Where to stay in London? 8 Best Areas & Places to Stay 🇬🇧

London is one of my all-time favourite cities, I used to run a travel agency that tailored trips to London, and I travel to the English capital many times a year.

I have stayed in hotels in all areas of central London, so I know what you get in the different areas.

So, I am qualified to write a guide on where to stay in London and tell which areas are best for tourists who want to experience the best of the English capital.

In this guide, I dive deep into the best areas in London to stay in as a tourist, provide links to booking my recommended hotels and tell you what you can expect from the different areas.

Let’s get started with the guide: where to stay in London? 

Best Areas in London

Here are the best areas in London:

• Paddington & Bayswater – best area to stay on a budget ⭐️
• Soho & Covent Garden – best areas in Central London
• Camden Town – best area for a rock n roll vibe
• Bloomsbury – best central area with cheap hotels
• Shoreditch – best area for nightlife
• City of London – best area between West & East
• Bankside – best area if you want to try something new
• Mayfair – best area for luxury hotels

Click on the name of the area above to see the best places to stay in the area.

Check out my video, where I’m showing 4 of the areas mentioned below:

1. Paddington & Bayswater – best area to stay on a budget ⭐️

I always recommend first-time travellers to London find a good hotel just north of Hyde Park.

The area, which can be called both Paddington and Bayswater, is an excellent introduction to London – and there are many cheap hotels.

So if you’re travelling to London with kids and looking for a cheap hotel, this is an excellent place to look.

See the best hotels in Paddington here.

For many decades, Paddington and Bayswater are areas of London that have been among the most used by tourists travelling to London to experience the best the city offers.

We are in the west of London but very close to the central part. You will stay within walking distance of Marble Arch, where Oxford Street starts with all its high-street shops and all that comes with it.

Because Paddington and Bayswater are popular tourist areas, you will find everything you need, from cafes, restaurants and cosy pubs.

As for personal favourites, I recommend the Mitre Lancaster Gate, The Swan and the Leinster Arms, which all serve good beer and classic British pub food.

You can quickly get around the rest of London with the Central Line from Lancaster Gate and Queensway, while the District and Circle Line run from Bayswater and Paddington stations.

If you land at Heathrow Airport, you can get to Paddington St by express train in 15 minutes, the fastest of all London airports.

If I have to mention a downside to the Paddington and Bayswater areas, they may not be the most authentic areas.

So if you would like to stay in an area of London where you meet ordinary Londoners, you can choose another place to book a hotel – there are plenty more areas to come in this guide.

However, it is a perfect place to look for a hotel for tourists travelling to London for the first time and families with children.

Places to stay in Paddington & Bayswater

Booking.com

So let me share some of the hotels in areas I have stayed at and can recommend. It must be said that there are many hotels in this area and it is an excellent place to book cheap, classic London hotels.

However, be aware that many hotels can be relatively run down, so just read the updated reviews if you find a good deal – or choose one of these hotels I recommend.

Best Luxury Hotel: Royal Lancaster London

Royal Lancaster London is a classic, luxurious hotel located in London’s Bayswater area, with an unrivalled view over Hyde Park.

Its central location right next to Lancaster Gate Station and a short walk from Paddington Station makes it ideal for you if you wish to explore the city and can manage a lot on foot – or with a short journey on the Central Line.

The hotel has a relaxed, modern environment with bright, sophisticated rooms combining modern and vintage details.

It really is a delightful hotel and the location is just about perfect – especially for first-time travellers to London.

See more photos and book online here.

Best Mid-Range Hotel: Best Western Mornington Hotel Hyde Park

Best Western Mornington Hotel is an excellent place to stay, just a few steps from Hyde Park and Paddington Station.

The rooms are a beautiful blend of classic English charm and modern conveniences.

Guests praise the helpful staff and the appetising breakfast.

The Library Bar, with its cosy atmosphere and selection of fine wines, is the perfect end to a day in the city.

See more photos and book online here.

Best budget hotel: Point A Hotel Paddington

Point A Hotel Paddington offers value for money without compromising on quality. This hotel is popular for its excellent location, close to both Paddington Station and the vibrant Little Venice.

