Looking for the best hotels in London for tourists for your upcoming trip to the capital of the UK? You are on the right page! I will be sharing with you my hotel picks as a previous hotelier professional. Here are some insights on my selected best and yet cheap hotels in London.
London hotels can be tough and confusing to tourists, especially first-timers. It’s not because there is a shortage of London accommodation. In fact, there are thousands of hotels that you can choose from. The problem is, how do you pick the best hotels in London?
BEST HOTEL IN LONDON FOR TOURISTS
🛏️ Staybridge Suites London – IHG Hotel
🌟 5/5 – with the highest excellent reviews
👍 Great location, excellent amenities and facilities, and fantastic customer service.
The best area to stay in London is near the main attractions. They are mainly located in Central London between Zones 1 to Zone 3. Choosing a hotel within these London zones will not only save you money on travel expenses but would also give you extra time to enjoy your visit to London. However, scoring cheap hotels in London is not as easy as you think despite the number of choices.
Read More: Best UK Travel Itinerary for 2 Weeks
London ranked second in the Global Destination Cities Index with approximately 20 million international tourists in 2018 alone. This proves that the city is one of the most sought destinations in the world. That’s why booking hotels at least two weeks in advance is highly suggested so you can avail the best London hotel deals.
I wrote another article about the Best Places to Stay in London, UK: Neighbourhood Guide of the City. Feel free to read it to know more about the various neighbourhoods in London.
Keep scrolling! I would love to share with you these hotels that I specifically curated for you to enjoy your visit to London.
Comparison guide on the best hotels In London, UK
| Hotel Name | Ratings 🏆 | Neighbourhood | Wifi | Breakfast Included | Reviews |
| Alhambra Hotel | 4/5 | King’s Cross | Yes | Yes | Read reviews here |
| Staybridge Suites London | 5/5 | Vauxhall | Yes | Yes | Read reviews here |
| The Hoxton | 4.5/5 | Holborn | Yes | Yes | Read reviews here |
| The Darlington Hyde Park | 4.5/5 | Hyde Park | Yes | Yes | Read reviews here |
| Heeton Concept Hotel – Luma Hammersmith | 4/5 | Hammersmith | Yes | Yes | Read reviews here |
| Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo | 4.5/5 | Waterloo | Yes | Yes | Read reviews here |
| Phoenix Hotel | 4/5 | Kensington | Yes | Yes | Read reviews here |
| Luna Simone Hotel | 4.5/5 | Victoria | Yes | Yes | Read reviews here |
| The W14 Kensington | 4/5 | Kensington | Yes | Yes | Read reviews here |
Read More: Best Places to Visit in UK Recommended by Travel Bloggers
Best Hotels in London for Tourists Near the Main Attractions
1. Staybridge Suites London – Vauxhall
📌 Address: 100 Vauxhall Walk, Lambeth, London SE11 5EL, UK
💰 Compare hotel rates & reviews: Agoda | Booking.com
🛎️ Amenities: Wi-Fi, Fitness Centre, Meeting Rooms, Laundry Service, Smoke-free Rooms, Lockers, Multilingual Staff and Computer Station
Photo Credit: Staybridge Suites London
🌟 RATING: 5/5 | 📍LOCATION: Vauxhall | 🏩 VIEW ON: TripAdvisor
Situated near River Thames, Staybridge Suites London – Vauxhall is among the best places to stay in London just a few meters away from popular London attractions such as Lambeth Bridge, Tate Britain, Millbank Tower, Vauxhall, and Vauxhall Bridge. It’s close to Central London should you wish to walk or ride a train.
“Hotel staff was very friendly! Our room was beautifully furnished with a small kitchen and a sitting area. The breakfast was fresh and with high quality products.
Tatevik – Frankfurt,Germany (READ MORE REVIEWS)
On top of that Staybridge is pretty close to most of London‘s attractions.
I would definitely recommend this hotel!”
Their rooms have six categories: standard suite, studio suite, accessible studio suite, one-bedroom suite, deluxe king studio suite, and a superior double room. Recent visitors to this hotel noted the good facilities and serene ambience.
