London is a huge city with many accommodation options. Finding a hotel that fits your budget and is well located seems almost impossible. In this post I tell you where to stay in London including the best areas and hotels in the city.
On this post you will find:
Where to stay in London: best areas and hotels
Central London or London city centre is the innermost part of London, composed by several boroughs. This is where most tourist attractions in London are located. These are some of the best neighborhoods to stay in London:
1. Soho and Trafalgar Square: the heart of London
One of the most central and tourist areas in London. Hotels in this area tend to be a bit more expensive and exclusive due to being in such a central area, just meters from important points such as Piccadilly Circus, Oxford St and Trafalgar Square.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN THIS AREA:
Oxford street, Chinatown, Carnaby Street, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square
Where to stay in Soho and Trafalgar Square:
- $ – SoHostel: ideally located right in the middle of Soho neighborhood, close to the restaurants, shops and attractions at Oxford Street. You can stay in shared rooms (USD $30-50) or private double rooms (USD $100-130). It has a bar, a games room and a terrace. Click here to see prices for SoHostel.
- $$ – Z Hotel Tottenham Court Road: a hotel located a few meters from the pedestrian Carnaby Street. Modern rooms and a very affordable price for what this unbeatable location is. Click here to see prices for Z Hotel.
- $$$ – Broadwick Soho: a 5 star hotel located in the center of London. Each room has a unique decoration. An excellent breakfast is served every morning. It is the best hotel if you are looking for excellent service. Click here to see prices for Broadwick Soho.
2. Bloomsbury: next to the British Museum
Next to Soho you will find Bloomsbury neighborhood which is one of my favorite areas to stay in London. Although it is a very central area, it is also quiet and has some residential areas. Bloomsbury is home to the British Museum, one of the many free museums in London.
Another thing I like about this area is that it is close to St Pancras International and King’s Cross train stations from where trains depart to other European cities and England.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN THIS AREA:
British Museum, Russel Square, Charles Dickens Museum, St Pancras Station and King’s Cross.
Where to stay in Bloomsbury:
- $ – Generator Hostel London: Generator is a chain of hostels that is characterised by its super modern and fun environments. On my first solo trip to London I stayed at this hostel and I highly recommend it. The hostel has several common areas: a bar, a restaurant, a rest room and games. It is one of the most beautiful hostels in London, if it is available do not hesitate to stay here. Click here to see prices for Generator Hostel.
- $$ – St Giles London: St Giles London is a 3-star hotel located near Tottenham Court underground station and Oxford Street shops and restaurants. The rooms are a bit old but they are fully equipped with everything you need. Breakfast is optional. With rates from USD $140(double base), St Giles is an ideal hotel for couples. Click here to see prices for St Giles London.
3. Covent Garden: shops and theatres
Covent Garden is a very small area next to Soho in London’s West End. It is an ideal area for those who want to be in the center of London’s nightlife since it is where most of the theaters, several shops and bars are located.
Where to stay in Covent Garden:
- $ – Z Hotel Trafalgar: a hotel with somewhat small rooms but a very good location, in the heart of Covent Garden and close to Trafalgar Square. Click here to see prices for Z Hotel Trafalgar.
- $$ – Strand Palace Hotel: a classic London hotel that opened in 1909. However, it has been renovated and the rooms are modern and spacious. It is meters from the shops of Covent Garden. Click here to see prices for Strand Palace Hotel.
4. The city of London: the financial district
The City of London is the financial area of the city. It is also a very touristy area because it is where St Paul’s Cathedral and London Bridge are located. In this area there are many hotels for business travellers.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN THIS AREA:
St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, Sky Garden, London Bridge and Leadenhall Market.
Where to stay in the City of London:
- $$ – CitizenM Tower of London: a super modern hotel located in front of the Tower of London. Good location and excellent value for money. Click here to see prices for citizenM Tower of London.
- $$ – Club Quarters Hotel: Club Quarters is a hotel chain for business travelers. The hotel is located very close to St Paul’s Cathedral. Click here to see prices for Club Quarters Hotel St Paul’s
5. South Bank: next to the River Thames
South Bank is the area located on the south side of River Thames, where the famous London Eye is located. It is a quieter area but still located in the city center. There are many accommodation options and some hotels offer incredible views of the river and the city.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN THIS AREA:
London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, and The Shard
Where to stay in South Bank:
- $$ – The Wellington Hotel: a vintage-style hotel located very close to the London Eye and Waterloo station. It has a very good quality-price ratio. Click here to see prices for The Wellington Hotel.
- $$ – Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London: a hotel with truly incredible views of the city. If you are looking to wake up and see through your window some of London’s most important attractions such as Big Ben or the London Eye, this hotel is a great option. Click here to see prices for Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
6. Westminster: historic Lodon
This neighborhood is one of the most touristy in London because it is where some of the most recognized places in England such as the Palace of Westminster, the Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are concentrated.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN THIS AREA:
Westminster Palace, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park and Tate Britain.
Where to stay in Westminster:
- $ – The Z Hotel Victoria: a hotel located meters from the Victoria train station. The rooms are small but the price for the location is very good. Click here to see prices for The Z Hotel Victoria.
- $$ – The Sanctuary House Hotel: located meters from Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, unbeatable for those who want to stay in this area of London. Click here to see prices for The Sanctuary House Hotel.
- $$$ – Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences: one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. It has 3 restaurants, spa and gym. They offer both rooms and suites equipped with kitchens. Click here to see prices for Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences.