Though the rooms are compact, they are cleverly furnished and thoughtfully designed for comfort.

I have stayed at several Point A hotels in the UK and think they’re fine once you know what you’re getting: it’s a budget hotel with little comfort, but everything is nice, relatively modern and clean.

See more photos and book online here.

An alternative budget-friendly place to stay in Paddington could be Athena Hotel.

2. Soho & Covent Garden in West End – best areas in Central London

Let’s jump into the heart of London in Soho and Covent Garden. This is the best place to stay in Central London.

If you stay in this part of town, you could spend your entire city break in London without public transport.

In other words, these are perhaps the best areas to stay in for most tourists, but they also come at a higher price.

Therefore, you should probably prepare to pay more for hotels here in the West End than in several other areas I mention here in the guide on where to stay in London.

Soho and Covent Garden are not cheap!

Soho is located just south of Oxford Street, and it’s undoubtedly one of the nicest areas in London, where there is always life in the small cosy streets.

You will find Carnaby Street, Liberty London and Berwick Street Food Market in Soho.

See the best hotels in Soho here.

I rarely stay in Soho when I travel to London (because of the price tag – I wish I was always staying in Soho).

But I always visit the area in London and like to swing by good pubs like the Old Coffee House, John Snow and the Mason Arms, which is technically in Mayfair because you have to cross Bond Street.

Covent Garden is also an area for you who want to stay close to everything in central London.

Here I recommend enjoying the area around Seven Dials, visiting the cosy Neal’s Yard, and maybe having a pint at The Lamb & Flag or The Harp.

See the best hotels in Covent Garden here.

In other words: if I had to point to an area of London where everyone would be happy to book a hotel, it would probably be Soho and Covent Garden.

You can easily walk to all the famous musical theatres, so it’s where to stay in London for theatre.

You’ll also be close to places of interest such as Chinatown, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and all the most notable things to do and see in London.

Places to stay in Soho & Covent Garden

Booking.com

There is no doubt that you get more bang for your buck further out of the absolute centre of London, but having said that, there is also something nice about living right in the city’s heart.

Here are a few good hotels where you stay as centrally as possible.

Best luxury hotel: Chateau Denmark

Chateau Denmark is a fusion of history and modern style in London’s iconic music and theatre district. Each room is unique, with vintage and rock ‘n’ roll-inspired interior details, a tribute to the area’s rich history.

Former guests love the relaxed atmosphere, and the bar, serving signature cocktails, is a local hotspot.

See more photos and book online here.

Another luxury option in the area is The Londoner which has a lovely indoor swimming pool.

The Londoner is a luxurious oasis in the heart of Leicester Square. Known as the world’s first “super boutique hotel”, it displays a refined balance between cosmopolitan glamour and homey comfort.

Former guests praise the five-star service, the panoramic views from the rooftop and the award-winning dining options.

See more photos and book online here.

Best mid-range hotel: AMANO Covent Garden (has rooftop bar).

Amano Covent Garden is an elegant choice for those who wish to be in the centre of London.

The hotel’s minimalist design is both stylish and welcoming. The rooms are spacious and bright, with large windows and exquisite textiles.

See more photos and book online here.

Best budget hotel: Mimi’s Hotel Soho

Mimi’s Hotel Soho is an irresistible blend of comfort and cool in the vibrant Soho. The smart, compact rooms are perfectly decorated with an eye for detail.

Note that the cheapest rooms really are small – one primarily chooses this hotel for its extremely good location in the heart of Soho.

See more photos and book online here.

An alternative cheap hotel in Soho is Zedwell Piccadilly Circus.

The hotel is designed with a focus on sleep quality, with soundproof rooms, comfortable beds, and blackout curtains.

Despite its central location, you can thus be assured of a good night’s sleep – and then wake up right in the heart of London, where you can walk to many of the city’s attractions on foot.

See more photos and book online here.

3. Camden Town – best area for a rock n roll vibe

Camden Town is one of my absolute favourite areas in all of London and a place I have spent many days.

In the 90s, Camden Town was known as one of the trendiest places in Great Britain, and it was not rare to see musicians from bands such as Blur, Oasis, The Smiths and Pulp hanging out in the pubs.

