Where To Stay In London – A Complete Guide To The Best Hotels and Areas (Updated 2020)

It can be a daunting task trying to decide where to stay in London, especially if it is your first time visiting, because the city is home to plenty of sights and attractions. Most tourists usually stay at the popular district of Covent Garden, but there are actually plenty of other great areas in the city. Therefore, I have listed down ten best places to stay in London below, along with their respective best hotels. In this way, you can decide where to stay based on your own circumstances and preferences. This article was last updated on 02 June 2020.

Summary of Best Places To Stay In London

1. Covent Garden: The best for first time tourists. This popular tourist district offers great shopping, world-famous theatre shows, and popular restaurants.
2. Soho: The best for shopping & partying. This is another vibrant neighbourhood known for its shopping, theatre, and nightlife scene.
3. Mayfair: The best for high end shopping. Head over to Bond Street for a dizzying variety of luxury boutiques.
4. St James’s: The best for art galleries. This peaceful neighbourhood is home to many famous art galleries.
5. Westminster: The best for iconic tourist attractions. You will find some of London’s most famous attractions in this historic district.
6. South Kensington: The best for families. This tranquil neighbourhood is home to public museums and beautiful parks.
7. Notting Hill: The most romantic neighbourhood, where you will find quaint pastel coloured houses and cobblestone streets.
8. King’s Cross: The best for backpackers. This area has many low budget accommodations, trendy bars, and restaurants.
9. City of London: The best for culture & history. This historic neighbourhood is home to various iconic attractions.
10. Southwark: The best for unique attractions.

Map of London

Click to enlarge

I have created a rough map of London above to give you an idea of the ten neighbourhoods’ locations. Note that the neighbourhoods are not drawn to scale.

1. Covent Garden – Best Place To Stay In London For Tourists

Covent Garden Market

Many retail shops

Covent Garden is the famous shopping and theatre district of London. It is home to many world-famous theatres, top art galleries, retail shops, luxury boutiques, and popular restaurants and bars.

It is a part of the “West End”, a famous district that consists of neighbourhoods like Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Soho and Mayfair.

I enjoyed walking around this neighbourhood to indulge in the vibrant atmosphere and watch street performers on the quaint cobblestone pavements.

Why Stay in Covent Garden

Covent Garden is usually considered to be the best area for tourists to stay. This is because it is a vibrant and modern district with plenty of activities.

I stayed here during my holiday in London, and I loved its great vibe and energy.

The district is great for shopping. The wife had a good time shopping at popular retail shops such as Zara, Kate Spade, Burberry, Chanel, MAC, etc. For more quirky items, check out the historic Covent Garden Market which is home to artisan shops selling handmade crafts and goods.

Covent Garden is famous for its theatre shows, ranging from indie plays to world-renowned West End Musicals. Famous shows include Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre) and The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre). We managed to catch The Lion King musical and it was a wonderful theatrical experience!

The neighbourhood has a vibrant nightlife, and you will find many great bars such as Blame Gloria, Porterhouse, Be At One Covent Garden, and more.

There are also plenty of awesome eateries here and we were spoilt for choice over what to eat. Some examples include Fire and Stone (pizza), Masala Zone (Indian food), Shake Shack (fast food), and Five Guys (fast food).

Famous tourist attractions include the London Transport Museum, The Royal Opera House, Leicester Square, Somerset House, and more.

Covent Garden is a convenient and centrally located neighbourhood that is within a half hour Underground metro ride of many attractions in London. The stations in this area are Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Leicester Square.

The downside of staying in this neighbourhood is that the accommodations are quite expensive.

Where to Stay in Covent Garden

Budget – hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden Hotel is an awesome value-for-money modern hotel that is just a three-minute walk away from Leicester Square Station. The rooms are very small but have all the basic amenities. The hotel service is good and WiFi strength is excellent.

Mid Range – The Resident Covent Garden is a new 4-Star hotel that offers beautiful modern rooms with a mini kitchen and Nespresso machine. Service is excellent and the hotel is a short three minute walk from Charing Cross Station.

