Wondering where to stay in London? You’re not alone – this city is huge, exciting, and packed with personality. But don’t worry, this guide breaks it down into 22 of the best areas to stay in London, with hotel recommendations and insider info to help you find your perfect base.
I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my affiliate links.
Hi, I’m Hazel – a travel blogger from Essex who’s been working and socialising in London for decades. I’ve stayed in (and strolled through) all of these areas more times than I can count, and I’ve packed this post with local insights and places I genuinely rate.
Let’s dive into the best areas to stay in London – and what makes each one tick.
Covent Garden 🎭
At the heart of the West End, Covent Garden is full of life – street performers, boutique shops, buzzing restaurants, and that unmistakable London energy.
It’s a great base if you’re here for theatre shows, central sightseeing, or just love being in the thick of it.
You’ll also spot hidden alleyways and vintage pubs just moments from the crowds.
Top hotel picks for Covent Garden:
🏨 The Savoy: Iconic luxury with riverside views.
🏨 One Aldwych: Sleek and modern with an indoor pool.
🏨 The Henrietta Hotel: Boutique vibes, stylish rooms, and a fantastic bar.
Mayfair 💎
Mayfair is where London goes full glam. Think luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and afternoon tea in chandelier-lit salons. It’s posh, polished, and perfect for a high-end city break.
Keep an eye out for celeb sightings – and don’t miss a stroll through pretty Mount Street Gardens.
Top hotel picks for Mayfair:
🏨 Claridge’s: Art Deco charm and world-class everything.
🏨 The Connaught: Elegant rooms, Michelin-starred food, and Mayfair magic.
🏨 Brown’s Hotel: Timeless style with a literary past (Agatha Christie stayed here!).
South Bank 🎡
The South Bank stretches along the Thames with some of London’s biggest landmarks: the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and more.
It’s buzzing by day, twinkly by night, and full of riverside charm.
It’s also perfect for lazy strolls along the water and unbeatable views across the city.
Top hotel picks for the South Bank:
🏨 Sea Containers London: Industrial-chic decor and a killer rooftop bar.
🏨 The Mondrian London: Glam interiors and riverside luxury.
🏨 Bankside Hotel: Art-inspired boutique hotel near Tate Modern.
Further reading: 30 of the Best London Tourist Attractions for First Timers.
Kensington 🏛️
Leafy, elegant, and full of culture – Kensington is home to the Natural History Museum, V&A, and some of London’s prettiest streets.
It’s an excellent area for families, museum buffs, and park lovers alike (Hyde Park is here).
You’ll also find secret garden squares tucked between the grand townhouses.
Top hotel picks for Kensington:
🏨 The Milestone Hotel: Victorian charm with a view of Kensington Gardens.
🏨 The Kensington Hotel: Modern luxury meets heritage architecture.
🏨 Baglioni Hotel London: Stylish Italian flair across from Hyde Park.
Shoreditch 🎨
East London cool at its finest.
Shoreditch is bold, buzzy, and full of character, with vintage markets, street art, rooftop bars, and endless brunch spots.
On Sundays, locals queue for salt beef bagels on Brick Lane – and I can confirm it’s totally worth it.
Top hotel picks for Shoreditch:
🏨 The Hoxton, Shoreditch: Relaxed, trendy, and right in the action.
🏨 Mondrian Shoreditch London: Bold design and a rooftop pool.
🏨 Nobu Hotel Shoreditch: Sleek and luxe, with signature Nobu dining.
London tip: Consider purchasing the London Pass or the London Explorer Pass, which offer discounts and fast-track entry to many attractions.
Westminster 🏛️
This is classic London postcard territory – Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and red phone boxes galore. You’ll feel properly British just walking around.
It’s also ideal if it’s your first time in London and you want to be close to the big hitters.
Top hotel picks for Westminster:
🏨 The Goring: Royal-worthy service just minutes from the palace.
🏨 St. Ermin’s Hotel: Historic architecture meets modern comfort.
🏨 Conrad London St. James: Stylish, spacious, and brilliantly located.
