London is one of the best places to stay in the world.
The city offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments, hostels and guesthouses.
This blog post will highlight some of the best places to stay in London, as well as provide information on fun things to do while you are here!
If London is just one of your stops on your tour of Europe, be sure to check out our list of the 9 best resorts in Europe that we’ve put together for you too!
1. London City
London has a lot of different places to stay, but if you are looking for one of the best hotels in London we recommend staying at Vintry & Mercer.
This five star hotel is luxurious, with a great location only minutes away from some of the best attractions in London.
The Vintry & Mercer is within walking distance of London Bridge! This historic bridge is a must see while you’re visiting London!
Saint Paul’s Cathedral is also within walking distance from the Vintry & Mercer and is best seen from London Bridge!
Many people love to come see Saint Paul’s Cathedral because it is considered to be one of the greatest and most historic buildings in all of London!
If you are looking for more things to do while staying at Vintry & Mercer, be sure to take a break from the city chaos with one of their relaxing spa treatments or have a meal at one of their delicious restaurants!
The city of London is central to most of the other tourist attractions in the area.
It can be a great place to stay if there is a lot you want to see while visiting the UK.
However, it is much more serious and business like – meaning it lacks the charm and character you will see in other parts of town.
2. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a great place to stay in if you’re interested in theater!
This area is known for the Royal Opera House, which is one of the world’s most famous opera companies.
If you’re looking to do something fun while staying at Covent Garden, we recommend going on one of the ghost tours!
These tours will take you through all of the haunted spots that are still left over from days gone by.
The best time to go on these tours is during November – this way you can see some great holiday decorations too!
You’ll also want to try out some of the restaurants near Covent Garden if theater isn’t your thing.
One spot that has quickly become popular with locals and tourists alike is Cow & Gate Restaurant!
This restaurant offers French cuisine as well as traditional English fare – meaning there’s something for everyone!
When it comes to a specific place to stay in Covent Garden we recommend Wilde Aparthotels by StayCity Covent Garden.
These apartments can fit up to four people, making it a great option for families traveling in the area!
The best time to visit Covent Garden is during springtime.
The weather will be mild, so you’ll have an excuse to take full advantage of the best restaurants and attractions this area has to offer!
3. Marylebone
If the best things to do in London are what you’re looking for, Marylebone might be a great place to stay.
This area is best known for New Cavendish Street and Baker Street – both of which have lots of shops and restaurants that cater specifically to tourists!
Marylebone is home to the famous Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum.
This popular attraction is best known for their wax sculptures of famous celebrities and world leaders!
There is also the Sherlock Holmes Museum in the northern park of Marylebone.
This museum is best known for its interactive exhibits that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Sherlock Holmes.
The Holmes Hotel is a fun place in the area we would recommend staying!
This unique hotel is decorated with Sherlock Holmes accents and is very modern and clean!
It’s the perfect place to make you’re Marylebone stay complete!
Marylebone is definitely a more low key place to stay.
Besides the shops and museums there isn’t much else to do.
But, if a nice relaxing vacation in a small part of town is what you’re after than this is a great option for you!
The best time to come here would be sometime between October and December when this cute little town is decorated for the Holidays!
4. Westminster and St. James
If Royalty is what you’re after, then these two neighborhoods are the choice for you!
Westminster and St. James are the two cities on either side of Buckingham Palace and The Mall.
Staying in one of these two neighborhoods will make spotting the palace very easy.
Many people love to come see Buckingham Palace, specifically to watch the changing of the guard.
The changing of the guard happens every hour on the half-hour.
Big Ben is also right here in these neighborhoods!
Big Ben is the giant clock in London that is featured in many books and movies
Here you can also visit the Churchill War Rooms where you can see where Winston Churchill led the country during World War II.
If these attractions sound like your cup of tea, then staying at one our recommended hotels near Westminster might be perfect for you!
This way it’ll be easy access to all the fun things that this area has to offer.
There are a few different hotels in the area we would recommend, the first is Hotel 41.
This hotel is best known for its modern design with plenty of stylish features. If luxury is what you’re after than Hotel 41 is a great option.
With its black and white color scheme, complimentary snacks, and view of Buckingham Palace you will be sure to enjoy your stay!
Hotel 41 is a great option for anyone who is visiting London for the first time, and wants to be right in all the action!
Another great luxurious option is the Great Scotland Yard Hotel.
