Where to stay in London, UK

London is a powerful, dynamic and intensely lively city. So where to stay in London?

London is one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world. The city has received international attention in tourism. There is much information out there. This is why selecting the best hotel is overwhelming indeed.

London is also one of the most expensive cities to stay in the world. It is important for you to find the right accommodation in London. Book as soon as you decide when you have a holiday if you save money on a vacation.

I have lived and worked in London, UK more than a decade. I know about London very well. In this article, you will find what the city can offer you the best in accommodation in central London. To help you decide the best accommodation, I have selected the 4 best areas in London to stay and for hotels.

Where to stay in London? The 4 areas are highly convenient for the best sightseeing in London.

Best Place to Stay in London

You will never feel less about selecting your accommodation in London. The information you have overwhelms you. If you stay in London for less than 5 days, you need to save time. It is the most convenient place to access from the airport and to explore in London.

Where to Stay in London

Paddington, West End, Kensington & Chelsea and Victoria are the 4 best areas to stay in London. The best convenient place from Heathrow Airport is Paddington. West End, Kensington & Chelsea and Victoria are convenient. You can easily access central London with London Underground or National Express (coach). Find the best accommodation for you to walk around and public transport connections.

Safety in London is particularly important. Safe neighborhoods of London are Chelsea, Mayfair, South Kensington and Knightsbridge. These neighbourhoods are largely safe to walk around any time of day. For this reason, Chelsea and South Kensington areas can be the best areas to stay in London with family.

Covent Garden, Piccadilly and Lester Square are generally safe all day. Things can get lively and rough on weekend nights.

Where to Stay in London First Time

The best area to stay in London for the first time visitors can be the West End. It is literary the center of London and is the most developed commercial area. Although the hotel rates tend to be higher, you can save time. Spend your time fully to get what the city can offer the best.

London Map by Neighborhood

Heathrow Airport Transfers to Central London

Heathrow Express, London Underground Piccadilly Line and National Express are convenient. They will make you feel easy for a transfer from Heathrow Airport to Central London.

Heathrow Airport Transfer Map

When is the best time to stay in London?

The best season to stay in London is from April to October. The off-season is from November to March. The price differences between high season and off-season are almost doubled.

How much is a standard double room in Central London?

Best neighbourhoods in London

Paddington
A large residential district, located in northwest central London. The area has lots of mid-range accommodation. The best convenient place to transfer from Heathrow Airport with Heathrow Express.

The West End
London’s central commercial and entertainment area. The area includes Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Chinatown, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. The hotel rates tend to be the highest in London.

Kensington and Chelsea
One of London’s largest hi-end residential and commercial district. The area includes South Kensington, Kensington High Street, Sloane Square. A lot of restaurants, bars and hi-end designers brand shops.

London Victoria
Hotel prices are much lower than Paddington, West End and Kensington areas. Convenient to transfer from Heathrow Airport. At the same time very convenient to Southampton for the European cruises.

Things to Do in London

Best Areas to Stay in London

1. Is Paddington a Good Area to Stay in London?

Paddington is one of the best areas in central London. Marble Arch, Bayswater, Bond Street and Notting Hill are close from Paddington. You can find a lot of accommodations in the areas. Paddington is very convenient to transfer from Heathrow Airport by Heathrow Express. This is the very reason why the best tourist hotels in London are located in the Paddington area.

The hotel rates are cheaper than Kensington and West End areas. You can easily visit Oxford, Big Ben, Trafalgar Sq. and National Gallery with London Underground Bakerloo Line (brown). You can visit Southampton by train from Paddington.

Staying in Paddington is especially convenient to transfer outside London. You can visit West and South West England, beautiful countrysides. Trains are departing from London Paddington station:

• Bath
• Bristol
• Cardiff
• Exeter
• Oxford

Why Stay in Paddington

• The most convenient place to transfer from Heathrow Airpot
• Accommodation price is lower than West End and Kensington
• Affordable luxury hotels
• Kensington Palace
• London’s central transportation hub to access to West and Southwest England
• Serpentine Gallery
• Easy to access to main sightseeing, shopping and entertainment areas
• A lot of choices in dining, cafes and bars
• A morning walk at Hyde Park

Where is Paddington Exactly?

