Best Hotels in London
Best Hotels in London - curated picks with prices, locations, and honest reviews. Updated for 2026.
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Central London (zones 1-2) puts you within walking distance of major attractions but costs £180-400 per night for decent hotels. Zone 2-3 areas like Clapham, Islington, or Bermondsey offer better value at £80-180 per night with 15-25 minute commutes to the centre.
Central London (zones 1-2) puts you within walking distance of major attractions but costs £180-400 per night for decent hotels. Zone 2-3 areas like Clapham, Islington, or Bermondsey offer better value at £80-180 per night with 15-25 minute commutes to the centre.
We reviewed 8 hotels across London's key neighbourhoods to help you pick.
Best Areas to Consider
Covent Garden - best for first-time visitors, theatre lovers (luxury)
Shoreditch - best for creative types, nightlife seekers (mid-range)
South Kensington - best for museum enthusiasts, families with children (luxury)
Borough - best for food lovers, market enthusiasts (mid-range)
Camden - best for music fans, alternative shoppers (mid-range)
Daily budget guide: Budget £45-65, Mid-range £90-140, Luxury £250+.
Hotel Picks
Budget
YHA London Central (Holborn) - £25-45/night. Purpose-built hostel near British Museum with modern facilities and 24-hour access.
Travelodge London Covent Garden (Covent Garden) - £65-95/night. No-frills chain hotel in prime West End location with comfortable beds and basic amenities.
Mid-Range
The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone (Marylebone) - £180-280/night. Georgian townhouse hotel with individually designed rooms and a cocktail bar frequented by locals.
Hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden (Covent Garden) - £120-180/night. Compact pod-style rooms with smart technology and 24-hour grab-and-go food in theatre district.
The Hoxton Shoreditch (Shoreditch) - £150-220/night. Industrial-chic hotel in creative quarter with locally-roasted coffee and neighbourhood restaurant partnerships.
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road (Hammersmith) - £90-140/night. Modern business hotel near Hammersmith tube with fitness centre and competitive rates outside central zones.
Luxury
The Ned (City of London) - £300-500/night. Banking hall turned luxury hotel with multiple restaurants and rooftop pool in former Midland Bank building.
Claridge's (Mayfair) - £600-1200/night. Art Deco landmark hotel with afternoon tea service, Michelin-starred dining, and traditional British luxury.
Booking Tips
Book early for May through September offer the longest days and warmest weather, with average highs of 18-23°C. June through August see the most festivals and outdoor events, though also the highest hotel prices and tourist crowds. - this is peak season and prices rise.
Getting around: Underground day pass £15.20, covers zones 1-4.
8 reviewed properties in London
Independent editorial reviews
Hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden
Covent Garden£120-180/night
solo business travellerstheatre goersefficient short stays
Travelodge London Covent Garden
Covent Garden£65-95/night
budget-conscious travellerstheatre district visitorsshort stays
Claridge's
Mayfair£600-1200/night
luxury travellersspecial celebrationstraditional British hotel experience
The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone
Marylebone£180-280/night
design-conscious travellersromantic getawaysbusiness travellers wanting character
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
Hammersmith£90-140/night
business travellersbudget-conscious familieslonger stays
YHA London Central
Holborn£25-45/night
budget travellerssolo backpackersshort city breaks
The Ned
City of London£300-500/night
luxury travellersspecial occasionsbusiness executives
The Hoxton Shoreditch
Shoreditch£150-220/night
creative professionalstrendy neighbourhood explorersfood and drink enthusiasts