Where to Stay & Best Hotels // London, United Kingdom

London’s metropolitan area is the largest in Western Europe, and one of the largest in the world. It’s a city that captivates millions, but navigating its sheer scale and finding the perfect place to stay can feel overwhelming. After living in the British capital for almost two years, I have strong feelings about its best neighborhoods, and have cut through the noise to curate London’s best hotels across seven key areas, catering to every style and budget.

My recommendations focus on hotels that consistently earn high praise from fellow travelers, prioritizing those with excellent (and numerous) ratings on Google and Booking.com. The hotels I’ve selected are almost all 8.5+ stars on Booking.com, and most of them are 9+ stars. When we select a hotel to stay, we almost only stay at 9+ stars, so these are all properties I’ve considered (or would consider) when visiting London.

The hotels listed here are listed as:

• Luxury: 5-star

• Upscale: 4-star

• Mid-Range: 3-star

• Budget: 1 or 2-star, or a hostel

How Expensive is Accommodation?

As you’ll see from the list, London is not cheap, even at the budget end. In general, here is what you can expect to spend in the United Kingdom’s capital:

• 2-star hotel: £40 - £150 per night

• 3-star hotel: £150 - £250 per night

• 4-star hotel: £250 to £400 per night

• 5-star hotel: £400+ per night

  • 5-stars in London have almost no cap, so you can easily pay £1000+ per night.

Of course, these cost can go up or down based on the time of year and demand (eg. off-season might be cheaper), and you can always try to find discounts on Booking.com or on the hotel website directly. These prices are also based on a standard room at this level — each hotel can offer deluxe rooms or rooms with a view that may be (well) outside these price ranges.

Suggestions

Here is a tl;dr of where to stay, based on travel style and budget.

Luxury Traveler: For ultimate indulgence, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of London’s icons. But the most exceptional are probably The Savoy, Claridge’s, or The Dorchester.

Value-Focused: If you love luxury but don’t want to pay London’s eye-watering 5* prices, consider The Resident Covent Garden, or Batty Langley’s. A step down from that is Motel One London - Tower Hill.

Budget Traveler: If you’re on a budget, try Wombat's City Hostel, one of the best-rated hostels in London.

Traveling with Friends: Book One Hundred Shoreditch, which offers many adjacent room configurations so you can be close (but not too close) to your friends.

Families: If you’re a family, I would recommend you go with master Cannon (serviced apartments that offer a family apartment for 6 persons).

Looking for a retreat: If you’re looking for a spa vacation, I would definitely choose Corinthia London.

Looking for the best view: London has great views across the whole city that change depending on where you are. The best views from up high are definitely at Shangri-La The Shard. For the best Tower Bridge views, Cheval Three Quays is probably the most popular. For views of Westminster, I’d pick Park Plaza Westminster Bridge or Sea Containers London.

If this list isn’t enough, here are the best neighborhoods to stay in in London, with hotels that might fit your needs.

London is very, very spread out city, so traveling from end of the city to the other can take ~45 minutes, especially if you are not close to a Tube stop. And taxis are not much faster because it’s an old city with many short, one-way streets. So my initial suggestions for neighborhoods in which to stay are more central, making sight-seeing easier. Towards the end, I have a few recommendations for visitors who don’t mind staying further out, or have been to London before and want to stay somewhere new.

Covent Garden

Best for: First-time visitors, theatre lovers, walkability

Pros:

• Extremely central — you can walk to major landmarks like the British Museum, Trafalgar Square, and Soho

• Great for dining, shopping, and catching a West End show

• Full of charming pedestrian streets and market stalls

Cons:

• Can get very crowded, especially on weekends

• Prices for hotels and food are on the higher end

• Less of a local, residential vibe

Recommended Hotels:

• Luxury: The Savoy

  • One of the most famous hotels in London, this hotel is absurdly well-rated.

• Luxury: NoMad London

  • A frequently recommended 5-star hotel, the NoMad is much more reasonable than other 5-stars in this area. The building, once an 18th-century London prison, was converted in 2021 into a “beautiful, bohemian, and evocative” hotel with a stunning double-height atrium restaurant.

• Upscale: The Resident Covent Garden

  • The staff and location are raved about, and all rooms come with a mini-kitchen including a microwave, fridge, and sink with BRITA filter, making this a great option for slightly longer, or family stays.

• Mid-Range: Strand Palace

  • This recently updated, large hotel is at a fantastic location on The Strand between Covent Garden and the river. It offers really good amenities for the price, and people love the Tate Modern chocolate and reusable water bottle they provide guests.

