Everyone should visit London at least once in their lives, whether they want to trace the steps of the British royal family or just find the best afternoon tea. The city is not only the capital of England but also a global metropolis with ancient Roman origins. It’s now a bustling metropolis with a wide range of cuisines, cultural activities, and historical landmarks. London is a great destination for people of all ages and groups. There is a wide variety of attractions in London, from historic sites like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey to contemporary museums and shopping districts. Here are some recommended places to stay in London, whether you plan on spending your time window shopping on Oxford Street or taking a spin on the London Eye.
Where to Stay in London
#1. Mayfair
Both children and parents will enjoy their stay in Mayfair. If you book a room in the posh area, you’ll be practically neighbours with the Queen herself, as Buckingham Palace is only a short walk away. It’s close to three royal parks (Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James Park), making it an ideal place to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle. Mayfair is also close to Oxford Circus for shopping, the National Gallery for art, and Fortum & Mason’s for delicious treats. It’s one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, but it’s still easily accessible for visitors.
The Mayfair Townhouse
The Mayfair Townhouse, built across a series of Georgian townhouses, combines a historic setting with contemporary design and modern flourishes. The décor is opulent and flamboyant but with a high-end touch that is appropriate for the neighbourhood, and there is a well-curated collection of original art to complement the velour furnishings. There are 172 rooms of various sizes and layouts available, including several garden suites with courtyard access. Families are warmly welcomed, and parents can choose between interconnecting suites. The Dandy Bar serves food and drinks, but there’s also plenty to discover around the hotel
The Dorchester
The Dorchester, located in the heart of Park Lane, has been a landmark London hotel since the 1930s. Today, the five-star hotel maintains its luxury vibe with elegant décor and amenities normally reserved for celebrities. There are a variety of room types to choose from, including eight signature suites and two opulent penthouses. Don’t miss the refined afternoon tea in the Orchid Room, as well as the Dorchester Rooftop, which offers panoramic views of London and Hyde Park. The hotel caters to families, with numerous add-ons and access to The Spa’s indoor pool available for young travellers.
#2. Covent Garden
A central location is critical for exploring every nook and cranny of London, especially for first-time visitors. There is no better place to do so than Covent Garden, which has a plethora of attractions and is conveniently located near many West End theatres. There are numerous Tube lines that run through this area, so you can easily explore the city by public transportation. Covent Garden is home to an abundance of pubs, museums, restaurants, markets, and shops—many of which are within walking distance. Covent Garden’s central location is ideal for first-time visitors looking to make the most of their time in London.
NoMad London
NoMad London, which will open in 2021, is an offshoot of the New York-based NoMad brand that combines NYC-inspired design with English history. The central location in Covent Garden is ideal for visitors looking to make the most of their time in London. The hotel is housed in a former magistrates’ court and police station, and many of the Grade II listed details have been preserved. The rooms are luxurious without being extravagant, and there are three suite options for those seeking something a little more grand. Dine at the NoMad Restaurant, which is housed inside a glass conservatory, or grab a quick bite at Side Hustle.
Henrietta Hotel
The Henrietta Hotel, located near Covent Garden Market, is a cozy but elegant boutique hotel with 40 rooms spread across two townhouses. While the guest rooms are small compared to other central London hotels, they are well-appointed and stylishly designed by French decorator Dorothee Meilichzon. Interconnecting rooms are also available for families and groups. There’s an Italian restaurant, Da Henrietta by Italian Supper Club, and a small cocktail bar on the premises, but the best of Covent Garden is just outside the hotel’s door.
#3. Southbank
The Southbank of London, located on the south side of the Thames, has grown in popularity with visitors in recent years. It is home to museums such as the Tate Modern, attractions such as the London Eye and Borough Market, as well as dozens of charming restaurants, pubs, and bars. The area is ideal for both families and solo travellers, who will appreciate the abundance of countertop restaurants and food stalls in and around Borough Market. Covent Garden and Soho are also within walking distance, as are landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Big Ben. It’s a little odder than Mayfair and Covent Garden, with a variety of hotel options to suit any budget.
The Hoxton, Southwark
Hoxton has adopted an effortlessly cool aesthetic that appeals to young travellers. The Hoxton, Southwark, their third London property, is no exception. There’s a lively lobby scene and 192 contemporary and cool guest rooms with a factory-inspired vibe that pays homage to the area. The hotel also houses Seabird, a rooftop restaurant and bar that has quickly become a London favourite (book a table in advance). The hotel is a short walk from Southbank and the Tate Modern, and it is close to several bus and Tube lines.
