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Where to Stay in London: Your Complete Guide

London Accommodation Hub

Where to STAY in London.
Hotels, Apartments and Hostels Compared.

Finding the right place to stay in London makes all the difference. A good location saves you time, money and energy every single day of your trip. Whether you want a 5-star hotel steps from Big Ben, a quiet apartment in Zone 1, or a well-priced hostel in Soho, the options are endless and the prices vary enormously.

This page brings it all together. Compare live rates from Booking.com, Expedia, VRBO and more in one place, with no hidden markups and the same prices you would find booking directly. And when you need a smooth arrival from the airport, our partner Chauffeurz has you covered.

32 London Boroughs
1,100+ Hotels in London
Zone 1 Best Base for Tourists
£55 Stays from
Best Areas to Stay in London
Covent Garden and Westminster are the top choices for first-time visitors, central, safe, and within walking distance of major landmarks. For the best balance of location and price, Paddington and Bloomsbury are strong alternatives. Compare hotels in all these areas on our STAY booking comparison tool.
Zone 1 is the ideal base for sightseeing. It covers Westminster, South Bank, Covent Garden, Soho, and the City of London, putting you within walking distance of the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and the West End theatres. Find and compare Zone 1 hotels on our accommodation comparison page.
Paddington, Bayswater, King’s Cross, and Camden offer the best value for budget travellers while remaining well-connected to the Tube. Paddington is particularly useful if arriving from Heathrow via the Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express. For the cheapest deals in these areas, compare live rates on our STAY page. Need a stylish arrival? Book an airport transfer with Chauffeurz from as little as £10 per person.
Yes. South Kensington is one of the best family areas in London. It is home to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, all free to enter. Hyde Park is a short walk away. Hotels here are mid-range to luxury with excellent safety ratings. Compare family hotels in South Kensington on our accommodation tool.
North London (Westminster, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury) is better for first-time tourists due to a higher concentration of landmarks, better Tube coverage and more hotel options at all price points. South London (South Bank, Borough) offers great value and atmosphere but slightly fewer direct Tube connections. Compare hotels in both areas on our STAY comparison page.
Hotels in London
The Savoy, Claridge’s, The Corinthia, The Langham, and Shangri-La The Shard are consistently rated among London’s finest luxury hotels. All are in Zone 1 with exceptional service, fine dining, and iconic locations. Compare live rates on our STAY booking tool which aggregates prices from Booking.com, Expedia, and VRBO in one view.
The Hoxton, CitizenM London Bankside, The Zetter Townhouse, and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge offer boutique quality and excellent locations at significantly lower prices than traditional 5-star hotels. Prices typically range from £120 to £220 per night. Find the best current rates on our accommodation comparison tool.
Marriott County Hall, Corinthia London, The Royal Horseguards, and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge are all within minutes of Big Ben and Westminster Bridge. Most offer Thames views and direct access to Westminster Tube station. Compare prices on our STAY page.
The Mandrake, Hotel Cafe Royal, ME London, The Ned, and Hazlitt’s are popular romantic choices, each offering intimate atmospheres, exceptional design, and central locations. For a truly special arrival, pair your stay with a private chauffeur transfer. Compare romantic hotel deals on our STAY booking tool.
For families, look for hotels in South Bank, Westminster, or Kensington with family suites, kid-friendly menus, and easy Tube access. The Montague on the Gardens, COMO The Halkin, and Park Plaza Riverbank are popular family choices. Compare family hotel options on our accommodation page and read our full guide: 7 Amazing Family-Friendly Hotels in London.
Airbnb and Apartments in London
Often yes. For groups of 3 or more, a Central London Airbnb apartment can be significantly cheaper per person than booking multiple hotel rooms. Multi-bedroom apartments in areas like Camden, Clerkenwell, and Notting Hill offer excellent value. Compare Airbnb and hotel rates side by side on our STAY comparison tool.
Soho, Covent Garden, South Bank, and Marylebone offer the best Airbnb options in Zone 1, combining central locations with a wide variety of apartment styles from studios to penthouses. Clerkenwell lofts and Southbank riverside apartments are particularly popular. Browse all options on our STAY page.
