Are you thinking of booking a London hotel that’s near the major sights? There are three great areas I suggest staying in that will have some of London’s most famous attractions within walking distance. I’ll also give you some hotels in those areas that I think you might like.
(WA= Wheelchair Accessible)
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Important Things to Know
Before I tell you the London areas to stay in by the tourist attractions, here are six things to know about choosing to stay so close to the major sites and tourist areas:
1. They’re very convenient: because they are in the center of the city, these areas are very convenient in terms of hitting many of the major attractions, many of which you will be able to walk to.
2. They’re very expensive: because of the great location of these areas, the hotels will get you the least for your money. “Low budget” options do not exist.
3. You’ll find some of the best hotels in the city: some of the city’s most incredible hotels are in these areas, like The Covent Garden Hotel and Sea Containers.
4. You can’t walk EVERYWHERE: not all attractions and neighbourhoods will be within walking distance because some are spread out in other parts of the city. By nature, London is a very spread out city so it’s pretty impossible to be able to walk everywhere you’ll want to go.
If you want a London itinerary for your trip that’s been done for you, will enable you to walk everywhere, and is written by a London expert, then you’ll want to grab one of our London itineraries. We’ve made your London trip SUPER easy and you’ll make the most of your limited time.
5. You won’t get a “local” experience: these areas are not really typical Londoner neighbourhoods, because they are so centrally located in busy areas, and are very expensive to live in. You should also expect higher prices on food and drink to reflect that. If you would prefer a more local experience, read this area guide instead.
6. This list is curated: I’ll be sharing three great areas, but it doesn’t mean that all other areas in London are bad to stay in. This is a “curated list”, on the basis of my own opinion and experience.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is very central and has great shopping and food options. My personal favourite part of it is Seven Dials, where you can find boutique shops, little cafes and wine bars, and there are some lovely luxury hotel options here. From any part of Covent Garden, you can walk to most West End theatres and areas like Carnaby and Oxford Circus.
In terms of which attractions will be in walking distance, you can easily get to Trafalgar Square, Somerset House, the River Thames, and even the Buckingham Palace/Westminster area. You can even easily get to Waterloo Bridge, which takes you south of the River Thames to the Southbank and a ton of other areas and attractions, like the London Eye.
Good hotels in Covent Garden:
Image Courtesy of Z Hotel Covent Garden
Z Hotel Covent Garden
Because you’re staying so central, it’s nearly impossible to find a non-luxury hotel in Covent Garden. Z Hotel is basically your only option, and they offer dirt-cheap rooms (with no window!) We have heard of a lot of budget-friendly followers enjoying their stay here.
Book Z Hotel Covent Garden on Booking | ££ | WA
Image Courtesy of Radisson Blu
Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street
Located right off Seven Dials, and beautifully designed. Choose from normal rooms or corner suites, and be steps away from great boutique shopping and popular restaurants like Dishoom and The Barbery (and to know what other Londoner-loved restaurants you can find in the immediate area, Digital Map included, be sure to grab our Casual Tourist Guide to Central London).
Book Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street on Expedia | £££ | WA
Image Courtesy of Covent Garden Hotel
Covent Garden Hotel
The Covent Garden hotel has absolutely stunning and unique interiors, designed by Kit Kemp. It’s one of the most luxurious hotels in Covent Garden, if not THE most, and it’s just off Seven Dials so you can’t beat the location. Be sure to pop to their restaurant on the ground floor for afternoon tea one of the days you’re staying.
Book Covent Garden Hotel on Booking | ££££ | WA
Soho
Just around the corner from Covent Garden is Soho, which is almost always bustling and has a bunch of great bars and restaurants within just a few blocks. It’s also considered the LGBTQ+ capital of London.
Stay in Soho and you can eat well, party, and you’re also smack dab in the middle of the city so you can easily walk to Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, Carnaby, Oxford Circus, and Trafalgar Square, just to name very few. St. James’s Park and Green Park are not too far either, for when you want some greenery.
Soho is definitely “crazier” in the evenings compared to Covent Garden so keep that in mind if choosing between the two.
Good hotels in Soho:
Image Courtesy of Z Hotel Soho
Z Hotel Soho
Again, Soho is so central that dirt-low budget isn’t around here. Z Hotels are some of the cheapest centrally-located hotels in London though.
Book Z Hotel Soho on Booking | ££ | WA
Image Courtesy of The Resident Soho
The Resident Soho
A modern, trendy hotel with a location that couldn’t be any better. Super close to Tottenham Court Road station and just about everything else in Soho. Rooms and suites available for up to four people.
Book The Resident Soho on Expedia | £££ | WA
Image Courtesy of The Soho Hotel
The Soho Hotel
A stunning hotel hidden away from the crazy streets of Soho, in the same hotel group as the Covent Garden Hotel. This one has an underground luxury cinema, perfect for a rainy Sunday of relaxation.
Book The Soho Hotel on Expedia | ££££ | WA
Southwark and Bankside
Southwark and Bankside, which are nestled right next to each other, are great areas to stay in if you want to be near to anything along the Southbank. That includes the London Eye, Borough Market, Tate Modern, and both London and Tower Bridge. You really have to know where you’re going in these areas in terms of getting good food and drink, but there are good options if you know where to go (I have plenty of recommendations in our London itineraries.)
Good hotels in Southwark and Bankside:
Image Courtesy of CitizenM Bankside
CitizenM Bankside
Another location of the expanding CitizenM brand, it’s super stylish and in an awesome spot, but won’t totally break the bank. There’s just one room type here making it super simple to book. The lobby is popular with Londoners in the area who want to get some work done on their laptops.
Book CitizenM Bankside on Expedia | ££ – £££ | WA
Image Courtesy of The Hoxton Southwark
The Hoxton Southwark
The trendy Hoxton brand added Southwark as their third London location a couple of years ago and it tends to be the place to stay for London visitors looking for style and sophistication without 5-star pricing. Be sure to pop up to Seabird, the hotel’s rooftop seafood restaurant and bar, for crazy views over the London skyline.
Book The Hoxton Southwark on Expedia | £££ | WA
Image Courtesy of Sea Containers
Sea Containers
This hotel is insanely modern and swanky. Located right next to the River Thames, you can choose a room with river views (think of the sunsets!) or a private garden. It’s also home to two popular cocktails bars: Lyaness, on the ground floor, and 12th Knot, on the rooftop and with sweeping views of the city.
Book Sea Containers on Expedia | ££££ | WA
Need more help with choosing a hotel in London? Read one of these next:
- 13 Best London Hotels With Rooftop Bars
- 8 Cool Budget-Friendly Hotels in London
- Top London Hotels to Stay at for Christmas Vibes
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