London serves as a destination full of culture, cuisine and charm. This sprawling city has a lot to offer, but the last thing you want is to spend your entire trip traveling between accommodations and attractions. Thankfully, many excellent options are centrally located so you can make the most of every moment.
In a city as large as London, there’s no shortage of hotel options. Finding the best one for your needs and trip goals can be difficult and overwhelming. Every traveler has different needs and things they want to see, so it’s important to build your vacation around what works for you. To make your trip planning easier, we’ve put together a list offering advice on where to stay in London for every type of trip.
Best For Luxury: The Londoner Hotel
- Address: 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX
- Highlights: Bespoke design, onsite spa, champagne breakfast, in-room dining
Offering the epitome of indulgence, this is where to stay in London when you crave pampering and sophistication. Londoner serves as the perfect place to relax after a busy day exploring the city. If your goal is to find luxury, this is where you can go all-out for your very first London vacation.
Stunning suites feature spacious floor plans, not to mention, a minibar and even marmalade biscuits for snacking. In-room dining and wellness treatments are available, but one shouldn’t miss the champagne breakfast at The Stage. Experience true rejuvenation at The Retreat, where you'll discover a hydro pool, sauna and cabanas.
Best For Budget: Thistle Holborn London
- Address: 36-37 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SD,
- Highlights: Flatscreen TV, afternoon tea
London has no shortage of high-end hotels, but there are plenty of hidden deals that offer a comfortable stay while allowing you to allocate more of your budget to dining and exciting experiences. If your goal is to stay at a convenient location, you'll find the most bang for your buck at Thistle Holborn London.
Offering excellent value for the money, this hotel offers all the essentials including coffee, TV, toiletries and even afternoon tea at the Kingsley Two Brasserie. If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, upgrade to a suite and score a king-sized bed and a Nespresso machine.
Best For Family: The Goring
- Address: 15 Beeston Place, ENG, SW1W 0JW
- Highlights: Dress-up box, activity books, stuffed animals
At first glance, this opulent hotel might not seem like a draw for families. Don't be deceived by appearances, however, as The Goring offers many child-friendly amenities that will make young vacationers feel like royalty. Spacious suites and interconnected family rooms accommodate larger families, so there is no need to feel cramped.
New parents will be pleased to find bath toys and other baby-oriented items, while young children will love getting dolled up with The Goring's dress-up box. Kids also receive activity books, crayons and even their own Baaa-bara Sheep for cuddling.
Best For Couples: NoMad London
- Address: 28 Bow Street, London WC2E 7AW
- Highlights: Clawfoot bathtubs, chandeliers, wellness treatments available
NoMad London boasts both chic and elegant style and a convenient location and works well as a home base for strolling through the iconic Covent Garden. The onsite restaurants share the hotel's intimate atmosphere, serving as an ideal backdrop when you crave a romantic meal together.
Many suites feature clawfoot bathtubs and nearly all rooms include king-sized beds. Other aesthetic highlights include chandeliers and oriental rugs. Alongside style ad romance, the hotel also offers excellent relaxation opportunities, as wellness treatments are available via spa residency partner Katie England.
Best For Nightlife: Mimi's Hotel Soho
- Address: 56 to 57 Frith Street London W1D 3JG
- Highlights: Onsite bar, luxury cosmetic products, complimentary mineral water
When nightlife is a priority, Soho is the ideal location. There are many chic hotels clustered in this district, including options for every budget. Nightlife-focused visitors often prefer to pare down their hotel spending and use that extra money for club entry fees and beverages.
Thankfully, Mimi's offers a great middle-ground for discerning travelers: chic accommodations and reasonable rates. Grab a cocktail at the intimate Henson’s Bar & Social or unwind in your room with help from rainfall showers and under-floor heating.
Best For Amenities: Kimpton Fitzroy London
- Address: 1-8 Russell Square, London WC1B 5BE
- Highlights: Gymnasium, complimentary bike access, luxury bath products
If you are all about hotel bonuses, be sure to book your stay at the Kimpton Fitzroy in London. Emphasizing extras, this beautiful hotel offers surprises around every corner. Hop on a Raleigh bike to explore the city on two wheels or crush your fitness goals in the onsite gym.
End your day with an evening drinks reception before you make the most of in-room amenities: Perfumer’s Story bathroom products, yoga mats, coffee, tea and treats.
Best For Long Stays: Wilde Aparthotels, Paddington
- Address: 4 North Wharf Road, London W2 1NW
- Highlights: Kitchen and snacks, rainfall shower, continental breakfast
London offers plenty to keep vacationers busy for several weeks and, if you prefer to stay in one place for the duration of your extended visit, you'll want extra space along with the comforts of home. Wilde Aparthotels is the ideal stay for this type of traveler, by blending the conveniences of apartment living with the indulgence of hotels.
Cozy robes beckon you to spend a relaxing night in while noshing on delicious snacks. Whip up other treats in the kitchen yourself or dine at the hearty continental breakfast.
Best for Retirees: The Rubens at the Palace
- Address: 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS
- Highlights: Afternoon tea, four-poster beds, turndown service
Planning London trips can be tricky for seniors, as some of the most conveniently located districts are also the most nightlife-centered — but quieter neighborhoods may call for more walking than some retired travelers can stomach. A great solution for this is staying at the convenient accommodations via The Rubens at the Palace.
These gorgeous suites feature four-poster beds and offer daily turndown service. A spectacular dining experience is just steps away, with several excellent restaurants available onsite. Enjoy afternoon tea at The Palace Lounge. Aches and pains from long days of exploring can be relieved with gentle stretches on complimentary yoga mats.
Best for Relaxation: The Savoy
- Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, UK
- Highlights: Swimming pool, sauna, steam room, concierge and butler services
Many of London's finest hotels offer onsite spas, where you can enjoy many rejuvenating health and beauty treatments. The Savoy's is one of the most appealing as every detail has been cultivated with serenity as the focus.
Its offerings include sensory immersion massages, deep-release massages, bespoke facials and couple's massages, which provide an amazing bonding experience. The rooms themselves are also wonderfully relaxing, with their Edwardian and Art Deco styles adding charm and visual interest.
Best for Art Enthusiasts: Ham Yard Hotel
- Address: 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
- Highlights: Vintage bowling alley, afternoon tea, guest library, mini bar
London's galleries are world-renowned, but there are many other ways to experience artistic greatness. The top art hotels in the area delight guests with commissioned works, along with unique suites decorated by innovative artists.
The Ham Yard Hotel is one of the best, bringing artistic beauty to the heart of Soho. Highlights include a bronze sculpture created by the talented Tony Cragg, plus rooms and suites decorated by the talented Kit Kemp. Relax in the guest library or the drawing room.
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