Paddington is an area in the City of Westminster, in West London. It is located between two Royal Parks, Notting Hill and the West End. Paddington has London Paddington railway station. There are also 4 Underground stations within 10 minutes’ walk. Bayswater, Queensway, Paddington and Lancaster Gate. Find out London Underground Map

Hotels near Paddington in London

Boutique Hotels in Paddington

The Pilgrm

Located less than 1 minute from Paddington Station in central London. The Pilgrim is housed in a Victorian-era building. The hotel is designed with simple and yet meticulous flavour inside.

Each room features vintage design elements and an en-suit shower room. A continental breakfast and hi-speed Wi-Fi are offered. There is a ground floor cafe for coffee and pastries. A first-floor lounge offers all-day dining and cocktails.

Hotel Indigo London-Paddington

Caesar Hotel

Caesar Hotel is located in a quiet residential area in Bayswater, near to Notting Hill and Mayfair. Portobello Road and Paddington Station (with the Heathrow Express) are nearby.

It only takes a few minutes to walk from Hyde Park. Carsar Hotel is housed in the Victorian building. Its inside has a unique collection of original Roman mosaics from Syria. The hotel offers international dishes at a restaurant and cocktails at a bar.

Midrange Hotels in Paddington

Lancaster Gate Hotel

Staying in London is costly. And yet, Lancaster Gate Hotel offers a fairly reasonable price with high standard service. Located between Queensway and Lancaster Gate stations and a 5-minute walking distance. You can explore Kensington Garden and Hydepark easily.

The bedrooms are modern, spacious and well-equipped. A generous breakfast buffet is available daily, including cooked and continental options. They all come with an en suite bathroom and air conditioning. Wi-Fi is also available for an extra cost.

The Novotel London Paddington

Novotel London Paddington is located 200 m away from Paddington Station. Staterooms are spacious and modern. The hotel offers a restaurant, a pool and a sauna.

In the lobby area, you can use iMacs. Free-Wi-Fi is available. Up to 2 children, aged under 16 years old can stay free with breakfast when sharing a room with adults. The family guest would particularly be pleased. There is service for video games, baby equipment and a healthy children’s menu. The late check-out on Sundays is until 17:00, subject to availability.

2. Hotels near West End in London

The West End is the best place to stay in London for tourists. It is one of the most active shopping and entertainment districts in London.

The West End district includes Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Chinatown, Covent Garden, Soho, Oxford Street, Mayfair and Piccadilly Circus. The West End is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in London.

Covent Garden, Carling Cross and Picadilly stations are important Underground stations for sightseeing. You can visit the National Museum, National Gallery, Big Ben and Southbank easily.

For visitors in Southampton for Baltic Sea cruises, you can take National Express (coach) at Victoria Coach Station. If you prefer a train, you can go to London Victoria or London Waterloo stations.

Why Stay in West-End

• Vibrant nightlife in Soho and Piccadilly
• Dining and shopping in Covent Garden
• National Gallery and Trafalgar Square in Charing Cross
• Shopping at Regent Street
• Fashionable bars, cafes and restaurants
• British Museum
• Bloomsbury

Where is West End?

The West End is literary the best location to stay in London. It is London’s entertainment districts around Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. The shopping area includes Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. The major tube stations are Oxford Circus, Covent Garden, Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.
London Underground Map

Best Luxury Hotels in London

The Savoy

Opened in 1889, The Savoy is the world-famous one of London’s legendary grand hotels. The hotel offers a Gordon Ramsay restaurant and the Savoy Grill. The National Gallery, the House of Parliament, the Royal Opera House and British Museum are all within a walking distance. The staterooms and suites are decorated in Edwardian or Art Deco style. An elegant marble bathroom is equipped. Many guest rooms offer splendid city views over the River Thames.

