With its beautiful architecture, interesting history, and vibrant nightlife, London has something to offer every type of traveler. The city of London is huge and there are a lot of different neighborhoods. That is why, when choosing where to stay in London, you have to know what you want to see and how much you want to spend.
London. Not only the capital city of England but one of the most visited cities in the world. And for good reason. Whether you are only spending 3 days in London or a whole week, you are going to want some help on deciding which neighborhood to base yourself in. Check out Amazing Places to Visit in the UK
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The Best Areas to Stay in London
London is a massive city. It can take over three hours to get from one side to the other by the Underground – or Tube, never mind how long it would take by bus or car. Therefore, the most important thing to consider when deciding where to stay is how you get from there to the main things you want to see.
We asked local London expert Karen Worrall to create a guide on the best hotels in London and share her opinions on what she thinks first time visitors to London should see. Read more: 22 of the Top Things to do in London, England
In a Hurry? If you want to skip directly to the best hotels in London, here are the top choices.
- Best Luxury Hotel in London – Shangri-La at The Shard – Unparalleled service, beautiful rooms and a true luxury experience. Make sure to check out afternoon tea at their restaurant.
- Best Mid-Range hotel in London – Strand Palace – Great location, minutes walk from Covent Garden. The clean chic rooms, excellent service every time, stylish common areas, and a high-quality restaurant.
- Best Budget Hotel in London – Park Grand London Kensington – Perfect family-friendly hotel with great rooms and amenities. Close to the Earl’s Court Tube station.
Covent Garden – Where to Stay in London For First Time Visitors
Covent Garden is my personal favorite and definitely the best place to stay in London for first time visitors. To me, it is the very heart of authentic London where you can see the living history of the place, wandering around the market seeing many local characters that wouldn’t be out of place in an Alan Jay Lerner production.
So many of the main attractions like the National Gallery, Houses of Parliament and the London Eye are walking distance from each other in Covent Garden. If you are into theatre then don’t miss visiting The Strand as it has many of the West End’s best theatres including the Savoy, the Adelphi, and Vaudeville.
Best Places to Stay Near Covent Garden and The Strand
- Best Airbnb in Covent Garden: This luxury studio apartment, with separate kitchen, is beautifully decorated, spotless, and really close to the Covent Garden Tube station. You have the whole apartment to yourself.
- Luxury: Covent Garden Hotel – One of the best hotels in London, with a central location right in Covent Garden, exquisite French-style decorated Luxury boutique.
- Check out Availability & Prices on Trip Advisor or Booking.com
- Mid-Range: Strand Palace – Great location, minutes walk from Covent Garden. The clean chic rooms, excellent service every time, stylish common areas, and a high-quality restaurant.
- Check out Availability & Prices on Trip Advisor or Booking.com
- Budget: Seven Dials Hotel – Friendly small hotel in the perfect location. Helpful staff, one of the top-rated budget places. Single, double * triple rooms, breakfast included.
- Check out Availability and Prices on Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Attractions Near Covent Garden
- Covent Garden Market
- Jubilee Market
- The Crusting Pipe
- Transport Museum
- British Museum
- The Theatre – West End Shows currently playing: The Lion King, Mama Mia, Phantom of the Opera, Thriller Live
Kensington and South Kensington – Best Places to Stay for Families
This part of London houses the famous museum quarter and is full of British history. If you are a history and museum buff this is the perfect place to base yourself. Not only are you close to museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum, but you are also close to Hyde Park for some quiet strolls.
I really love this area because it is so typically British. Everyone is incredibly friendly and it is a quiet neighborhood away from most of the hustle and bustle of central London.
Where to Stay in Kensington/South Kensington
- Airbnb in Kensington Located on the ground floor of a Victorian House this studio comes with a double bed and is located right across from Kensington Palace.
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: The Resident Kensington – Perfectly located in the heart of Kensington this hotel gets rave reviews for its great staff and beautiful rooms.