In other words, Camden and music go hand in hand, which you feel as soon as you step out of Camden Town Tube Station and turn right up towards Camden Market.

See the best hotels in Camden Town here.

On the way up to the market, you pass exuberant shops, street shops and souvenir shops with everything your heart desires if you like rock n roll or are into a slightly alternative style of clothing.

I love British music and style, so I can spend many hours walking in Camden and especially when I was in my early 20s I felt so cool when I bought new clothes and sat down at The Good Mixer, The Hawley Arms or The Dublin Castle where I had a pint and tried to look like a local 😀

Camden Town is an excellent area for those who don’t need to stay in downtown London and maybe travel with a teenager who likes an alternative style.

If you stay in Camden Town, I recommend going over to Primrose Hill, from where you get a fantastic view of London.

From Camden Town tube station, it only takes 8 minutes on the Northern Line down to Tottenham Court Road, where Oxford Street starts, and you can venture into Soho or Covent Garden.

So even though Camden is a little further from the absolute centre of London, it is still a central area of the metropolis.

Camden Town is also a great place to stay in London for nightlife.

Places to stay in Camden Town

Booking.com

Camden is one of the boroughs in this guide that is not packed with hotels. In other words, there is not a hotel on every street corner, but here are a few recommendations from my many trips to London.

Best luxury hotel: There is none in Camden Town, but the closest I recommend is St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, just off King’s Cross St Pancras, approximately 15 minutes walk to Camden Town.

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is an iconic masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is probably one of London’s most splendid hotels, which is saying something!

This hotel exudes elegance and historical charm while offering modern luxury.

Guests highlight the breathtaking architecture, the lavish indoor pool with spa, and the exquisite gastronomy in the hotel’s restaurants.

See more photos and book online here.

Best Mid-Range Hotel: Holiday Inn London Camden Lock (Camden Market view)

With its breathtaking view of the canal and Camden Lock Market, the hotel is an ideal base for sightseeing in one of London’s most exciting areas.

I have stayed here myself and I truly think it’s a great hotel.

See more photos and book online here.

Best budget hotel: The Hurdwick

The Hurdwick is a smart boutique hotel in Camden Town.

Its minimalist design with a palette of calm, earthy colours contributes to a relaxed atmosphere.

Guests highlight the friendly staff, the elegant bar, and the ideal location close to music venues and trendy shops.

See more photos and book online here.

4. Bloomsbury – best central area with cheap hotels

Often when travelling on a city break, most of us look for the sweet spot: we want to stay centrally in a proper hotel that is not too expensive.

This is where the somewhat overlooked Bloomsbury area in central London emerges. The area is sandwiched between King’s Cross and Covent Garden, so we are definitely in central London.

There are highly luxurious hotels in this area that few ordinary tourists can afford (more on the best luxury hotels in London later in this guide), but also quite a few hotels in the middle and budget class.

See the best hotels in Bloomsbury here.

It’s a charming area where you can find completely local streets with ordinary houses, where real people live, just living their lives.

That’s why we also find several excellent restaurants, cafes and pubs that don’t just live on tourists and therefore have a slightly different atmosphere than around Leicester Square and the like in the city centre.

If we extend Bloomsbury a little to the north, I can recommend Casa Tua Kings Cross for breakfast and good coffee, while you should make your way past Friend at Hand and The Lamb for a few pints.

Bloomsbury is an underrated area of London that can be recommended to all types of travellers. Russell Square tube station is the ‘centre’ of the area, but there are many tube lines and buses all around the area.

Furthermore, in Bloomsbury, you are within walking distance of The British Museum, one of London’s best free things to do.

Places to stay in Bloomsbury

Booking.com

Bloomsbury is a good area for most travellers and an area in central London where you can stay cheaply. If you want – because the opposite is undoubtedly also possible.

Let me introduce a few good hotels in Bloomsbury.

Best luxury hotel: Kimpton Fitzroy London

Kimpton Fitzroy is an architectural beauty in London’s historic Bloomsbury neighbourhood.

The hotel, situated in a magnificent Victorian building, combines grand history with modern luxury.

See more photos and book here.

