London It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. I have been visiting the city regularly since 2008 and never tire of exploring it. There are tons of amazing (free) museums, a buzzing bar culture and an incredible food scene that keep me coming back for more.
As much as I love the city, it’s very spread out. The neighborhood you live in (and the hotel you choose) will greatly affect your trip. And, as one of the most visited cities in Europe, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. It’s almost overwhelming.
To ensure you choose a quality hotel, here is my list of the best hotels in London. These are the places I’ve stayed at when I’ve visited, so you know they’re worth the money!
1. Citadines Barbican London
I think this 4 star hotel is in a great location in the city center and close to the train station and offers great value for money. The hotel has classic rooms as well as apartment-style rooms with kitchens, ideal for groups or families. The rooms are bright and warm, with pastel colors, hardwood floors, wooden furniture and comfortable beds. The rooms are also equipped with flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, desks, reliable Wi-Fi, and plenty of sockets beside the bed for charging your belongings. The soundproofing is very good so you can have a good night’s sleep too. The bathroom is spacious, has excellent water pressure (a big plus for me), and comes with free toiletries.
Breakfast is not included, but there is free coffee in the lobby and there are many restaurants nearby (the hotel is in the city center after all). There is also a gym on site. This is one of the more affordable options for Square Mile.
2. Counting room
The Counting House is an iconic British pub with 15 luxurious rooms. The bar has gorgeous, historic décor, while the spacious rooms are stylish and contemporary, combining light colors and wainscoting. Simple yet chic rooms feature flat-screen TVs, iPhone docking stations, Nespresso coffee machines, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and super king-size beds. The bathroom is well appointed, well lit and has a good rain shower. The best part is the huge bed. They have Egyptian cotton sheets and 1800 pocket spring mattresses to give you the most comfortable bed possible.
I also liked the breakfast (and food in general). A full English breakfast is included in the room rate, and the bar serves a mouth-watering seasonal menu, including mouth-watering classic hand pies. If you want a unique, luxurious stay in the heart of the city, stay here.
3. London Inn Hotel
This bright Victorian townhouse is located in Kensington. A three-star hotel, staying here feels like staying in a historic B&B. The hotel’s rooms are individually decorated with bright colours, patterned carpets and antique furniture. Each room also comes with a small flat-screen TV, desk, minibar and electric kettle. The bathroom is bright and has a much more modern design than the room, including features such as a mirror with integrated lighting and a huge rain shower head.
Full English or continental breakfast is included in the price, and while there are no other facilities (no gym, no spa), there is private parking. Iconic attractions such as Hyde Park and the Natural History Museum are just a 15-minute walk away.
4. Consecutive hotels
The Ampersand is a luxury five-star boutique hotel located 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 room has incredible views of the city. The room’s large windows let in plenty of natural light, and pops of color like comfy armchairs and colorful throw pillows brighten the space. Each room also comes with a coffee/tea maker, desk, flat-screen TV and convenient sockets by the bed (which I appreciated). The bathroom is bright and airy with an open rain shower, comfortable bath and free toiletries. Some rooms also have bathtubs.
I really liked that they served a luxurious afternoon tea in the drawing room, a quintessentially British experience. They also have a gym, games room and a delicious Mediterranean restaurant. The included breakfast has many varieties (eggs, meat, bread). If you want a classic British hotel experience, stay here.
5. Mimi Soho Hotel
This stylish 4-star hotel in Soho offers small rooms at affordable prices (some even have no windows). That said, the rooms are comfortable, tasteful, and (because of their small size) perfect for solo travelers. The comfortable rooms come with extras such as underfloor heating, filtered water, hardwood or parquet floors and very nicely tiled bathrooms with rain showers. The flat-screen TV includes satellite channels, and the room also comes with a Nespresso coffee machine. Breakfast was simple, just coffee and pastries, but if you’re worried there are plenty of places to eat nearby.
The hotel’s roadside bar, Henson’s, is very lively at night (there are many bars nearby). The hotel is very soundproofed so you can still have a good night’s sleep here. This is a great central location.
6. Strand Palace Hotel
This four-star hotel in Covent Garden (east of Soho) has been open since the early 1900s. All its rooms are organized around six interior courtyards (if you want a quiet space, ask for a room overlooking the interior). Rooms are stylish and feature modern design, abstract art on the walls and plenty of natural light. Standard double room with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, free minibar and Nespresso coffee machine. If you’re traveling alone and want to save money, they also offer smaller rooms with single beds.
The spacious and luxurious lobby features elegant Art Deco design. There are two bars serving cocktails (as well as afternoon tea), a gym and a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious and varied breakfast. Trafalgar Square is a short walk away.
7. Oakley Hotel
Housed in a Victorian building just a few blocks from Chelsea Embankment along the Thames, this three-star hotel is the most affordable option in this upmarket neighbourhood. Although the decor is a bit dated, with lots of floral patterns on the wallpaper and carpets, everything is warm, clean and comfortable. Rooms come with very basic facilities such as a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle and a wardrobe or closet. The bathrooms are a bit dated too (some rooms have shared bathroom facilities) but the shower pressure is decent.
A continental breakfast including toast, beans, eggs and cereal is included in the room rate. Overall, this is an affordable hotel and perfect for travelers on a budget.
London It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. But it’s a huge city with a lot to see and do. This means choosing the right hotel and neighborhood is important. Choose a hotel from the list above and you’re sure to have a wonderful and comfortable trip.
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Booking a trip to London: logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
use Skyscanner Find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book accommodation
You can book a hostel via hostel world Because they have the largest inventory and the best prices. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com Because they always provide guesthouses and budget hotels at the cheapest prices.
For suggested places to stay, View this hotel listing.
And if you’re wondering where to stay in town, Here are the details of my neighborhood in London!
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It provides complete protection in case any issues arise. I wouldn’t travel without it as I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Looking for the cheapest company?
look at mine Resources page Providing you with the best companies to use when traveling. I’ve listed all the ways I use to save money while traveling. They also save you money when you travel.
Want a guide?
There are some very interesting tours in London. My favorite company is walk. They have professional tour guides who can take you behind the scenes of the city’s best attractions. They are my go-to hiking tour company!
Want to know more about London?
Be sure to visit our Rich London destination guide Learn more planning tips!
