures.

Elegantly decorated with period wooden furniture, some of the rooms also offer access to the VIP lounge where you can enjoy a buffet of tapas and drinks. A significant point given the weather in London, they are also equipped with an umbrella!

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

In the Mayfair / Marylebone area

A rather upscale district of London, here reign the luxury hotels and boutiques. You don’t necessarily come here to admire the beautiful historical monuments, but rather the ultra-chic shop fronts!

This is the luxury district of London par excellence.

I recommend this area to stay:

• If you like shopping districts and want the opportunity to shop often
• If you like quiet, residential neighborhoods

To see in the Mayfair / Marylebone area:

• Regent’s Park and Hyde Park, two must-see London parks
• Madame Tussauds, a very popular museum in London. You just have to get off at Baker Street station to visit it.
• The Selfridges:  a department store with lots of luxury boutiques

The best accommodation in Mayfair, London

The Z Hotel Gloucester Place – from 150€

This hotel is 800 meters from Selfridges and not far from Madame Tussauds.

You will find the same characteristics as all the hotels of the Z Hotel chain, namely: rooms a little small but well equipped with comfortable beds, welcoming staff and wine and cheese tasting from 5 p.m. 

This is the right plan where to stay in Mayfair!

The May Fair Hotel – from 350€

Right in the most luxurious district of the city, it would be a shame not to take the opportunity to test a 5-star hotel. 

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

In terms of services, you will have access to a spa, a gym and even a 3D cinema!

The Ritz London – from 500€

This 5-star, world-renowned hotel , part of The Leading Hotels of the World chain , is certainly one of the finest hotels in London.

You will be welcomed in a magnificent neo-classical style building, located just next to Green Park.

This luxury hotel in London offers you to sleep in splendid rooms with high ceilings decorated with gold leaf and fireplaces, a mixture of antique furniture and ultra-modern equipment. 

You will be able to test a typically British but highly gastronomic cuisine in the restaurant of the Ritz, one star in the Michelin Guide. Then don’t hesitate to end the evening at the Casino which adjoins the hotel or in one of the theaters located nearby.

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

In the Southbank / Southwark area

On the south bank of the Thames, the Southbank district is one of the most dynamic in London. Facing Westminster, you will have a breathtaking view of Big Ben and the London parliament.

With many bars, cafes and restaurants, this area is also very lively, both day and night.

Southwark and Southbank are also renowned for being very cultural. You will find a large number of museums, theatres, cinemas and many festivals throughout the year.

I advise you to stay at Southbank:

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

Southbank must-sees:

• The edges of the Thames by walking or with a cruise
• The London Eye: Ferris Wheel of London
• Shrek’s Adventure London where your children can help Shrek save the world
• The Southbank Center which offers all kinds of concerts, festivals and exhibitions
• The Tate Modern, museum of contemporary art

Here is our selection of the best accommodation in the Southbank / Southwark area

Holiday Inn Express Southwark – from 200€

The hotel is located less than 10 minutes walk from the Tate Modern, on the banks of the Thames.

The rooms are modern and bright.

Completely renovated, it is also very well soundproofed for quiet nights.

The LaLit London – from 335€

Just a 5-minute walk from Tower Bridge and 500 meters from the Tower of London, this hotel is in a great location for visiting London.

This 5 star hotel is in a beautiful old building with very charming red bricks.

The rooms are modern and well decorated, and most have a seating area. You can also take advantage of a smartphone provided free of charge for your entire stay and the free mini bar.

The LaLit also offers a car rental service, useful if you are staying in London for a week and want to visit the surrounding area.

Mondrian London – from 500€

Luxury hotel, very well located, the Mondrian London is on the banks of the Thames, 15 minutes from the London Eye.

If you like contemporary luxury hotels and stylish, uncluttered rooms, this is the ideal hotel to stay well in London. Most also have a balcony directly overlooking the Thames. You will therefore have a breathtaking view of the river and all of London.

The Mondrian offers several top-of-the-range services such as a spa or a large cinema room.

But the bonus is undoubtedly its restaurant with terrace located at the water’s edge   , the ideal place for a romantic dinner. You can then finish the evening at the bar on the roof to enjoy the panoramic view of the city.

A magnificent luxury hotel where to stay in London as a couple!

In the district of The City

The City is the business district of London.

It is in this district that you will find the oldest buildings in London, but also the most recent. A landmark for traders, a mix of modernism and tradition, La City impresses with its monuments and buildings.

This neighborhood is for you:

• If you like modern neighborhoods
• If you want to be in the city center without being disturbed by noise

To visit in The City:

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

Our selection of the best hotels in the City district

citizenM Tower of London – from 220€

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

This hotel with its super original decor offers rooms with a view of the Tower of London or the rooftops. The view is also magnificent from the roof top. 

It benefits from an excellent performance / price ratio given its location and is located in a quiet area.

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

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

The hotel offers spacious and modern rooms with the provision of luxury products from the Plantation London range. Snacks and juices from the minibar are free and an aperitif is offered every day when you return from your day of sightseeing.

During the day you can take advantage of the wellness center to relax and in the evening you will be spoiled for choice for dinner in one of the 7 restaurants.

An excellent choice of high-end establishment to stay in London.

Threadneedles, Autograph Collection – from 500€

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

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

We particularly appreciate the comfort and calm of this luxury establishment.

