London
Where to stay in London: the best areas and hotels
The theatres of the West End, the quiet streets of Mayfair or the view of Tower Bridge. London is almost several cities in one, and where you stay decides how much you see. Here are the areas and the hotels we recommend.
London is so big it is almost several cities in one. The theatres of the West End, the quiet squares of Mayfair, the stations at King’s Cross and the river around Tower Bridge each offer a different kind of stay. Choose the right area and you will walk to much of what you want to see, saving hours on the Tube.
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Short answer: where should you stay in London?
First visit: The West End and Covent Garden, among the theatres and shops.
Classic and quiet: Mayfair and St James’s, near Green Park.
Practical for trains: King’s Cross, with Eurostar and trains north.
By the river: Around Tower Bridge and the City.
Our three favourites
The legend on the Strand: The Savoy. See rooms at The Savoy
Hidden in St James’s: Dukes London. See rooms at Dukes London
By Tower Bridge: The Tower Hotel. See rooms at The Tower Hotel
The West End and Covent Garden
Theatres, restaurants and shops are packed together here, and Trafalgar Square, Soho and the Thames are minutes away on foot. It is lively and expensive, but also the most practical place to stay on a first visit.
The Savoy: the legend on the Strand
One of the world’s most famous hotels, with art deco details and views towards the Thames.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Savoy
St Martins Lane: design by the theatres
A design hotel in the heart of Theatreland, a short walk to Covent Garden and Leicester Square.
Book your stay: See rooms at St Martins Lane
Westminster, a short walk from the West End.
Mayfair and St James’s
Between Piccadilly and Green Park lie some of the city’s oldest and most elegant streets, with gentlemen’s clubs, tailors and quiet squares. Buckingham Palace is right next door.
Dukes London: hidden down a side street
A small, classic hotel in a quiet cul-de-sac in St James’s, known for its martini bar.
Book your stay: See rooms at Dukes London
Bloomsbury and King’s Cross
Around the British Museum and the universities lies Bloomsbury, with parks and Georgian squares. Further north is King’s Cross, where the Eurostar to Paris and trains to the north depart.
Kimpton Fitzroy: the palace on Russell Square
A grand Victorian building on Russell Square, well connected to the whole city.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kimpton Fitzroy
The Standard: design opposite St Pancras
A modern hotel right across from St Pancras, with a rooftop bar and restaurants.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Standard London
Tower Bridge and the City
Around the Tower of London and Tower Bridge you stay with views of some of the city’s most famous buildings, close to Borough Market and the South Bank.
The Tower Hotel: by Tower Bridge
A large hotel right by Tower Bridge, with river views from many rooms.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Tower Hotel
Before you book
Stay near a Tube station: It saves a lot of time in such a big city.
Check Zone 1: Most sights are there, and that is where you want to be.
Book early for Christmas and big matches: Hotels fill up fast.
Frequently asked questions about where to stay in London
Where should you stay in London on a first visit?
In the West End or Covent Garden, among the theatres and shops.
Which area of London is most elegant?
Mayfair and St James’s, between Piccadilly and Green Park.
Where should you stay if you are taking the Eurostar?
By King’s Cross and St Pancras, where the Eurostar departs.