Guarantee the best hotel deal on your next London trip by booking your trip with Staybridge Suites London.
Read More: 7 Money Saving Travel Tips Exploring Around London (UK)
2. The Hoxton, Holborn
📌 Address: 199-206 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BD, UK
💰 Compare hotel rates & reviews: Agoda | Booking.com
🛎️ Amenities: Breakfast, Wi-Fi, Cribs, Balcony, Poolside Drink Service, Cable Television and Cabanas at Pool
Photo credit: The Hoxton Hotel
🌟 RATING: 4.5 / 5 | 📍LOCATION: Holborn | 🏩 VIEW ON: TripAdvisor
Getting ready for your first trip to London wouldn’t be complete without having to deal with this question: Where to stay in London for first-timers?
The best area to stay in London for first-timers is a neighbourhood brimming with culture and modernity. Located in the Covent Garden, this accommodation in London allows its guests to check out English-style restaurants, shopping malls, and several bars in Midtown.
“Great location, handy for theatres, restaurants etc. Quiet hotel room with quirky fittings and a great nights sleep. Service excellent from friendly staff. Food at breakfast and dinner excellent. The foyer in the week is well used by groups of various sorts giving it a real buzz. Which was quite refreshing to see. “
BevS – Stourbridge,UK (READ MORE REVIEWS)
To stay in Covent Garden during your first trip to London is the ultimate package because you get to enjoy postcard-perfect hotels while still being near the tourist attractions in London such as the London Theatre, Holborn, Bloomsbury Square, Freemasons’ Hall, and Neal’s Yard.
It’s always best to plan your trip ahead. Compare the prices online and book a room now to get the best deals.
3. Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo
📌 Address: 157 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8XA, UK
💰 Compare hotel rates & reviews: Agoda | Booking.com
🛎️ Amenities: Breakfast, Wi-Fi, Fitness Centre, Business Centre and Meeting Rooms
Photo Credit: The Hampton by Hilton London
🌟 RATING: 4.5 / 5 | 📍LOCATION: Waterloo | 🏩 VIEW ON: TripAdvisor
The best area to stay in London doesn’t have to be expensive to be elegant. A few minutes walk away from London Waterloo’s train station, resting in a stylish and elegant hotel without breaking the bank is made possible through Hampton by Hilton Waterloo.
“We booked here as for us it was ideally located for our trip. Hotel is exceptionally clean and staff on reception so nice and friendly. Easy check in and our room was ready. If your room isn’t ready don’t panic they have a locked storage room. We had a room with a view of the city and the shard. Good size and a really great walk in shower. We had complimentary breakfast and was more than adequate. Shock horror no fried egg so what it’s not the end of the World. Please why do people moan about the least important issues. We’ve had a difficult couple of years chill out. Will definitely stay here again”
Cactusstud – Milton Keynes, UK (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Discovering London’s places of interest such as Hyde Park, Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern, and London can be done in a laidback manner since stay-ins at London Hotels in Waterloo are all close to these attractions.
If you want to save extra cash in travel expenses, try Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo and reserve your room now.
Read more: Best Hotels in London for New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Parties
4. Luna Simone Hotel
📌 Address: 47-49 Belgrave Rd, Victoria, London SW1V 2BB, UK
💰 Compare hotel rates & reviews: Agoda | Booking.com
🛎️ Amenities: Breakfast, Wi-Fi and Non-smoking rooms
Photo Credit: Luna Simone Hotel London
🌟 RATING: 4.5 / 5 | 📍LOCATION: Victoria | 🏩 VIEW ON: TripAdvisor
Luna & Simone Hotel is a good hotel in London that is owned and managed by a family – delivering a friendly and familial style service. Once you stumble upon this hotel in London, you can end up questioning yourself, “Where do I stay in London?”