NYX Hotel London Holborn is another good option (has a swimming pool).

NYX Hotel London Holborn is a modern gem in the heart of London. With its trendy interior, filled with artworks, and its colourful bar, the hotel offers guests a unique experience.

The location is ideal for sightseeing both old and modern London – and there is a lovely indoor swimming pool.

See more photos and book here.

Best mid-range hotel: Mercure London Bloomsbury

Mercure London Bloomsbury is an elegant fusion of modern design and historical charm, located in the delightful Bloomsbury neighbourhood.

The rooms are decorated with an eye for detail, combining comfort with modern conveniences.

Guests praise the hotel’s fantastic location, close to Covent Garden and the British Museum, the excellent service, and the relaxed atmosphere in the hotel’s bar and lounge area.

See more photos and book here.

Best Budget Hotel: The Royal National Hotel

The Royal National Hotel is a very large, budget-friendly hotel located in Bloomsbury.

There’s not much else to say other than, if you’re looking for a cheap hotel in the centre of London, this place is very popular.

It’s not very luxurious, but it’s a perfect hotel if you are, for example, a group of friends on a trip and need a simple place to stay.

See more photos and book here.

From Bloomsbury, you will also be within walking distance to the pickup spots for many of the buses to Harry Potter World in London, so it would be a great place to stay if you’re planning to visit the famous Harry Potter museum.

5. Shoreditch – best area for nightlife 🍹

In this guide to the best areas and districts in London, there must be something for young travellers coming to London to experience the world-famous nightlife.

I’m mainly into a couple of pints in a quiet pub, but I know many people want to go out in London.

And for that, there is no better area than Shoreditch in East London. Shoreditch is cool and trendy that cannot be debated.

See the best hotels in Shoreditch here.

This is where you’ll find the trendiest travellers from all over the world, all of whom must have photos for Instagram in front of the most extraordinary street art.

In Shoreditch, you should make your way past Brick Lane, London’s Hipster High Street and a wonderful mix of Indian restaurants, vintage shops and record stores.

No music fan can go to Shoreditch without stopping by the enormous Rough Trade Records store on a side street off Brick Lane by The Truman Brewery.

I like Shoreditch, and the mix of new and old thrives well in this area, so it’s a great place to book your stay in London.

I recommend walking north to Columbia Road, Hackney City Farm and Broadway Market in Hackney.

It’s cool and trendy mixed with the best of The East End.

As such, there are none of the well-known London sights in the area, but you can walk down to the Tower of London with a bit of goodwill 😀

Places to stay in Shoreditch

Booking.com

Shoreditch and London’s East End around Liverpool Street Station have significantly transformed in the last 10-20 years. It used to be anything but a cool area, but it suddenly became attractive when the artists moved in in the early 00s.

That is why many hotels were hastily built, and now you can choose from many different accommodation options in different price ranges in Shoreditch.

Best Luxury Hotel: Mondrian London Shoreditch

Mondrian London Shoreditch is a true design hotel in the heart of London’s trendy Shoreditch neighbourhood.

The hotel is known for its playful, creative atmosphere and its spacious, artistically decorated rooms.

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Shoreditch, then Mondrian is a good choice.

See more photos and book here.

Best Mid-Range Hotel: Shoreditch Inn

Shoreditch Inn is a modern budget hotel that offers comfort and value right in the heart of Shoreditch’s vibrant neighbourhood. Although the rooms are compact, they are well-appointed and clean.

See more photos and book here.

Best Budget Hotel: Point A Hotel London Shoreditch

Point A Hotel London Shoreditch is an affordable accommodation option for travellers who want to be close to everything without it costing too much.

There are several Point A hotels in London and they are always a safe choice when it comes to cheap accommodation without much comfort.

See more photos and book here.

6. City of London – best area between West & East

The City of London is traditionally London’s oldest area, so you will find many ancient buildings and churches here.

Want to stop by the pub where Charles Dickens and Mark Twain were also served pints? Then it would be best if you made your way past Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in the City of London.

In the City of London, you will find an incredible number of sights that may not be the city’s most well-known but are still worth a visit.