- Check out Prices and Availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
- Best Budget Hotel: Park Grand London Kensington – Perfect family-friendly hotel with great rooms and amenities. Close to the Earl’s Court Tube station.
- Check Prices and Availability on TripAdvisor or Booking.com
Attractions near Kensington/South Kensington
- Kensington Palace
- Natural History Museum
- Science Museum
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- High Street Shopping
- Kensington Gardens
SOHO – Best Area to Stay in London for Nightlife
If you are wondering where the best place to stay in London is and want fashion and history, Soho is it. One of the most fashionable areas of London meets history with Nelson’s column and art at the National Gallery.
Just behind it is Leicester Square, and right behind that, the cool cat that is Soho. Soho is one of the best spots for culinary fans of haute cuisine, with Michelin star restaurants, such as Social Eating House and Lima London, starting many food trends here.
Trafalgar Square is for many, the most iconic spot in London, with the towering statue of the diminutive Lord Nelson watching over the city, with his trusty lion guards.
Where to Stay in Soho
- Best Air BnB in SOHO: Beautifully decorated and centrally located right next to Trafalgar Square. 2 Bedroom Flat that has everything at your doorstep.
- Best Hotel in Soho/Trafalgar Square: The Savoy – This is pure 5 star living. Located right on the Thames it has impeccable rooms, over the top service, free wifi and a pool.
- Check Prices and Availability on TripAdvisor or Booking.com
- Best Mid-Rage Hotel Trafalgar Square: The Grand at Trafalgar Square – Just off Trafalgar Square, you can find four-star luxury in this Victorian building, which is just meters from all of the area’s main attractions.
- Check out Availability & Prices on Trip Advisor or Booking.com
- Best Budget Hotel in Soho: The Z Hotel in Soho – Economically friendly option, but still with clean crisp décor and all the amenities you could need in a central area. This is such a great location for theatre goers.
- Check out Availability & Prices on Trip Advisor or Booking.com
Attractions Near Soho and Trafalgar Square
- Take in some Jazz at Ronnie Scott’s
- Chinatown
- Leicester Square
- National Gallery
South Bank – Best Neighborhood to Stay in London for Sightseeing
One of the things I love the most about the the South Bank neighborhood is its easy access to a lot of the main attractions and it is a great place to people watch.
I loved being so close to the Tate Museum, London Eye and treating myself to afternoon tea at the Shard. This is what makes central London such a great place to stay if you are into sightseeing and like to be in the heart of things.
There are also some great restaurants in this area and if you are into street food then you have come to the right place. Although most of the area is populated with luxury hotels there are a few midrange and budget options.
You may also like: Where to Stay in Paris France
Where to Stay on the South Bank
- Best Air BnB in the South Bank: This lovely 1 bedroom flat is perfectly located in the centre of it all yet is quiet. Super clean, Wifi, kitchen and a washer and dryer.
- Best Hotel in South Bank: Shangri-La at The Shard – Unparalleled service, beautiful rooms and a true luxury experience. Make sure to check out afternoon tea at their restaurant.
- Check Prices and Availability on TripAdvisor or Booking.com
- Best Mid-range Hotel in South Bank: Sea Containers London – A beautiful boutique hotel on the banks of the Thames. Gorgeous rooms and an award-winning restaurant.
- Check prices and Availability on TripAdvisor or Booking.com
- Best Budget Hotel in South Bank: Ibis London Blackfriars Hotel – Clean basic rooms that are close to some of London’s best markets, independent stores and live music venues.
- Check Prices and Availability on TripAdvisor and Booking.com
Attractions Nearby
- London Eye
- Tate Museum
- The Shard
- Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament
- Globe Theatre
- National Theatre
Chelsea – Best Area to Stay in London for Fashion and Shopping
The Chelsea area is a perfect place to stay in London especially if you love to shop and take in some fine dining. Known as the fashion capital of London, Chelsea has a charm all to its own. With colorful buildings, incredible shopping, great galleries and some of the coolest restaurants in the city, it is no wonder people flock to this area.