Luxury – One Aldwych is a luxurious 5-Star hotel with beautiful spacious rooms, a swimming pool, gym, and spa. It is famous for its “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” afternoon tea. You can’t really go wrong with staying here, but be prepared to spend a fortune.

2. Soho – Best Place To Stay In London For Shopping And Partying

Regent Street

Oxford Street

Soho is another vibrant neighbourhood known for its shopping, theatre, and nightlife scene. It is just beside Covent Garden.

Why Stay in Soho

Soho is a good place to stay if you are into shopping and/or enjoy partying.

Shopaholics can enjoy an amazing shopping experience at the shopping streets of Oxford Street and Regent Street, which are literally lined with hundreds of fashion boutiques and major department stores. These include Forever 21, NikeTown, Zara, H&M, Burberry, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Selfridges, TK Maxx, Primark, and many more.

Soho also has a vibrant nightlife scene, and you will find plenty of locals partying at the many pubs and clubs in this area. Some popular joints include Be At One Piccadilly Circus, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Be At One Greek Street, etc.

Soho is known for its thriving LGBT scene, and you will find plenty of gay bars and clubs here.

Similar to Covent Garden, Soho also has a vibrant theatre scene with plenty of plays and shows. Popular shows include Thriller (Lyric Theatre) and Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre).

Soho is an accessible location that is connected to the rest of London by several Underground metro stations, namely Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, and Leicester Square. It takes less than half an hour (by Underground) to reach most of London’s tourist attractions from here.

Some areas in Soho can be slightly dodgy at night, but it’s also easier to find cheaper accommodations here compared to the adjacent Covent Garden.

Where to Stay in Soho

Budget – YHA London Oxford Street is a decent hostel popular with backpackers and budget travellers. It offers both private and shared rooms, but showers and toilets are shared. It is a six-minute walk from Oxford Circus Station.

Mid Range – Mimis Hotel Soho is a value-for-money boutique hotel with small basic rooms. The bathroom is beautiful, stocked with Molton Brown toiletries, and has good water pressure. It is a short five-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road Station.

Mid Range – Premier Inn London Leicester Square Hotel is an established hotel with many good reviews online. The rooms are a little tired but are spacious and clean. It is in an excellent location just steps away from Leicester Square Station.

Luxury – W London Leicester Square is a luxurious 5-Star hotel that offers beautiful and spacious rooms. Guests get to enjoy premium Bliss toiletries, the hotel spa, and a classy lounge bar. It is a two-minute walk from Leicester Square Station.

3. Mayfair – Best Place To Stay In London For Luxury Shopping

Bond Street

Mayfair is an upscale district home to classy Georgian architecture, luxury boutiques, fancy restaurants, luxurious hotels, and various art galleries.

Why Stay in Mayfair

Mayfair is a good location if you enjoy staying in a fancy neighbourhood with plenty of high end shopping.

For expensive shopping, you can head to New Bond Street and Old Bond Street, collectively known as Bond Street. These two connected streets are home to a myriad of luxury boutiques like Bulgari, Jimmy Choo, Hermès, Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton, etc.

If you are looking for jewelleries, Burlington Arcade is a sheltered shopping arcade with many luxury fashion accessories retailers.

There are several art galleries in this neighbourhood. The Royal Academy of Arts is a contemporary art museum privately funded by independent artists and architects. Cork Street has various modern art galleries too.

Music lovers can check out the former homes of George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix. Both residences have been transformed into museums commemorating the artists’ amazing lives and works.

Mayfair is an accessible district adjacent to Soho, and you can get around London easily by using the Bond Street or Green Park stations.

Where to Stay in Mayfair

Mid Range – The May Fair A Radisson Collection Hotel is a 5-Star hotel that offers luxurious and spacious rooms at affordable rates. It is a short two-minute walk from Green Park Station.