In the Shoreditch / Brick Lane area

Shoreditch is London’s hipster district. Very fashionable, it is characterized by its highly developed street art, its many trendy bars and some of the best restaurants in the city.

Why stay in Shoreditch?

• If you like lively neighborhoods
• If you want to discover another side of London 
• If you want to be in the hip neighborhood!

Things to see and do in Shoreditch:

• Take a walk to admire the street art
• Taste the Indian and Asian flavors of the restaurants
• Visit Old Spitalfields Market and Columbia Road Flower Market
• Explore Brick Lane Market

Where to stay in Shoreditch / Brick Lane, London?

The Z Hotel Shoreditch – from 160€

There are many hotels in this chain. And for good reason, they have an excellent quality / price ratio.

The one in Shoreditch is located just 15 minutes walk from Shoreditch High Street and offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. At the end of the day, enjoy the free wine and cheese tasting!

M by Montcalm Shoreditch London Tech City – from 300€

A luxury hotel with modern architecture, this is one of the best in Shoreditch. You will be close to King’s Cross and Saint Pancras Station, which is just a ten minute walk from the hotel. The metro is also right next door.

The interior of the rooms of this 5-star hotel is also modern and designer with a magnificent view of London. You will have at your disposal luxury Hermès products in the bathroom and a smartphone.

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

Ace Hotel London Shoreditch – from 300€

This luxury hotel is close to Brick Lane market and close to a tube station for easy travel around London.

The rooms have a rather original decoration mixing graphic art and industrial elements. Far from the classic of some 5 star hotels in London!

Be sure to go up to admire the view from the roof terrace.

If you are young and like unusual hotels, the Ace is an excellent choice to stay in London.

Where to Stay Cheap in London?

If you are on a tight budget but want to make the most of London and see all the must-sees, here is my selection of the best cheap accommodation in London:

• Palmer Lodge Swiss Cottage  is ideal for a single traveler. This youth hostel offers dormitory beds from €20 per night. Located in Camden, Westminster can be reached in 10 minutes on the Tube. The best deal for cheap accommodation in London!
• St Christope Inn Oasis – London Bridge – Female Only : Only 700 meters from London Bridge, this hostel is only for women and offers dorm beds from €30. A good choice to stay near central London for cheap.
• SoHostel : Another youth hostel located, this time, in the Soho district, on the West End edge. Bed in dormitory from 30€ per night. Everything is super clean and you can even enjoy a cheap, very good and plentiful dinner. One of the cheapest accommodations in London.
• Safestay London Kensington Holland Park: Hostel located in the district of Kensington. Bed in dormitory from 30€. A little extra: the hostel is located in a very beautiful old building with a large garden and a pond. A good plan where to stay cheap in London.

Accommodation in London with family

Here are the best apartments and hotels to stay in London with the family:

• Apartment Holcroft Court: Located close to Regent’s Park and Madame Tussauds. 2 bedroom apartment with 3 double beds and 2 sofa beds, it can accommodate up to 7 people. Modern and spacious, it is also very well equipped with dishwasher and washing machine. From 230€. I highly recommend this apartment for a family stay in London.
• Private Apartments – Covent Garden – Leicester Square: Located in Covent Garden, in a quiet street. Several types of apartments are available that can accommodate from 4 to 6 people. They all have a lounge area and a kitchen equipped with an oven and dishwasher. From 280€. Spacious, clean and comfortable, it’s one of the best places to stay in London with the family.
• Grange City Hotel: Located in the City district. This 5-star hotel offers family rooms from €330. Your children will also be delighted to be able to enjoy the swimming pool. Another excellent choice for family accommodation in London.
• Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square: Is located just off Traflgar Square. Suite with one bedroom and kitchenette for 4 people from €370.

What is the best hotel in London?

If you are looking to stay in the best hotel in London, I recommend The Ritz London. Its reputation is second to none, you are sure to find all the top-of-the-range services of this type of 5-star establishment.

If you want such luxurious accommodation but in a contemporary version, I also recommend the Mondrian London hotel , which dusts off the usual starched style of some 5 stars while maintaining excellent service.

Where to stay in London: the summary table of the best hotels

So that you have a better idea of ​​the  hotels where to stay in London, whether in the  city center or elsewhere, I have made a table that summarizes all those I am talking about in this article. You can  sort them by price or by neighborhood!

Hôtel	Neighborhood	Prix
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 – Piccadilly	160€
The Nadler Soho	Soho – Covent Garden – Piccadilly	230€
Hotel Cafe Royal	Soho – Covent Garden – Piccadilly	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	The City	220€
Andaz London Liverpool Street	The City	350€
Threadneedles, Autograph Collection	The 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 hotels	20€
St Christope Inn Oasis – London Bridge – Female Only	Cheap hotels	30€
SoHostel	Cheap hotels	30€
Safestay London Kensington Holland Park	Cheap hotels	30€
Apartment Holcroft Court	Accommodation with family	230€
Private Apartments – Covent Garden – Leicester Square	Accommodation with family	280€
Grange City Hotel	Accommodation with family	330€
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square	Accommodation with family	370€

Are you going to London? Read also

• London Crime Rate: Understanding the Numbers
• Top 20 Things to Do in London – Ultimate Travel Guide
• Itinerary: 3 days in London – Ultimate Travel Guide