The Ritz London

Opened in 1906, The Ritz London is the world-famous London’s legendary hotel. The hotel is housed in the Neoclassical building. It is situated next to London’s Green Park. The guest rooms have stunning views of the park and cityscapes. The staterooms are luxurious and have high ceilings. Furnished by antiques and decorated with modern amenities. You will find gorgeous fireplaces and chandeliers.

Sheraton Grand London Park Lane

Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is located in the heart of Mayfair. You can have a view of Green Park. The staterooms are spacious, elegant with an Art Deco design. A marble bathroom is equipped. Some rooms have original fireplaces. Sheraton Grand London Park Lane offers a prestigious Italian restaurant and a modern fitness centre. Green Park tube station is a 5-minute walk.

Best Boutique Hotel in London

The Soho Hotel

The Soho Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in London and is the fourth Firmdale Hotel. Each stateroom is furnished individually. The hotel offers a gym, a bar and a beauty treatment room for massage and manicures. Oxford Street is a 5 minute. Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are within a 10-minute walking distance.

Best Cheap Hotels in London

Premier Inn Leicester Square

The highlight of Premier Inn Leicester Square is its location and with a lower hotel price. The hotel is situated within a 10-minute walking distance from the stations. Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are all close to the hotel. You can reach to Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus tube stations within 5 minutes by walk.

The Z Hotel Soho

The Z Hotel Soho is a simple and compact and yet well-equipped hotel. The hotel is decorated with a modern and no-frills contemporary style in the heart of London’s West End. Excellent value and in an excellent location, the hotel is convenient. Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden are all within a 5-minute walking distance. Free Wi-Fi is available.

3. Hotels near Kensington and Chelsea in London

Kensington is one of the most privileged and prestigious commercial and residential areas in London. Fantastic bars and hi-end restaurants are located nearby the hotel.

The areas are called as Kensington High St., Earl’s Court Road and Glocester Road. These areas are easy to transfer from Heathrow Airport via London Underground. When you transfer to Southampton, you can either take National Express (coach) at Victoria Coach Station. If you prefer a train, you can go to London Victoria or London Waterloo.

Kensington and Chelsea can be one of the best places to stay in London for walking. You can extend a walk to Kensington Palace and Hyde Park. The fashionable Knightsbridge district is a short walk away. Find out London Tourist Map for Walking in Kensington and Chelsea. (Map)

Why Stay in Kensington

• A great area for shopping, museums and galleries
• The Royal Albert Hall for Opera and BBC Proms
• The V&A
• London’s most upmarket departments at Harvey Nichols and Harrods
• Kensington Palace
• A morning walk at Hyde Park
• London’s finest restaurants

Where is Kensington?

Kensington is located in the southwest of central London. The main London Underground lines are Central, Piccadilly and District Lines. The tube stations are South Kensington, Earls Court, Slone Square and Gloucester Load.
London Underground Map

Luxury Hotels in Kensington

The Kensington Hotel – South Kensington

The Kensington Hotel is the luxury hotel situated in the heart of South Kensington. The Natural History Museum and The V&A are within 5 minutes. Harrods, Harvey Nichols and The Royal Albert Hall are within a walking distance. The hotel is housed in the beautiful Georgian style white stucco façade building. Inside of the hotel is chic and gorgeous. The staterooms are white colours, stylish and elegant. Free WiFi, luxury bed linen is provided. The hotel is 450 m away from South Kensington tube station.

The Rembrandt – South Kensington

The Rembrandt is located in front of The V&A and nearby The Natural History Museum. The hotel offers an elegant Palette restaurant and the glamorous 1606 lounge bar. The guest can access to Aquilla Health and Fitness, a private health club adjacent to the hotel, at a reasonable price. Harrods and Hyde Park are within a walking distance. The nearest tube station is South Kensington.