• Budget: The Z Hotel Covent Garden

  • Z hotel does a great job making use of compact space, and this location is no exception. People love how central this hotel is, and I would recommend getting a room with view over the garden through to Covent Garden if you can.

South Bank / Waterloo

Stretching along the Thames, the South Bank is London’s cultural playground, home to the Tate Modern, Southbank Centre, National Theatre, and the London Eye. Combined with the major transport hub of Waterloo station, it offers stunning river views, artistic energy, and easy access to the rest of the city.

Best for: River views, museums, families

Pros:

• Walking distance to the London Eye, Tate Modern, and the Southbank Centre

• Beautiful riverside promenade with lots of food stalls and cafes

• Close to Waterloo Station, making it convenient for transport

Cons:

• Limited hotel selection compared to other areas

• Can feel a bit touristy and less authentic in places

• Less nightlife compared to the West End

Recommended Hotels:

• Luxury: Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection

  • At the Bankside Hotel, you’ll find yourself in a living art gallery where you can engage with resident artists in the on-site Maker’s Studio, and enjoy eco-conscious amenities like paper key cards and sparkling water stations on every floor.

• Luxury: Sea Containers London

  • Experience the allure of a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner reimagined; Sea Containers London, designed by Tom Dixon, boasts nautical-inspired interiors, a riverside restaurant, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Thames.

• Upscale: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge

  • Situated opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, this contemporary hotel offers stunning city views, a 15-metre swimming pool, a Balinese Spa, and a stylish lounge bar with live music every evening.

• Mid-Range: ibis Styles London Southwark

  • This ibis is located just steps from Borough Market and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Guests appreciate its excellent location, comfortable rooms, and complimentary breakfast.

• Budget: Premier Inn London Southwark

  • There are not many well-rated budget options in this area, but this one is a gem. The rooms are fairly spacious, and people rave about the breakfast.

Mayfair / Marylebone

Probably my favorite neighborhood in London, this area offers a tale of two neighbourhoods: Mayfair exudes opulent luxury with its designer flagships, exclusive art galleries, and grand garden squares, while Marylebone charms with its village-like high street, independent boutiques, and cosy cafes. Both offer proximity to Hyde Park and world-class shopping on Oxford Street and Regent Street.

Best for: Luxury, shopping, refined atmosphere

Pros:

• Super upscale — think designer stores, fine dining, and posh hotels

• Marylebone adds a bit more charm and local feel with chic cafes and shops

• Great location near Oxford Street, Hyde Park, and Regent’s Park

Cons:

• One of the priciest areas to stay in London

• Mayfair can feel exclusive or “stuffy” to some

• Not a nightlife hub — more about quiet elegance

Recommended Hotels:

I have to caveat this section by saying that there are a lot of fantastic 5-star options in this area, including the Peninsula, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Ritz, etc. The 5-stars I’ve chosen are London icons, but if you have a favorite hotel or loyalty program, feel free to go with that — it’s probably in this area.

• Luxury: Claridge’s

  • If you want timeless London elegance, Claridge’s is the gold standard. It’s the kind of place where every detail is flawless — from the Art Deco interiors to the legendary service. With a history of hosting royalty and celebrities, it’s quiet luxury at its best.

• Luxury: The Connaught

  • The Connaught has a calm, understated luxury that just feels special from the moment you walk in. It is home to the award-winning Connaught Bar and an Aman Spa, and many review it as one of the best hotel stays ever.

• Luxury: The Dorchester

  • A Park Lane icon known for its 1930s glamour, exceptional service, and Michelin-dining, this hotel is just opposite from Hyde Park. I would recommend upgrading to a room with a view of the Park. There’s nothing like it.

• Upscale: Treehouse Hotel London

  • Playful design meets eco-conscious living at Treehouse Hotel London. Located near Regent Street, the panoramic rooftop views are absolutely stunning, the rooftop bar is lively, and the rooms are cozy and well-decorated.

• Mid-Range: The Z Hotel Gloucester Place

  • If you’ve always wanted to stay in a London period mansion, this is your chance. The hotel is 114 bedrooms spread over six townhouses in Gloucester Place. They also have free wine and cheese twice a week!

• Budget: Ridgemount Hotel

  • If you want something simple, comfortable, and well-located, Ridgemount Hotel is a real gem. It’s family-run, full of character, and serves an excellent, free full English/Irish or vegetarian breakfast every morning. It’s pricey for a “budget option,” but it’s the best I can recommend for this area.

City of London

The “Square Mile,” London’s historic financial district, is a fascinating blend of ancient history (Tower of London, Roman walls, St Paul's Cathedral) and gleaming modern skyscrapers. It buzzes during the week, becomes quieter on weekends, and boasts excellent transport links.

