Looking for the best place to stay in London?
Follow the guide, I’ve tested, listed and detailed for you the best areas to stay in London as well as the best accommodation in this city that I love visiting so much.
London is a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage. That’s why I like to spend a weekend there whenever I get the chance.
So I’m used to going there and I know like the back of my hand the best places to stay to suit everyone’s tastes!
Especially as it’s not easy to find a cheap hotel in London, or at least one that offers good value for money.
So in this article, I’m going to tell you about my top areas and hotels to stay in London.
⏰ Don’t have time to read everything?
Here are our 3 favourite accommodations sorted by price category:
🚨 These are some of the most popular hotels so don’t delay booking. Plus, they offer free cancellation, so don’t worry if you change your mind.
(€) The Z Hotel Tottenham. Cheap hotel in London with well-equipped rooms located in the heart of London in Soho next to Picadelly Circus tube station. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ The Resident Kensington. Charming hotel 2 km from Buckingham, and only 300 m from Earl’s Court tube station, with large, elegantly designed rooms. Very friendly staff. Book here.
(€€€) Ruby Lucy Hotel London. Sublime 4-star boutique hotel located in the traveller’s favourite area, 700 m from the London Eye Ferris wheel and 1 km from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The breakfast is perfect. Book here.
🌃 Find other accommodation at the best price
Table des matières
The best place to stay in London: Covent Garden
Once a covered market selling fresh fruit and vegetables (as the name suggests), Covent Garden has considerably raised the standard of produce on its stalls and is now considered one of the most popular shopping and tourist areas to stay in London.
Home to the Royal Opera House (also known as Covent Garden), the area is bisected by Long Acre Street, to the north of which you’ll find mainly fashion shops and to the south historic buildings, entertainment and theatres, including the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane.
The Covent Garden Piazza is the most prominent spot in the area and is ideal for a bite to eat and an alfresco drink with family and friends alike.
Perfect for: All types of travellers looking for accommodation in London.
Other places to visit in Covent Garden: London Transport Museum, St. Martin’sCourtyard, Neal Street, Seven Dials and Covent Garden Market.
Here are our favourite hotels in the best area to stay in London
Note: Don’t delay booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in London.
(€) The Z Hotel Tottenham. Cheap hotel in London with well-equipped rooms located in the heart of London in Soho next to Picadelly Circus tube station. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ The Resident Kensington. Charming hotel 2 km from Buckingham, and only 300 m from Earl’s Court tube station, offering large, elegantly designed rooms. Very friendly staff. Book here.
(€€€) Ruby Lucy Hotel London. Sublime 4-star boutique hotel located in the traveller’s favourite area, 700 m from the London Eye Ferris wheel and 1 km from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The breakfast is perfect. Book here.
The tourist district where to stay in London: Westminster
It’s safe to say that there’s no more historic place to stay in London than Westminster.
You’ll of course find some of the capital’s most notable landmarks here, including Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey and the National Gallery.
Westminster is more than just a part of the city; it’s an open-air museum of English history. Situated just north of the River Thames, it is known as the landmark for all tourists arriving in London.
It’s also where you’ll find the UK Parliament, housed in the Palace of Westminster (also known as the Houses of Parliament).
Of course, the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony that invariably takes place every morning in front of Buckingham Palace is a must-see.
For shopaholics, a window-shopping session on Oxford Street, Europe’s busiest shopping street, is a must.
Perfect for: All travellers looking for accommodation in London.
Other places to visit in Westminster: Big Ben, Westminster Cathedral, Churchill War Rooms.
Here are our favourite hotels in the tourist district where to stay in London
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in London.
(€) The Z Hotel Tottenham. Cheap hotel in London with well-equipped rooms located in the heart of London in Soho next to Picadelly Circus tube station. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ The Resident Kensington. Charming hotel 2 km from Buckingham, and only 300 m from Earl’s Court tube station, offering large, elegantly designed rooms. Very friendly staff. Book here.
(€€€) Ruby Lucy Hotel London. Sublime 4-star boutique hotel located in the traveller’s favourite area, 700 m from the London Eye Ferris wheel and 1 km from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The breakfast is perfect. Book here.
