We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in London as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in London: The East London Hotel
Best boutique hotel in London: Artist Residence Hotel
Best luxury hotel in London: The Savoy Hotel
“Following Belmond’s four-year renovation of the five adjoining Queen Anne townhouses—one the old home of socialite Lillie Langtry—now the vibe is understated, marbled elegance but with Saatchi-worthy art and a crystal-encrusted peacock.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s Best New Hotels of 2019.
“A beautiful boutique property in the heart of Central London, the Charlotte Street Hotel is all literary nods and artistic winks. Located on a relatively quiet side street in Fitzrovia, the hotel is a classy establishment that will appeal to the style maven.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in London.
“This was the first hotel by celebrated restaurateurs Corbin and King, of the Wolseley fame, and is perhaps best known for the enormous pixelated steel figure jutting out of the elegant façade: Room, Gormley’s sculpture, which you can sleep inside.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2020 Gold List.
“On Hyde Park, The Lanesborough is an unashamed concoction of gilding, trompe l’oeil, and marble that has all the interior oomph of a palace hotel—and, with a butler for each room, service to match.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2020 Gold List.
“A grand dame London hotel with a history as rich as many of its guests, Claridge’s justifies its high rates with exceptional standards of luxury and service.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in London.
“Snug within its own Soho enclave, Ham Yard still feels as fresh as when it opened in 2014, with its procession of fabrics, textures, and fizzy commotion that rebooted the whole concept of the boutique hotel.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2020 Gold List.
“For riverside luxury, try the InterContinental London – The O2, which opened in Greenwich in 2015.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Southeast London.
“Perfectly located for the shops of Covent Garden and the cinemas of Leicester Square, The Savoy was Marilyn Monroe’s London hotel of choice and, if you can stretch to the £400-plus nightly fee, it can to become yours.”
“With smart dining from star-spangled chefs including Jean-George Vongerichten, an ethereal Aman Spa, and quite possibly the best hotel bar in town, The Connaught is a distillation of everything that makes Mayfair tick.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2020 Gold List.
“In the heart of the West End, with nightlife literally on your doorstep, this is a great first-time stay. Is it a bar or a hotel? The discreet entrance right in the middle of rather hotel-less Covent Garden makes you do a double take.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2018 Hot List.
“This great big castle of a building is less than five minutes’ walk from Oxford Circus, but still far enough away for the noise of crowds to have dissipated. The Langham first opened in 1865, so it’s self-assured, yet more modern than most hotels of its age.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2020 Gold List.
“An intimate boutique hotel in the true sense of the word — small, and loaded with charm and whimsy — with the added benefit of such cheery, personable staff that I watched one guest give a concierge member a hug upon checkout.”
“Despite a profanity of high-rises gobbling up the sight lines, the Bankside Hotel is appealingly succinct at just six stories behind Blackfriars Bridge, angled to catch the light. It’s been curated by Dayna Lee, the film-set designer for Dances With Wolves.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s Best New Hotels of 2019.
“Downstairs it looks like a rich hipster’s living room, with well-stocked bookshelves, kooky art, Beefeater knick-knacks and lots of work space. Rooms are compact but well-designed.”
“Built in 1718 and comprising four original Georgian houses, this Soho gem was the one-time home of essayist William Hazlitt. The 30 guest rooms have been furnished with original antiques from the appropriate era and boast a profusion of seductive details.”
“The Firmdale Hotels group mostly operates boldfaced-name hotels in the West End—the kinds of places where scenesters swill designer gin and fashion magazines shoot. Here, though, husband/wife designers/owners Tim and Kit Kemp create one of the loveliest B&B experiences in the city.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in London.
“Step through the glass cube entryway and into the soaring marble lobby with its frothy belle epoque ceilings. Don’t let the scenesters in the lobby put you off. The friendly, unpretentious service and beautiful public spaces make for a standout stay.”
“Located in a quiet area a short distance from the Barbican, St. Paul’s, Holborn and the City, the Rookery is characterized by open fires, Georgian detailing, wonky floors and bulging bookshelves.”
“Covent Garden has been more or less fashionable for centuries, but NoMad will pin a new centre of gravity here. This is a big-thinking, blockbuster hotel in London that knows how to have fun. It seems to crystallize the renewed optimism and energy of the capital. Maybe the Roaring Twenties can begin again here.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s Hotlist 2022.
“A hip, design-led boutique hotel, South Place impresses at every turn. From the art-filled lobby and espionage-inspired theme to the Michelin-starred seafood restaurant and 80 beautifully laid-out rooms – every detail has been carefully considered.”
“Dreamed up by Soho House founder Nick Jones, The Ned has nine restaurants, 15 bars, a spa, two pools and a members’ club. The imposing hulk of a building used to be the headquarters of the Midland Bank.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2018 Hot List.
“After a fire, this local stalwart reopened in April 2019. Gone are the heavy curtains and throws. Instead, everything is lighter, fresher—even the marbled lobby. Rooms have been painted a pale gray, and had gold lampshades added.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2020 Gold List.
