Best Places to Stay in London United Kingdom

Where to Stay in London: A Guide for Tourists

London, with its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and diverse neighborhoods, offers a wide range of accommodation options for every type of traveler. From budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels, there’s something for everyone.

Budget Options:

  • Hostels:
    • Clink78 (hostelworld.com/clink78): A popular choice for social travelers, offering unique hostel experiences in converted hostels and private rooms in central locations.
    • Generator London (generatorhostels.com/london): Stylish and affordable hostel chain with a focus on design and social spaces. Multiple London locations provide various options.

Hostels:

  • Budget: Hostels are the most budget-friendly option, offering clean and comfortable dorm rooms and shared facilities.
    • Expect to pay around £20-£40 per night for a bed in a shared dorm.
    • Private rooms will cost more, typically starting at £50+.
    • Great for: Backpackers, solo travelers, and social butterflies looking to meet other people.

Hostels with private rooms:

  • Generator London: Offers stylish and comfortable private rooms for those who prefer their own space.
  • The Z Hotel: This budget chain focuses on providing compact but modern rooms in convenient locations.

Mid-Range Options:

  • Generator London: Provides a good balance of style and affordability, with prices typically ranging from £80-£150 per night.
  • Premier Inn (premierinn.com): With various locations across the city, Premier Inn offers comfortable and affordable rooms for those looking for a budget-friendly stay in London.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • CitizenM: Known for its modern design and tech-savvy amenities.
  • The Hoxton: Stylish hotels with a focus on local experiences and community.
  • Airbnb: Find unique and affordable apartments, rooms, or even quirky homes throughout London.

Tips for Choosing the Right Area:

  • Central London: If you’re looking to be in the heart of the action, stay in central areas like Southbank, Soho, or Covent Garden. These areas offer easy access to attractions and transportation.

    • Ideal for: First-time visitors who want to see the main sights.

  • Central London: Stay near popular attractions such as:

    • Buckingham Palace & Westminster: For those interested in history and politics, this area is a must.
    • Southbank (The Z Hotel, Premier Inn): Enjoy stunning views of the Thames, Big Ben, and the London Eye while staying within walking distance of major attractions.

  • West End: The hub of theater and entertainment, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops.

    • For: Tourists who want to be in a lively area.
    • Consider: Staying near the action in a vibrant neighborhood like Leicester Square for easy access to shows.

Neighborhoods:

  • Westminster (for Central London): Offers proximity to iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament.

  • Southbank (for affordable accommodation with a view): The Clink78 hotel chain is a good option for those who want a clean and comfortable room but don’t have a lot to spend.

  • Westminster: Stay in the heart of London near all the action, such as:

  • The Strand (for a hotel near Covent Garden): Located right by the Thames, this area provides stunning views and easy access to iconic landmarks and attractions.

  • The British Museum: The nearby British Museum is a must-see for any history buff.

Southbank:

  • British Museum (consider staying in a hotel with a central location near the museum): Offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels and apartments.
  • West End theaters: Plenty of affordable and luxurious accommodation options are available.

South Kensington:

  • South Kensington (for its cultural attractions): Stay in South Kensington for easy access to museums, museums like the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum.

Choosing Your Accommodation:

  • Consider your budget: London offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to high-end hotels and boutique apartments.
  • Location: Think about what you want to see and do in London.
  • Type of accommodation: Hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and apartments are all good options.

Think about the type of experience you want:

  • Luxury: Do you want to be pampered? Look for hotels in central London with amenities like 24-hour room service, spas, and fine dining restaurants.

  • Boutique: For a unique and stylish stay, consider staying in a boutique hotel. These often have a theme and are located in the heart of the city.

  • Central Location: The Strand offers a vibrant atmosphere with access to the theater district and other attractions.

For a budget stay, choose:

  • Hostels: For those who want to meet other travelers and save money.

  • Budget hotels: Many options are available across London, offering affordable comfort.

  • Consider:

  • Location: Close to the action, but not always in the most luxurious neighborhood.

Budget:

  • Staying near a specific area can be expensive, especially if it’s central. Consider staying further out and using public transport for a more budget-friendly option.

  • Look for deals online:** Websites like Booking.com and Expedia often have discounts on hotels.

  • Choose:

  • Hostels: For a budget-friendly stay, you can choose hostels located in Soho, Covent Garden, or near other popular areas.

Types of accommodation to consider:

  • Hotels with shared bathrooms: These are a bit cheaper than hotels with en-suite bathrooms, but they are still a good option for those who want their own room and bathroom facilities.

  • Hotels with kitchenettes: This is a great way to save money on meals if you’re planning on staying in London for a while.

  • Hotels with dorm rooms: These are the cheapest option, and offer opportunities to socialize.

Hostel options near central attractions:

  • Clink Hostel (various locations): Offers affordable private rooms in hostels located in or near the heart of the city.
  • The Generator: A popular choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a stylish place to stay.

Other factors:

  • Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of what they liked and didn’t like about the hotel.

  • Reviews are a good way to find out what amenities are available and if people have enjoyed them.

  • Location, Location, Location: Consider staying in a neighborhood with:

    • Easy access to public transportation
    • Good reviews for its value and cleanliness

  • Consider:

  • Proximity to your desired attractions

  • Availability of restaurants, bars, and grocery stores nearby

  • Accessibility features: Do you need a wheelchair-accessible room or other amenities?

  • Transportation: Living in London is a great opportunity to experience the city’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods.

Consider:

  • Staying near transportation hubs for easier access around London.
  • Using public transport like the Tube, bus, or train to get to your desired destinations.
  • Walking distance: Consider staying within walking distance of the Underground or a major bus route.
  • Transport options: Staying near a hostel can be a bit more expensive than staying further out, but you’ll have access to all the sights and sounds without needing to pay for transportation.

Types of accommodation in London:

  • Hostels: Offer a wide range of budget-friendly options, including hostels with dorm rooms, private rooms, and even apartments with shared facilities.
  • Budget hotels: Offer a more affordable option for those who want hotel amenities but don’t need the luxury of a hotel room.
  • Boutique hotels: These are like boutique hotels, but often offer unique themes, design elements, and experiences.**

Choosing a location:

  • Consider your budget: Hostels in less central areas are typically cheaper.

  • Think about:**

  • Think:

    • Staying with friends or family: This can be a great way to save money and enjoy the company of loved ones.

  • Budget options:

  • Consider a hotel in a central location with good transportation links.

  • Consider a hostel further from the main tourist spots for a more affordable option.

  • Consider:

  • Staying near a university or college: This can provide a unique and vibrant experience.

Types of hostels:

  • Hostels: These are generally a good value for your money, with prices varying depending on amenities and location.

  • Luxury hotels: These offer a more comfortable stay, but you’ll pay a premium price.

  • Boutique hotels: While they are not as common in central London, there are many smaller boutique hotels that offer a range of amenities and experiences.

Consider:

  • Hostels:

These are a good option for budget-conscious travelers. They often have communal kitchens, lounges, and social events, making it easier to meet other people and make the most of your stay in London.

  • Budget-friendly options: Consider hostels in less touristy areas of London but with easy access to public transportation.

This way, you can enjoy a more affordable stay while still being close to all the action.

  • Hostels near museums:

The British Museum is located in Bloomsbury and has many hotels and hostels nearby for those who want a central location.

  • Hotels: Staying in a hotel with a view of a landmark is a great way to experience the city from a different perspective.