The capital of England boasts some of the world’s most beautiful architecture, fun nightlife, and delicious international food. However, London is a huge city and choosing the right area to stay in during your trip is crucial to ensuring you have a pleasant trip, and don’t spend all your time travelling back and forth or in a neighbourhood that is too boring or noisy (depending on what you’re looking for).
Discover 12 of the top places to stay while visiting London, suitable for any budget.
London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world welcoming millions of visitors each year. That being said, the city is home to a number of magnificent hotels and accommodation options to suit the need of any traveler. Whether you are looking to relax in a life of luxury, live like a local in a high rise, or make new friends at a lively and social hostel, the hotel industry in London isn’t lacking in options.
Wondering where to stay in London? From luxury hotels, midrange options, budget hostels, and even Airbnbs and apartments, the city has it all. Here are some of the top places to stay while visiting the vibrant capital of the UK.
There isn’t a city that does luxury hotels quite like London. From gilded guest houses, romantic refuges, and award-winning spas and restaurants, the luxury hotels in London are suited for only the best elite and upscale travelers looking to maximize their class and elegance. These hotels are an attraction in themselves, with a rich heritage, royal links, and 5-star service.
Photo: Courtesy of Rosewood London
Rosewood London — Sitting in Holborn, the epicenter of London is the Rosewood London. What was once the headquarters of the Pearl Insurance Company, is now a luxurious and modern-day hotel featuring all the antique stylings of the past. Marble staircases graze the carriageway entrance, with a gorgeous outdoor garden and terrace, social lounge, and spacious and cozy rooms, loaded with all amenities needed for a luxurious stay in London. The hotel also houses an on-site restaurant, hosting afternoon teas, delicious cuisine, and live jazz music in the Scafes Bar.
Photo: Courtesy of The Cadogan
Belmond Cadogan Hotel — The historical Belmond Cadogan Hotel sits in the heart of Chelsea. The 5-star hotel is the spitting image of what you would imagine a luxurious English hotel would be like. Whether you are looking to relax in a spacious suite with all-day room service, or a chance to receive luxurious spa treatments suite for royalty, Belmond Cadogan Hotel can suites your highest needs. Guests also receive access to the palace gardens, with an on-site spa, a fully loaded library, and direct access to some of the best shopping in the city.
Photo: Andrew Holt/Getty Images
Claridges — Claridges is famously known for being one of the most luxurious, classy, and sophisticated hotels in all of London. It has acquired a mythical aura, attracting A list celebrity guests, and aims to suit the most upscale travelers in the city. The architectural design, on the interior and the exterior, give it a victorian style vibe, with a contemporary luxe and fragile feeling. Revolving doors open up into a new world of class and elegance, with any amenities or service you could possibly imagine, always served in style. The onsite foyer has the perfect setting, and flavor, for the ideal afternoon tea experiences in London.
As mentioned before, London knows what it’s doing when it comes to hotels, and is able to cater its services based on budget. While the city is famous for upscale luxury, London has a wide range of hotels that are mid-range, for those looking for a simple and comfortable vacation, but with all the amenities needed for a successful trip. Not quite as luxurious as something found on Piccadilly, but perfect for the average style adventurer.
Photo: David Dibert/Unsplash
Lime Tree Hotel — Located in Belgravia is the eclectic-style apartment studio, Lime Tree Hotel. Coming at an affordable price and convenient location, it’s known as the loveliest little boutique in London. The interiors have new newly designed and re-furnished, with an additional on-site cafe, perfect for afternoon tea and crumpets.
Bedrooms range from modern to minuscule, with countryside coziness packed in each one. It’s ideal for solo travelers and remote workers, as the rooms are quaint and quiet. A delicious breakfast is served each morning from the nearby bakery, and a luscious garden terrace is perfect for relaxing and being sociable in the evenings.
Photo: Courtesy of The Z Hotel
The Z Hotel — The Z Hotel is an urban-style hotel in Shoreditch, great for those wanting to live like a local in London. Tucked away on a quiet street, the cozy and affordable hotel is built into an old English office building, giving guests a homey and cozy atmosphere.