Luxury – The Ritz London is a classic luxurious hotel known for its elegant Victorian style rooms and excellent service. There are also many online raves about the hotel’s afternoon tea. It is just steps away from Green Park Station.

Luxury – Brown’s Hotel is a 5-Star hotel in an excellent location with plenty of luxury shopping options around. The rooms are beautiful, luxurious, and spacious. It is a five-minute walk from Green Park Station.

4. St James’s – Best Place To Stay In London For Art Galleries

Trafalgar Square

St James’s is a historic district in London that is bordered on two sides by its namesake park and Green Park. It is home to top art galleries, a handful of restaurants and bars, quiet alleys, and various old establishments.

Why Stay in St James’s

This is not the most popular area for tourists to stay, but if you prefer a quiet neighbourhood with many art galleries, you can consider booking a hotel here.

The art galleries in this area include world class institutions like the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. I enjoyed walking around the National Gallery to admire masterpieces by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Monet, etc. If you prefer contemporary art, you can check out galleries like White Cube and Thomas Dane Gallery.

The iconic and beautiful public square Trafalgar Square is located in this neighbourhood.

St James’s has some popular restaurants and bars such as The Wolseley (delicious brunch and afternoon tea), The American Bar (elegant cocktail bar) and Dukes Bar (world famous martinis).

Where to Stay in St James’s

Mid Range – The Z Hotel Piccadilly is a good value-for-money hotel with small but clean rooms. It is in a great location just a few minutes’ walk from The National Gallery and Piccadilly Circus Station.

Luxury – Sofitel London St James is a luxurious 5-Star hotel that offers spacious and beautiful rooms with plush beds, Nespresso coffee machines, and Hermès toiletries. It is a six-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus Station.

5. Westminster – Best Place To Stay In London For Iconic Tourist Attractions

Westminster is another historic district that is home to many government buildings and traditional European architecture. Personally, I feel that this is one of the most beautiful districts in London.

Why Stay in Westminster

Westminster is a good area to stay if you want to stay in a historic neighbourhood home to several of London’s most iconic tourist attractions.

Famous attractions include the Big Ben, London Eye, Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Bridge, and Buckingham Palace.

There are also a few famous museums like Tate Britain and Churchill War Rooms.

The two Underground metro stations in this district are St James’s Park Station and Westminster Station.

Where to Stay in Westminster

Budget – hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey Hotel offers beautiful modern rooms at extremely affordable prices (by London’s standard). You can even enjoy free movies on your in-room TV. The hotel is in a great location just two minutes away by walking from St James’s Park Station.

Mid Range – Conrad London St. James is a great value-for-money 5 Star hotel with luxurious rooms, a gym, and spa facilities. It is conveniently located beside St James’s Park Station.

Luxury – Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences is an excellent hotel that offers luxurious stylish rooms, exceptional service, a great gym, and full spa facilities (jet pool, steam room and sauna). You can’t go wrong with staying here, but the hotel is very expensive of course. It is a three-minute walk from St James’s Park Station.

6. South Kensington – Best Place To Stay In London With Family

Natural History Museum

South Kensington is a tranquil neighbourhood lined with Victorian townhouses and is also home to many awesome museums.

Why Stay in South Kensington

This is a good area to stay if you are travelling with your family and enjoy visiting museums.

The district is home to three fantastic public museums in London: the Science Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Natural History Museum. Entry is free for all three! I enjoyed exploring these three museums and was very impressed by the high quality exhibits.

It is also near two of London’s famous public parks: Hyde Park and Kensington Park.

The neighbourhood is very safe and peaceful so you will be able to get a good rest at night.

South Kensington is a relatively accessible area. You can get to popular areas like Westminster and Covent Garden in just ten minutes by taking the subway from Gloucester Road Station or South Kensington Station.

The accommodations in this district are generally quite affordable.

Where to Stay in South Kensington

Budget – Park International Hotel is a quaint hotel that offers small but clean rooms at very affordable prices. It is in an excellent location just three minutes’ walk away from Gloucester Road Station.