I can mention places like Temple Church (known from The Da Vinci Code movie), St Margaret’s Church, Skygarden (a free public garden with a nice view over London) and the crowning glory of St Paul’s Cathedral.

See the best hotels in City of London here.

However, the City of London is a somewhat peculiar area, which also bears the stamp of being a financial district, especially in the spot furthest to the East.

So at weekends, the streets can appear almost entirely deserted because no one is at work – it’s a bit strange.

Nevertheless, the area is a good choice for those who want to explore the classic sights of the West End (shopping on Oxford Street, fun in Soho etc.) and those who want to go out to the East End.

In the City of London, you stay right in the middle of it all, but the area itself is – if you ask me – not the most exciting or charming.

Places to stay in the City of London

Booking.com

On the other hand, many hotels in the City of London are relatively new and excellent, so you may be lucky to find a good deal here in the old London district. However, the hotels are generally not cheap here.

Best Luxury Hotel: The Westin London

The Westin London is almost a tribute to sophisticated luxury.

The hotel’s elegant rooms, the award-winning spa, and exquisite dining options make it an excellent choice for quality-conscious travellers who want to stay centrally in London.

There is an indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa – so even if the weather is bad, you can enjoy your time in London here at the hotel.

See more photos and book here.

Best mid-range hotel: Apex Temple Court Hotel

Apex Temple Court is next to Temple Church and offers a combination of tradition and modernity. It is popular for its peaceful location, yet still close to London’s centre.

The hotel scores extremely high ratings from previous guests, so here you can be sure of good service and value for money.

See more photos and book here.

Nearby, we also find the excellent Apex London Wall Hotel.

Best Budget Hotel: Club Quarters Hotel London City

Club Quarters Hotel London City is a favourite among business travellers, thanks to its efficient service and comfortable rooms.

The hotel is also ideal for tourists as it is located in the heart of the City of London.

Guests praise the hotel’s convenient location, professional staff, and modern conveniences.

See more photos and book here.

7. Bankside – best area if you want to try something new (my new favourite!)

And then to an area situated south of the Thames. It’s got a few differents names: Bankside, The South Bank and Southwark.

Most of what a tourist would like to experience in London takes place north of the Thames, but I would still recommend this area to those who have been to London a few times and would like to try a new district.

That’s how I felt when I first booked a hotel in Bankside.

I wanted to experience the pros and cons of staying here in an area I had often passed by on my way to the fantastic Borough Market.

See the best hotels in the area here.

To be more specific, Bankside and the whole area around London Bridge offer many experiences within short distances.

Here you can find Shakespeare’s Dome, Tate Modern, Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market and then the walk along the Thames past HMS Belfast to Tower Bridge and Tower of London is also lovely on a sunny day in London.

If you go the other way, you can walk along the Thames to the London Eye, which can also be recommended. This is a good area if you like walking around on your London holiday.

There are a few outstanding new hotels in the area and several tube lines, so if you want to try staying in an area that’s a little off the beaten path, consider booking into the Bankside area around Borough Market west of London Bridge.

This is where to stay in London if you want to experience something different than the classic touristy areas.

The area is also referred to as Southwark.

Places to stay in Bankside

Booking.com

Southwark and Bankside have blossomed in recent years, so the hotels in the area are also very new and modern.

Best Luxury Hotel: Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London is an extremely stylish hotel located right on the Thames.

Therefore, the hotel offers a unique view of the river, stylish rooms, and an innovative restaurant.

Of course, many rooms are arranged with views of the Thames, and the hotel also has a bar and restaurant where you can sit and enjoy the view.

I stayed at this hotel in the summer of 2023, and I think it’s excellent and the location is perfect.

See more photos and book here.

Best mid-range hotel: citizenM London Bankside

citizenM London Bankside is a boutique hotel experience for the modern traveller.

citizenM hotels are known for smart, compact rooms that are high-tech and comfortable.

See more photos and book here.

An alternative could be Native Bankside (a brilliant aparthotel) – I stayed here a few years ago and think it’s an extremely good place.

Best budget hotel: ibis London Blackfriars

Ibis hotels are, much like Point A as I have mentioned several times, known for being neat, clean and never particularly expensive.