The staff on site are more than happy to assist you during your stay, as well as being experts in the city, offering local tips and recommendations. While it’s not fancy and loaded with lights and bells, it has everything needed you’d expect in a hotel. It is an ideal place to come back to and relax after a long day of sightseeing in the city.
Hostels are an ideal location style for those traveling on a budget, for long periods of time, and wanting to make new friends with like-minded perspectives on the road. They have shared rooms, as well as private rooms available to suit whatever needs you may have. The staff is likely traveling around like you, or local residents that can answer any question you may have, and tend to host fun activities such as dinner nights and pub crawls.
Photo: Courtesy of Clink 78
Clink 78 — Located on the corner of Kings Cross in an old courthouse building, Clink78 holds a lot of great stories and history. Many rooms in the old building were once jail cells, and the front steps were where the famous British Rock band The Clash once stood trial. Onsite- there is a huge kitchen downstairs fully loaded with amenities, with plenty of space to eat, work and socialize, and rooms are equipped with private beds with curtains, outlets, lights, and lockers.
They host a lot of social events for other like-minded travelers to get acquainted with, such as solo events, bingo nights, and dance parties. It’s ideal for those looking to have a good time, make new people, and party the night away in London.
Photo: Courtesy of Hostel One London
Hostel One — Hostel One is famously known for being one of the best hostels in all of London. It is located in the charming area of Notting Hill, with a friendly staff, social vibe, and quaint and homey atmosphere. Guest receive a free homecooked dinner each night, as well as the chance to join in socially organized activities on-site. Rooms are simple, but have everything thing a travel lover needs to be comfortable. If nothing else, come for the atmosphere and a chance to easily meet and network with other like-minded travelers.
Photo: Courtesy The Walrus Hostel
The Walrus Hostel — Best for budget travelers, the Walrus Hostel offers everything needed while on the road at an affordable price and central location. Sitting next to Parliament and Big Ben puts you directly in the midst of all the action of downtown London London.
The Walrus offers guests free breakfast each day, and discounts in the pub located downstairs. It is designed with an old-English style flare, with antique furniture, old wallpapered rooms, and an atmosphere to make you feel just like a local. The staff on-site are friendly and hospitable, ready to assist you with anything you may need during your stay.
Airbnb is a great alternative for accommodation rather than a hotel, for guests looking to travel more like a local, have more privacy, or just want to experience new destinations from a different perspective. Additionally, Airbnb Luxe provides guests with exclusive homes filled with special amenities and services on-hand such as daycare services, grocery delivery, or free transportation. Luckily for you, when considering where to stay in London, many Airbnbs are available for all types of travelers on any kind of budget.
Photo: Courtesy of the Beavercreek Town House
Beaverbrook Town House — Sitting in the heart of Chelsea, the Beavercreek townhouse is a newly designed Georgian townhouse near Sloane Square. Local artwork and design fill the interior, in addition to past framed movie posters and other theatre memorabilia. The townhouse is furnished with wooden desks, velvet couches, patterned cushions, and flamboyant lampshades. It is made to feel like a blast from the past, with an elegant and classy feel, all with the comforts and amenities of home.
Photo: Courtesy of the Vintage Townhouse
Pembroke Townhouse — The Pembroke Vintage Townhouse is located in the heart of Kensington, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. It has 3 beautiful bedrooms inside, a dining room with large complete seating for 6 people, a fully loaded kitchen, a luxurious bathroom with a deep claw-foot tub, and a luscious green private garden with a glass-roofed sunroof. It is perfect for families or guests looking to live like royalty in a spacious English townhouse that’s fit for a king, or queen.
Photo: Courtesy of UnderTheDoormat’s
Docklands Apartment — UnderTheDoormat’s Docklands Apartment is perfect for solo travelers or remote workers, the Stylish Studio Apartment in Downtown London is a perfect choice. The studio comes conveniently stocked with high-speed internet, a dedicated workspace, contactless check-in, a fully equipped kitchen, and marvelous views of the River Thames.
We hope this guide has given you an overview of all the variety of styles of accommodation found in the lively city of London, and that you decide to reside in one of these spectacular accommodations. Remember to refer back to this guide when deciding where to stay in London during your next visit!
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