London is one of my favorite cities in the world. I’ve been visiting regularly since 2008 and never tire of exploring the city. There are tons of great (and free) museums, a vibrant pub culture, and an incredible food scene that keeps me coming back.
But as much as I love the city, it’s very spread out. The neighborhood you stay in (and the hotel you choose) will greatly influence your trip. And since London is one of the most visited cities in Europe, there are a ton of hotels to choose from here. It’s almost overwhelming.
To make sure you pick a great hotel, here is my list of the best hotels in London. These are the places I stay when I’m there, so you know they’re worth your money!
1. Citadines Barbican London
Located near the train station in the heart of the city, this four-star hotel is, in my opinion, great value for its location. The hotel has both classic rooms and apartment-style rooms with kitchens, perfect for groups or families. Rooms are bright and warm, decorated in soft tones, with hardwood floors, wooden furniture, and comfortable beds. They also have a flat-screen TV, kettle, desk, reliable WiFi, and plenty of outlets near the bed so you can easily charge your devices. They’re superbly soundproofed so you can sleep well too. Bathrooms are spacious and have excellent water pressure (a big plus for me), and include free toiletries.
No breakfast is included, but there’s free coffee in the lobby and there are plenty of restaurants nearby (the hotel is in the middle of the city, after all). There’s also an on-site gym. It’s one of the better, affordable options in the Square Mile.
2. Counting House
The Counting House is an iconic English pub with 15 luxury rooms above. While the pub has opulent, period decor, the spacious rooms are all sleek and modern, featuring a mix of bright colors and paneling. The simple but chic rooms have a flat-screen TV, iPhone dock, Nespresso machine, WiFi, air conditioning, and super king-size beds. The bathrooms are equally well-appointed, with plenty of light and excellent rain showers. The best part, though, are the huge beds. They have the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sleep in here, thanks to the 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 in the price, and there’s a delicious seasonal menu in the pub, including classic handmade cakes that are to die for. If you want a unique, posh stay in the center of the city, stay here.
3. London Lodge Hotel
This bright Victorian townhouse is located in Kensington. This three-star hotel feels like a historic B&B, offering rooms that are all individually decorated with bright colors, patterned carpets, and vintage furniture. Each room also has a small flat-screen TV, a desk, a minibar, and an electric kettle. Bathrooms are bright and have a much more modern design than the rooms, including features like mirrors with built-in lighting and huge rain showerheads.
A full English or continental breakfast can be included, and while there are no other amenities here (no gym, no spa), there is private parking. You’re also just a short 15-minute walk from famous attractions like Hyde Park and the Natural History Museum.
4. The Ampersand Hotel
The Ampersand is a luxury 5-star boutique hotel next to South Kensington Station. Each beautiful room has a different theme, such as music or astronomy, and if you stay on the top floor, the rooms have incredible views of the city. The rooms have plenty of natural light from the large windows, as well as pops of color in the form of comfortable armchairs and colorful pillows that brighten up the space. Each room also has a coffee/tea maker, a desk, a flat-screen TV, and convenient power outlets near the bed (which I really appreciate). The bathrooms are light and airy, with open rain showers, comfortable bathrooms, and complimentary toiletries. Some also have bathtubs.
I really like that they serve a posh afternoon tea in the drawing room, a quintessentially British experience. They also have a gym, a games roomand a delicious Mediterranean restaurant on-site. Breakfast, which can be included, offers plenty of variety (including eggs, meat and bread). If you want the classic British hotel experience, stay here.
5. Mimi’s Hotel Soho
This stylish 4-star hotel in Soho offers small rooms to keep the price affordable (some rooms don’t even have windows). Still, the rooms are comfortable, tasteful, and (due to their small size) perfect for solo travelers. The cozy rooms offer extras like underfloor heating, filtered water, hardwood or parquet floors, and really nice tiled bathrooms (with rain showers). The flat-screen TVs have satellite channels, and the rooms also have a Nespresso machine. Breakfast is pretty basic, consisting of just coffee and pastries, but if that’s important to you, there are plenty of restaurants nearby.
The hotel’s street bar, Henson’s, gets very busy in the evenings (and there are plenty of pubs in the neighborhood, too). However, the hotel is well soundproofed, so you can still get a good night’s sleep here. It’s a great central spot.
6. Strand Palace Hotel
This four-star hotel in Covent Garden (east of Soho) has been around since the early 20th century. All rooms are arranged around six courtyards (if you want a quiet space, ask for a room overlooking the courtyard). Rooms are stylish and have a contemporary design with abstract art on the walls and plenty of natural light. Standard double rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free minibars and Nespresso machines. There are also smaller rooms with single beds if you’re travelling alone and want to save some money.
The spacious and luxurious lobby is decorated in an elegant Art Deco style. There are two bars on-site serving cocktails (as well as afternoon tea), as well as a gym and a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious, varied breakfast. It’s also a short walk to Trafalgar Square.
7. Oakley Hotel
This three-star hotel is housed in a Victorian building just a few blocks from the Chelsea Embankment along the Thames and is the most affordable option in this upscale neighbourhood. Although the decor is a bit dated, with lots of floral patterns on wallpaper and carpets, everything is homey, clean and comfortable. Rooms have fairly basic amenities like a flat-screen TV, kettle and wardrobe or coat rack. Bathrooms are also a bit dated (and some rooms have shared bathrooms), but water pressure in showers is decent.
A continental breakfast of toast, beans, eggs and cereal is included. Overall, it’s a no-frills property, perfect for budget travelers.
London is one of my favorite cities in the world. But it’s a sprawling city with lots to see and do. That means choosing the right hotel and neighborhood is important. If you choose one of the hotels from the list above, you’re sure to have a fantastic and comfortable stay.