Make sure to take a break from the stores and wander the streets. There are some great scenes that are crying out to be photographed, and if you are there with a loved one make sure to take in the view from the Albert Bridge at sunset. It is magical
Where to Stay in Chelsea
- Best Air BnB in Chelsea: Bordering both Kensington and Chelsea this comfortable and stylish flat has a great location. It is walking distance to the Tube, museums, markets and several excellent pubs.
- Best Hotel: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park: Located right on Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, The Mandarin offers luxury accommodations at a luxury price. If you want o be pampered stay here!
- Check Prices and Availability on TripAdvisor and Booking.com
- Mid Range: Sloane Place: Located in the heart of Chelsea this boutique hotel has beautifully decorated rooms, a bar and a spa.
- Check Prices and Availability on TripAdvisor and Booking.com
- Budget:My Chelsea: With a great location this boutique hotel has smallish rooms but they are comfortable and the price is right.
- Check Prices and Availability on TripAdvisor and Booking.com
Attractions Nearby
- Shopping at Harrods
- Natural History Museum
- Kensington Palace
- Hyde Park
- London Zoo
Camden and King’s Cross – Best Places to Stay on a Budget
Weird and wonderful Camden, was once a scruffy area only for hippies and artists. Camden is now a thriving popular place full of hipsters and fashionistas. Camden is London’s Harajuku. It has its own distinct style and flavour and people there dress to stand out and show their personality.
Kings Cross is another area that used to be seedy but is undergoing a re-generation. Now home to great eateries and nice hotels, it has transformed itself into an excellent neighbourhood to base yourself especially if you are a return visitor.
Where to Stay in Camden
The prices for staying here are still lower in general than the other neighborhoods in London featured.
It has more hostels and B&Bs than expensive hotels, but with its gentrification and rising popularity, that won’t last long. So come and enjoy that aspect while you can.
- Best Air BnB in Camden: Located on a quiet street next to Regent’s Park this beautifully decorated flat is close to Camden Markets and the Tube station.
- Best Hotel in Camden: York & Albany -Ideally located between Camden and Regent’s Park, this is a refined hotel to base yourself in the Camden area. Relaxing with a book in the hotel’s library and creating your own cocktail at the bar are some of the highlights.
- Check out Availability & Prices on Trip Advisor or Booking.com
- Best Mid-Range Hotel in Camden: Holiday Inn – Camden Lock – Camden doesn’t really do luxury, but this extremely well located, comfortable hotel right on Camden Lock is a good choice if you want to be in this area. It is a little nicer than the hipster digs which are the norm.
- Check out Availability & Prices on Trip Advisor or Booking.com
- Best Budget hotel in Camden: Christopher’s Inn – Camden – This low priced hostel offers double & twin rooms as well as bunk dorm beds for the budget traveller. Right on Camden High Street, a 2 min walk from a tube stop, with friendly staff & discounts at the restaurant for guests, it’s a popular choice.
- Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor or Booking.com
Attractions Nearby:
- Camden Markets
- Regents Canal
- Live Music
- Platform 9 3/4 for Harry Potter fans
- Camley Street Natural Park
Mayfair – Best Place to Stay in London for Luxury
If you are coming to London for a bit of pampering and luxury then you have to stay in the Mayfair area. Located between Hyde Park and Soho, Mayfair is London’s most wealthy neighborhood. Everything here is 4 and 5 star.
With Michelin star restaurants, high-end designer stores, and chic cocktail bars, it is the perfect place to indulge yourself for a night or two. It is also a beautiful neighborhood to stroll around at night as it is often quiet and not too busy.
Where to stay in Mayfair
- Air BnB in Mayfair Newly refurbished two double bedroom apartment in a listed period Mayfair block, moments from Piccadilly. The property is situated on the second floor with a lift and benefits from large windows which offer excellent light throughout.
- Best Luxury Hotel in Mayfair:The Connaught: This famous hotel offers on-site Michelin-starred dining, a holistic spa and 2 chic bars. The rooms are quite comfortable and luxurious.
- Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor or Booking.com
- Best Mid Range Hotel in Mayfair:Z Hotel at Gloucester Place: Located in the north part of Mayfair this hotel had modern rooms, comfortable beds, and friendly staff. Note, the rooms are a little “cozy”.
- Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor or Booking.com
- Best Budget Hotel in Mayfair:The Mayfair Guesthouse: In an area know for luxury hotels this is the best value in the area. Great location, close to the tube but basic accommodation.
- Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor or Booking.com
City of London – Best Area to Stay in London for Top Attractions
The City of London area is great neighbourhood to stay in if you want to be close to the top attractions. Centrally located and relatively moderate when it comes to prices, this area of London has a lot of history and is central to most attractions.
It is the financial district of London and is filled with hip cafes, great shopping, and a mix of both traditional and modern architecture. Most of the accommodation here is a mix of mid-range and luxury but Air Bnb has some great properties as well.
Make sure to jump on a boat along the Thames and visit one of the many markets in this area.
Hotels in London Central Area
- Air BnB in City of London These one-bedroom apartments with comfort cooling are perfect for a stay in The City. The living and dining area features a luxurious sofa, designer soft furnishings and a large flat-screen Smart TV packed with plenty of TV channels as well as an Apple TV box, so you can easily stream your own content.
- Best Luxury Hotel in The City:Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square: Situated near the Tower of London and the Thames this is pure luxury. Everything you expect from a Four Seasons property. Amazing location, elegant rooms, and Afternoon Tea.
- Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor or Booking.com
- Best Mid-Range Hotel in The City:Apex Temple Court Hotel: Contemporary design, beautiful rooms, and friendly staff make this a perfect choice for The City. Free Wifi, cozy restaurant and bar with a gym as well.
- Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor or Booking.com
- Best Budget Hotel in The City:Wombat’s The City Hostel London: Perfect for those wanting to save some money. Centrally located with rooms with private or shared bath. Free Wifi and a bar on the property.
- Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor or Booking.com
Attractions Nearby
- Museum of London
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Tower of London
- London Bridge
- Leadenhall Market
So there you have it. My choices for the hotels and places to stay. The ever-popular London is world-famous and filled with such a variety of things to do that whatever your interests are, you’ll find things to fulfill them here with many world-class attractions, museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants and so many pubs.
It offers variety, and freedom to be yourself in it, and have a royally good time. So book your flights and pack your bags, as London’s calling.
South Bank is where you want to base yourself if you want to be close to attractions like Big Ben, The London Eye and the Tate Museum to name a few.
Covent Garden: If this is your first time in London, Covent Garden is great because it is central and close to most of the attractions. It also has great transportation options.
Kensington and South Kensington are the best family-friendly neighborhoods in London. They are quiet, close to places like Hyde Park and appeal to kids of all ages.
If you love to shop then Chelsea is where you will want to base yourself. It is close to all the high-end stores in London.
For more London travel information to help your London itinerary, check out these links below.
- London Landmarks – 18 Famous Places in Photos
- 3 Days in London – The Ultimate London Itinerary
- How to Get from London Airports to the City
- 22 of the Top Things to do in London, England
- London’s Top 5 Alternative Attractions
- The Top 5 Museums in London you Have to See
- Where to Stay in Edinburgh
- The Best Things to do in Edinburgh
If you are planning a trip to England, make sure to check out our UK Travel Guide
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In May 2018 I stayed in Westminster and felt completely safe. It was my first visit and I can’t wait to go back to see the less touristy areas like Kensington or Notting Hill.
I have a flight with my wife to London next year. Knowing this will help us a lot to decide where to go. Thank you so much!
Hopefully in april we will be there. If everything works i think camden town are is also great area to stay
Thanks for this awesome guide! I have visited London more than 10 times and I am waiting to have better situation in terms of covid security to make a new visit. I hope before Christmas I will be there again.
You are welcome. We tried to put together a really comprehensive guide so everyone can find the best places to stay.