Mid Range – Park Grand London Kensington is a lovely value-for-money hotel that provides great service and beautiful modern rooms. It is a five-minute walk from Earl Court Station.

Semi Luxury – Crowne Plaza London Kensington is a great 4-Star hotel that offers clean and modern spacious rooms. It also has a great gym. Best of all, it is located directly opposite Gloucester Road Station.

Semi Luxury – The Kensington is a luxurious but affordable boutique hotel located in a fantastic neighbourhood near restaurants, retail shops and the Underground metro station. It is famous for its “Beauty and The Beast Afternoon Tea”. It is a short five-minute walk from South Kensington Station.

7. Notting Hill – Most Romantic Neighbourhood

Portobello Market

Notting Hill is a quaint and idyllic neighbourhood home to charming pastel coloured houses and cobblestone streets.

Why Stay in Notting Hill

Notting Hill is a great place to stay if you are looking for a romantic and Instagrammable neighbourhood that also offers relatively affordable accommodations.

Ever since I watched the Notting Hill movie in 1999, I have been curious to visit this neighbourhood since much of the film was shot in this area.

For those who are unaware (or too young), this was a very popular romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

Many people visit this area to take photos of the colourful pastel houses along Portobello Road. The wife was of course excited to take photos with these pretty houses, and I had to go into Instagram-husband mode.

Portobello Market is one of the most famous street markets in London, and is known for selling a large variety of antiques and collectibles. The market operates every day, but the main market day is Saturday when you will see a tidy sprawl of antique stalls, street performers and other street vendors.

The wife and I visited the market on a Sunday and it was relatively quiet. However, we managed to find some affordable and unique souvenirs.

We had a pleasant brunch at Eggbreak, which is a trendy cafe that specialises in egg dishes like omelettes and eggy pastas.

Even though Notting Hill might seem a little far from the rest of London, it is actually a relatively convenient location that is within a 15-minute Underground metro ride of many popular tourist attractions. The main station here is the Notting Hill Gate Station.

Where to Stay in Notting Hill

Budget – The Premier Notting Hill is a great basic hotel that offers small rooms at very affordable prices. It is an eight-minute walk from Notting Hill Gate Station.

Budget – Grand Royale London Hyde Park is a value-for-money hotel that offers quaint rooms at very affordable prices. It also has an excellent breakfast. The beautiful Kensington Gardens is just across the road. It is a three-minute walk from Queensway Station.

Mid Range – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London Hyde Park is a modern 4-Star Hotel with clean and comfy rooms. The staff is friendly and you even get warm cookies upon arrival. It is located in a quiet residential area just six-minutes away by walking from Notting Hill Gate Station.

Semi Luxury – The Laslett is a wonderful boutique hotel that offers beautiful and stylish rooms. Service is fantastic and the hotel is just steps away from Notting Hill Gate Station.

8. King’s Cross – Best Place To Stay In London For Backpackers

King’s Cross is a hip and artistic district where you will find many cheap accommodations, making it a popular area for backpackers.

Why Stay in King’s Cross

King’s Cross is a great neighbourhood to stay if you are a backpacker or someone looking for low budget accommodations.

The area is known for its sprawl of trendy bars and restaurants, with many of them located in refurbished warehouses along the canal banks.

There are also plenty of prominent art galleries in the area, such as Gagosian Gallery, Sartorial Contemporary Art, Pangolin Gallery at King’s Place, and more.

The district is home to two train terminals from where you can travel across UK and to Europe: King’s Cross and St Pancras.

Harry Potter fans will of course know that they can find Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station. Remember to get the VIP Photo Pass Lanyard which lets you skip the queue.

The main Underground metro station here is the King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station.

Where to Stay in King’s Cross

Budget – YHA London St Pancras is a popular hostel that offers both shared and private rooms. There are on-site laundry facilities too. It is in an excellent location just three minutes away by walking from King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station.

Budget – Generator London is a youth hostel that exudes a young and trendy vibe. Both private and shared rooms are available. It is an eight-minute walk from King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station.