Top tip: For the best London days out, check out my curated list of London Experiences.
Notting Hill 🌸
Charming, colourful, and oh-so-photogenic, Notting Hill is all pastel townhouses and cute cafes.
It’s home to the iconic Portobello Road Market and makes a dreamy base for a romantic trip.
You might also recognise a few filming locations from you-know-which romcom.
Top hotel picks for Notting Hill:
🏨 The Laslett: Boutique style meets cosy London living.
🏨 Portobello Hotel: Boho, bold, and full of personality.
🏨 The Distillery: Sleep above a working gin distillery – yes, really.
Further reading: 15 Famous Icons of London – Symbols of the City.
Camden 🎸
Loud, lively, and bursting with character – Camden is London’s rebel soul.
Expect vintage shops, punk history, canal strolls, and some of the best street food around.
It’s also brilliant for live music lovers, with gigs happening almost every night.
Top hotel picks for Camden:
🏨 Camden Enterprise Hotel: Cool boutique hotel in a Victorian pub.
🏨 Holiday Inn London Camden Lock: Comfortable and right on the water.
🏨 The Pack and Carriage: Quirky, cosy, and close to the action.
Chelsea 💐
Affluent, elegant, and effortlessly stylish, Chelsea is full of pretty streets, posh boutiques, and flower-covered cafes. It’s London at its most refined.
It’s also where you’ll find the annual Chelsea Flower Show and some seriously Instagrammable spots.
Top hotel picks for Chelsea:
🏨 The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel: Glamorous and grand with lush garden views.
🏨 11 Cadogan Gardens: Boutique and brimming with charm.
🏨 The Chelsea Harbour Hotel: Spacious suites and riverside peace.
Greenwich 🌍
Greenwich is known for its rich maritime history, grand architecture, and that whole ‘standing on the Prime Meridian Line’ photo opp.
It’s got big green spaces, river views, and an almost villagey feel just outside central London.
It’s also home to a fabulous food market, the Royal Observatory, and some of the best sunset views in the city from Greenwich Park.
Top hotel picks for Greenwich:
🏨 InterContinental London – The O2: Luxury stay near the O2 Arena.
🏨 Novotel London Greenwich: Modern and super family-friendly.
🏨 DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich: Comfortable base with sleek design.
Soho 🎭
Soho is one of London’s most electric neighbourhoods – expect neon lights, packed bars, and restaurants from every cuisine under the sun.
It’s central, buzzy, and just a hop from the West End theatres.
You’re also a stone’s throw from Oxford Street, Chinatown, and the iconic Carnaby Street. It’s a dream for night owls and foodies alike.
Top hotel picks for Soho:
🏨 Ham Yard Hotel: Bold and boutique with a rooftop terrace and bowling alley.
🏨 The Soho Hotel: Spacious, sleek, and stylish.
🏨 Hazlitt’s Hotel: Antique charm in a Georgian townhouse.
Canary Wharf 🏙️
Canary Wharf is London’s shiny financial hub (not the same one as the City of London).
It’s full of glass towers, riverside paths, and sleek skyscrapers.
While it’s mostly known for business, it’s become surprisingly cool in recent years. There are rooftop bars, hidden art installations, and weekend markets that give it more flavour than you’d expect.
Top hotel picks for Canary Wharf:
🏨 The Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel: Luxe riverside stay with spa.
🏨 Hilton London Canary Wharf: Great for business, close to the DLR
🏨 Marriott Executive Apartments London, Canary Wharf: Serviced flats perfect for long stays.
King’s Cross 🚆
Once gritty, now glitzy, King’s Cross has undergone a huge transformation and is now one of London’s trendiest hubs.
It’s got brilliant transport links, riverside walks, and an ever-growing food scene.
You’ll also find Coal Drops Yard – a design-led shopping and dining area perfect for a mooch.
Top hotel picks for Kings Cross:
🏨 The Standard London: Retro-cool with a rooftop bar.
🏨 St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London: Gothic glamour with Eurostar access.
🏨 Great Northern Hotel: Elegant, central, and convenient.