The beauty of this hotel is hard to beat! The best thing about this hotel is that it’s situated right next to the Victoria Embankment, which has tons of restaurants and shops.
If you’re looking for a more affordable stay then we recommend The Sanctuary House Hotel.
This hotel is very nice, and within walking distance from the big tourist attractions like Big Ben.
There is also a nice pub near the lobby that offers delicious meals and alcohol.
The best time of year to come to Westminster and St.
James would be on Christmas Day! The whole city transforms into one big light show that will make your trip worth remembering for years to come!
Summer is also a great time to come if you plan to be outside a lot enjoying the beauty of the city.
5. Mayfair
Mayfair is extremely upscale and more exclusive than its counterparts.
Because of this, there aren’t many budget friendly things to do or places to stay in the area.
One of the top things to do in Mayfair is visit the shops on Regent Street.
These shops are best known for their high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada.
Any shopaholic will be in heaven with these amazing high quality shops to look through!
The restaurants in the area are also exquisite! With so many different cuisines like Chinese, French, Thai, and Indian there is something for everyone.
But just like the rest of the activities in the area, these restaurants will cost you a pretty penny!
Also in the Mayfair area is Grosvenor Square.
This is best known for the beautiful red brick buildings that line it.
The best time to come would be on December 26th, which is when they celebrate Boxing Day!
This day has been celebrated since Victorian times and offers an extravagant shopping event with sales up to 70% off at many of London’s best stores.
There are three places we recommend staying in Mayfair: 9 Hertford Street, The Ritz London, and Chesterfield Mayfair These hotels each offer something different so read below about each one for a better idea as to what suits you best!
9 Hertford Street is best known for their extravagant and traditional decor.
They have a beautiful lobby that is lined with marble pillars, as well as an onsite restaurant with delicious food!
The Ritz London offers guests a more modern and luxurious stay.
This is best known for its beautiful rooms that are all equipped with a comfortable bed, as well as the best soap and shampoo you could ask for!
The Ritz Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant that is available to guests who stay in the hotel, giving tourist more motive to stay in the beautiful hotel.
Chesterfield Mayfair offers guests lots of amenities like complimentary tea service in the lobby, luxury beds and pillows, a fitness center, full concierge services, and best of all…a free mini bar!
If these attractions sound like your cup of tea than staying at one our best hotels near Mayfair might be perfect for you!
6. South Kensington
South Kensington is best known for museums and attractions.
With the best of these being The Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum, and Natural History Museum.
The best way to get around South Kensington would be via bike!
Transport services in this area are not as reliable or quick as other areas of London so a bike ride could save you some time on your journey.
If you’re not interested in biking than there are plenty of bus routes that can bring you right to all the things we mentioned above!
South Kensington also has taxis that offer great service at an affordable price for those who don’t want to sweat too much during their trip!
Like we mentioned above South Kensington is where the Victoria & Albert Museum is located.
This museum is best known for its collection of art and design, which are best explored via the museum’s permanent collections.
This is also where the Science Museum is located.
This museum is best known for its collection of science and technology, which will keep the whole family entertained.
The best time to come would be in October when they have their annual Trick-or-Treat event!
Children can go around dressed up (in costume) collecting candy as they visit museums like The Science Museum or Natural History Museum.
This is a great way for children to get into some spooky Halloween fun while doing educational things that will help them grow!
There are many different hotel options in South Kensington and all different price ranges.
One of the more expensive hotels we would recommend in the area is the Ampersand Hotel. Ampersand takes luxury to a whole new level, they even went as far as putting in heated bathroom floors!
Guests will also love that Ampersand Hotel is in walking distance from the Victoria & Albert Museum making it a very convenient location!
A more affordable hotel option in the South Kensington area is the Ibis Styles Kensington hotel.
This mid-range hotel has good reviews and is conveniently located by the underground station.
One downfall of staying in South Kensington is that you will have to take the underground to get almost anywhere else in London.
But because it’s more secluded you will have the luxury of a quiet neighborhood both during the day and at night.
7. King’s Cross
King’s Cross is best known for its close proximity to the best of London.
Although it may be best described as a more residential area, King’s Cross has some great attractions that tourists will love!
The best way to get around in this area would have to be by bicycle or foot because there are no bus routes and few taxi services available here.
Travelling can also take longer than other areas because you’re not near any of the tourist sites so don’t expect your trip back home at night to happen quickly either!
