Where to Stay in London: Guide to Areas & Hotels

Where to stay in London. A quick Guide to learn the best areas to stay in London and to Best Hotels in London.

Ashley Chuang

Best Hotels in London

London hotels are known as expensive to a lot of travellers. Those who travel with limited budget can choose from hostels, homestay, Airbnb, B&B or aparthotels, which are all much cheaper options but usually they are not quite close to metro stations or attractions. Therefore selecting London hotels might be a bit tricky especially for first time visitors in order to be in a good location as well as to enjoy good value for money. I will give some tips on how to choose the best hotels in London by their locations, price range and reputations of safety. I have picked some highly recommended London Hotels at different levels such as  budget, mid-range and luxury to meet travellers needs.

Where’s the Best Areas to Stay in London?

What are the important things to know before making choices on where to stay in London? London is  a very spread out city with 6 Zones for transportation that determines the cost of subway tickets. Knowing the zones is very helpful for visitors to choose the right area to stay. Central London is basically in Zone 1&2 and is close to many top London attractions. Most London suburbs are between Zone 3&4. The entire London area including both Heathrow and city airport are Zone1~6. 

 Central London within Zone 1&2 is popular for tourists thanks to its proximity to attractions. All major tube stations are accessible which provide the convenience for all travellers to have easy access to attractions, shopping and dining. Staying close by tube stations is always highly recommended.  We will look at some highlights of London important tube stations below:

  1. King’s Cross St Pancras: It is the interchange hub connecting to Cambridge, York and Edinburgh. It is also linked to the Eurostar train terminal. Top Hotels in Kings Cross
  2. Paddington Station: It is an interchange hub connecting to Windsor, Oxford and Bath. Top Hotels in Paddington Station
  3. Waterloo Station: This is the station where trains head to  Windsor and Hampton, and London Eye, Big Ben, Millennium Bridge, Westminster Abbey are within walking distance. Top Hotels near Waterloo Station
  4. Hyde Park Corner Metro Station: Travellers can find Kensington Garden and Hyde Park in this area which provide peaceful greenery and an ideal place for taking walks. Top Hotels near Hyde Park
  5. Holborn Station: Where The British Museum, Covent Garden and Russel Square situated. Top Hotels in Holborn
  6. Leicester Square Station: Royal Opera House, Piccadilly are within walking distance. Top Hotels near Leicester Square

Tips for Selecting the Best Hotels in London

  1. Compare price and read guests’ reviews on Hotel Booking Websites. Try to choose hotels with 8 or higher rating scores. Ask yourself if those negative comments really matter to you?
  2. Try to stay near tube stations within Zone1 & 2 of central London for the benefits of easy access to attractions as well as saving money on daily transportation.
  3. An average of 27GBP per night will allow a backpacker to find a decent base to stay in London. For those who expect more comfort will need to stretch their budget accordingly.
  4. Hostels might NOT be the most economical way to stay in London for first time visitors unless making new friends is on daily agenda, as a result staying at hotels is highly recommended for people traveling in parties of 2 or more.
  5. Please keep in mind that not all hotels in European countries have lifts, for those who neither want to pack light nor want to carry heavy bags, it is important to do the homework to avoid “surprises”.

Recommended London Accommodations

Let’s look at some top rated hotels and Hostels that are well located and budget friendly.

🏠 Click here to view Guests reviews and compare prices of London Top Hotels《The Best Hotels in London

Mid-range Comfortable London Hotels

The top recommendation goes to the hotels that can satisfy guests who look for safe, clean, convenient and affordable bases that provide private bathrooms, lifts, air conditioning and tea/coffee makers.  The Average cost ranges between 90 to 160 GBP.

Hotel Moonlight

  • Location: Near Earl’s Court tube station and Hyde Park, surrounded by many restaurants and cafes. 
  • Features: Opened in 2016, Hotel Moonlight is a modern Victorian style boutique hotel in central London near Earl’s Court Station.  Guest rooms have quite good soundproof quality. Even though the units are on the small side and guests have to bear the fact that no toothbrush and toothpaste are provided, the flaws can be overshadowed by the great advantage of the perfect location, and it definitely worth the money spent.