City of London / Square Mile 💼
The original heart of London – dating back to Roman times – the Square Mile is a mix of old-world landmarks and shiny new finance buildings. Think quiet weekends, buzzing weekdays.
It’s a great area if you’re a history lover or travelling for work. Plus, it’s surprisingly pretty at sunrise.
Top hotel picks for City of London:
🏨 Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square: Super-luxe near Tower Bridge.
🏨 Apex City of London Hotel: Sleek, simple, and central.
🏨 Vintry & Mercer: Chic and cosy with rooftop views.
Tower Hill 🏰
Tower Hill is packed with history. It’s right by the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the River Thames. It’s less about nightlife, more about proximity to landmarks.
It’s a great base if you’re planning lots of sightseeing and fancy riverside views without central chaos.
Top hotel picks for Tower Hill:
🏨 The Tower Hotel: Thames views by Tower Bridge.
🏨 Cheval Three Quays: Luxury serviced apartments.
🏨 Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge: Pool, gym, and solid location.
Islington 🌸
Islington is arty, eclectic, and always buzzing – full of indie shops, cute cafes, and pretty squares.
It’s great for creatives, theatre fans, and anyone who loves a good brunch.
You’ll also find London’s most famous flower market on nearby Columbia Road (Sunday mornings only, but worth the squeeze).
🏨 The Zetter Hotel: Quirky rooms near Exmouth Market
🏨 DoubleTree by Hilton London Angel: Comfortable and well-located.
🏨 Hilton London Angel Islington: Spacious, modern, and central.
Clerkenwell 🍷
Clerkenwell has a mediaeval heart with a modern soul, all cobbled streets, craft cocktail bars, and hidden gardens. It’s stylish, creative, and full of character.
Foodies will love it here. You’re walking distance from Leather Lane Market, Exmouth Market and some seriously good gastropubs.
Top hotel picks for Clerkenwell:
🏨 The Zetter Hotel: Stylish and colourful.
🏨 The Rookery Hotel: Cosy with vintage flair.
🏨 Malmaison London: Modern with a lively brasserie.
Marylebone 🧺
Marylebone is London’s charming urban village. It’s leafy, elegant, and full of boutique shops and hidden gems.
Marylebone is close to Regent’s Park and well-connected without being hectic.
On Sundays, the farmers’ market draws locals and food lovers with its artisan cheese and freshly baked pastries.
Top hotel picks for Marylebone:
🏨 The Marylebone Hotel: Upscale with a pool and spa.
🏨 The Langham, London: Iconic, elegant, and refined.
🏨 Durrants Hotel: Traditional British comfort.
Victoria 👑
Victoria is a bit of a crossroads – part royal, part transport hub. It’s where you’ll find Buckingham Palace, the Apollo Theatre, and trains to pretty much anywhere.
There’s been a lot of redevelopment recently, so expect smart cafes, rooftop bars, and sleek modern hotels.
Top hotel picks for Victoria:
🏨 The Goring: Royal luxury and garden views.
🏨 The Rubens at the Palace: Regal with classic charm.
🏨 St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel: Grand, with courtyard and spa.
Bloomsbury 📚
Bloomsbury is bookish, leafy, and cultured. It was once home to literary legends and still full of Georgian squares and academic institutions.
It’s the perfect spot if you love museums (hello British Museum), quiet gardens, and an intellectual vibe.
Top hotel picks for Bloomsbury:
🏨 The Bloomsbury Hotel: Elegant and literary.
🏨 The Montague on the Gardens: Cosy with garden charm.
🏨 Kimpton Fitzroy London: Grand and gorgeously restored.
Paddington 🚄
Paddington is a major transport hub with fast trains to Heathrow, making it great for short stays or easy airport runs. It’s also close to Hyde Park and Little Venice.
There’s a surprising number of cool canalside cafes tucked away around Paddington Basin – great for coffee or an afternoon mooch.
🏨 Hilton London Paddington: Next to the station, big rooms.
🏨 Hotel Indigo London: Bright and boutique.