King’s Cross is a great place to stay if your vacation involves traveling between multiple countries because it is home to the famous St. Pancras Station.
St. Pancras Station will have any Harry Potter fans excited because it is home to Platform 9 and 3/4, where they filmed the famous train station scenes in multiple Harry Potter movies!
Because King’s Cross is more out of the way, the hotel prices are much cheaper than other neighborhoods in London. One great hotel option in King’s Cross is St.
Pancras Renaissance Hotel. This hotel is one of the more luxurious options in the King’s Cross area and is right next to the St. Pancras Train Station!
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel has two different restaurants onsite as well as a few bars as well!
Another great option in the area is the Pullman London St. Pancras hotel.
This hotel is best suited for couples and families because it has an onsite restaurant, swimming pool, and fitness center.
8. Southwark and the South Bank
Located on the south side of Thames River, Southwark is one of the best places to stay that is still in close proximity to some of London’s biggest tourist attractions.
One of the coolest things to see in Southwark is the London Eye.
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel that is famous for its height (nearly 450 feet) and it is perfect to see the best of London from up high especially at night when the Ferris wheel is lit up!
Tourists will also love to go and see Shakespeare’s Globe Theater where they will be able to see how much it has changed since the original theater burned down back in 1613.
Tower Bridge and Millennium Bridge are also great to go see while in the area also allowing you to see the Tames River from above.
Southwark is known for its great nightlife and many restaurants that are open late into the evening!
But because of this, hotels can get a little pricey so if you’re on a tight budget one of our best-rated options would have to be Sonder at Southwark Residence.
Sonder is a great option for families because it can accommodate a large number of guests with rooms that can fit up to six people.
If you’re looking for something a little fancier check out Sea Containers London!
Sea Containers London is great for couples, families, or even groups of friends because it has a rooftop pool and spa!
Sea Containers London is located right along the Thames River, so make sure to get a room with a balcony, the night views will be unbelievable!
Another more luxurious option in Southwark is Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard.
This hotel is on floors 34-52 of the Shard, giving them some of the best views of London you can find!
With walls made entirely of windows, these rooms provide amazing views any time of day! Shangri-La Hotel is also home to London’s highest infinity pool and bar!
Shangri-La Hotel is best for couples who want a more luxurious stay while still being in close proximity to all of London’s best attractions!
9. Camden Town
Camden Town is a little farther from central London but if a small cozy town is what you’re after than it could be a great option!
Unlike the other locations we’ve mentioned Camden Town isn’t really geared towards tourists.
There aren’t many attractions to go see, however, Camden Town is a great place to stay and experience more of the culture London has to offer.
With small shops and markets, and unique little restaurants this place will be sure to give you a feel for what living in London is really like.
A great place to stay in Camden Town is Bayham-Palace.
With more of an apartment style, Bayham-Palace has washing machines and rooms that can fit up to five people!
It is also located right next to an underground station so if you decide to check out some of the tourist sites in London while on your vacation you can easily get to them.
10. Soho
Soho is the best place to go if you’re looking for great nightlife in London!
With its many restaurants and bars, Soho offers diversity and plenty of fun for everyone!
Soho is close to many of the big attractions London offers, close enough that you can even walk to many of them!
On the south end of Soho is Chinatown!
Chinatown is best known for its food and bargain shopping, so if you’re looking to do some souvenir hunting this is the best place to go!
It is also near Leicester Square where you’ll find many theaters and where they also have many big movie premiers as well!
The top hotel we would recommend in Soho is the Soho Hotel.
This hotel is best for couples who want to stay in an older, more chic building that’s near the best attractions.
The Soho Hotel has rooms on many floors with a variety of different styles and sizes which will be perfect if you’re visiting London as a couple or group!
We’d also recommend the Ham Yard Hotel which is great for families or groups of friends!
The Ham Yard Hotel also has one of the best rooftop bars in London where you’ll be able to enjoy amazing views while drinking your favorite cocktail!
Conclusion
There are so many different things to do and see in London!
Knowing what part of town to stay in can be super helpful when planning your vacation!
There are many different neighborhoods and towns in the area, giving you plenty of options to choose from to help you find exactly what you are looking for in your specific vacation!
Whether you want to be in the center of the action near all the tourist attractions, or father away in a more secluded town so you can have more of a cultural experience, there are great hotel options everywhere!
We hope this was helpful for you and your vacation planning!
And for all your future vacation needs be sure to check out Destinations Travel Guide!
