18 BEST HOTELS in London [December 2024!]

London is the United Kingdom’s capital and an iconic destination.

History, landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, international dining, nightlife, theatres, trendy new hangouts… London just about has it all.

But London is also pretty big. Choosing the right area to stay in this sprawling urban centre can be tricky. You may think you pick somewhere central, but you may end up far from the sights you want to see…

It is exactly what we want to help you avoid, so we have decided to create this comprehensive guide to the best hotels in London and trust us: there are a lot to choose from.

You will find everything here… from affordable stays and conveniently located hotels, to historic 5-star offerings and family-friendly lodgings.

Enjoy your time in London!

Quick answers – Best Hotels in London

#1 – The Tower Hotel

Best Overall Hotel in London

• $$$
• Tower Bridge views
• Bar
• Parking available

The Tower Hotel is the best overall hotel in London. For one thing, you get views of the iconic Tower Bridge from your hotel room. There is a stylish entrance hall where you’ll be greeted by professional staff who will make sure your stay is comfortable.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant, or drinks in the summer months out on the terrace alongside the River Thames. The rooms here are traditionally decorated with a neutral colour palette, complete with cosy beds.

 

#2 – Sofitel London Heathrow

Best Hotel in London Near Heathrow Airport

• $$$
• Next to the airport
• Turkish bath
• Conference room

This place is easily the best hotel in London near Heathrow Airport, meaning you can still get a good night’s sleep if you have to catch an early flight. This branch of Sofitel is beautifully designed, with gleaming tiled floors, a large onsite restaurant and a gym and spa area, too.

The rooms provide a calm environment and are spacious, with hardwood furnishings and seating areas. It is a business type hotel with a lot of style – and its own airport shuttle, which is always helpful.

 

#3 – BLOC Hotel Gatwick

Best Hotel in London Near Gatwich Airport

• $$
• Close to Gatwick railway station
• Restaurant
• Airport shuttle

Being the best hotel in London near Gatwick Airport, BLOC is a convenient place to stay if you find yourself in need of somewhere that’s practically in the airport itself. The rooms here may be compact but are still modern and well designed, with a fun grey and purple colour scheme. Views of the runway mean watching planes take off and land.

This top hotel in London comes packed with all the things you’ll need for a comfortable stay. There’s a coffee bar, to help you wake up in the morning, a convenient restaurant, as well as express check-in/check-out.

 

#4 – Novotel London Paddington Station

Best Hotel in London Near Paddington Station

• $$$
• Sauna
• Bar and restaurant
• Indoor pool

The best hotel in London near Paddington Station, the iconic transport hub is just a stone’s throw from the hotel. This branch of Novotel is set in a fantastic location for sightseeing in the capital. From here you can hop on the Tube and hit up Oxford Circus and Edgeware Road within minutes.

Inside this top London hotel, unwind in its well maintained, whitewashed rooms designed with comfort in mind. This modern, purpose-built hotel also has an indulgent pool and spa area for the unwinding after a busy day.

 

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#5 – Park Grand London Hyde Park

Best Hotel in London For Families

• $$$
• Tour desk
• Convenient location
• Breakfast available

Situated inside a historic building, this renovated has spacious rooms making it the best hotel in London for families. Not only that, but the Park Grand is also close to some top sights, including Hyde Park, meaning you won’t have to worry too much about the hassle of public transport with small children.

The rooms at this family-friendly hotel in London are simple but clean and feature high ceilings, seating areas and a relaxing colour scheme. There’s a small dining area where you and your children can enjoy breakfast each day.

 

#6 – London Hilton on Park Lane

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel in London

• $$$$
• Chic design
• City views
• Spa

This high-end hotel in London also happens to be the best pet-friendly hotel in London, too. The London Hilton on Park Lane, located in the Mayfair area, is all about luxury and elegance. You and your pooch can enjoy being pampered at this hotel, whilst you recline in a four-poster bed or a chaise longe whilst you take in London views.

There is a beauty and fitness centre, as well as a restaurant on site. From here you can also simply walk to iconic attractions like Buckingham Palace, or go shopping on Regent Street.

 

#7 – Z Hotel Soho

Best Cheap Hotel in London

• $$
• 24-hour reception
• Soundproofed rooms
• Cafe

Right in the heart of the vibrant Soho area, Z Hotel Soho is the best cheap hotel in London. Staying here means being surrounded by the amazing energy of the city and being able to walk to many of London’s best sights; Oxford Circus, Regent Street and the theatres of West End are just on the doorstep.

This budget hotel in London features compact bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, making for a good use of space. Even though it’s surrounded by some top nightlife, you can still get a good night’s sleep here

 

#8 – Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London

Best Hotel in London Near Big Ben

• $$$$
• Big Ben views
• Swimming pool
• Close to public transport

Being the best hotel in London near Big Ben, this hotel features amazing views of the iconic bell tower itself as well as the Houses of Parliament. It is also close to the transport hub of Waterloo Station, meaning getting around the city is a fairly simple task on the Tube.

One of the coolest hotels in London, the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London features low-key but stylish rooms that let in plenty of light and allow the iconic views of London to do the talking.

 

#9 – The Grand at Trafalgar Square

Best Hotel in London near Trafalgar Square

• $$$$
• Historical building
• Amazing location
• Gym

This grand hotel is easily the best hotel in London near Trafalgar Square. Set in a beautiful building on Northumberland Avenue, you’ll be wowed by the marble-clad entrance hall and the elegant ballroom, where you can enjoy meals and world-class service under glittering chandeliers.

The rooms at this high-end hotel in London are decorated with traditional style in mind, complete with high ceilings, large windows and seating areas. Trafalgar Square, amongst other London sights, are easily walkable from here.

