Hotels in London

Where to Stay in London

• Westminster and the South Bank: Big Ben, the London Eye and the Thames within walking distance; ideal for first-time visitors.
• The West End (Covent Garden, Soho): theatres, restaurants and shopping, for those who want to spend evenings in town.
• Kensington and South Kensington: the Natural History and Science Museums and Hyde Park; a calm, elegant choice for families.
• King’s Cross and Paddington: the most practical areas for rail and airport connections.
• The City and Shoreditch: business travel, street art, markets and nightlife.

To compare areas in more detail, see our guides Where to Stay in London: A Neighbourhood Guide and Choosing a Boutique Hotel in London: A Neighbourhood Guide, and for value options Budget Hotels in London: Where to Stay for Less.

Types of Hotel

Most places to stay in London are hotels: compact city hotels in central locations, boutique hotels in historic buildings and large chain hotels. Aparthotels suit families and longer stays, while hostels and guest houses serve travellers on a budget. Some rooms in central compact hotels have no window, so read the room description before you book.

When to Go

May to September brings long days and milder weather; summer and the Christmas season in December are the busiest times. January to March is when hotel demand is relatively low. The weather can change in any season, so pack a waterproof.

Getting There and Around

London’s main airports are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City, the closest to the centre. From Heathrow, the Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line run into town. For a private transfer to your hotel, see London Heathrow Airport to London transfer and London City Airport to London transfer. On the Tube, buses and trains you can pay by contactless card or Oyster, with a daily fare cap.

Things to Do in London

The permanent collections of many major museums, including the British Museum, National Gallery and Tate Modern, are free. The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Borough Market are on the classic route. To explore with a guide, have a look at our London tours.

Practical Tips

• Permanent museum collections are free, but some special exhibitions need tickets booked in advance.
• Book West End shows and popular restaurants early for weekends.
• Choosing a hotel near a Tube or Elizabeth line station saves time and fares every day.
• Rooms in central hotels are usually small; if you are travelling as a family, look at family rooms or aparthotels.

Booking a Hotel in London

The lists on this page bring together the highest-rated hotels and the best-value options. Enter your check-in and check-out dates and the number of guests to see available room types, board options and cancellation terms. Card payments are processed securely. Your card is not charged now; the amount is taken once your booking is confirmed.