WOW, amazing guide ! thansk
Thank you for sharing this post. Definitely both Natural History Museum and the London Zoo are one of the best places to visit.
It’s great that you posted this info. My daughter and I are planning a trip to London this summer and I really wanted to know where we can stay! Great review! Thanks!
Thank you very much. This is the most comprehensive post I’ve read about London in the entire internet. That’s nice, thank you very much.
This summer I am travelling to the city and you have given me a lot of advice and recommendations 🙂 🙂
Remember to always try find out if the hotel have decent hairdryers too. So many times everything is perfect with the stay apart from the provided hotel dryer that could not even dry the hair on your legs !
London is great but a bit loud for me. I’ve stayed in Shoreditch and loved it. Thanks for details. I will choose from here next time!
Nice post, we love London, a good place for a good travel
Wow!!
Thanks for the information.
Amazing places in London, I want to go everywhere
Amazing place whre you can relaxing cup of cafe con leche in Plaza Mayor
We will be visiting London in June ( hubby, I and son : 3 adults) . We plan to book into an Airbnb accommodation. So obviously we are on a budget! Which locality would be a good place to stay that will be easy to access transport for sightseeing and also to experience the local culture and cuisine? We plan to get the London Pass for the sightseeing.
I chose to stay at the Sydney House Chelsea. It’s only a few blocks from the South Kensington tube station. The neighborhood is quiet which was nice after sightseeing in the city. But Kings Row with shops and restaurants is just a few blocks away
Thanks for the information..
WOW, this is the kind of work guys in Lonely Planet are paid for.
I love the city and the thing are made there 🙂
Kudos!
good post like to travel on
This blog post is a ready reckoner to anybody traveling to London for the first time. You have covered them in very detail.
Your piece of write-ups inspire me to travel more and more. I love your blogs posts how they emanate powerful energy to just let your soul wandering and follow our dreams.
London serviced apartments are best for long stay family holidays, best alternative to hotels.
serviced apartments are a great concept and can work out cost effective in the long run. It is ideal or families, relocation, business and international assignments. why are they cost effective you may ask? well unlike hotels serviced apartments should charge per apartment and not per person, there are no hefty bill charges like Laundry, telephone charges etc.
The location of these serviced apartments should be in prime locations, where there is easy access to trains, restaurants and super markets. if your booking via an agent then they should advise all details of the property to you, what the amenities are etc.
How fun! I’m thinking of using HereStay.com to rent a vacation home in London next summer. Have you considered that?
I haven’t tried them yet. You must let us know how it goes. Apartment stays are a great option indeed.
We just got back from Paris where we rented an apartment in Mont Matre just below (what a fabulous view) Sacre Coeur. We saved a ton of money by using the local grocery stores and bakeries. The washing machine was great because we pack light. Internet was included and even the TV came in handy for the local weather and news.
We have a large family and we have rented apartments in Rome and Paris. It did save us a lot of money but one thing to be aware of is that the amenities may not be what you expect in a hotel. Ask before you book.
Good advice Michele. An apartment is not a hotel and it is important to check out all the amenities to make sure that it has what you want. They are two very different ways of staying in a city. A hotel caters to you and gives you the full vacation experience, while an apartment gives you the sense that you are living in the city for the time you are there. Both are beneficial for sure.
How much is the price for this apartment? This info will be useful for your readers.
Hi Kenny, Prices vary from time of year to number of people and the length of stay. You are right that it would be useful information, but we cannot quote prices for you when circumstances are different for everyone. We instead have provided a link for our readers to follow to get their own quotes for the area and times that they are looking for. Oh London’s website is very easy to navigate and you can easily find a quote for a say in Downtown London. Good luck and cheers.
We are thinking about this for next summer in Europe! I love the picture in front of the washing machine….we have had very similar situations!
Good to hear we aren’t the only ones. I just felt like an idiot. It happened again in Kiev too. We were looking up the model and make on the Internet trying to figure out how to get the damn thing open. I am so glad we made it to the meeting eventually, but it was a bummer to miss out on pre event drinks with 501 Places.