 

#10 – Holiday Inn Camden Lock 

Best Hotel in London Near Camden

• $$
• Cool design
• Honeymoon suites
• Bar

This branch of Holiday Inn is the best hotel in London near Camden – it’s located right next to Camden Lock and all the buzz of this interesting area. Here you can enjoy dining with views of the canal or relax in the laid-back lounge bar, but there are plenty of drinking and dining options on the doorstep.

The rooms here are decked out in natural colours and come with seating areas and comfy beds. Some rooms at this top hotel in London even come with their own private terraces – great in the summer.

 

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#11 – The Marylebone Hotel

Best Hotel in London near Oxford Circus

• $$$$
• Swimming pool
• Babysitting services
• Spa

Situated inside a 1960s building, this cool London hotel is a stylish offering – and the best hotel in London near Oxford Circus. This place is an Instagrammers dream, featuring no end of cool spaces to relax in. Soak up the city skyline from the rooftop terrace, complete with its very own open fireplace, or lounge in one of the bar areas.

The rooms here are all about relaxation. There are huge beds on offer here, as well as plush soft furnishings, making for the ultimate in comfort as well as style.

 

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#12 – Strand Palace Hotel

• $$$$
• ‘Gin palace’ bar
• Fitness centre
• Onsite shop

Situated right on The Strand, this top hotel in London has an amazing location. Its central setting will put you in walking distance to practically everything: it’s a two-minute walk to Covent Garden, for example, but there are a selection of Tube stations to choose from nearby, as well.

The rooms here are cosy and contemporary, with geometric tiled bathrooms and mirrored walls. One cool feature is an ornate Gin Palace bar, plus an onsite coffee shop and restaurant.

 

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#13 – Great Cumberland Place

• $$$
• Restaurant
• 24-hour reception
• Laundry service

Situated on Great Cumberland Place in Marylebone, staying at this top hotel in London means you’ll be in striking distance of Hyde Park and a number of other great sights of the British capital. There are a choice of rooms on offer here, some of which come with seating areas and even their own kitchens.

Great Cumberland Place is set inside a historic building, making for a cool place to stay in London. Once you’re done with a day of exploring the city, head back for dinner at the hotel restaurant, or explore the vibrant area nearby.

 

#14 – Kings Cross Inn Hotel

• $$
• Bar
• Historic building
• Close to Kings Cross Station

This offering is the best hotel near Kings Cross Station, meaning you’ll be able to get around London quite easily from here. You will also be able to walk to the British Library, amongst other top London sights. This compact hotel features refurbished rooms with wooden floors and natural colours – some even boast amazing city views.

Take some time out at the hotel’s on-site bar and restaurant after a busy day of sightseeing. There is even breakfast on offer each day.

 

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#15 – Holiday Inn London Regents Park

• $$
• Childcare services
• Bicycle rental
• Express check-in/check-out

This top hotel in London is a central and convenient place to stay in the city. Its location means you will be in walking distance to Regents Park or the imposing BT Tower, but you can also rent bicycles from the hotel and pedal your way around the capital.

The hotel features a selection of onsite restaurants, but there are plenty of restaurants and bars on the doorstep, too. The clean and comfy rooms here come in a range of sizes and are decorated in shades of greys and browns.

 

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#16 – Park Plaza London Waterloo

• $$$
• Swimming pool
• 24-hour reception
• Tour desk

A large, modern accommodation option right next door to Waterloo Station, this top hotel in London is a great choice if being near public transport is a priority for you. The rooms are design-led affairs, with yellows and greys being the colour palette, and feature classic London views from the windows.

There is also an onsite gym and spa at this hotel, as well as a restaurant and bar for evening dinner and drinks. The location means strolling along Southbank to the Tate Modern, or the London Eye, is easily done.

 

#17 – London Marriott Hotel County Hall

• $$$$
• Swimming pool, sauna and spa
• Views of Big Ben
• Riverside location

For the best high-end hotel in London, look no further than the London Marriott Hotel County Hall. Situated on the banks of the Riverside, overlooking Big Ben and Houses of Parliament, staying at this 5-star hotel means that you will want for nothing during your time here; you can tell from the moment you step into the wood-panelled lobby.

Rooms at this top London hotel combine traditional British design with modern elements, with calming greys accented by burnt orange for a cool place to stay in London.

 

#18 – Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf

• $$
• Close to public transport
• Restaurant
• Room service

A modern, purpose-built hotel located in the business district of Canary Wharf, this offering means being right next to the River Thames and the Docklands area. The rooms here are traditional in style, featuring dark wood beds, maroon carpets and wallpapered walls.

Amenities on offer at this budget hotel in London include a bar and restaurant with river views and a games room. This hotel also boasts a convenient location, an easy stroll to the Tube station at Canary Wharf.

 

Bonus Hotel!

Apex Temple Court Hotel

• $$$$
• Historic building
• Sun terrace
• Gym

The rooms at this high-end London hotel are decorated in an eclectic style, with royal blues accented by touches of gold and parquet flooring; some boast large seating areas and their own kitchens, too. Here you can soak up the sun in the courtyard in the summer months, dine in the restaurant or have a drink on the rooftop terrace.

Apex Temple Court is located near to Fleet Street and Blackfriars Bridge – strolling from here to the River Thames and along its banks is a simple task.

 

To conclude…

There you have it: the end of our insider’s guide to the best hotels in London. There certainly is a lot on offer in this iconic European capital, so you are bound to find somewhere that’s perfect for you.

If you need some help deciding, don’t worry. We’re happy to help. The Tower Hotel is arguably the best hotel in London – with a location to match; it will put you right between London’s cool East End and the more classic surroundings of its grand West End.

Tell us where you end up staying (and what you liked about it) in the comments!

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