Best for: History lovers, business travelers, weekends away from crowds

Pros:

• Incredibly historic — home to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, and Roman ruins

• Quiet on weekends when the business crowd clears out

• Well-connected via Bank and Liverpool Street stations

Cons:

• Feels very business-oriented during the week

• Limited evening activity or nightlife

• Can lack charm compared to more residential neighborhoods

Recommended Hotels:

• Luxury: Pan Pacific London

  • Pan Pacific London is where sleek Singaporean design meets London’s historic heart. Guests get daily access to Sensory, a dedicated floor for wellness featuring an indoor infinity pool, high-performance gym, sauna rooms, and treatment facilities. The rooms are spacious, and the interior design is stunning.

• Luxury: Cheval Three Quays

  • If you’re after space, privacy, and jaw-dropping river views, Cheval Three Quays is your hotel. These serviced apartments sit right next to the Tower of London, and the penthouses offer views from their balconies of The Shard and Tower Bridge — it’s like having your own luxury flat in the city.

• Upscale: master Cannon

  • With fully equipped kitchens and modern amenities, master Cannon provides stylish serviced apartments perfect for those staying in London for longer. They also offer family apartments for 4, 5, or 6 people.

• Mid-Range: Motel One London - Tower Hill

  • Motel One Tower Hill is a smart, design-forward hotel that’s surprisingly affordable. The location is ideal — just steps from the Tower of London — and the interiors blend modern comfort with subtle nods to British heritage.

• Budget: Wombat's City Hostel

  • Wombat’s often comes up as one of the best hostels in London. Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, it has a social vibe with a cozy courtyard, a lively bar, and a rooftop people rave about. They offer both bunk beds and private rooms.

Shoreditch / Spitalfields

East London's creative heartland, Shoreditch and Spitalfields is classic London and a must-visit on your trip. Think vibrant street art, independent boutiques, vintage treasure troves, bustling markets (historic Spitalfields, edgy Brick Lane), a lively nightlife scene. This is as far east as I would recommend staying, even if coming back to London after many visits.

Best for: Trendy restaurants, nightlife, street art

Pros:

• Super cool and creative — great cafes, bars, vintage shops, and galleries

• Close to Brick Lane, Columbia Road Flower Market, and Spitalfields

• Great for younger travelers or digital nomads

Cons:

• Not as close to tourist sights like Buckingham Palace or Big Ben

• Can feel gritty or loud, especially at night

• Limited traditional hotel options (more Airbnbs and boutique stays)

Recommended Hotels:

• Luxury: Batty Langley’s

  • Batty Langley’s is what British royalty dreams are made of. Each room is uniquely decorated with antique furnishings and hidden surprises, like secret bathrooms concealed behind bookcases, taking you back to the 18th century the moment you step inside.

• Upscale: One Hundred Shoreditch

  • If you are traveling as a group and need multiple rooms, I would recommend One Hundred Shoreditch. They offer many, many, many configurations of their rooms, with stays up to 6 people. The rooms are fairly spacious, and the rooftop bar has panoramic city views.

• Upscale: Hart Shoreditch (Curio Collection by Hilton)

  • Probably the best rated 4-star hotel in the area, Hart Shoreditch offers family rooms (you can request a crib) with air-conditioning, Marshall speakers, and a fitness center with yoga classes.

• Mid-Range: citizenM Shoreditch

  • Technically a 4-star, but priced like a 3-star, citizenM is always a vibe. They encourage guests to spend their time in common areas, so the rooms are very small (just the essentials) but comfortable and tech-savvy, and the communal spaces are vibrant, communal, and expansive.

• Budget: hub by Premier Inn

  • Hotel rooms in this area of London are particularly small, but the hub by Premier Inn offers one for a great price. Perfect for solo travellers.

Stays a bit further out:

If this is your first time in London, I wouldn’t recommend staying in these two areas because they are much further away from most of London’s “tourist attractions,” meaning you’ll spend a lot more time in transit. They also have a fewer food options than other areas. But they are (in my opinion), some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in London, so if you plan to mostly stay near your hotel and enjoy the vibes, then you could stay here.

Notting Hill

Possibly London’s most-famous neighborhood, Notting Hill retains a charming, slightly bohemian village feel. It’s a delightful area for wandering, browsing independent shops and cafes, and soaking up the atmosphere.

