The Best Places to Stay in London
You know where you want to go when it comes to all the attractions in and around Central London, but what about where to stay in London? Chances are that you want to stay somewhere that gives you easy access to all the big landmarks, but also somewhere that won’t break the bank (London isn’t exactly known for being a budget city!). We highlight some of the best places to stay in London.
Of course, there are areas you can stay if you are looking for luxury and are willing to splash out – Mayfair and Belgravia are some of the best places to look – but let’s look at some of the popular areas that will suit a range of budgets and tastes.
Soho
Soho is a varied and vibrant neighbourhood in the West End of London, great for cultural experiences, shopping opportunities, and nightlife. It’s located right next to Mayfair, so you can browse luxury shops and catch sight of the rich and famous without having to pay £500 a night for a hotel room.
There is a range of places to stay, from the budget SoHostel to the reasonable Premier Inn and the 4-star Hazlitt’s hotel.
Within Soho, head to Carnaby Street for some trendy shopping and Shaftesbury Avenue for the theatre. Enjoy music and drinks at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, as well as various other bars. London attractions near Soho include Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, the British Museum, and Buckingham Palace.
Shoreditch
Whether you’re looking for budget or boutique hotels, there’s somewhere for you to stay in Shoreditch. Located in London’s East End, Shoreditch has developed a bit of a hipster reputation, with lots of street art, vintage clothing stores, outdoor markets, and even a café that only serves cereal. It’s home to many international residents, so you can also enjoy a variety of cuisines if cereal doesn’t take your fancy, and the nightlife is one of the best in town.
Staying in Shoreditch puts you close to Whitechapel (if you’re interested in Jack the Ripper) and the City of London. Nearby attractions include the Museum of London, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. And for accommodation, you’ll find a range of prices commonly from around £40-£150 per night.
Brixton
Brixton is another area that’s great for nightlife and has a lively, multicultural vibe. Pop Brixton and Brixton Village Market are the places to go to experience London’s foodie scene, with tasty street food or unique food and drink experiences. Brixton has the musical heritage of being the birthplace of David Bowie, and you can enjoy drinks and live music at the Windmill Brixton as well as other pubs and bars in the area.
Brixton is a little further out of Central London on the south side of the River Thames, which can also make it a bit cheaper, but the reasonably-priced Premier Inn is close to both the Brixton train station and underground station, making it easy to go back and forth.
South Kensington
Kensington is known as an affluent area, so this one is suited to those with a slightly bigger budget, but there are some reasonable options in South Kensington too, such as the Eden Plaza and the Brompton Hotel. One of the best places to stay in London, you’ll find lots of interesting attractions, such as the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, both of which are great for families. And you’ll be a short walk away from Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, and Hyde Park. Plus, Kensington is a great place for shopping!
Camden
With street art, street food, and live music, there’s lots to love about Camden. Visit Camden Market for unique souvenirs and eclectic fashion. There are affordable hostels located here as well as reasonably-priced hotels and some that suit slightly higher budgets.
Camden Town is located close to Regent’s Park and London Zoo, and other nearby attractions include the British Museum and Abbey Road. You’ll also be close to St Pancras and King’s Cross stations for convenient public transport around London (and for Harry Potter fans visiting Platform 9 ¾).
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a great place to stay in London for dining, shopping, and riverside attractions. And then there’s the culture – you can enjoy a show at the Royal Opera House, get a taste of the big screen at the London Film Museum, or see vintage buses and learn something new at the London Transport Museum.
There is a wide range of bars and restaurants to discover here, as well as hunting for unique bargains at the Covent Garden markets. You’ll be staying close to the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, and various other Central London attractions. And you’re well-placed for accessing boat tours on the River Thames.
City of London
There are a few great places for you to stay if you’re visiting London on business, such as Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs. But if you want to be a little more centrally located while you work, then the City of London is perhaps the best option. This financial district is steeped in history as the original settlement of the Romans.
It’s located on the North Bank of the River Thames, making it ideal for riverside attractions and hotel rooms with a view of the Thames. The City of London is also home to St Paul’s Cathedral, Fleet Street, and the Museum of London, with more attractions such as The Shard and the Tate Modern located just on the other side of the river, plus the Tower of London and Tower Bridge nearby.
South Bank
South Bank is an ideal place in London to stay for culture and attractions. It’s where you’ll find the London Eye, The Dungeons London, and SEA LIFE Centre along the banks of the River Thames. And you can enjoy live performances at the National Theatre and the Royal Festival Hall.
There is a range of affordable options when it comes to accommodation in South Bank, including the Premier Inn, Waterloo Travelodge, and The Walrus Bar & Hostel. You might even be able to enjoy views of the River Thames from your hotel room in some of the places available. And you’re just a quick journey across the river from landmarks like Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace.
Book your London transport with Airport Transfers UK
Wherever you choose to stay in London, if you’re landing at Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport or another London-serving airport for your visit to London, then you can get from the airport to your hotel or hostel with a reliable airport taxi service from Airport Transfers UK. It’s a convenient way to reach your destination and it can fit in your budget too, with up to 30% off your fares when you pre-book your journey online with Airport Transfers UK.