K+K Hotel George – Earls Court

K+K Hotel George is a luxury 4-star hotel. The hotel is housed in the Victorian building. It is designed with a modern and stylish interior. The hotel is located a 300 m away from Earls Court tube station. The Royal Albert Hall, Science Museum and The V&A are within a walking distance. The attraction of K+K Hotel George has a large private garden. The hotel also offers a sauna, gym, breakfast buffet and a modern bistro lounge for dining. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Millennium Gloucester Hotel Kensington

Millennium Gloucester Hotel London is located in 100 m away from Gloucester Road tube station. It is a 4-star hotel, offering modern and elegant spacious staterooms. The hotel has dining options and a fitness room. You can enjoy an authentic Italian cousine at the hotel’s restaurant, Olives.

Millennium Gloucester Hotel Kensington is filled with modern décor. The room is spacious. A flat-screen satellite TV, work desks, minibars and en-suite bathrooms with toiletries are equipped. Guests can enjoy a varied breakfast menu at South West 7 and relax in Humphrey’s Café and Bar. The Natural History Museum, The Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park are a 10 minutes’ walk distance.

Midrange Hotel in Kensington

Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum

Holiday Inn Kensington Forum is situated within a 2-minute walk from Gloucester Road tube station. Knightsbridge, Harrods, Royal Albert Hall, the Natural History and V & A Museums are within a 10-minute walk. The staterooms are modern, simple and clean, air-conditioned. A refrigerator is equipped. You can have fantastic views of London city centre. Free WiFi is available.

Garden View Hotel – 5 minutes from Earls Court

Garden View Hotel is located within a 5-minute walking distance from Earls Court in a quiet residential area. The hotel offers a fantastic location to stay at a reasonable price. Some staterooms can have a park view. Kensington High Street is within a 15-minute walking distance. Knightsbridge and Harrods are 2 stops on the Tube. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A are also 2 stops on the Tube.

4. Hotels near Victoria Station in London

London Victoria is a major transport hub. You can access Victoria train station, tube, bus and coach stations. Staying in Victoria means you have excellent transport connections. It is convenient connecting both inside and outside of London.

National Express (coach) directly connect between Heathrow Airport and Central London. Victoria Coach station is located in London Victoria Railway Station. Victoria also connects Central London to Southampton with Southern train service. The accommodation rates in Victoria are lower than West End and Kensington.

Why Stay in Victoria

• A lot of reasonable accommodations
• Buckingham Palace
• Westminster Abbey
• Easy to access from Heathrow Airport by National Express (coach)
• Convenient to go to Southampton for Cruises
• Easy to access entertainment and shipping areas in the West End
• Victoria Coach Station

Where is Victoria Exactly?

Victoria is located in Located nearby London Victoria Station. London Underground are Victoria Line (blue), Central Line (yellow) and District Line (green). London Victoria trains are connected to Western and South England. Victoria Coach Station is connected to Heathrow Airport and Southampton for Cruises. London Underground Map

Midrange Hotels in Victoria

The Z Hotel Victoria

Located nearby London Victoria Station, The Z Hotel Victoria is affordable for anyone who is looking for a quality, comfort and great location in Victoria. Buckingham Palace is just around the corner. Victoria Rail, Underground Stations and St James’s Park are within a 5-minute walking distance. The staterooms are modern, with contemporary design. Each room also has under-bed storage. Don’t miss the complimentary, unlimited cheese and wine sessions here every evening.

Continental breakfast is served in The Z Cafe every morning. You can enjoy fresh croissants, pastries, cereals, fresh fruit salad and bacon rolls. A selection of salads, sandwiches and hot dishes are on offer throughout the day.

Georgian House Hotel

Located 800 m away from Victora station, Georgian House Hotel is a boutique hotel. The highlight of the hotel is themed as Wizard Chambers. The hotel is unique and award-winning property. Inside, it is stylish, invokes English country hotels. The staterooms are individually styled. Free WiFi is available throughout.

Georgian House serves an award-winning breakfast daily. A continental breakfast is included with your reservation. A full English breakfast is available at an additional charge.

Budget Hotels in Victoria

Best Western Victoria Palace

Best Western Victoria Palace is located just a minute away from Victoria station. The hotel provides reasonable accommodation and offers comfortable staterooms with airconditioning, free Wi-Fi. A bathroom is equipped for each stateroom.

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Where to Stay in London, UK: 19 Hotels in the Best Areas