The trendiest place to stay and go out in London: Soho
If you’re looking for the hippest place to stay in London, Soho is clearly the heart of London’s vibrant nightlife.
The area has a reputation as a must-see destination for travellers, but also for Londoners looking for fun and a good time.
Known as a place of entertainment since the 19th century, Soho is a very fashion-conscious area, with countless boutiques and designer shops lining streets such as Berwick Street and Kingly Court.
Old Compton Street is the epicentre of London’s gay community, and the whole of Soho has whole streets where adult entertainment is king.
The area is also famous for its jazz scene and is home to a number of bars and jazz clubs that are sure to please.
Amidst all the trendy shops and jazz clubs, the streets are lined with different types of world restaurants, from Asian to Italian, as well as gourmet restaurants and patisseries offering exceptional delights.
Perfect for: Single travellers or couples, especially young people looking for a lively area to sleep in London.
Other places to visit in Soho: Queen’s Theatre, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, St Patrick’s Catholic Church, National Portrait Gallery, Piccadilly and Leicester Squares.
Here are our favourite hotels in London’s nightlife district
Note: Don’t delay booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in London.
(€) The Z Hotel Tottenham. Cheap hotel in London with well-equipped rooms located in the heart of London in Soho next to Picadelly Circus tube station. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ The Resident Kensington. Charming hotel 2 km from Buckingham, and only 300 m from Earl’s Court tube station, offering large, elegantly designed rooms. Very friendly staff. Book here.
(€€€) Ruby Lucy Hotel London. Sublime 4-star boutique hotel located in the traveller’s favourite area, 700 m from the London Eye Ferris wheel and 1 km from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The breakfast is perfect. Book here.
Where to stay as a couple: Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is often referred to as the city’s ‘literary capital’ because of its many schools and private educational establishments.
Although literally in the heart of London, Bloomsbury is home to some of the most picturesque public parks, the most famous of which are Russell Square and Bloomsbury Square. It’s perfect for couples.
The Brunswick Shopping Centre is a large shopping centre where you’ll find everything you need, from boutiques and shops to restaurants and a wide range of leisure activities.
And, how could you not visit the world famous British Museum – a permanent exhibition displaying over 7 million artefacts from all eras under one roof.
Perfect for: All types of travellers looking for accommodation in London, especially couples and those interested in history and museums.
Other highlights: Charles Dickens Museum, Comic Book Museum, St George’s Church, British Post Office and Mail Rail Museum, Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology.
Here are our favourite hotels in the area to stay in London as a couple
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in London.
(€) The Z Hotel Tottenham. Cheap hotel in London with well-equipped rooms located in the heart of London in Soho next to Picadelly Circus tube station. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ The Resident Kensington. Charming hotel 2 km from Buckingham, and only 300 m from Earl’s Court tube station, offering large, elegantly designed rooms. Very friendly staff. Book here.
(€€€) Ruby Lucy Hotel London. Sublime 4-star boutique hotel located in the traveller’s favourite area, 700 m from the London Eye Ferris wheel and 1 km from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The breakfast is perfect. Book here.
The chic district for accommodation in London: South Kensington
Unquestionably the most expensive area to stay in London and one of the most exclusive in the world, South Kensington is where the celebrities and the rich live among themselves.
Located in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, South Kensington is home to four of London’s most important museums as well as the Royal Albert Hall (named after Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria), the city’s oldest and undeniably most important concert hall.
The High Street Kensington area is the place to be for shoppers – similar to Oxford Street, but less busy and with more upmarket shops reserved for the wealthy.
South Kensington is often referred to as the ’21st arrondissement of Paris’ due to the high concentration of French expatriates living in the area.
In fact, the French population living in South Kensington is so large that it simply makes London the sixth largest French city in the world.
Perfect for: Travellers who can afford and are looking for a chic area to stay in London.
Other highlights: The Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, Alfred Hitchcock’s house, Bram Stoker’s house and Billionaires’ Row.
Here are our favourite upmarket hotels to stay at in London
Note: Don’t delay booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in London.