Best for: Aesthetics, boutique shopping, quieter vibe

Pros:

• Gorgeous pastel townhouses and photogenic streets

• Home to the famous Portobello Road Market

• More residential and relaxed than central London

Cons:

• A bit further from many major attractions (20–30 mins on the Tube)

• Can get very busy during market days

• Some hotels/B&Bs can feel dated or overpriced

Recommended Hotels:

• Upscale: The Portobello Hotel

  • The Portobello Hotel is renowned for its bohemian charm and celebrity history (apparently Kate Moss and Johnny Depp bathed in champagne in a tub in Room 16). Every room is decorated differently, and the hotel is in a period mansion, so you’ll feel like a prince or princess walking in and out every day.

• Upscale: The Lost Poet

  • The Lost Poet offers a unique boutique experience with just four individually designed rooms. The “Muse” suite has a private rooftop terrace and maisonette layout, and a breakfast tote of “naughty” or “nice” food is delivered to your door each morning.

• Mid-Range: Ruby Zoe Hotel

  • If you like Caribbean themes or live music, Ruby Zoe Hotel is for you. Guests can hire electric guitars, enjoy live gigs in the bar, and even find a 1957 Ford Prefect car as part of the eclectic interior design.

I could not in good conscience recommend a proper luxury or budget stay here (there just aren’t that many hotels in Notting Hill, unfortunately), but the three I’ve included here are amazing options.

Kensington / South Kensington

We lived in South Kensington, so I am biased, but I think this is a top 3 neighborhood of London. Home to the V&A, Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall, and bordering Hyde Park, Kensington & South Kensington are quieter (and more beautiful) than most parts of London. They’re also walking distance to my my favorite neighborhoods, including Chelsea, Belgravia, Mayfair, and Notting Hill.

Best for: Museums, luxury, quiet nights

Pros:

• Home to the Natural History Museum, V&A, and Hyde Park

• Elegant architecture and calm, upscale vibe

• Lots of classic London hotels and afternoon tea spots

Cons:

• On the expensive side

• Not much nightlife or evening energy

• Feels more residential and posh, which might not appeal to everyone

Recommended Hotels:

• Luxury: Milestone Hotel Kensington

  • The Milestone Hotel is absolutely stunning, offers many bespoke experiences, including private in-suite concerts with members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London family portraits, and lessons in sabrage—the art of opening champagne with a sabre.

• Luxury: The Ampersand Hotel

  • The Ampersand Hotel draws inspiration from nearby museums, with each room themed around subjects like astronomy, botany, or music. Guests love it. One guest wrote, “As someone who travels a lot, I am extremely particular and this hotel did not miss any point in any area.”

• Upscale: No1 The Mansions by Mansley

  • No1 The Mansions by Mansley provides spacious, fully serviced apartments within a classic Victorian building. With options accommodating up to eight guests, it's an ideal choice for families or groups seeking a home away from home.

• Upscale: Ember Locke Kensington

  • Ember Locke Kensington combines the comforts of apartment living with hotel amenities. Each studio features a fully equipped kitchenette, and the property hosts regular wellness events and creative workshops, fostering a community atmosphere among guests.

• Mid-Range: London Lodge Hotel

  • London Lodge Hotel is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian townhouse, offering individually decorated rooms that exude classic English charm without the hefty price tag. People also rave about love how comfortable the beds are, which is always a good sign.

Neighborhoods I personally would not stay:

Westminster

Westminster is very popular to visit, but once you’ve seen the sights, you’ve seen the sights, and you’re left with all the other tourists who are there to see the sights. I would spend a day there, then get out. If you want to spend time around Buckingham Palace and this area, I would either go up to Mayfair or across the water to Waterloo/South Bank (see above).

King’s Cross

I find the area of King’s Cross a too hectic (and some parts too sketchy). The Granary Square area is up and coming and can be quite nice, but unless you plan to do a lot of day trips to various other places (for which you would leave from King’s Cross Station), I wouldn’t recommend staying there.

Hampstead Heath

Another iconic London neighborhood that is just a little far from everything. You have great access to Regents Park, but that’s about it.

Camden

Camden is just a little too far out of the way, even though the Camden Market is iconic and definitely worth visiting.

South of South Bank

If you’re going to stay south of the river, I would not recommend anything south of South Bank to Southwark. Transportation in and out of that area can just get difficult and add to already long days visiting the city.

What to do in London

If you’re coming to London, I have a 3-day itinerary or a 5-day itinerary for the city that I’ve refined over a year and a half. It breaks down each day almost hour by hour and includes day trips, if it’s not your first visit, or you want to see more of the United Kingdom. I also have a travel guide that lists my favorite museums, restaurants, afternoon teas, etc, in London that I hope helps!