London does not have a single city centre from which you can easily walk everywhere. When choosing a hotel, therefore, good transport links are more important than proximity to any one attraction.

For a first visit, I recommend staying in Tube Zones 1 or 2, no more than 5 to 8 minutes’ walk from a station.

If you want to save money, I’d prioritise sacrificing room size first. A long daily commute is only worth it if there’s a significant difference in price.

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How to choose accommodation in London

First, set your budget, as your choice of location will depend entirely on this. It’s also a good idea to choose a hotel based on which airport you’re arriving at – ideally near a train or bus station. Leave choosing a specific hotel until last.

For most visitors, the following applies:

• If you’re spending 180 gbp per night, look for somewhere in the city centre and don’t waste time commuting.
• If your budget is between 120 and 180 gbp, compare a small room in the city centre with a standard hotel in Zone 2.
• For under 120 gbp, expect a hostel, a room without a window, a shared bathroom or a longer journey.
• For a stay of two or three nights, location is more important than room size.
• To get a lower price, book 3–4 months in advance

Don’t just go by the description ‘London city centre’. Check the specific address, the nearest station and transport links to the places you want to visit.

Three hotels I’d check out first

If you don’t want to sift through dozens of options, start with these three hotels. Each caters to a different type of stay.

• 👉 Point A London Liverpool Street – the top choice for a tighter budget. It has small rooms but a good location for the City, Shoreditch and arrivals from Stansted.
• 👉 Club Quarters Hotel St Paul’s – the best all-round location of the hotels we’ve personally tried in London. You can walk to St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge and the Thames.
• 👉 Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge – best for first-time visitors, families and views of Westminster. It also offers larger rooms and an indoor swimming pool, but tends to be more expensive.

Where to stay by neighbourhood

For a quick overview, this guide should suffice:

Area	Best for	Main drawback
Covent Garden	first-time visitors, theatres, nightlife	high prices and noise
Waterloo	sights, families, short stay	tourist area
City and Tower Hill	Good value for money and location	quiet evenings and weekends
King’s Cross and St Pancras	transport, Eurostar, Luton Airport	busy area around the station
Paddington	Heathrow Airport, cheaper hotels	fewer sights within walking distance
Kensington	families, museums, peace and quiet	longer journey eastwards
Marylebone	cafés, shops, pleasant neighbourhood	higher prices
Shoreditch	restaurants, bars, nightlife	noise and location in the east
Canary Wharf	modern hotels and larger rooms	daily commute

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is best for a first visit, musicals and a short stay. You can walk to Trafalgar Square, Westminster, the Thames, Soho and much of the West End.

However, be prepared for high prices, crowds and noise.

• 💷 Budget hotel: The Z Hotel Covent Garden – perfect location, but very small rooms; check that your chosen room category has a window.
• ✨ Higher standard: Strand Palace – a larger, classic hotel between Covent Garden and the Thames.

For a longer stay, I’d recommend considering Marylebone or the City. We’ve written more about the atmosphere of the area in our separate guide to Covent Garden.

Waterloo and South Bank

South Bank is a practical choice for first-time visitors, families and those who want to stay near the London Eye and walk to Big Ben.

Waterloo is a major transport hub, but the area around the main attractions is touristy and hotels tend to be expensive.

• 💷 Budget hotel: citizenM London Victoria Station – a modern hotel with compact rooms.
• ✨ Higher standard: Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge – family rooms, a swimming pool and some room categories with views of Big Ben.

City and Tower Hill

The City offers a good balance between price and location. Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and Borough Market are all within walking distance.

Hotels here tend to be relatively cheap at weekends (compared to central London), but prices can be considerably higher, particularly from Monday to Thursday.

• 💷 Budget hotel: Point A London Liverpool Street – small rooms, good location and direct links from Stansted.
• ✨ Higher standard: Club Quarters Hotel St Paul’s – our choice on our last visit; a great location near the cathedral and the Thames, and perfect for transport from both Gatwick and Luton airports.

King’s Cross and St Pancras

King’s Cross is the best transport hub in London. Six Underground lines run from here, as well as the Eurostar and direct trains to Luton and Gatwick. The area around the station is bustling and less charming than Marylebone or Kensington.

• 💷 Budget hotel: Point A Hotel London King’s Cross–St Pancras – small rooms about 5 minutes from the station.
• ✨ Higher standard: Pullman London St Pancras – a more comfortable hotel situated between St Pancras, Euston and the British Library.

Paddington

Paddington is a practical choice when arriving at Heathrow and offers good value for money given its location. Both the Heathrow Express and the cheaper Elizabeth Line run to the airport, and Hyde Park is within walking distance.

When booking budget hotels in terraced houses, check for a lift, air conditioning and room size.

• 💷 Budget hotel: Point A Hotel London Paddington – a simple choice near the station.
• ✨ Higher standard: Wilde Aparthotels London Paddington – studios with a kitchenette, also suitable for longer stays.

Kensington

I recommend Kensington to families, museum-goers and anyone looking for a quieter stay in the city centre. The area around South Kensington, Gloucester Road and Earl’s Court stations is the most convenient. The downside is that it’s a longer journey to Tower Bridge, the City and Shoreditch.