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ibis London City Shoreditch

  • Location: Just seconds away from the Aldgate East London tube Station and Tesco, 10-minute walk to Liverpool tube Station. St. Paul’s Cathedral is a 15-minute walk away.
  • Features: Ibis is a well-known European brand that travellers can trust when traveling in Europe.  Ibis provides guests with consistent and promising standards. The hotel features great location, comfortable guest rooms, air conditioning, free WIFI, lifts, luggage storage and good breakfast. Ibis London City Shoreditch wraps up a total package with superb service and attractive price to win over tourists and business travellers.

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London House Hotel

  • Location:  London House Hotel is located within an easy walking distance to Hyde Park.Bayswater and Queensway tube stations are just minutes away by walk. It is surrounded by dining and shopping options.  Buckingham Palace can be reached on foot.
  • Features: This 3 star hotel owns a convenient location. Small sized guest rooms are nicely designed and feature air conditioning, refrigerator and free WIFI.

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Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London

  • Location: It is located next to the Westminster tube Station on the lively South Bank of the River Thames facing The House of Parliament and The Big Ben. London Eye and Big Ben are all within 5 minutes walking distance. 
  • Features: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London features contemporary design. Large guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning and desks. The hotel offers 24-hour gym, a 50 feet swimming pool with sauna, and a spa where guests can enjoy luxury treatments. It also features the award-wining dining options Brasserie Joel and Ichi Sushi & Sashimi.

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Hotel Indigo London Kensington – Earl’s Court

  • Location: 3 minutes to Earl’s Court tube Station, near Kensington Palace and the Royal Albert Hall. Within walking distance to various museums, restaurants and shopping streets including the famous Harrods.
  • Features: Hotel Indigo London Kensington is a centrally located boutique hotel that features individually designed spacious guest rooms, free WIFI, Aveda toiletries and rain showers.

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 Astors Belgravia Hotel

  • Location: Ideally located in the heart of Victoria within 10 minutes walking distance to Victoria Train Station. Victoria Coach Station is just 4 minutes away by walk. It is surrounded by shops.
  • Features: Guest rooms at Astors Belgravia Hotel are nicely designed for comfort. It features free WIFI and air conditioning. There is no lift at this hotel so it will be a challenge for guests who travel with many pieces of luggage.

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Waterloo Hub and Suites

  • Location: 10-minute walk to Waterloo tube Station, close to London Eye.
  • Features: This is one of London’s traditional hotels that are decorated in old fashion British style ,but has no air conditioning and fridges.  Guest rooms are equipped with coffee/tea makers. This hotel is a good fit for travellers who need a well located base for a good night sleep at an affordable price.

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Top London Budget Hotels

Is 90GBP a night out of your budget for an extended stay in London? Then the following budget hotels and hostels might be the better options to consider.   They are not fancy and some may not have air conditioning, lifts and coffee/tea makers, or even not as quiet. But you can trust that my recommendations will never surprise you with major issues such as bed bugs or cleanness concerns. I will be honest to highlight the pros and cons so that you can carefully choose the right one.Average nightly price under 80GBP

The Z Hotel Victoria

  • Location: Fantastic location! Victoria Station and Buckingham Palace are just 5 minutes away by walk!
  • Pros: great location & price, delicious afternoon treats and wine, fruits available all day;
  • Cons: rooms are on the small side.

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YHA London St Pancras – Hostel

london-hostel2
  • Location: Minutes away to King’s Cross Station and EuroStar railway station by walk, close to the British Library, grocery stores and convenience stores.
  • Pros: One of the best locations in central London, close to tube station, high customer ratings, low price.
  • Cons: It is hard to get available rooms.

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Wardonia Hotel

  • Location: Minutes away to King’s Cross Station and EuroStar Railway station by walk, near the British Library, grocery stores and convenience stores.
  • Pros: Close to tube Station, great location, clean
  • Cons: Guest rooms are small, no lifts

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Clink78 Hostel

  • Location: Minutes away to King’s Cross Station and EuroStar Railway station by walk, near the British Library, grocery stores and convenience stores.
  • Pros: Excellent location within 7 minutes walking distance to tube station, efficiency rooms with cooking facilities, free WIFI, free local walking tours daily;the authentic prison cell experience might sound really fun as a big pro!
  • Cons: Close to traffic noise

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YHA London Central

  • Location: 5 minute walk to Great Portland Street tube Station, close to Westminster, grocery stores nearby.
  • Pros: Convenient location, self-catering with cooking facilities, good review, bunk beds in shared rooms, lockers available, selected rooms have private bathrooms, double occupancy is available, continental hot breakfast, well equipped facilities; 
  • Cons: some guest rooms are shared, not all rooms have private bathrooms.