(€) The Z Hotel Tottenham. Cheap hotel in London with well-equipped rooms located in the heart of London in Soho next to Picadelly Circus tube station. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ The Resident Kensington. Charming hotel 2 km from Buckingham, and only 300 m from Earl’s Court tube station, offering large, elegantly designed rooms. Very friendly staff. Book here.
(€€€) Ruby Lucy Hotel London. Sublime 4-star boutique hotel located in the traveller’s favourite area, 700 m from the London Eye Ferris wheel and 1 km from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The breakfast is perfect. Book here.
The family district where to stay in London: King’s Cross
Named after the statue of King George IV that once stood there, the King’s Cross area has been transformed over the years from a red light district to a new hub of activity and entertainment.
Served by one of London’s main railway stations, King’s Cross is home to a number of famous cultural institutions, including the London Canal Museum and the British Library.
King’s Cross remains one of London’s most important construction and regeneration projects of the 21st century.
Did you know that it was at King’s Cross station that Harry Potter boarded the train from the famous “Platform 9 3/4” to Hogwarts? You can even see a carriage crossing the station wall!
Perfect for: All types of travellers wishing to stay in London.
Other highlights: Camden Town Hall, King’s Palace, St Pancras Old Church, Charles Dickens Museum, British Postal Museum and Archive, Gagosian Gallery.
Here are our favourite hotels in the area to stay in London with children
Note: Don’t delay booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in London.
(€) The Z Hotel Tottenham. Cheap hotel in London with well-equipped rooms located in the heart of London in Soho next to Picadelly Circus tube station. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ The Resident Kensington. Charming hotel 2 km from Buckingham, and only 300 m from Earl’s Court tube station, offering large, elegantly designed rooms. Very friendly staff. Book here.
(€€€) Ruby Lucy Hotel London. Sublime 4-star boutique hotel located in the traveller’s favourite area, 700 m from the London Eye Ferris wheel and 1 km from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The breakfast is perfect. Book here.
The trendy area to stay in London: Shoreditch
Considered to be one of the most artistic places to stay in London’s chic East End, you’ll always find something to do in Shoreditch.
Unlike the rest of London, which remains rather sedate, the best of Shoreditch’s art and creativity is scattered around every corner. Every blank wall is a work of art in the making, which local artists are eager to showcase like an open-air canvas.
The area is also a goldmine for shopping fans, especially if you’re into unique vintage clothes and accessories.
It is also home to Blitz London, the largest vintage shop on the European continent, no less.
Another key feature of Shoreditch is the area’s fascination with street food – from bagels to Thai cuisine and other delicacies from all over the world, all you need to do is choose from the multitude of eateries and you’re in for a treat!
The area is also known for its effervescent nightlife and love of clubbing, and of course you’ll find some of London’s best nightclubs.
Perfect for : All travellers, especially nightlife lovers and young people looking to get out and about in London.
Other highlights include Boxpark, Columbia Road FlowerMarket, Old SpitalfieldsMarket, Brick Lane and the Geffrye Museum.
Here are our favourite hotels in London’s fashionable district to stay in
Note: Don’t delay booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in London.
(€) The Z Hotel Tottenham. Cheap hotel in London with well-equipped rooms located in the heart of London in Soho next to Picadelly Circus tube station. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ The Resident Kensington. Charming hotel 2 km from Buckingham, and only 300 m from Earl’s Court tube station, offering large, elegantly designed rooms. Very friendly staff. Book here.
(€€€) Ruby Lucy Hotel London. Sublime 4-star boutique hotel located in the traveller’s favourite area, 700 m from the London Eye Ferris wheel and 1 km from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The breakfast is perfect. Book here.
London’s cultural districts: Waterloo, South Bank, and Bankside
Much more than just a railway station and platform to South Bank, Waterloo is home to several streets known for their penchant for culture and entertainment that attract tourists visiting the capital and looking for accommodation in London.
One of London’s most iconic landmarks, the London Eye, is just minutes from the station, while Big Ben is just a 15-minute walk from the iconic Westminster Bridge.
This is a very special place for anyone interested in museums and theatres. Just east of Waterloo Bridge on the south bank of the River Thames, you’ll find the famous National Theatre.
