Family holidays
Family hotels in London: five with room for everyone
The Winter Garden rises eight storeys under a glass roof, and the children have already found the lifts. These are the family hotels in London we would book, from Regent’s Park to the Thames and the City.
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London is expensive to stay in, and family rooms are scarce. Most central hotel rooms are built for two, and an extra bed soon takes the last of the floor.
The hotels below have rooms or suites that sleep four, and all of them have something for children right outside the door. If you are planning around museums and attractions, our guide to London with kids has a hotel next to each.
In short
The Landmark London in Marylebone is our first choice: an 1899 hotel with a glass-roofed Winter Garden, a short walk from Regent’s Park and with Marylebone station across the road. Park Plaza County Hall by the London Eye is the practical pick, as every room has a kitchenette.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Landmark London
By Regent’s Park
Marylebone is calmer than the West End but only one Tube stop away. Regent’s Park, with London Zoo at its northern edge, is within walking distance.
A hotel from 1899
The Landmark opened as a railway hotel in 1899. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
The Landmark London
The hotel opened as a railway hotel in 1899, and the Winter Garden at its heart has palms under a glass roof eight storeys up. Breakfast is served there, and children can watch the lifts go up and down.
It suits families who want to stay just outside the bustle, with the park as a playground and Baker Street a few minutes away. Prices are high, but you get more space than at most hotels in the same class.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Landmark London
By the Thames
The South Bank and Whitehall face each other across the river, with the London Eye, the aquarium and Westminster between them. Here you stay in the middle of what most people come to see.
Westminster across the river
From Park Plaza County Hall you look across to Westminster. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Park Plaza County Hall
The hotel is on the South Bank, a few minutes from the London Eye, and every room has a kitchenette. You can make your own breakfast and eat supper in the room when the children are tired.
It suits families watching the budget who still want to stay centrally. The area is busy from morning to night, especially at weekends.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Park Plaza County Hall
The London Eye from the roof
The roof terrace at Corinthia London faces the London Eye. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Corinthia London
Corinthia sits between Trafalgar Square and the Thames, in a white Victorian building. The spa has an indoor pool, and the roof terrace looks across to the Eye.
A good fit for families who want classic luxury and pool time after a day at a museum. The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square are a short walk away.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Corinthia London
A swim on the 52nd floor
The pool at Shangri-La is on the 52nd floor of The Shard. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Shangri-La The Shard
The hotel is high up in The Shard, and the pool on the 52nd floor looks out over the whole city. Borough Market and London Bridge station are at the foot of the tower.
It suits families with older children who want the hotel itself to be the experience. Children who are nervous of heights should see the view in photos first.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Shangri-La The Shard
In the City
The financial district goes quiet at weekends, and its hotels tend to be newer than those in the West End.
A new hotel in the City
Pan Pacific London has an indoor pool with windows onto the street. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Pan Pacific London
Pan Pacific opened in 2021 by Liverpool Street and has an indoor pool and spa. Spitalfields Market is a few minutes away.
It suits families who want a new hotel with quiet weekends, and who are happy to take the Tube to the sights.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Pan Pacific London
Getting there
From most of the UK the train is the easiest way in, arriving at a central terminus. From Heathrow, the Elizabeth line reaches central London in about half an hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best family hotel in London?
The Landmark London is the best family hotel in London for most families, with its Winter Garden, a short walk to Regent’s Park and generous rooms for the price. Park Plaza County Hall suits families on a tighter budget, as every room has a kitchenette. For something special, Shangri-La in The Shard is an alternative.
Where is the best area to stay in London with kids?
With small children it is best to stay near a park or by the Thames, so you avoid long Tube journeys every day. Marylebone gives you calm and Regent’s Park, while the South Bank puts the London Eye and the aquarium on your doorstep. The City is quiet at weekends and has newer hotels.
Do London hotels have family rooms?
Few London hotels have true family rooms, so it pays to book early. Many offer connecting rooms or suites with a sofa bed instead. Always check how many people the room sleeps, as London hotels are strict about occupancy.
How many nights do you need in London with kids?
Four nights is enough for most families: a day for the South Kensington museums, one for the Thames and the London Eye, one for a park and one spare. With small children it pays to plan one big thing a day and leave the rest open.