Travel Tips for Choosing a Hotel When Visiting London
As an American living in London since 2013, one of the biggest mistakes I see tourists make is incorrectly choosing a hotel when visiting London. It’s understandable—London’s vastness can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time here.
Whether you’re planning a luxurious weekend in the city or a longer stay to explore London’s hidden gems, choosing a hotel when visiting London is a crucial decision that can make or break your trip.
Personal Recommendations
In an ideal world, you’d have a local friend in London who could guide you on where to stay. Maybe I can be that person for you?
Having lived in London and maintained this London travel website for over a decade, I’ve seen a lot! From lavish five-star hotels to charming boutique stays in hidden corners of town, Mr Sunny and I have a long list of experiences in London. Foremost, he and generations of his family are London born. So, we’ve always offered an inside ‘British’ scoop.
In fact, I worked for several years as a video content manager for London’s largest hotel group. So- I know a lot about London’s hotel options.
You can download insider knowledge in the free 15-page guide that we made. This guide includes hidden gems that even some locals don’t know about. I also send weekly emails with London news, discount codes for experiences and tips to help you make the most of your visit. Click below to receive both.
Choosing a hotel when visiting London is about more than just finding a place to sleep. It’s about creating a base from which you can explore the city, with convenience, comfort and a touch of style. After all, your hotel should enhance your London experience, not hinder it.
Look at a Map: Prioritising Location
Before you even begin searching for a hotel, make a list of the top attractions you want to see in London. Whether it’s the British Museum, Buckingham Palace or the West End theatres, pinpoint these locations on a map. This simple step can save you hours of travel time and unnecessary hassle.
Choosing a hotel when visiting London means considering proximity to your must-see sites. London is HUGE and travel times can be longer than anticipated. This is especially true during rush hour or when there are train strikes.
If you are focused on the most iconic London attractions and things to do then staying as Central as possible is recommended. That’s why I created the map below for you. It represents the best location for people planning their first London trip.
London Hotels
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.
By booking a hotel near the top things you want to do, you’ll save not only time but also money on daily travel costs. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family holiday, staying close to your key attractions allows you to spend more time enjoying the city and less time commuting.
For example, if you’re taking a Private Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater, you need to arrive at 8.30am. So you’ll want to be relatively close to the Tower of London that day!
Neighbourhoods: Finding Your Perfect Match
London’s neighbourhoods are as diverse as its residents, each offering a unique vibe and attractions. Here are some of my top neighbourhood recommendations for where to stay when visiting London:
– Westminster: Ideal for history buffs and first-time visitors. Home to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Couples and solo travellers will appreciate the easy access to iconic landmarks.
One very luxurious hotel in this area, which has a spa that’s consistently rated as the top in town is Corinthia London.
– Covent Garden: Perfect for theatre lovers and foodies. This area buzzes with energy, street performers, and top restaurants. Ideal for couples or solo female travellers looking for vibrant nightlife. It’s the place you’ll find me the most and showing the most on my TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram accounts.
You can read my reviews of One Aldwych. It’s a fantastic hotel with one of the top hotel cocktail bars in London. Below is a room at the Covent Garden Hotel, which is a Firmdale Hotel and is part of a lovely independent hotel group in London.
– Mayfair: For the luxury traveller. This upscale area is known for its high-end shopping, fine dining and five-star hotels. It’s a great choice for affluent travellers seeking sophistication and elegance.
– London Bridge: A mix of old and new, this area is fantastic for culture enthusiasts and foodies. The Shard, Borough Market and the Tate Modern are nearby. Families and couples will love the variety of attractions and dining options.
You’ll also be near Southbank Centre, which I have featured in the video below.
– Tower Bridge: Ideal for those who want to soak up history while enjoying modern comforts. Close to the Tower of London, this area is perfect for families and history buffs. It also offers stunning views of the river. To discover more, read Things to Do Near the Tower of London.
Here’s a review of one of the hotels in which I stayed that is literally a few steps from the Tower of London. It’s the Tower Suites by Blue Orchid.
– Kensington: Perfect for museum lovers and those seeking a more residential feel. Home to the Natural History Museum, V&A and Hyde Park. Families and culture enthusiasts will enjoy its quieter, elegant atmosphere.