Hackney, Shoreditch, Camden, and Notting Hill offer the most authentic local London experience via Airbnb, with independent cafes, street markets, and vibrant nightlife without the tourist premium. Find the best deals on our accommodation comparison tool.
Yes. London has a large supply of short-term rental apartments available for single nights through to week-long stays. For single-night stays, comparing Airbnb alongside hotels often reveals better value hotel deals. Use our STAY booking tool to compare both options in real time.
Budget Stays and Hostels
Travelodge London Central Kings Cross, Z Hotel Soho, Motel One Tower Hill, and Generator London Hostel offer excellent value in central locations. Prices start from around £55 per night. Compare live rates on our STAY page and read our dedicated guide: 11 Brilliant Picks for Budget Accommodation in London.
Yes. London’s hostels are generally very safe, well-run, and located in central areas. Generator Hostel London, YHA London Central, and St Christopher’s Inn are highly rated options offering both dorm beds and private rooms. Compare hostel and budget hotel options on our STAY booking tool.
Book at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance for the best rates. Avoid school holidays and major events. Consider areas like Paddington, Bayswater, and King’s Cross which offer central access at lower prices than Covent Garden or Westminster. Our STAY comparison tool aggregates live rates from Booking.com, Expedia, and VRBO so you always see the best available price without switching between tabs.
Practical Hotel Questions
Claridge’s in Mayfair is widely considered London’s most prestigious hotel, famous for its Art Deco interiors, celebrity guest history, and flawless service. The Savoy, The Ritz, and The Connaught are equally iconic alternatives. All are bookable via our STAY comparison tool.
Shangri-La The Shard, Sea Containers London, ME London, The Savoy, and Marriott County Hall all offer spectacular Thames views. Compare room availability and live rates on our STAY booking page.
Most London hotels require guests to be at least 18 to book independently. Some hotels allow 16 to 17 year olds with written parental consent. Policies vary by property, so always check directly with the hotel before booking. Use our STAY comparison tool to find and contact specific hotels about their policies.
Most London hotels include WiFi and daily housekeeping. Breakfast, parking, and resort fees are typically charged separately. Budget hotels rarely include breakfast while luxury hotels often offer it as part of a package. Always check what is included before booking on our STAY comparison tool.
For a stress-free arrival with luggage, Chauffeurz Premium Services offers meet and greet at arrivals, fixed pricing from all London airports, and 60 minutes free waiting. For budget arrivals, the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow reaches central London in under 40 minutes. Find all transport options on our airport transfers page.
Yes. Marriott County Hall, Sea Containers London, Park Plaza Waterloo, and Travelodge London Central Southwark are all within minutes of the London Eye and South Bank. Compare South Bank hotels on our STAY booking tool and read our dedicated guide: 11 Charming Hotels Near London Eye.
The Langham, Corinthia London, Four Seasons Park Lane, and The Landmark London all offer exceptional spa facilities and romantic atmospheres. For a complete romantic experience, combine your hotel stay with a private evening chauffeur service. Compare spa hotel rates on our STAY page.
Luxury Stays and Special Occasions
The Savoy, Shangri-La The Shard, The Corinthia, and Marriott County Hall are the top 5-star options within minutes of Big Ben and Westminster. Compare live rates on our STAY comparison tool and read our full guide: 11 Amazing Luxury Hotels Near Big Ben.
Claridge’s, The Ritz, The Savoy, Brown’s Hotel, and The Langham are London’s most celebrated afternoon tea destinations, each offering a distinctly British experience in stunning surroundings. Book well in advance as afternoon tea at these venues fills up weeks ahead. Compare hotel rates on our STAY booking page.
The Ritz London, The Savoy, and The Lanesborough are the pinnacle of London luxury, offering butler service, palatial rooms, and locations that define classic British elegance. For a truly memorable arrival, combine your stay with a luxury chauffeur transfer from Chauffeurz in a Mercedes S-Class or V-Class. Compare suite rates on our STAY page.
The Mandrake in Fitzrovia, Batty Langley’s in Spitalfields, Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, and The Zetter Townhouse in Clerkenwell offer the most distinctive boutique experiences in London. Each has a unique design identity and exceptional restaurant. Compare boutique hotel availability on our STAY comparison tool.
Sea Containers London, Park Plaza Waterloo, Marriott County Hall, and Premier Inn London Waterloo all offer Thames views close to the London Eye. Compare availability and prices on our STAY page or read our guide: 11 Charming Hotels Near London Eye.
