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Paris Toolkit Where to stay in London
Our guide to accommodation types and London's hotel areas
Many factors will shape your decision on where to stay in London. It’s a big city that is spread out to several neighbourhoods bursting with hotels, bed & breakfasts, hostels, apartments and even homestays. There is no “Downtown” hotel area in the north American sense. London's hotel areas are grouped under 12 headings which you can read in detail below.
On this page, we have grouped London accommodation options under many categories so you can quickly and efficiently pinpoint a shortlist that meets your individual wants and needs.
How to choose where to stay Hotel areas in central London Map of hotel areas Hotel chains Types of accommodation
Hotel areas in central London
We have grouped central London hotel areas in 12 headings for you, highlighting the main characteristics of the location. You can see the map below to get a better understanding of their locations.
Bayswater
• Budget • Good value
A budget hotel district with outstanding value hotels. Good position next to Hyde Park and close to Paddington Station. Has a large local community so very good for everyday needs and restaurants.
Bloomsbury
• Mid-range • Luxury
On the edge of the West End with Covent Garden and Leicester Square within walking distance. British Museum is in heart of district. Mostly mid-range and 4-star hotels. Ideal for theatre breaks.
Canary Wharf
• Mid-range • Business
To the east of the centre of London, Canary Wharf is one of the main financial districts. Redeveloped in the 1980s every building is new including hotels built around the waterfronts of the old West India Docks.
City of London
• Mid-range • Luxury • Business
London's main business area dominated by financial institutions. Not normally favoured by leisure travellers because of expense. However, at weekends bargains can be found around the Tower of London.
County Hall & Waterloo
• Mid-range • Luxury
On the south bank of the Thames an area much improved in the last decade and now a great place for visitors. Hotels beginning to take hold but no great variety, mostly 3 and 4 stars.
Euston
• All ranges • Mainline train station
Dominated by Euston Station with trains to the north-west/midlands of England and North Wales & Scotland. Good range of accommodation around the station area. Tends to be cheaper at weekends.
Kensington
• Bed & breakfast • Luxury
Just west of central London. Price and number of stars decrease as you go west. From exclusive Knightsbridge (Harrods), through to cheap B&B at Earl's Court. Good location to stay if travelling to Heathrow.
Kings Cross & St Pancras
• Budget • Mainline train stations
One of the best value budget areas to stay in central London. An area of B&B hotels directly opposite the stations with low prices and above average standards. London terminus of Eurostar.
London City Airport & Docklands
• Mid-range • Luxury • Business
Part of the Docklands redevelopment area to the east of London a number of hotels around the waterfront of the old docks serve the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, City Airport and the O2 Arena.
Paddington
• Budget • Mainline train station
Terminus of the Heathrow Express and trains to West Country & Wales. On the edge of Hyde Park and less than 1km from Oxford Street. All grades of hotel but biased towards budget accommodation.
Regent's Park
• All ranges
Relatively large area encompassing Marylebone, Baker Street, Camden Town and Swiss Cottage. Handy for visitors using Luton and Stansted airports. The hotels here are dispersed over a wide area.
Victoria
• All ranges • Mainline train station
Close to most attractions and direct public transport to all of London's airports. Some cheap B&B behind the station, otherwise mostly above average priced hotels. Very convenient if you use Gatwick Airport.
The West End of London: Leicester Sq, Mayfair & Marble Arch
The centre of the entertainment and shopping districts. Dominated by large expensive 4- and 5-star chain hotels. Oxford Street, Marble Arch, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Piccadilly and Mayfair are detailed below or see our detailed West End area guide.
Leicester Sq & Covent Garden
• Luxury • Entertainment • Shopping
Just north of Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Covent Garden is where you will find good shopping areas, most of the West End theatres and much of the nightlife in central London.
Mayfair & Piccadilly
• Luxury • Entertainment • Shopping
Mayfair is located in the west of West End and Piccadilly is along its southern edge. Mayfair is perhaps the most exclusive area to stay in London and Piccadilly is great for upmarket shopping.
Oxford Street & Marble Arch
• Mid-range • Luxury • Shopping
Oxford Street is the busiest shopping street for the mass market with most UK chains available. Hotels are located particularly around Marble Arch and are relatively cheaper than central West End.
See central London's hotel neighbourhoods on the map
Hotel chains in central London
London offers a wide range of trusted hotel chains across various categories of accommodation. Chain hotels often do not have star ratings, so to make it easy, we have grouped them into budget and luxury hotels. A chain hotel often gives you the familiarity of standards and service you have experienced before, helping to take the guess work out of booking your London accommodation.
Budget chain hotels
Full-service luxury hotel chains
Types of accommodation in London
Hotels
Budget bed & breakfasts, mid-range and luxury hotels to suit every budget.
Apartments
Fully-furnished, self-catering accommodation options for short-term lettings.
Backpacker hostels
A wide range of dormitory-style accommodation aimed at the young and young at heart.
Airbnb
Airbnb offers something for every need and budget in all areas of London.
How to choose where to stay
We understand the choice could be overwhelming especially if you’re a first-time visitor. Choosing a location to stay in London first is important for both your budget and stress levels! We recommend you consider:
- London has 5 international airports. We’ll help you choose the right place to avoid expensive and inconvenient transfers. Which areas are easier to get to from your airport?
- Business areas have lower rates at the weekend and leisure areas have lower rates in the week – which is which?
- Which are the budget hotel areas? Which are closest to shops, attractions or theatres?
We have the main central London hotel areas above, however, if you're planning your first visit to London and find yourself confused with the wide range of neighbourhood options, take a look at our guide to London's hotel areas. It has been designed to help you identify the right area to choose your accommodation in, depending on your individual wants and needs. Our guide will help you make an informed decision to get the most out of your first London holiday.
Guide to hotel areas in London
