Best Hotels Near London Attractions for Stress-free Sightseeing
There’s nothing like planning the perfect London trip and then finding out there’ll be a Tube strike. As an American living in London I’ve had to reorganise my plans because of them countless times. If it happens to you during your dream London trip, it’ll be really frustrating. After years of navigating the city, I’ve learned that where visitors stay makes or breaks the experience. Choosing the best hotels near London attractions means you can walk to your list of places to see in London, no matter what happens with transport.
That’s why I always suggest staying near the London attractions you’re most excited to see, like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey or the British Museum. These are the places to see in London that travellers mention most often in the pre-surveys I send before my 1:1 trip consultations.
When I started recommending hotels near major London landmarks to visiting friends and family, everything worked better. People felt they were enjoying the ‘true London’ and weren’t anxious about making it to their top activities.
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If you’ve only got a few days in London, or if you just want the city at your doorstep (literally), these are the best hotels near top attractions to make it happen.
For an easy way to plan it all, my London Bucket List Planner helps you design four perfect days starting from these exact attractions. Your trip will flow effortlessly from one highlight to the next.
Iconic starts. Infinite memories.
Where to Stay Near the Tower of London
Most first-time visitors underestimate how big London really is. The Tower might look close to other landmarks on a map, but the city’s scale can surprise you. Staying nearby makes a HUGE difference! You’ll wake up with one of the most iconic sights in London right outside your window.
If you want something convenient, Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hotels is a top choice. It’s steps from the Tower. I stayed here with my sister when she visited for a work conference. Although we didn’t use either, the room had a small kitchenette and washing machine. However, it does not have air-conditioning, which would’ve been nice in June!
For longer stays, Cheval Three Quays feels more like an upscale apartment than a hotel, with full kitchens and balconies that overlook the Thames and Tower Bridge.
If you’d rather have a classic view you’ve seen in every London postcard, go for The Tower Hotel. The décor is dated, but the view more than makes up for it. I know this one well. I worked as their video content manager for a time, so I’ve spent countless hours filming those bridge views. Their afternoon tea is fantastic and the outdoor bar Vicinity is my go-to spot for a drink by the fire pits.
Underground trains from Tower Hill Underground Station will get you to other iconic places to see in London. However, a walk to St Katharine Docks, St Dunstan in the East and Sky Garden should be at the top of your list of things to do if you stay near the Tower of London. Borough Market is about a 20-25 minute walk across Tower Bridge. Take a look at my 10 Foods to Eat in London if you’re heading that direction too!
Where to Stay Near Buckingham Palace
If you’re dreaming of seeing Buckingham Palace, you’ll want to stay close. London traffic and Tube delays can make getting there take longer than expected. Understandably, it’s not super close to anything. The royals do like their space. 😉
I love recommending this area for royal fans. You can easily see the Palace, St James’s Park and Westminster Abbey in one morning. For first-time visitors wanting to tick off royal places to see in London, it doesn’t get better. Depending on a person’s personal interests in my 1:1 trip consultations, I suggest the Churchill War Rooms. This is a must-do in London for history lovers!
The Conrad St James is one of my go-to hotels here. It’s a short walk from the Palace and has a relaxed but polished vibe. The afternoon tea there is outstanding, refined but not stuffy. I’ve had it twice. Posh and delicious!
Perfect for: those who want to use Hilton/Marriott loyalty points
Just around the corner, St Ermin’s Hotel offers a completely different feel. It’s tucked away behind government buildings and has a grand staircase that feels straight out of a film set. The atmosphere is warm, the rooms are lovely and the service is excellent. It’s often used for weddings.
Perfect for: those who want a quiet, yet very accessible location.
If you’re travelling by train, The Clermont Victoria makes a great base. It connects directly to Victoria Station, which means you can drop your bags and start exploring straight away. It’s also part of the hotel group where I was a video content manager. So I can say from experience that the team is brilliant and the rooms are bright and comfortable.
Perfect for: those on short stays coming from Gatwick Airport
Staying near Buckingham Palace means you can plan your day around the Changing of the Guard, stroll through St James’s Park and have posh dinners or afternoon teas in Mayfair. It’s the ideal area if you want to experience royal London without spending half your trip underground.
Where to Stay Near Westminster Abbey
If you’ve ever watched a royal wedding on TV, you’ve already seen Westminster Abbey. It’s breathtaking in person, both from the exterior and while visiting inside.
This neighbourhood is one of the best London areas for sightseeing and walking to London’s most famous landmarks. In just minutes, you can reach Big Ben, Parliament and the Thames.
Full disclosure, this is THE area I recommend to those who want the most iconic visit. When I help clients plan their London trips, I always say to be as close to Trafalgar Square (a short walk away) as possible. It’s the most central location if you want to stay near iconic London landmarks. You’ll get a mix of history, convenience and postcard views.
Hotels in London
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.
Both the Conrad St James and St Ermin’s Hotel are within easy walking distance to Westminster Abbey.
If you want a grander experience, check out The Royal Horseguards Hotel. It is one of the best hotels near top London attractions. It overlooks the Thames and sits directly opposite the London Eye. This makes it one of the most scenic spots in Westminster.
I love their afternoon tea. It’s elegant, traditional, and a peaceful escape from the crowds outside. Tables are a bit small but the food is divine! You can walk to the Abbey in about ten minutes, or cross the bridge to Southbank for another view and London experience.
Perfect for: travellers who want to stay near iconic London landmarks and have river views with a luxury atmosphere
Staying near Westminster Abbey keeps you within walking distance of so many classic places to see in London. From West End theatre to Covent Garden to evening lights over Big Ben, this area makes sightseeing feel effortless. Isn’t that how your London trip should feel?
Where to Stay Near the British Museum
If you love art, history or literature or simply wandering through centuries of human civilisation, the British Museum is one of the best places to see in London. I know this area well because my first flat was on the same street as the museum.
This is one of my favourite areas for travellers who want a slower pace and easy access to the West End. The British Museum itself is one of the best free things to do in London.
My top recommendation here is The Bloomsbury Hotel. It’s a five-minute walk from the museum and is quietly luxurious. The Coral Room bar is stunning, perfect for a post-museum cocktail. I’ve enjoyed before and after drinks around the Devil Wears Prada show. It’s close enough to Soho and Covent Garden that you can still enjoy London nightlife without staying in the middle of it.
Perfect for: travellers who want a refined, literary atmosphere with easy access to London’s cultural heart
Staying near the British Museum puts you close to many of the best places to see in London. West End shows, Covent Garden restaurants and shopping and even Chinatown is nearby. It’s a smart base for first-time visitors to London.
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Final Thoughts
London is a city best explored on foot. Staying near the attractions you most want to see gives you a London itinerary with less time commuting and more time enjoying the vibe. Whether it’s waking up to Tower Bridge, wandering through royal parks or slipping into a quiet Bloomsbury bar after a museum visit, you’ll feel part of London rather than just a visitor. You’ll also be grateful if you’re seeking a London itinerary filled with things to do when it rains!
If you’d like to plan your trip around these areas, my London Bucket List Planner helps you design four perfect days starting from these same landmarks. It’s the easiest way to make sure your itinerary flows naturally and you never miss the best places to see in London. And it’s full of tons of London travel tips from someone who lives here!
I’d love to know in the comments which of these areas you would pick for a hotel on your London trip. And if you’re visiting for Christmas, be sure to add my Perfect 3-Day London Christmas Itinerary to your reading list too!
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