CitizenM London Bankside
CitizenM’s Southwark outpost has 192 rooms that are suitable for both leisure and business travellers, and it is especially suitable for solo visitors. While the guest rooms are somewhat small, they have large beds, well-appointed bathrooms, and technology that can be easily controlled via an app. There is a bar and restaurant, but discerning guests will seek out nearby restaurants such as Caravan Bankside and Lantana. Borough Market, the Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe are all within walking distance of the hotel, and Covent Garden is only a short bus ride away.
Sea Containers London
Book a room at Sea Containers London, one of the city’s only hotels located directly on the Thames. The chic design is reminiscent of a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner, with modern rooms and suites featuring custom furniture by British designer Tom Dixon. There is a spa, two restaurants, and Lyaness, a cocktail bar that is consistently named one of the best in London. Visitors will find a plush outpost of Curzon Cinema in the basement, which shows the latest movies on weekends.
#4. Marylebone
Marylebone, a central neighbourhood that feels local, is tucked away behind Oxford Circus and the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. It has a charming high street and a Sunday farmer’s market, and it’s a short walk from Regent’s Park and Hyde Park, two of London’s best green spaces. Those interested in history can visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, while art enthusiasts will enjoy the Wallace Collection. Couples, especially those celebrating a special occasion, should stay in the area, which is dotted with hip restaurants such as Kol, Lurra, and Chiltern Firehouse. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you belong.
The Prince Akatoki
The Prince Akatoki, a five-star hotel inspired by Japanese design and hospitality, is located just off Oxford Street for guests seeking a more peaceful respite in the heart of the city. The rooms are elegant and serene, with a minimalist aesthetic that is uncommon in English hotels. The hotel is ideal for families who can book interconnecting rooms or one of the impressively large suites. Don’t miss out on a meal at Tokii, which serves Japanese cuisine, or a flight of Japanese whiskey at the Malt Lounge & Bar.
Treehouse Hotel London
The Treehouse Hotel London, a nature-inspired property in the heart of Oxford Circus, offers views of the London skyline. The modern guest rooms have whimsical details and massive windows, and the best views are from the cushy window seats in several of the room types. Families can book connecting suites, and kids (and adults) will enjoy the hotel’s plush Paddington Bear toys. Pizzeria Mozza, a LA import, is located downstairs, but the location means that central London is literally at your doorstep.
#5. Chelsea
If your wanderlust drives you to mix with locals wherever you go, it’s critical that you stay in an area that isn’t overrun with tourists. The Chelsea neighbourhood is known among Londoners as a posh place to be, and King’s Road is lined with high-end boutiques and restaurants. During the day, you can visit the Saatchi Gallery to see an art exhibition or the Royal Court Theater to see a play. A short walk away is Knightsbridge, which is home to the famous department store Harrods.
11 Cadogan Gardens
11 Cadogan Gardens — London’s only Relais & Châteaux property — is charming and relaxed, with an upscale boutique design that gives each room a distinct flair. There are 34 rooms, 22 suites, and six new apartments, all of which incorporate historic elements. Downstairs, Hans’ Bar & Grill is a good choice for breakfast or dinner, and the hotel’s traditional afternoon tea is well worth booking. The Victoria & Albert Museum, the Saatchi Gallery, and Buckingham Palace are all within walking distance. Those visiting for the Chelsea Flower Show will be only a few blocks away.
Beaverbrook Town House
The Beaverbrook Town House, a five-star hotel set across two Georgian townhouses near Sloane Square, will appeal to art lovers. The property, which will open in the fall of 2021, is vibrant and fun, with Nicola Harding’s design paying homage to London’s theatres. The hotel is the sister property to Beaverbrook Surrey, a country house hotel located just outside of town. Beaverbrook’s rooms are as theatrical as their inspiration, with a warm, whimsical vibe that will appeal to a specific type of guest. The Fuji Grill is a Japanese restaurant, and Sir Frank’s Bar showcases the hotel’s collection of art and collectibles.