• 💷 Budget hotel: ibis Styles London Gloucester Road – a simple hotel just a few steps from the Underground.
• ✨ Higher standard: The Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington – a traditional hotel right on Gloucester Road.

Marylebone

Marylebone is my favourite London neighbourhood. It’s ideal for a longer stay, with cafés, restaurants and a pleasant atmosphere without the crowds of Covent Garden. Prices are higher, but in my opinion the location and atmosphere are among the best in London.

• 💷 Budget hotel: Marylebone Inn – simple rooms near Baker Street.
• ✨ Higher standard: The Mandeville Hotel – a more comfortable option right in Marylebone Village.

The neighbouring Mayfair is significantly more expensive and is mainly worth considering if a luxury hotel is part of the experience.

Shoreditch

Shoreditch is great for restaurants, bars, markets and nightlife. You’ll be close to both Brick Lane and Liverpool Street. Some streets remain noisy long into the night, and the location isn’t ideal for exploring the west of the city.

• 💷 Budget hotel: Point A Hotel London Shoreditch – a simple hotel between Shoreditch and the City.
• ✨ Higher standard: citizenM London Shoreditch – small rooms, but pleasant communal areas.

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf offers larger, more modern rooms and is suitable for business trips, at a significantly lower price than in the city centre.

Connections are provided by the Elizabeth Line, the Jubilee Line and the DLR, but you’ll still be commuting daily. I wouldn’t stay here just to save 20 to 30 gbp per night; if the difference is 60 gbp or more, it might be worth it.

• 💷 Budget hotel: Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf – a good, basic hotel in a modern part of the city.
• ✨ Higher standard: TRIBE London Canary Wharf – a higher-quality, modern hotel near the Underground.

How much does accommodation cost in London?

Prices vary significantly depending on the time of year, day of the week and current promotions. Please treat the following figures as a general guide, not a fixed price list.

Type of accommodation	Typical price per night
Hostel bed	30 gbp up to 70 gbp per person
Single room outside the city centre	90 gbp up to 150 gbp
compact room in the city centre	120 gbp up to 200 gbp
high-quality 3* or 4* hotel in the city centre	180 gbp up to 350 gbp
luxury hotel	from 450 gbp

I consider a price below 150 gbp for a room with an en-suite bathroom in a good location to be a very good deal.

When are prices at their highest and when at their lowest

In summer, at Christmas, during Wimbledon, major concerts or public holidays, the same hotels can be significantly more expensive.

In the City and Canary Wharf, prices sometimes drop at weekends when there are fewer business travellers. This doesn’t automatically apply every Saturday, so always compare several areas for the same dates.

Generally speaking, hotels in London are cheapestfrom January to March.

Check hotel prices in London

Ultra-cheap accommodation and hostels

If you’re travelling alone or don’t mind a shared dormitory, a hostel is the only realistic way to get a really low price in a good location. Beds often cost around 30 to 70 gbp per person, but may cost more during the busiest periods.

• 👉 Wombat’s City Hostel London – a highly rated, large hostel near Tower Hill; also suitable for first-time visitors.
• 👉 YHA London Central – an excellent location in Fitzrovia, within walking distance of Oxford Street; offers both shared and private rooms.
• 👉 Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage – usually a cheaper option in Zone 2, near the Jubilee Line.
• 👉 Onefam Notting Hill – a very well-reviewed sociable hostel for younger solo travellers; check the age restrictions.

When comparing options, look at the price per person, not per room. For two people, a small double room can work out about the same as two hostel beds. Also check for a luggage locker, towels, a curtain for the bed and any age restrictions.

Cheap hotels with private rooms

You’ll usually get the lowest price for a small room in the city centre, a room without a window, or a standard room near the Underground in Zones 2 or 3. For a short stay, I’d look for the first option first.

• 👉 Point A London Liverpool Street – a good location for the City, Shoreditch and Stansted Airport.
• 👉 Point A Hotel London King’s Cross–St Pancras – the best location for transport links.
• 👉 The Z Hotel Covent Garden – exceptionally central, but some rooms are very small or have no windows.
• 👉 ibis London Canning Town – further from the centre, but right next to the Underground and DLR stations.

The cheapest room isn’t always the cheapest stay. Factor in transport costs for all travellers and the time spent commuting.

Family-friendly hotels and apartments

Family accommodation is a particular challenge in London. Many standard rooms are only suitable for two people, and an extra bed cannot be added.

When searching, enter the exact number of children and their ages. A room labelled ‘double’ is not automatically suitable for two adults and a child.

• 👉 Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge – family rooms and studios, a swimming pool and a location near the London Eye
• 👉 Citadines Trafalgar Square London – studios and apartments with kitchenettes right in the centre
• 👉 Novotel London Blackfriars – family rooms, an indoor swimming pool and a good location between the South Bank and the City

An apartment is particularly good value for families, groups and for stays of five nights or more. The kitchenette will help reduce costs for breakfasts and simple dinners.