East of Blackfriars Bridge you’ll come to Bankside, one of London’s oldest and liveliest districts and home to the Tate Modern museum, BanksideGallery and the Golden Hinde privateer galleon.
Perfect for: All types of tourists, especially history buffs.
Other highlights : Florence Nightingale Museum, London Sea Life Aquarium, London Dungeon, Old Vic Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe.
Here are our favourite Cultural Quarter hotels to stay at in London
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in London.
(€) The Z Hotel Tottenham. Cheap hotel in London with well-equipped rooms located in the heart of London in Soho next to Picadelly Circus tube station. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ The Resident Kensington. Charming hotel 2 km from Buckingham, and only 300 m from Earl’s Court tube station, offering large, elegantly designed rooms. Very friendly staff. Book here.
(€€€) Ruby Lucy Hotel London. Sublime 4-star boutique hotel located in the traveller’s favourite area, 700 m from the London Eye Ferris wheel and 1 km from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The breakfast is perfect. Book here.
The trendy and eclectic district: Clerkenwell
Clerkenwell is a district of the London borough of Islington, one of the trendiest in London, known in particular for its eclectic population, the omnipresence of fashion on its streets and its gastronomic treasures.
A mix of Victorian and Georgian buildings make up the streets of Clerkenwell and are home to several Michelin-starred restaurants.
Away from the stuffy haute cuisine, Clerkenwell is home to London’s first gastro-pub, the Eagle.
All-night pubs and other late-night establishments attract young tourists and party-goers who come to enjoy themselves after the sun goes down. The Charles Dickens Museum, Sadler’s Wells Theatre and Museum of the Order of St John are some of the area’s best-known attractions.
Perfect for : All types of travellers, especially nightlife lovers and epicureans who want to stay in a good area of London.
Other highlights: The British Museum, Tower Bridge, Exmouth Market, Smithfield Market, LeatherLane, St Peter’s Catholic Church and the Clockmaker’s Museum.
Here are our favourite hotels in London’s fashionable district to stay in
Note: Don’t delay in booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in London.
(€) The Z Hotel Tottenham. Cheap hotel in London with well-equipped rooms located in the heart of London in Soho next to Picadelly Circus tube station. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ The Resident Kensington. Charming hotel 2 km from Buckingham, and only 300 m from Earl’s Court tube station, offering large, elegantly designed rooms. Very friendly staff. Book here.
(€€€) Ruby Lucy Hotel London. Sublime 4-star boutique hotel located in the traveller’s favourite area, 700 m from the London Eye Ferris wheel and 1 km from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The breakfast is perfect. Book here.
The area near the station: London Bridge
The London Bridge area, named after the city’s famous landmark, stretches from London Bridge to Tower Bridge on the south bank of the Thames. Home to one of London’s busiest train stations, you’ll find many of London’s top attractions, including City Hall and Borough Market.
Nearby, you can also cross the Millennium Bridge, admire HMS Belfast (the Royal Navy’s Town-class light cruiser) and the legendary Tower of London.
Visitors can also enjoy the many theatres, museums and shopping avenues. But it’s also an area where locals frequent bars, cafés and the like. The Shard, just off London Bridge, is the tallest building in Western Europe and offers unrivalled panoramic views across the city.
Perfect for : All types of travellers wishing to sleep in a London district close to the station.
Other places to visit in this area: The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, St Katharine’s Docks, The London Wall, Potters Field and Southwark Cathedral.
Here are our favourite hotels in the area to stay in London near the station
Note: Don’t delay booking as these are some of the most popular hotels in London.
(€) The Z Hotel Tottenham. Cheap hotel in London with well-equipped rooms located in the heart of London in Soho next to Picadelly Circus tube station. Book here.
(€€) ❤️ The Resident Kensington. Charming hotel 2 km from Buckingham, and only 300 m from Earl’s Court tube station, offering large, elegantly designed rooms. Very friendly staff. Book here.
(€€€) Ruby Lucy Hotel London. Sublime 4-star boutique hotel located in the traveller’s favourite area, 700 m from the London Eye Ferris wheel and 1 km from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The breakfast is perfect. Book here.
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