#6. Shoreditch
Shoreditch is one of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods, attracting young Londoners and visitors alike with its vibrant nightlife and ever-expanding art scene. There is an abundance of street art, clubs, bars, and restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world. Staying in this London neighbourhood provides you with a local’s perspective on the United Kingdom. Although it is located in the capital, major tourist attractions are only a short Tube ride away. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy quirky cocktail bars, hip restaurants, and truly local attractions such as the nearby Broadway Market and Columbia Road Flower Market.
Mondrian Shoreditch
The Mondrian Shoreditch, which recently took over The Curtain Hotel, has the same understated cool as its surroundings. With a prime location and a sought-after rooftop pool, the hotel is an excellent choice for travellers looking for something less touristy. The rooms are warehouse chic, with a sparse modern design and many with views of London’s skyline. There are a few restaurants, including the Hollywood-inspired Laurel’s On The Roof, but some of London’s best, such as Brat and Dishoom, are just around the corner. Don’t skip a workout at the fitness centre, which is regarded as one of the best hotel gyms in town.
Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch
The Shoreditch edition, one of two Nobu Hotels in London, features an industrial chic design that will appeal to travellers who appreciate contemporary minimalism. The 164 guest rooms and suites are refined and sparse, with a low-key elegance that is both comfortable and soothing. There is a Nobu restaurant on-site, as well as a fitness centre and a cocktail bar. Book a table on the restaurant’s alfresco terrace for panoramic views of London, or explore the surrounding area, which is brimming with local coffee shops, cocktail bars, and trendy eateries.
#7. Notting Hill
While many visitors are familiar with the bustling market of Portobello Road from a certain Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant rom-com, Notting Hill is a great place to stay if you want to avoid the typical tourist areas and see London’s antiques. Notting Hill, located just west of Hyde Park, is undeniably appealing, with local restaurants, boutique shops, and an off-beat, artsy neighbourhood feel that will appeal to those who would rather visit an art gallery than ride the London Eye. The hotels in the area are generally smaller, with the chains located to the south in Kensington, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers or young couples.
The Portobello Hotel
The Portobello Hotel embodies Notting Hill’s bohemian spirit, with 21 rooms each embracing a different aesthetic. The most famous is the room with a circular bed and an antique Victorian bathtub, but all are dramatic and unique. Breakfast is served in the room or downstairs, and the cozy lobby sitting room is a great place to read a book. Leave the kids at home for this one — The Portobello Hotel is the kind of place where you can come back after a wild night out and nurse your hangover over a full English breakfast.
The Lost Poet
The Lost Poet, a boutique hotel set in a Victorian townhouse on Portobello Road, will make guests feel right at home. It has only four rooms, each of which is individually designed with antique furnishings and signature colours. It’s quirky and intimate, with the option of booking the entire property if you’re travelling in a larger group. Spend the extra money on “the Muse,” a two-level suite with a freestanding tub and a roof terrace with city views. While the hotel does not have its own restaurant, it is located within a few blocks of some of Notting Hill’s best.
Does it matter where I stay in London?
Because London is such a large city brimming with history, excitement, and culture, where you choose to stay in the city will have a significant bearing on your overall experience there. The fact that every neighbourhood in London has its own distinct personality and gives you the impression that you are in a totally different city is one of the city’s coolest features.
What part of London has the nicest houses?
Hammersmith and Fulham are located in West London and include neighbourhoods like Shepherds Bush Green and College Park. In these neighbourhoods, there are a lot of desirable properties that overlook the Thames. One of the most expensive neighbourhoods in the United Kingdom, Hammersmith and Fulham, has an average house price of approximately £1.3 million.
Final Decision
Whether you’re travelling in a group, as a couple, or on your own, London has a variety of accommodations to suit any traveller. While central neighbourhoods such as Covent Garden and Marylebone will draw first-time visitors and families, areas such as Shoreditch and Notting Hill can provide a more local feel for those venturing away from the tourist traps. Historic luxury properties such as The Dorchester provide an escapist, aspirational quality, whereas boutique hotels such as Beaverbrook Town House can serve as a home away from home while exploring London.
What You Should Know
- London is a very walkable city with many green spaces and parks. Transport For London, the city’s public transportation system, will take you anywhere you need to go by bus, Tube, or train. Bring comfortable shoes and, of course, an umbrella in case of rain.
- Book a free ticket to Sky Garden, located on the 43rd floor of the Walkie-Talkie building, for breathtaking 360-degree views.
- Many of London’s museums are free to enter, including the Tate Modern, the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Natural History Museum. Special exhibitions may necessitate the purchase of a paid ticket.
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