Mid Range – Premier Inn London Euston Hotel is a great value-for-money 3 Star hotel that offers good service and clean modern rooms. It is just a six-minute walk from King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station.

9. City of London – Best Place To Stay In London For Culture & History

Tower Bridge

City of London is the financial district of London. It is a quiet area that is home to several of London’s most iconic tourist attractions.

It is also known as “The Square Mile” because the district measures exactly one square mile in size.

Why Stay in City of London

City of London is a good neighbourhood to stay if you are looking for a quiet district that is steeped in history.

Famous tourist attractions include The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Museum of London.

There are plenty of fancy restaurants in this district. We enjoyed delicious food and knockout views of the London skyline at Duck & Waffle, the highest restaurant in London located on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate.

Notable architecture in this area include The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) and The Cheesegrater (122 Leadenhall Street).

If you choose to stay in City of London, do note that most shops, restaurants and pubs will be closed on the weekends because this is a financial district.

There are many Underground stations here, with the main station being Liverpool Street Station. Other stations include Blackfriars, Monument, Tower Hill, London Cannon Street, and Moorgate.

The neighbourhood is home to a wide range of accommodations catering to different needs and budgets.

Where to Stay in City of London

Budget – London YHA St Paul’s is an extremely affordable hostel that offers both shared and private rooms. It is located right next to St.Paul’s Cathedral whose bells toll every hour, so it can be quite noisy. However, you can get a pair of ear plugs at the hotel reception. It is a five-minute walk from Blackfriars Station.

Mid Range – Premier Inn London Bank (Tower) Hotel is a great value-for-money hotel with clean and modern rooms. It is located in a quiet location just a four-minute walk away from Monument Station.

Mid Range – 196 Bishopsgate is a decent 3.5 Star hotel that is just a short walk away from Liverpool Street Station.

Luxury – Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square is a super luxurious 5-Star hotel that offers excellent rooms and service. It also has a wonderful spa, gym, and pool. However, be prepared to splurge! It is in a great location just steps away from Tower Hill Station.

10. Southwark – Best Place To Stay In London For Unique Tourist Attractions

Southwark is a historic district that is usually underrated as a tourist destination. It is the only neighbourhood on this list located on the south side of River Thames.

Why Stay in Southwark

Southwark is a good place to stay if you are looking for a beautiful district that is different from the usual tourist spots.

Popular tourist attractions here include the Shard (London’s tallest building), Tower Bridge, and Millennium Bridge.

I had fun exploring Borough Market, a famous local market in London that offers plenty of delicious specialty foods. However, I was almost pickpocket-ed here so remember to stay alert at all times.

Art and theatre fans can check out the famous Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Many locals also like to chill out at the lovely restaurants and bars along River Thames.

The neighbourhood is very conveniently located to visit other parts of London. From Southwark Underground station, most of London’s most popular attractions are less than 15 minutes away by subway.

Where to Stay in Southwark

Budget – Travelodge London Central Southwark is a decent 3-Star hotel that offers spacious rooms with comfy beds. It is just a two-minute walk from Southwark Station.

Mid Range – CitizenM London Bankside is a boutique hotel with high-tech stylish rooms that are controlled by tablets. There are even free in-room movies. It is an eight-minute walk from Southwark Station.

Luxury – Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard London is a wonderful 5-Star hotel that offers beautiful modern rooms and excellent service. There are plenty of perks like heated toilet seats, an infinity pool, electric blinds, floor-to-ceiling windows, etc. It is just steps away from London Bridge Station.

Conclusion

I hope this article has given you a clearer idea of where stay in London for your holiday. Generally speaking, the best place to stay for first time tourists is Covent Garden, but accommodations in this prime district are usually quite expensive. Therefore, you might want to consider staying at one of the other neighbourhoods mentioned in this article. London hotels are not cheap, but with some research you will most likely be able to find an awesome value-for-money option. Most of downtown London is connected by an efficient metro system, so you will have no problem travelling around no matter where you stay.