“To start off they had the most helpful and welcoming staff you could ever ask for in a hotel. The owners Peter and Bernard are funny,accommodating and simply lovely people. The rooms are small but very clean and comfortable beds. Every morning you get breakfast,served by the owners, a choice of 5 cereals,toast,eggs/bacon/beans with oj and tea or coffee. centrally located, bus stop right across street from hotel. The 24 bus takes you to a lot of attractions such as westminster abbey,churchill war rooms/parliament/trafalgar square/convent gardens etc…Also a plus your a 10-15 min walk to victoria bus station. I wouldnt stay anywhere else when I come back to London!!!”
summernewjersey – Haskell, New Jersey (READ MORE REVIEWS)
It would be difficult to find a similar hotel that offers the same great value for your money. It features a clean, airy décor, and pleasant rooms. Their facilities are also well-maintained. Just take note that the area is not smoking-friendly, which can be a disadvantage for some.
In addition, the hotel is estimated to only be 20 minutes away by foot from London’s main attractions such as Big Ben, Parliament Square, and Westminster Abbey.
This hotel offers the best value in London hotels out there. Secure your room in advance and book online.
5. The W14 Kensington
📌 Address: 16-22 Gunterstone Rd, West Kensington, London W14 9BX, UK
💰 Compare hotel rates & reviews: Agoda | Booking.com
🛎️ Amenities: Breakfast, Wi-Fi, Air conditioner, Television and Cribs
Photo Credit: The W14 Hotel London
🌟 RATING: 4 / 5 | 📍LOCATION: Kensington | 🏩 VIEW ON: TripAdvisor
Who says modern and chic rooms are expensive? The W14 Kensington is one of the cheap hotels in London that serves lavishness to its guests through its chic rooms and modern interiors.
“Super friendly staff. Beautiful and comfortable accommodations. Located on a beautiful, residential street in famous West Kensington, London. Calm atmosphere and beautiful breakfast, included. Will always return when I’m in London.”
Christine N (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Aside from enjoying their classy rooms with air conditioning and flat-screen TVs, it’s also close to shopping places, restaurants, and transportation. Although you wouldn’t be able to walk on foot to the popular attractions, the W14 Kensington is still a convenient base in London due to its economical price and closeness to transportation going to London’s major attractions.
Where should you stay in London? The W14 Kensington is a very ideal place so don’t forget to check for online prices to get the best deal out there.
6. Heeton Concept Hotel – LUMA Hammersmith
📌 Address: 28-36 Glenthorne Road, Hammersmith, London W6 0LS, UK
💰 Compare hotel rates & reviews: Agoda | Booking.com
🛎️ Amenities: Breakfast, Wi-Fi, Dry Cleaning, Wheelchair Access and Multilingual Staff
Photo Credit: Heeton Concept Hotel – Luma Hammersmith
🌟 RATING: 4 / 5 | 📍LOCATION: Hammersmith | 🏩 VIEW ON: TripAdvisor
Another smart choice when choosing where the best location to stay in London is the LUMA Concept Hotel Hammersmith London. It is a good hotel in London situated in close proximity to Hammersmith station, which is connected to the majority of Central London, as well as other London tourist attractions. Should you fancy exploring the neighbourhood of Hammersmith, there are lots of restaurants, bars, and shopping places around the area.
“Had a lovely short stay at Heeton Concept Luma Hotel. Excellent value for money, the rooms were quaint but very clean and plenty of room for the two of us. I was impressed with the quality and style. Customer service was excellent; would definitely stay again!”
Rose T. – Ipswich, UK (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Also, this London hotel offers a wide variety of rooms from a standard double room to a deluxe family suite – the best fit if you’re travelling with your partner or family. Some of the places of interest in London you can easily reach are Ravenscourt Park, Buckingham Palace, Riverside Studios, and Goldhawk Road.
You can never go wrong in finding the best budget hotels in London if you entrust your London accommodation and book a room at the Heeton Concept Hotel – Luma Hammersmith
7. The Darlington Hyde Park
📌 Address: 111-117 Sussex Gardens, London W2 2RU, UK
💰 Compare hotel rates & reviews: Agoda | Booking.com
🛎️ Amenities: Cabanas at Pool, Balcony, Wi-Fi, Basic Television, Laundry, Onsite Car Rental Service Desk, Meeting Rooms and Breakfast
Photo Credit: The Darlington Hotel Hyde Park
🌟 RATING: 4.5 / 5 | 📍LOCATION: Hyde Park | 🏩 VIEW ON: TripAdvisor
Satisfy your cravings for an English culture while you stay in Darlington Hyde Park. It is Victorian-styled exterior coupled with a full course of English breakfast will end your search for where to stay in London as a tourist.