“The Rosewood London brought a neglected Edwardian pile back to life—the Mirror Room is fabulous—but it’s also helped put Holborn back on the map for Londoners.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2020 Gold List.
“The Arosfa Hotel is a reasonably priced townhouse hotel was once the Bloomsbury home of artist John Everett Millais. It’s close to Euston Station, the British Museum and the shops of Oxford Street.”
“The Bloomsbury is bringing the Grand Dame back to London. Even if you are not staying there, you have to make time for a cocktail or two at its fabulously designed Coral Room. But the location, in central-west London, walking distance to major sites and train lines that can get you anywhere in town, is unbeatable in this city.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2018 Hot List.
“This smart budget option could not be better located, bang in the middle of the capital’s most buzzing nightlife area. The Hoxton has been a big hit since it opened in 2006, not least for its famed £1 rooms, which it sells throughout the year.”
“A monumental renovation, right across Euston Road, is now home to Europe’s first Standard Hotel. It took years and many millions to turn this Brutalist former municipal structure into the luxury hotel that opened last summer.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in King’s Cross, London.
“The maximalist Zetter Townhouse taps a rich vein of Victorian eccentricity to create an urban den with genuine warmth—a theme hotel without the cheese. It’s a lovely, under-the-radar hotel that’s for real London lovers.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2020 Gold List.
“With an air of history and quick access to the Underground, this stylish hotel provides a great base for exploring London. The theme of rail travel is present in the hotel’s stylish décor: ‘Do not disturb’ signs bear antique illustrations of railway signals, and ‘Couchette’ rooms, with built-in beds, take their design cues from sleeper cars.”
“St. Pancras Renaissance first opened as the Midland Grand Hotel in 1873, it reopened in 2011 after a comprehensive renovation. Now it’s one of the grandest hotels in London. The double-height Chambers Suites offer mesmerizing views right into the station.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in King’s Cross, London.
“This 161-room hotel with stylish cafe-bar is a great base from which to explore central London, the entertainment hub of Shoreditch and newly buzzing Bethnal Green itself, with contemporary restaurants and more cocktail bars than you could shake a swizzle stick at.”
Featured in The Guardian’s 50 Best Hotels and B&Bs in The UK.
“With its fine style, comfort and friendly staff, the Laslett fills a gap in a neighborhood with surprisingly few boutique hotels.”
“Space may be at a premium in The Pilgrm hotel, but beautiful reclaimed fixtures and tempting food more than make up for the lack of elbow room. Cocktails, comfort, great cuisine… not things a true pilgrim would expect, but I can imagine food, style and bargain lovers everywhere being happy to make a pilgrmage.”
“Having survived being bombed in the Second World War, this 300-year-old restored Georgian Regency villa and coach house is now an award-winning modern boutique hostel in East London. With comfortable beds and an abundance of thoughtful extras, it’s considered among the best of its kind in the country.”
“Stylish décor and spacious rooms in London’s East End make this a great option for those looking to capture the capital via their Instagram feed, while still keeping to an affordable budget.”
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, CNN, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes
Recommended by:
Fodors, Frommers, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CNN, Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes, Travel+Leisure
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes
Recommended by:
New York Times, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Telegraph
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Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Frommers, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Fodors, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CNN, Fodors
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CN Traveler
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Frommers, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes
Recommended by:
CN Traveler, Forbes
Recommended by:
CN Traveler
Recommended by:
CNN
Recommended by:
CN Traveler
Recommended by:
CNN, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, CN Traveler
Recommended by:
CN Traveler
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Forbes
Recommended by:
The Guardian, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
The Guardian, CN Traveler, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Telegraph
London is a 21st-century city with history stretching back to Roman times. It is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom and the city housing Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, ‘Big Ben’ clock tower, and the London Eye.
Some of the major neighborhoods in London are:
Mayfair
London's West End is the most affluent and richest area in Central London, full of five-star hotels, desinger shops and the posh restaurants.
Shoreditch
London's East End is the hipster part of Central London, full of coffee shops, cool bars, markets and vintage shops. It's also home to the start-up scene, most of them are around Old Street.
Southwark
Sat on the south bank of the river Thames, this area is home to the famous Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. You can also find The Shard, the tallest building in the city, and Borough Market here.
Dalston
Dalston is a neighborhood that is home to pop-up supper clubs, community gardens, literary cafés, and many more establishments.
Peckham
Peckham is among the coolest neighborhoods in South London that has numerous stylish cafes, indie-stores, a rooftop bar, and gives the feeling of a community.
Stoke Newington
Stoke Newington is a neighborhood that is known for underground cocktails bars, posh pizza parlors, indie boozers, charity-shops, among others. The neighborhood does not have any overground or tube links and is a greater version of Dalston.
King’s Cross
King’s Cross was a neighborhood infamous for its all-night raves, now it is the center of cafés and galleries as well as multinational headquarters of Google and The Guardian.
Kensal Rise
Kensal Rise is a neighborhood that is located between Queen’s Park and Ladbroke Grove. The neighborhood has many bars such as Paradise by Kensal Green.