🏨 The Chilworth London: Refined townhouse with spa.
Hammersmith 🎶
Hammersmith is west London’s unsung hero – it’s well-connected, full of pubs and music venues, and has some lovely riverside spots for a quieter walk.
It’s also home to the legendary Eventim Apollo, so worth considering if you’re in town for a gig.
🏨 Novotel London West: Big and business-ready.
🏨 Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith: Affordable with breakfast.
🏨 St Paul’s Hotel: Historic and homely.
Where to stay in London – the neighbourhoods at a glance 🗺️
Here are the 22 places to stay in London at a glance. You can use the links to jump to a specific section if you like.
Covent Garden – Theatre, shopping, dining.
Mayfair – Luxury boutiques & fine dining.
South Bank – Culture & riverside views.
Kensington – Museums & royal parks.
Shoreditch – Nightlife & creative vibes.
Westminster – Historic landmarks.
Notting Hill – Colourful streets & markets.
Camden – Markets & music scene.
Chelsea – Chic shops & leafy streets.
Greenwich – Maritime history & views.
Soho – Bars, restaurants & buzz.
Canary Wharf – Business & skyline views.
Kings Cross – Trains & regeneration.
City of London – Banking & history.
Tower Hill – Tower Bridge & riverside.
Islington – Trendy, lively & local.
Clerkenwell – Foodie spots & heritage.
Marylebone – Boutiques & village feel.
Victoria – Palaces & transport hubs.
Bloomsbury – Literary charm & museums.
Paddington – Hyde Park & Heathrow links.
Hammersmith – River walks & live shows.
Further Reading: Your Guide to London’s 8 Royal Parks.
Map of Hotels in London 🗺️
Here is a map from Booking.com showing hotels by location.
I recommend reserving your room immediately to get the best price. It’s usually free to reserve on Booking.com, and you can always cancel later on.
FAQs about where to stay in London 💡
Below are some frequently asked questions about where to stay in London.
What’s the best area to stay in for first-time visitors?
Covent Garden is a top choice. It’s central, walkable, and packed with theatres, shops and restaurants.
Where should I stay for museums and culture?
South Kensington is home to the Natural History Museum, V&A, and the Science Museum (all walkable from local hotels).
Which area is best for nightlife?
Head to Soho or Shoreditch for buzzing bars, live music, and a huge mix of restaurants.
Which neighbourhoods have great transport links?
Try Victoria, King’s Cross or Westminster – all central and well connected by Tube and train.
Where can I find budget-friendly hotels?
Camden and King’s Cross tend to offer better value than the West End or Mayfair.
Should I book London hotels in advance?
Yes, especially in spring and summer. Booking 2-4 months ahead usually gets the best deals.
Final Thoughts ✨
London is one of those cities that really does have something for everyone – whether you’re into Michelin-starred dining or vintage market rummaging, skyline views or leafy parks. The key is picking a neighbourhood that suits your vibe (and your itinerary).
I’ve stayed all over the city over the years, from glamorous hotels in Mayfair to cosy little guesthouses near Camden – and honestly, you can’t go too far wrong. Just book early if you can, especially if you’re visiting in summer or around Christmas.
Happy Londoning! 💂♀️
Quick Links for London.
Here are some quick shopping links to help you with your trip to London.
- Reserve your London Hotel early, rooms sell out fast.
- Book top-rated London tours no upfront payment required.
- Get the London Pass, great for sightseeing discounts and fast-track entry.
- Pack a Universal Plug Adaptor if you need one.
- Check out these London Gifts on Amazon.
- This Rough Guide to London is a great travel companion.
- Check out my curated list of London Experiences.
Related reading for where to stay in London.
Here is some further reading from the blog related to this article on where to stay in London.
🌆 Ultimate London Travel Guide.
🏰 30 Top Tourist Attractions in London.
🌳 Guide the 8 Royal Parks of London.
📸 15 Famous Icons of London: Symbols of the City.
Pinterest Pins 📌
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to pin it for later!
👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
Tags: England, Hotels, London, UK