“So happy to once again be able to visit London and stay at our favorite hotel. As usual the staff were extremely pleasant and accommodating without exception. Rooms are basic but comfortable and clean. All any avid sightseer and shopper who spends minimal time there needs. The location near Paddington Station is convenient and safe. The underground from the station can quickly take you to any part of the city including Heathrow airport.
rwessru73 – Winston Salem, North Carolina (READ MORE REVIEWS)
I have been staying at the Darlington when visiting London since 2017 and plan to continue on future trips.
Thanks to all the staff!!!”
Aside from those, this 40-bedroom hotel provides transportation convenience to its guests as it’s located near Heathrow Airport and other transport systems. Also, several attractions in London such as Hyde Park, Little Venice, and Paddington Station are located close to this affordable London accommodation.
For the best London hotel deals, check for the availability of rooms here and grab the opportunity to stay in this budget-friendly yet cosy hotel in the heart of London.
8. Phoenix Hotel
📌 Address: 1-8 Kensington Gardens Square, London W2 4BH, UK
💰 Compare hotel rates & reviews: Agoda | Booking.com
🛎️ Amenities: Breakfast, Wi-Fi, Kids Club, Pets allowed and Ticket services and tours
Photo Credit: The Phoenix Hotel London
🌟 RATING: 4 / 5 | 📍LOCATION: Kensington | 🏩 VIEW ON: TripAdvisor
Whether its leisure or business that you intend to do accomplish in London, Phoenix Hotel can be one of the best places to stay in London.
“Just got back from two night stay at the Phoenix hotel myself and friends were over to see the ABBA show from the moment we arrived till the time we left we were so well looked after breakfast was gorgeous rooms lovely and clean, lovely little bar a great place to stay thank you so much for everything and will definitely recommend your hotel to anyone going to London.”
Martina O (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Sitting at the busy centre of London, the Phoenix Hotel is just a few minutes away from popular attractions in London. Guests from Phoenix Hotel can travel by foot or a short ride and reach Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, and many more.
Check the availability of rooms in the Phoenix Hotel in London now to get the best rates through special offers!
9. Alhambra Hotel
📌 Address: 17-19 Argyle St, King’s Cross, London WCH1 8EJ, UK
💰 Compare hotel rates & reviews: Agoda | Booking.com
🛎️ Amenities: Cribs, Basic Television, Wi-Fi, Breakfast
Photo Credit: Alhambra Hotel London
🌟 RATING: 4 / 5 | 📍LOCATION: King’s Cross | 🏩 VIEW ON: TripAdvisor
Where to stay in London with family? Alhambra will not fail you with its family-oriented, budget-friendly hotel in Central London.
Owned by a family for almost 40 years, Alhambra Hotel will make you feel at home while you’re away from home. It has quality rooms that are clean and quiet, allowing tourists to have a good rest and earn energy to stroll around London. Also, they offer free, home-cooked breakfast filling every tourist’s stomach with the warmness and energy to enjoy the attractions in London.
“I stayed here for one night with my mother before we went on the Eurostar. I cannot recommend it highly enough. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome. Clean, very attentive staff and so close to everything. Even a lovely little balcony.”
Thelawns11 – Southampton, UK (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Alhambra Hotel is considered one of the best places to stay in London due to its proximity to London’s main attractions like Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace are some of the points of interest you can easily access from the hotel.
Book a room in the Alhambra Hotel now if you fancy quality service and amenities offered at a competitive price – it definitely gives one of the best hotel deals in London, especially in the King’s Cross area.