Hotels with the best views

London is a great city for hotels with views. The most sought-after rooms are those facing Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Thames and the City skyline.

However, simply booking a hotel isn’t enough. With most hotels, you’ll need to select a specific room category with a view.

• 👉 The Tower Hotel, by Thistle – the most affordable room with a striking view of Tower Bridge; book a room called ‘Tower Bridge View’ or ‘Bridge View’
• 👉 Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge – some rooms and suites have direct views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
• 👉 London Marriott Hotel County Hall – a more expensive hotel near the London Eye; for the best views, choose a room category labelled ‘Big Ben’
• 👉 Shangri-La The Shard, London – a luxury hotel in The Shard skyscraper; all rooms are high above the city, but the direction of the view varies

Check the full room name before paying. A photo of the view in the hotel’s main gallery does not necessarily mean that the cheapest room category offers that view.

Hotels with a swimming pool

Swimming pools are not common in London hotels. In the city centre, they are mainly offered by the more expensive four- and five-star hotels.

• 👉 Novotel London Blackfriars – one of the more affordable options with an indoor swimming pool
• 👉 Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge – a 15-metre indoor swimming pool; access may be restricted to booked times
• 👉 Shangri-La The Shard, London – a luxurious swimming pool high above the city with panoramic views

Before booking, check opening hours, children’s access and whether you need to book a specific time slot. Some London hotels restrict family access to the swimming pool to certain hours.

Hotels near football stadiums and concert halls

I recommend accommodation right next to the stadium for an evening match or concert, especially when tens of thousands of visitors are expected. For general sightseeing in London, a hotel in the city centre with direct transport links is usually more practical.

• ⚽ Wembley Stadium – The Hilton London Wembley is situated right next to the stadium and Wembley Arena
• ⚽ Stamford Bridge, Chelsea – The Stamford Bridge Hotel London is part of the stadium complex
• ⚽ Emirates Stadium, Arsenal – The Maldron Hotel Finsbury Park is about a 15-minute walk from the stadium and is situated near a major Underground station
• 🎵 O2 Arena – The InterContinental London – The O2 is directly connected to the arena

I wouldn’t change hotels just for a single match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. From the city centre, take the train to White Hart Lane station, and after the match, be prepared for controlled access to the platform.

Where to stay depending on your arrival airport

Your airport doesn’t have to dictate your entire stay. However, for a two- or three-night stay, a direct connection can save you two changes whilst carrying your luggage.

Airport	Convenient areas
Heathrow	Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon
Gatwick	Victoria, London Bridge, Blackfriars, St Pancras
Stansted	Liverpool Street, City, Shoreditch, Tottenham Hale
Luton	St Pancras, Farringdon, Blackfriars
London City	Canary Wharf, City, Canning Town

From Heathrow, the Elizabeth Line runs via Paddington and the city centre to Canary Wharf.

Trains from Gatwick run to Victoria and via London Bridge and Blackfriars to St Pancras. The Stansted Express terminates at Liverpool Street, and trains from Luton pass through St Pancras, Farringdon and Blackfriars.

You can find details in our transport guides for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton airports.

You should only book a hotel right next to the airport if you have a very early departure, a late arrival or are making a connection. Airport hotels are not worth it as a base for exploring London.

How far in advance should you book a hotel?

For standard travel periods, I’d start looking two to four months before your trip. For summer, Easter, Christmas, New Year and weekends with major concerts or sporting events , book three to five months in advance.

Prices in London can fluctuate sharply. A bookable-with-cancellation option makes sense if you plan to check the price again later. Don’t automatically pay for a flexible rate if you know you won’t be comparing offers again.

Before booking, check the events calendar at Wembley, the O2 Arena and the Wimbledon dates. A major event can drive up prices even for hotels far from the venue itself.

Book your hotel in advance

What to look out for when booking

• Room size: rooms measuring 9 to 12 m² are not uncommon in the city centre. They can be rather cramped if you have two large suitcases.
• Windowless room: the terms ‘Inside’ or ‘Windowless’ mean the room has no window. Check the full category name.
• Bathroom: the cheapest private room may have a shared bathroom.
• Air conditioning: this isn’t always standard in older hotels; always check for it in summer.
• Children: enter their ages when searching. The hotel may not allow a third person, even in the parents’ double bed.
• Station: the ideal distance is within 500 metres. At King’s Cross, Bank or Victoria, it takes extra time to get through the station complex.
• Breakfast: this is often sold separately. Compare the price with cafés and bakeries in the area.

Where I’d stay on my next visit

For a first trip, I’d choose between South Bank, Covent Garden and the City. You’ll be close to most of the main attractions wherever you stay.

For a longer stay, I’d personally choose Marylebone. It’s in an excellent location, but in the evening it feels quieter and more authentic than the tourist centre.

If you’re on a tighter budget, I’d first look for a small room in the City, near King’s Cross or Paddington. Only then would I consider moving to Canning Town, Stratford or Wembley.

Find a hotel in London for your dates

You can find details about zones, fares and night transport in the articles on the London Underground and transport in London.