Hackney Wick
Hackney Wick is one of the coolest neighborhoods in London and is the home to many restaurants, club spaces, art galleries, and craft breweries. The area has a growing collection of warehouses.
Walthamstow
Walthamstow is a stylish and creative neighborhood with an artsy and bohemian feel that hosts several arts festivals and has a thriving community for new artists.
Read also our guide about the best areas to stay in London.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in London, then book The East London Hotel. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in London.
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in London, then you should book Artist Residence Hotel. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. It has also been recommended by influential travel journalists.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in London, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in London, then go for The Savoy Hotel. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in London, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a great hostel in London, then you should check out Wombat's CITY Hostel. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it's in a good location. Also check out our guide about the best hostels in London.
Looking for a cozy place to stay in London that serves you handmade and fresh breakfast in the morning? Go and check out Hotel Number Sixteen. The B&B has been recommended by well-known travel experts and recent guests have given it top ratings.
For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $140 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $210 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star London hotel then you can expect to pay around $370 per night.
Try Charlotte Street Hotel, The Arosfa Hotel or The Laslett Hotel if you're looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in London. They all have excellent customer review ratings for breakfast.
If you're looking for a room with a view, then try the Hotel Intercontinental The O2 or citizenM Hotel Tower of London. Both offer amazing views of London according to recent customer reviews.
Looking for a great view while having your dinner or drinking a beer? The Ned Hotel has one of the best rooftop bar in London.
Try Hotel Intercontinental The O2, it has some excellent recent customer reviews by couples.
If you're looking to stay in London with your family, then try Charlotte Street Hotel. The hotel has excellent review ratings by families.
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London. Visit some of the top attractions outside of London on this day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and the historic town of Bath. Price: $107.
Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour. Embark on an interactive Harry Potter tour around central London with an expert guide. Choose from either a boat or London Underground trip for the experience. Price: $27.
London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise. Take a 1-way or return cruise from Westminster to Greenwich (or vice versa) and see the sights of London from a different perspective. Listen to an informative audio commentary as you admire monuments such as the Tower of London from the River Thames. Price: $18.
More things to do in London
The City of London has a long and rich history. It has given us some of the most famous writers, artists, politicians, and inventors in history, among many other influential figures. However, it is not just about the past. The city continues to thrive today as one of the world’s leading global cities with a population of more than 10 million people (2017 estimate) and third-largest urban area in Europe after Paris and Moscow. So if you are considering a visit to London, here is your handy guide to make your stay even more memorable, interesting and enjoyable.
Travel to London
London is a major international travel hub, with several international airports located within the city, as well as many other nearby airports. The biggest airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR) which is located in the southwest of the city and has flights to over 200 destinations worldwide, with around 70-80 million passengers each year. Other major airports are London Gatwick Airport (LGW) which is located in West Sussex, just south of London and has flights to over 200 destinations worldwide with around 60 million passengers each year, London Stansted Airport (STN) which is located northeast of London and has flights to 100 destinations worldwide with 13-15 million passengers each year and London City Airport (LCY) which is located in East London and has flights to 70 destinations worldwide with 10-12 million passengers each year.
When to Visit London
The best times to visit London are from April to September, when the weather is mild and the city is busy with tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit London is from October to February, as the weather is generally drier and milder. However, these months are also when the city hosts many events and activities, so it will also be busy. If you are looking for some peace and quiet, then the best time to visit London is from March to May and October to November, when the weather is cooler but still pleasant.
Things to see in London
London is home to numerous tourist attractions and landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, British Museum, the Tower of London (including the Crown Jewels), and Trafalgar Square. Many of these attractions are free and easy to visit, making them a great way to spend a few hours during your stay in London. If you are looking for some more unusual places to visit, then London is also home to some fantastic museums and galleries including the British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum.
Tips for Visiting London
If you are lucky enough to have a few days to visit London, here are a few tips to make your stay even more memorable and enjoyable. If you like to get up early, then catch the sunrise over the Tower of London, changing color during the year. If you are a fan of art, then make sure you visit the Tate Modern or the British Museum, both of which have some of the best collections in the world. If you are looking for a day out with the kids, then make sure you visit one of the many zoos and parks located around London. If you are interested in history and would like to visit some of the most famous places in London, then make sure you visit Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, and the Houses of Parliament. Finally, if you want to enjoy some nightlife, then make sure you visit Camden, one of the most vibrant places in London, where you can enjoy some great food and drinks.
Conclusion
London is a vibrant and lively city with something for everyone. Whether you are interested in its rich history, visiting museums and art galleries, exploring new and interesting places, or just want to enjoy some great food and drinks at night, London has it all. The city is also very easy to travel to with a range of airports and train stations, making visiting it a breeze. So if you are planning a trip to London, make sure you don’t miss out on all the great things it has to offer.
Want to get to know the city a bit better? Check out our guide about where to stay in London, it includes recommendations about the best areas, museums, attractions and other things to do.
If you like our list of hotels, hostels and B&Bs in London, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Glasgow or the best hotels in Dublin.