London is not a city with a single centre. It is a patchwork of villages that merged over centuries, each with its own character, price bracket, and Tube connectivity. Where you stay determines whether you wake up to the chimes of Big Ben, the canal boats of Camden, or the village-green calm of Hampstead. This guide breaks down the best places to stay in London by neighbourhood, budget, and the kind of London trip you want to have.
Where to Stay in London
London accommodations are expensive – but strategic choices can save hundreds. Key consideration: stay near a Tube station on a line that serves your planned attractions.
👑 Westminster & Victoria
- ⭐ Luxury: The Goring (royal favorite, near Buckingham Palace), The Rubens at the Palace (overlooks Royal Mews), Conrad London St. James (modern luxury, walkable to everything)
- 🔹 Mid-Range: St. Ermin’s Hotel (historic, stunning lobby), The Westminster (near Big Ben), DoubleTree by Hilton Westminster (reliable chain)
- 💲 Budget: Premier Inn Hub Westminster (compact, clean, central), The Wellington Hotel (basic, great location), YHA London St. Paul’s (hostel near St. Paul’s)
🎭 Covent Garden & West End
- ⭐ Luxury: The Savoy (legendary, Thames-facing), Rosewood London (Holborn, grand entrance), NoMad London (stunning former magistrates’ court)
- 🔹 Mid-Range: The Resident Covent Garden (apartment-style, great location), Strand Palace (recently renovated, Art Deco), Hub by Premier Inn Covent Garden
- 💲 Budget: Z Hotel Covent Garden (tiny rooms, unbeatable location), Astor Museum Hostel (steps from British Museum)
🎨 East London (Shoreditch, Spitalfields)
- 🔹 Mid-Range: The Hoxton Shoreditch (trendy lobby scene), The Culpeper (pub with rooms, rooftop), Mondrian Shoreditch (design-forward)
- 💲 Budget: One Aldwych (occasional deals), Point A Shoreditch (compact, great value), Wombat’s City Hostel (social, clean, near Tower Hill)
🌊 South Bank
- ⭐ Luxury: Sea Containers London (Mondrian, riverside), Bankside Hotel (art-focused, near Tate Modern), Shangri-La at The Shard (highest hotel in Western Europe)
- 🔹 Mid-Range: citizenM Tower of London (rooftop bar, modern), Novotel London Blackfriars (pool, family-friendly), Premier Inn London Southwark