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【Luxury 5 Star London Accommodations】Nightly price from 210 GBP

London is one of the top international metropolitans and financial centres that not only draw the world’s glamour and celebrities but also conduct international trading businesses. As a result many world class 5 star hotels select London to be one of their important hubs. London is a city that never will be short of opportunity to indulge luxury and royalty lifestyle.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

  • Location: Adjacent to Hyde Park with a 2-minute walk to Knightsbridge tube Station
  • Features:  Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London is many celebrities’ favorites.  Each guest room is tastefully furnished and decorated with painting and artworks. The beautiful design showcases the flawless artistry of classic British elegance and contemporary London style. 
  • Amenities and Services: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London has 8 treatment rooms and the wellness center includes a fully equipped gym and a 50 feet swimming pool. It is home to the Michelin Awarded restaurant Heston Blumenthal where British cuisine is carefully served. Guests can enjoy French cuisine at the Bar Boulud ,while English afternoon tea is offered at the award winning Rosebery Lounge.

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Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard London

  • Location: Shangri-La Hotel is located by the bank of Thames on the 34 ~52 floor of the Shard London, just 1 minute walk away from the London Bridge railway and tube  station.
  • Features:  Sitting at the iconic landmark and observation look out of Shard London, Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard London is the highest hotel in London.  The floor-to-ceiling windows in each guest room unfold and magnify the mind-blowing London city views and its nightscape. All guest rooms are carefully designed to guarantee luxurious comfort.  Room amenities feature plush bathrobes, L’Occitane toiletries, pillow menu with hypoallergenic options.  The GONE is the highest bar in London located on level 52 where guests can enjoy a perfect sunset scene or just to unwind and social in the cloud.  Shangri-La is a wonderful place to experience London’s luxury lifestyle in the sky.

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Rosewood London

  • Location: Rosewood London is nestled in High Holborn Street with a 3-minute walk to Holborn tube station, 5-minute walk to Oxford Street, and the British Museum is just a 10-minute walk away.
  • Features: Rosewood is one of the best known top international hotel chains. Rosewood London is among London’s finest hotels presenting the sophistication and luxury of urban culture and lifestyle.  The hotel design and furnishing reflects rich elegant British style. All guest rooms are equipped with Nespresso coffee makers.  The hotel features British traditional breakfast and Art Afternoon Tea.

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Hotel Cafe Royal

  • Location: Hotel Café Royal is set on Regent Street in between the sophisticated Mayfair and the vibrant Soho with a short 6-minute walk to Oxford shopping Street.
  • Features: As one of London’s landmarks, the hotel Café Royal is a favorite place by celebrities.  The beautiful design is inspired by the luxury style which brings the years of King Louis XVI back to date. The guest room design blends contemporary minimalism with classic elegance. All units are panelled in fumed English Oak and Portland Stone, creating the atmosphere of welcoming home. The hotel features a fitness center, Spa treatment and luxurious toiletries. The afternoon tea is something guests should not miss.

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Berkeley Hotel

  • Location: Located in the fashionable neighbourhood between Knightsbridge and Belgravia, Berkeley Hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Hyde Park Corner tube station.
  • Features: Berkeley Hotel London started as a coffee house in the 1700s and was transformed into the Berkeley Hotel in the 1970s designed by British architect Brian O’ Rorke. The stylish Blue Bar designed by David Collins wows guests with the famous Lutyens Blue theme and sparkling energy.  The hotel’s restaurant Collins Room is a food-lover’s favorite! Chefs such as Marcus Wareing work their magic to create inventive Michelin starred British dishes, making the dining experience memorable for all occasions. Don’t forget to leave some room for the high-fashion couture afternoon tea and let your appetites be the fashion judge of the colorful T-stage.

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