Romantic Hotels and Couples
The Mandrake, St Pancras Renaissance, ME London, The Ned, and Hotel Cafe Royal are London’s most romantic hotel experiences. Compare romantic weekend rates on our STAY booking tool and read our full guide: 21 Best Romantic Hotels in London for Couples.
The Landmark London, Hotel 41 near Buckingham Palace, and select suites at The Savoy and Corinthia London offer in-room hot tub experiences. Availability is limited so book well in advance. For the ultimate romantic package, combine with a private evening chauffeur transfer. Compare suite options on our STAY page.
Z Hotels Soho, CitizenM London Bankside, The Hoxton Shoreditch, and Ace Hotel London Shoreditch offer romantic atmospheres at significantly lower prices. Prices typically start from £100 to £160 per night. Compare couples hotel deals on our STAY comparison tool.
The Langham, Corinthia London, Four Seasons Park Lane, and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park offer London’s finest hotel spa experiences. The Corinthia’s ESPA Life spa is particularly celebrated for couples treatments. Compare spa hotel rates on our STAY booking page.
Family Stays in London
The Montague on the Gardens in Bloomsbury, COMO The Halkin in Belgravia, and Sofitel London St James offer excellent family suites with connecting rooms. Compare family room availability on our STAY comparison tool.
South Kensington, Bloomsbury, and Marylebone are the top family neighbourhoods, safe, central, with free museums, parks, and easy Tube access. For a smooth family arrival from the airport, book a family transfer with Chauffeurz, Mercedes V-Class available for larger groups with luggage.
Covent Garden, Camden, and Shoreditch work brilliantly for families with teenagers, with street food markets, independent shops, live music venues, and street art. All three are well-served by the Tube and Overground. Compare hotels in these areas on our STAY page.
Neighbourhoods and Local Tips
Shoreditch is excellent for visitors who want a more local, creative experience with street art, independent restaurants, craft beer bars, and vintage markets. Hotels here are generally cheaper than central London. Compare Shoreditch hotels on our STAY booking tool.
Yes. Notting Hill is a beautiful, safe neighbourhood ideal for couples and visitors wanting a quieter, more residential experience. Portobello Road Market, Holland Park, and excellent independent restaurants make it a charming base. Compare Notting Hill hotels on our STAY comparison page.
Soho, Shoreditch, Brixton, and Camden are London’s top nightlife districts. Soho is most central and safest for first-time visitors. Compare hotels near London’s nightlife areas on our STAY page and book a late-night chauffeur transfer home from Chauffeurz for a safe, stylish end to your evening.
Greenwich is worth considering for visitors who want a more relaxed, village-like experience with easy DLR and river bus access to central London. The Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and Greenwich Market are world-class attractions. Hotels here are often 30 to 40 percent cheaper than Zone 1. Compare Greenwich accommodation on our STAY booking tool.
Booking Tips and Practical Advice
January and February offer the cheapest London hotel rates, outside school holidays and major events. November is also good value before the Christmas period begins. Avoid booking during Wimbledon, Notting Hill Carnival, and major sporting events when prices surge significantly. Monitor live rates on our STAY comparison tool which updates in real time from all major booking partners.
Comparison tools consistently find lower rates than booking direct in most cases. Our STAY comparison tool aggregates live rates from Booking.com, Expedia, VRBO, and GetYourGuide in one view with no hidden markups and the same official prices as the partner sites.
Always check that your hotel is within a 5 to 7 minute walk of a Tube station. Prioritise stations served by multiple lines such as Victoria, King’s Cross, Waterloo, and South Kensington, which give you the fastest access across all zones. Use our STAY map tool to zoom in and check exact distances to the nearest Tube station before you book.
For a completely stress-free arrival, especially with luggage, children, or after a long-haul flight, Chauffeurz Premium Services offers door-to-door private transfers from all London airports with meet and greet, real-time flight tracking, and 60 minutes free waiting. Fixed pricing with no surge charges. Executive vehicles from Heathrow from £60. Compare all airport transfer options on our GO transfers page.
Most London hotels charge separately for breakfast, typically £15 to £35 per person per day. For budget stays, it is usually cheaper to eat at a nearby cafe. For luxury hotels, the full English breakfast experience is often worth the premium. Always check inclusions when comparing rates on our STAY comparison tool.
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