posted: 5/30/24 | 30th May, 2024
London is one of my favorite cities in the world. I have been visiting regularly since 2008 and never tire of exploring the city. There are tons of amazing (and free) museums, a lively pub culture and incredible food that keep me coming back for seconds.
But as much as I love the city, it’s too spread out. The neighborhood you live in (and the hotel you choose) will greatly affect your trip. And, as one of the most visited cities in Europe, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. It’s almost overwhelming.
To make sure you choose a great hotel, here is my list of the best hotels in London. Those are the places I stay when I visit so you know they are worth your money!
1. Citadines Barbican London
Located near the train station in the heart of the city, I think this four star hotel offers excellent value for its location. The hotel has classic rooms as well as apartment-style rooms with kitchens that are perfect for groups or families. Rooms are bright and warm with soft tones, hardwood floors, wooden furniture and comfortable beds. They also have flatscreen TVs, electric kettles, desks, reliable Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets near the bed to make it easy to charge your stuff. They have excellent soundproofing so you can get a good night’s sleep as well. The bathroom is spacious and has excellent water pressure (a big plus for me) and includes complimentary toiletries.
There is no breakfast included, but there is free coffee in the lobby and there are many restaurants nearby (the hotel is right in the center of town). There is also a gym on site. It is one of the better affordable choices in Square Mile.
2. Counting House
The Counting House is an iconic English pub with 15 luxury rooms. While the pub has elegant, historic decor, the spacious rooms are all sleek and modern, with a mix of light colors and wainscoting. The simple yet chic rooms include a flatscreen TV, iPhone dock, Nespresso machine, Wi-Fi, AC and a super king-size bed. The bathrooms are equally well appointed, with lots of light and excellent rain showers. The best part though is the huge bed. They have the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sleep in here thanks to Egyptian cotton sheets and 1800 pocket sprung mattresses.
I also love the breakfast here (and the food in general). A full English breakfast is included, and they have a mouth-watering seasonal menu in the pub, including classic handmade pies to die for. If you want a unique, posh stay in the heart of the city, stay here.
3. London Lodge Hotel
This bright Victorian townhouse is located in Kensington. A three-star hotel, staying here feels like staying in a historic B&B. It has rooms that are uniquely decorated with bright colors, patterned carpeting and vintage furniture. Each room also has a small flatscreen TV, desk, minibar and electric kettle. Bathrooms are bright and have a more modern design than the rooms, including features such as mirrors with integrated lighting and large rain shower heads.
A full English or continental breakfast can be included, and while there are no other facilities (no gym, no spa) there is private parking. You’re just a short 15-minute walk to iconic spots like Hyde Park and the Natural History Museum.
4. Ampersand Hotel
The Ampersand is a luxury five-star boutique hotel next to South Kensington station. Each of the beautiful rooms has a different theme, such as music or astronomy, and if you stay on the top floor, the rooms have amazing views of the city. The room has plenty of natural light from the large windows, as well as pops of color in the form of comfy chairs and colorful throw pillows that brighten up the space. Each room also includes a coffee/tea maker, desk, flatscreen TV, and convenient outlets near the bed (which I appreciate). Bathrooms are bright and airy with open rainfall showers, comfortable bathtubs and complimentary toiletries. Some also have bathtubs.
I really like that they serve posh afternoon tea in the drawing room, which is a quintessentially British experience. They also have a gym, a games room and a delicious Mediterranean restaurant on site. Breakfast has a lot of variety (including eggs, meat and bread). If you want that classic British hotel experience, stay here.
5. Mimi’s Hotel Soho
Located in Soho, this stylish four-star hotel has small rooms (some rooms don’t even have windows) to help keep things affordable. That said, the rooms are comfortable, tasteful and (due to their small size) perfect for solo travellers. Cozy rooms have perks like underfloor heating, filtered water, hardwood or wooden floors, and really nice tiled bathrooms (with rain showers). Flatscreen TVs include satellite channels and in-room Nespresso machines are also included. Breakfast is very simple, with just coffee and pastries, but there are plenty of places to eat nearby if that’s a concern.
The hotel’s on-street bar, Hansons, gets really busy at night (and there are plenty of pubs around the neighbourhood). The hotel is well soundproofed, so you can still sleep well here. It’s a great, central location.
6. Strand Palace Hotel
A four-star hotel in Covent Garden (east of Soho), this hotel has been around since the early 1900s. All of its rooms are built around six interior courtyards (if you want a quieter space, ask for a room with an interior view). The rooms are stylish and have a contemporary design with abstract art on the walls and plenty of natural light. Standard double rooms include AC, flatscreen TV, a free minibar and a Nespresso machine. They also have small rooms with single beds if you are traveling alone and want to save some money.
The spacious and luxurious lobby has an elegant art deco design. There are two bars serving cocktails (as well as afternoon tea), as well as a gym and a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast with lots of variety. It’s also just a short walk to Trafalgar Square.
7. Oakley Hotel
Housed in a Victorian building just off Chelsea Embankment on the banks of the River Thames, this three-star hotel is the most affordable option in this high-end neighbourhood. The decor is a bit dated with plenty of floral patterns on the wallpaper and carpets, everything is homely, clean and comfortable. The rooms have nice basic amenities like flat screen TV, electric kettle and wardrobe or closet. The bathrooms are also a bit dated (and some rooms have shared bathroom facilities), but the water pressure in the shower is decent.
A continental breakfast is included, with toast, beans, eggs and granola. Overall, it is a perfect no-frills property for budget travelers.
London is one of my favorite cities in the world. But it’s a sprawling city with plenty to see and do. That means choosing the right hotel and neighborhood is important. By choosing a hotel from the above list, you are sure to have a wonderful and relaxing visit.
Get your in-depth budget guide to Europe!
My detailed 200+ page guide is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts through the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has travel suggestions, budgeting, ways to save money, things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips and more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.
Book your trip to London: logistical tips and tricks
Book your flight
to use Skyscanner To find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they find websites and airlines worldwide so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book your accommodation
You can also book your hostel Hostelworld Because they have the largest inventory and the best deals. Use if you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel Booking.com Because they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
For suggested places to stay, check out this list of hostels.
And, if you’re wondering which part of the city to live in, here’s my London neighborhood breakdown!
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide great service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the things I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel.
Need guidance?
There are really interesting tours in London. My favorite company take a walk. They have expert guides and can take you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They are my walking tour company!
Want more information about London?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on London for more planning tips!