– Victoria: A transportation hub with access to many parts of London. Great for business travellers and those who plan to take day trips outside the city. The area is practical and convenient, with good hotel options for various budgets.
It’s also super easy to get to Gatwick Airport, via the Gatwick Express. Just be aware if you are choosing that airport and train service that it isn’t experiencing maintenance when you need it. Visit their website for updates.
– London Bridge: This fun area blends historic charm with modern attractions. It’s ideal for culture lovers, foodies and families. With landmarks like The Shard, Borough Market and the Tate Modern nearby, you’ll enjoy a mix of history and contemporary culture, plus a variety of dining options to suit every palate.
Just be aware it’s also extremely popular for ‘hen-do’s’ which are the equivalent of Bachelorette parties. On Friday and Saturday nights this is quite popular- and these groups can be quite energetic!
In my free guide, I delve deeper into these neighbourhoods, offering additional insights and tips to help you make the best choice for your stay.
Terms to Know: Decoding British Jargon
Booking a hotel in London may involve terms that are unfamiliar to American travellers. Here are a few key terms to know:
– En suite: This means that the room has a private bathroom attached. In London, having an en suite bathroom is a standard expectation in most hotels, but it’s always good to double-check.
– Private bathroom: This might sound like en suite, but it can mean the bathroom is private to your room but located outside it, sometimes down the hallway. Make sure you know the exact setup.
– Shared bathroom: Not as common in hotels but can be found in hostels or very budget accommodations. This means the bathroom is shared with other guests and located outside your room.
Knowing these terms will help you avoid surprises and ensure that you book a room with the amenities you expect.
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Differences Between US and UK: What to Expect
Hotels in London can be different from those in the US in a few key ways. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for your stay and avoid any unwelcome surprises.
– Washrags: Not all UK hotels provide washrags in the bathroom, so if this is a must for you, consider packing your own. For example, we had a lovely stay at a pub hotel near the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour, but there were not any washrags in the room. Luckily I had brought some with me. If this is news to you, be sure to read London Essentials: What to Pack for a London Trip.
– Sustainability focus: UK hotels are increasingly focused on sustainability. This means you might find large refillable bottles of toiletries instead of single-use items. It’s a positive step for the environment but can be a surprise if you’re expecting individual toiletries.
– Bathroom light switches: You might find the light switch for the bathroom located outside the bathroom door. It’s a quirk of UK buildings, so don’t be puzzled if you can’t find the switch inside.
– Shower setup: In some UK bathrooms, you’ll find a glass door that only covers half of the shower area, instead of a full door or curtain. It’s meant to be stylish but might be unexpected if you’re used to full enclosures.
– Electricity through room key: In many hotels, electricity only works when you insert your room key card into a slot by the door. It’s an energy-saving feature but can be confusing if you’ve never encountered it before.
Being aware of these differences ensures you’re well-prepared for your stay, allowing you to focus on enjoying London rather than figuring out how the lights work.
Choosing a Hotel When Visiting London: Airport Travel
You will also want to consider if you’re travelling from Heathrow or Gatwick airport too. These are some tips about which airport to choose, if you are at that stage of your London trip planning.
Choosing a Hotel When Visiting London: Questions & Ideas
Choosing a hotel when visiting London can be a daunting task, but with a bit of planning and local insight, you can find the perfect place to stay. Whether you’re after luxury, convenience or a charming neighbourhood vibe, London has something for everyone.
If you want to avoid headaches and uncertainty about your London trip, our London Travel Planner has everything about London in one place. It also includes links to 100+ videos showing you what you’ll experience in London!
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I’d love to hear about your experiences or any questions you have about choosing a hotel in London. Drop a comment below—what’s the most important factor for you when selecting a hotel? Is it price? Convenience? Loyalty Points?
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I agree with you in that it is important to consider looking at a map and listing your places of interest when choosing a hotel. It makes sense that doing this can help you find lodging that is close to your destinations and points of interest so you save money. Personally, I would want to look for reviews and ratings to make sure the place has a good reputation and keep their rooms tidy and ready for their guests.