A detailed guide to the best hotels and accommodation in London: where to stay if you’re travelling to London for two and which accommodation is ideal for families with children? Whether you’re looking for nice modern central accommodation or cheap accommodation in London, we’ve covered it all in this article.
- Our tips for choosing accommodation in London
- Best hotels and accommodation in London
- 1. Hotel Holiday Inn Express – best value for money
- 2. ibis London Blackfriars
- 3. White House Hotel – cheap hotel in the centre
- 4. ibis London City Shoreditch – central London hotel
- 5. Hotel DC – cheap hotel in London
- 6. Point A Hotel London Shoreditch – modern central hotel
- 7. Aparthotel Adagio London Stratford – London apartments
- 8. Charlotte Guest House – a cosy guest house in a quiet neighbourhood
- Best hotels in London on the map
- More information about London
Our tips for choosing accommodation in London
Air conditioning – If you’re travelling to London in the summer, check that the hotel rooms have air conditioning. Sometimes air-conditioning is only available in public areas, while cheaper hotels lack air-conditioning (or ask around for fans).
Breakfast – London usually serves a British breakfast, which can sometimes seem a bit poor (toast, cheese, ham, croissant). Especially in cheaper hotels, expect no fruit or vegetables for breakfast. International chains offer more choice including fruit, muesli etc.
Booking – Book well in advance if you want to secure a quality hotel at the best price. There is a wide range of accommodation in London, but the best hotels (especially in the lower and mid-price range) tend to book up early.
Best hotels and accommodation in London
1. Hotel Holiday Inn Express – best value for money
Great value for money – Stratford – ideal for couples and families
Holiday Inn Express is one of the best mid-price hotels in London. It is located in a quiet area of Stratford, but has excellent connections to the airport and the city centre. The hotel is a few minutes from the train station, which is connected to the metro, trains, DLR and buses. This makes it easy to get around London. The hotel also offers direct access to Stansted and Heathrow Airports.
The rooms are airy, decorated in bright colours, and there’s air conditioning if you’re visiting London in the summer. For breakfast you have a choice of a typical English breakfast, fruit, muesli, etc, which is not the norm in London.
The hotel is a short walk from the famous Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, and a short walk to the supermarket or Tesco Express for a little shopping.
2. ibis London Blackfriars
Great value for money – Southwark – ideal for couples and families
The ibis hotel chains are a safe bet. They are already successfully operating in other European cities such as Madrid, Milan and Paris. Today I have 2 picks for you that are among the best hotels in London.
The first, ibis London Blackfriars, is on the south bank of the Thames, a short walk from Southwark Tube Station and close to Waterloo Station. There is a bus stop right across the street, and you can also go to grocery stores or restaurants nearby (one is right inside the hotel).
Most major sights such as Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye are within walking distance.
3. White House Hotel – cheap hotel in the centre
Cheap hotel – 5 minutes from Paddington Station – ideal for couples and families
Finding cheap and clean city centre hotel can be a bit of a challenge in London. The low price is often bought by a room with mould and there can also be cockroaches crawling out of the garbage.
White House Hotel is one of the hotels that can offer low prices and clean and comfortable accommodation. The rooms are simply furnished, breakfast is rather poor, but for sleeping and strengthening before the trip the accommodation is absolutely sufficient.
The hotel is steps from Paddington Station, which has excellent links to public transport in London. You can walk to Hyde Park in a few minutes or to Oxford Street in 20 minutes.
There are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, and the hotel itself is located in a quiet street.
4. ibis London City Shoreditch – central London hotel
Great value for money – Shoreditch – ideal for couples and families
Hotel ibis London City – Shoreditch is my second pick from the ibis hotel chain. They have excellent breakfasts, cosy and modern rooms and a restaurant and bar.
The hotel is a short walk from Liverpool Street Station, where the bus from Stansted Airport stops. Tesco Express is right next to the hotel. Sights such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral are all within walking distance.
Shoreditch is our favourite neighbourhood with lots of small shops, pubs, restaurants, markets (try Old Spitalfields Market) and especially street art. Don’t miss Brick Lane, which is famous for its vintage market.
5. Hotel DC – cheap hotel in London
Cheap hotels London – Stratford – the perfect choice for couples and families
If you’re looking for budget accommodation in London, the DC Hotel is one of the best hotels in this price range. It is located in a quiet area of Stratford, which is well connected to the city centre and airports (mainly Stansted and Heathrow, but also easily accessible from other airports).
Thanks to this, it can offer an unbeatable price, so you need to book well in advance.
The hotel itself is smaller, rather family-run and offers accommodation in cosy rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast included. Couples, singles and families with children can choose their size.
Everything you need is nearby, including a supermarket and a large Westfield shopping centre.
6. Point A Hotel London Shoreditch – modern central hotel
New and modern accommodation – Shoreditch – ideal for couples
Point A Hotel London Shoreditch is a modern and newly refurbished hotel in Shoreditch, which is renowned for its great restaurants and street art.The hotel is located on a quiet street just minutes from Liverpool Street, which has excellent links to the city and the airport.
The hotel itself offers accommodation in small but practical and cosy rooms, including private bathrooms and a rich breakfast.
Sky Garden, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London with Tower Bridge are all within easy walking distance. There are a number of restaurants nearby, a supermarket around the corner and Old Spitalfieds Market and Brick Lane markets about 15 minutes’ walk away.
7. Aparthotel Adagio London Stratford – London apartments
Apartments with kitchenette – Stratford – ideal for couples and families
Looking for private accommodation? The 4-star Aparthotel Adagio London Stratford offers private apartments with kitchenettes and seating areas. You will find everything you need for a longer stay (including dishwasher, oven, private bathroom, fitness room).
The apartments are located in the popular Stratford area, which offers peace and quiet and great connections to the city centre and airport (especially Stansted Airport). You can shop at OC Westfields or at supermarkets and shops nearby.
8. Charlotte Guest House – a cosy guest house in a quiet neighbourhood
Cheap hotel London – Camden – ideal for couples and families
The smaller, cosy Charlotte Guest House is located in a quiet and safe area with good access to the centre and airport. A short walk away is the train station where you can use the metro, trains and Overground. If you prefer to take the bus, there are several lines in the area, including a direct connection to the centre.
The guest house is located outside the centre, in a safe location with traditional British houses. Guests receive a discount on breakfast at a local bakery.
You can stay in rooms with a shared or private bathroom, or in rooms with a private bathroom. in studios with kitchenette.
Best hotels in London on the map
Check out the London map below for tips on places to stay and eat in London. You can download, copy and edit the map to your liking.
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of what to see and where to stay in London. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the most beautiful places, attractions and landmarks I mention in the article about London. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
These were our picks for the best hotels and accommodation to stay in London. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about London
WHAT TO SEE IN LONDON: Here’s an 5 Days London Itinerary. Do you have less time? We also created an itinerary for 3 days in London or London for 1 day.
London is a great place for the whole family. Read our tips on things do in London with kids (+ more practical information).
LONDON TRAVEL GUIDE: In the article you can find out all about transport in London (airport, public transport, underground, bicycle). Read about accommodation, prices, food and safety in our London travel guide. Tips on the best hotels in London will help you make your accommodation choices easier.
Here are 7 tips on how to save in London. The London Pass is a popular way to save money in London – find out more about London Pass.
GREAT BRITAIN: Find tips on what to see and do in England in our list of the most beautiful places in England. Or head north to Edinburgh or visit beautiful Scotland.