More about London, UK:
- 49 Best Things to Do in London (UK)
- 11 Best Hotels Near O2 Arena London (UK)
- 8 Best Hotels Near Wembley Stadium in London, UK
- 11 Best Places to Stay in London, UK: Neighbourhood Guide of the City
- 10 Best Luxury Hotels in London
- 9 Best Budget Friendly Hostels in London, UK
Map of London, UK
HOW TO USE THIS MAP TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS:
CLICK the YELLOW MARKER OR THE DROP DOWN MENU next to the title to see the various things to do and point of interest in this guide and CHOOSE your desired preview of the map, whether HOTELS & RENTALS, EXPERIENCES, RESTAURANTS OR OTHERS. Feel free to use the filters, number of guests, and your preferred dates. You can see more information about the different attractions (the GREEN MARKERS) when you click the icons, as well as finding your perfect accommodation that will suit your budget and location. You could also book your guided tours and restaurants using the map.
FAQ about the best hotels in London for tourists:
Where should a first-time tourist stay in London?
As a first-time tourist in London, I suggest staying within the Central London Area within Zone 1 to 3. Most of the tourist attractions can be found here such as the Parliament House, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade and many iconic London attractions.
What is the safest area to stay in London?
After so many times, I have been and stayed in London I mainly feel safe staying in Kensington, Hyde Park, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill, Holland Park and Mayfair areas.
What is the prettiest area in London?
The prettiest area in London can be subjected. I would recommend Kensington, Chelsea and Mayfair areas as the prettiest areas in London.
Do you tip hotel housekeeping in London?
It is not mandatory to give tips to the hotel housekeeping in London. However, I personally encourage tourists to give tips on the day they will depart the hotel (check-out day). It is always nice to give a little thank you note as well so the housekeeper would know that it is a tip and not a lost and found item.
How many days do you need to visit London for the first time?
If visiting London for the first time, I would suggest staying for around 4 Days and 3 Nights minimum. There are a lot of places to visit and things to do in London.
What is the cheapest month to stay in London?
The cheapest month to stay in London would be the months of March, April, September and October. These are the shoulder season when you can stay in London and bag good hotel deals.
How do you ask for a discount at a hotel?
Always check beforehand if the hotel is running promotional deals online. You can also ask during check-in if they offer any discounts for Essential Workers, Health Professionals or The Military.
Budget and luxury accommodation aren’t enemies. There are lots of cheap hotels in London mentioned in this blog post that provides affordable luxury to its visitors. In fact, the things that you have to consider include only the amenities and location preference.
Why not book a room now?
Take advantage of the great London hotel deals by making sure to book a hotel ahead of your trip.
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for my UK trip?
YES – If you’re traveling to the UK, securing travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is essential for your peace of mind; I recommend Safety Wing Travel Insurance, which is renowned for its reliability. (READ MORE)
💧 Can I drink tap water in the UK?
YES – You can confidently drink tap water in the UK—just run it for a bit first—and use a Hydro Flask travel bottle, it is a great eco-friendly companion to keep you hydrated while touring the UK attractions.
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car in the UK?
YES – Renting a car in the UK is one of the best ways to see the country. I recommend Discover Cars, to check for the best car rental deals that suit your budget. See my UK driving tips here.
📲 Will my phone work in the UK?
POSSIBLY. Always check with your home mobile provider. If it won’t work or is too expensive, I recommend using Airlo E-Sim for data packages to stay connected online.
🔌 What adapter should I use in the UK?
TYPE G – In the UK, you’ll need a type G plug travel adapter with three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle to power your devices, and the electrical system runs on a 230V supply voltage at 50Hz. (READ MORE)
✈️ What is the best site to buy UK flights?
For finding affordable UK flights, I recommend using Skyscanner. You can always compare the prices that suit your budget.
🛏️ What is the best way to book accommodations in the UK?
My go-to for UK accommodations is Booking.com. I recommend to always check hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.
💷 What currency do I need for my UK trip?
Sterling Pounds – I suggest getting a Wise Travel Card for your hassle-free forex and contactless spending while in the UK. (READ MORE)
🧳 What do I pack for the UK trip?
Depending on the season – You can check my article about the best time to visit the UK.
🛂 Do I need a visa for the UK?
Likely Not – US, Canada, AU, NZ, and EU passport holders do not need a visit visa to the UK. If ever you need one, read more on how to apply for a UK visit visa. Visit iVisa.com to help you with your visa travel documentation needs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Everything Zany
Travel BlogEverything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British–Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in the Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.
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