7. Knightsbridge: south of Hyde Park
Knightsbridge is one of the poshest neighborhoods in London where some of the most luxurious hotels in the city are located. This is where you can find the famous Harrods store. This area is very close to several museums and Hyde Park.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN THIS AREA:
Harrods, Hyde Park and Victoria & Albert Museum
Where to stay in Knightsbridge:
- $ – The Beaufort: a boutique hotel located very close to Knightsbridge tube station. It is one of the cheapest accommodations you will find in this area. Click here to see prices for The Beaufort.
- $$ – Knightsbridge Roof Garden Rooms: another budget-moderate price hotel in the area. Spacious rooms and very well connected to the entire city. Click here to see prices for Knightsbridge Roof Garden Rooms.
- $$$ – The Park Tower Knightsbridge: a 5-star hotel located steps from Hyde Park.Click here to see prices for The Park Tower Knightsbridge.
8. South Kensington: luxurious and residential
South Kensington is an area that is a little further away from the most central and commercial area of London but I still thinks is a good option for those who want to stay in a quieter area. Kensington is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods to live in London.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN THIS AREA:
Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall, Science Museum and Hyde Park.
Where to stay in South Kensington:
- $ – Astor Hyde Park Hostel: a beautiful hostel located in an old building, near the Royal Albert Hall. The price is very appropriate for what is one of the most exclusive areas of the city. Click here to see prices for Astor Hyde Park Hostel.
- $$ – The Cranley Hotel: an elegant hotel with classic decoration located in a very quiet residential area. Click here to see prices for The Cranley Hotel.
9. Notting Hill: the most picturesque area
One of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city is undoubtedly Notting Hill. It is located in the western part of the city, near Hyde Park. If you are looking for tranquility and a more residential area, Notting Hill is perfect. It is very well connected to the rest of the city by bus or metro so you will have no problem reaching the most tourist areas.
However, if it is your first time in London, I do not recommend choosing Notting Hill as a neighborhood to stay since it is a bit far from the city’s attractions.
Where to stay in Notting Hill:
- $$ – The Knight of Notting Hill: a hotel with a very good booking score located 600 meters from Portobello Road. It has spacious and well-equipped rooms. Click here to see prices for The Knight of Notting Hill.
- $$$ – The Portobello Hotel: a luxury hotel located in the heart of Notting Hill. It is inside an old Georgian house and each room has a unique decoration. Click here to see prices for The Portobello Hotel.
10. Chelsea: luxury area
An area very similar to Kensington is Chelsea. It is a quiet residential neighborhood, full of Victorian-style buildings. It is one of the most expensive areas of London so if you are looking for luxury accommodation it is the ideal place. It is also perfect for those looking for that feeling of “living in London” since it is a neighborhood a little far from the most tourist areas but still connected by public transport to all the most important points.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN THIS AREA:
Saatchi Gallery – National Army Museum
Where to stay in Chelsea:
- $$ – Sloane Square Hotel: one of the cheapest hotels you will find in this area of London. Simple, functional and close to a metro station. Click here to see prices for Sloane Square Hotel.
- $$ – San Domenico House: a luxury boutique hotel located 5 minutes walk from Sloane Square. The rooms are decorated with period elements, paintings and furniture from different parts of the world.. Click here to see prices for San Domenico House.
- $$$ – The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel: If you are looking for a luxury hotel, this is one of the best accommodations in London. It is a 5-star boutique hotel, where Oscar Wilde once stayed. It has all the amenities you could need and the decoration is beautiful!Click here to see prices for The Cadogan.
Budget accommodation in London
Finding cheap and well-located accommodation in London seems like an impossible task. London being one of the most expensive and touristy cities in the world, one of the highest expenses when taking a trip to the English capital is accommodation.
If you are looking for cheap accommodation, I have a whole post on the best budget hotels in London.
APARTMENTS IN LONDON:
If you travel for a long time or with a group of people, it may be more convenient to rent an apartment.
This apartments have capacity for two people. Apartments are fully equipped and located a few minutes away from Oxford Street. It is a very modern and comfortable partment, ideal for couples. Rates are around USD $200 per night.
Check out latest prices of Soho Garden Apartments
Fully equipped apartments located in central London, just a few minutes away from the British Museum and Tottenham Court Station. There are apartments for 2, 3, 4 and 6 people. Rates start at USD $177 per night. Ideal location and very modern and spacious rooms.
Check out latest prices for Central London Apartment
Map with the best areas and hotels to stay in London
Tips for finding accommodation in London:
- Book your hotel as far in advance as possible. Prices vary greatly depending on your travel dates and how far in advance you book. That’s why I recommend that you make a reservation as soon as possible.
- Make sure your hotel has an elevator: some London hotels are located in buildings so old that they do not have a lift. This can be a critical point when traveling with suitcases so check the accommodation details carefully before booking.
- Book a hotel near the metro. Getting around on the city’s tube system is very easy so it is essential that the accommodation you choose is close to a station.
- Prioritize a good location. Although there is cheap accommodation on the outskirts of London, my recommendation is that you prioritize location since all the attractions are in the center of the city. Even if accommodation is cheap, you will spend much more on transport than if you stay in central London.
- If you are looking for cheap accommodation read my post about budget hotels in London.
- Read reviews from other guests: make sure you always read the opinions of guests who have already stayed in the hotels. Check out the hotel’s overall score and other points such as cleanliness or location. I always try to book those with an 8 or above.
I hope this post has helped you to find where to stay in London on a budget and save you some time. Do you recommend any place to stay in London? Please share any tips in the comments!
Other London posts that you might like:
- Complete 4 day London itinerary
- Complete 5 day London itinerary
- The best day trips from London
- London Pass vs London Explorer Pass
- Best free museums in London
- Visiting the Tower of London: is it worth it?
- Stonehenge day trip from London
- How to get to Oxford from London
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