The hotel in Bankside is no exception and with a location a few minutes’ walk from the Thames, this place is a good bet for you if you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel.

See more photos and book here.

Getting to Bankside from Gatwick and Luton Airport by train is easy.

8. Mayfair – best area for luxury hotels

There must also be a recommendation for you who travel to London and want to experience world-class luxury. Here we have to mention Mayfair, one of the most expensive areas in Europe – and perhaps the whole world.

We are back on the north side of the Thames, in central London, with Soho on the right, Oxford Street to the north, Hyde Park to the west and Buckingham Palace to the south.

See the best hotels in Mayfair here.

In other words, we are in the heart of London, where the most expensive homes in the English capital are found. It’s not an area I would recommend to ordinary tourists, as the hotels in Mayfair exude upper class and are rather expensive.

But if you are used to luxury and want to experience the absolute best of London, then there is no doubt: you must book into one of the many luxury hotels in Mayfair.

Places to stay in Mayfair

Booking.com

This is where it gets tricky. Because some of the absolute best hotels in London are located in Mayfair, I must admit that I have not visited them. But I would like to recommend some hotels that get the best reviews.

Best luxury hotel: The Ritz

The Ritz is one of London’s most famous luxury hotels, radiating elegance and old-fashioned glamour. It’s known for its exquisite service, lavish decor, and the legendary afternoon tea.

If you want to stay at one of the most well-known hotels in London, then The Ritz is the place to book your stay.

See more photos and book here.

Another fantastic luxury hotel in Mayfair is The Dorchester.

The Dorchester is an icon in the luxury hotel industry, located in the heart of Mayfair. It offers exquisite service, luxurious rooms, and award-winning restaurants.

Guests praise the impressive view of Hyde Park, the attentive staff, and the unparalleled elegance.

See more photos and book here.

Best Mid-Range Hotel: The Mayfair Townhouse

The Mayfair Townhouse is a slightly hidden gem in the sophisticated Mayfair district. The hotel combines traditional English charm with modern amenities.

A good choice for a luxurious hotel in Mayfair that is not quite in the same price range as The Ritz and The Dorchester.

See more photos here.

Best budget hotel (hard to find in this area): Washington Mayfair Hotel

Washington Mayfair Hotel is a classic institution offering traditional elegance in London’s most exclusive district.

A fine choice for you if you want to stay in Mayfair but are looking for a hotel that is a little more budget-friendly – although it’s hard to find in this exclusive area.

See more photos and book here.

More of my favourite places to stay in Central London

If you have not yet found a hotel that suits your trip to London, here are a few other suggestions located in perfect areas for most tourists.

Park Plaza County Hall London is a family-friendly hotel located a few minutes walk from the London Eye and Big Ben, so you stay incredibly close to the most famous sights here.

The neighbouring hotel Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, is also excellent, but it is typically a bit more expensive – purely because the hotel has an indoor swimming pool, so if you want to take a dip, you should choose this one.

The Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid is located in Westminster close to Victoria Station, where you enter by train from Gatwick Airport. You are also staying within walking distance of Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.

The hotel is in some tranquil streets – remember to visit The Jugged Hare pub around the corner, where they serve delicious pies.

In South Kensington, close to Harrods, there are also many fine hotels and a good area for many tourists. Here I can recommend the hotel The Rembrandt if it is to be luxurious and the Ashburn Hotel if you would like to save some money on the accommodation budget.

Areas to avoid in London

I feel safe strutting around London, but we must recognise that it’s a big city and crime happens.

Therefore, I will briefly touch on the areas in London you should avoid and should not book a hotel in any case.

But first let me tell you about an area you shouldn’t stay in – not because it’s dangerous, but because it will be annoying.

The area around the Excel Center at Victoria Dock in East London. There are a lot of hotels out there, and if you’re looking for a good deal on well-known hotel booking sites, there will often be good deals out there.

But that is because it is far from the sights and experiences you want to see in London! So the cheap hotel room comes with the price that you must spend a long time on transport into Central London.

Additionally, there are some traditionally dangerous areas of London that few people would end up in, but I’ll list them anyway:

• Tottenham
• Finsbury Park
• Harlesden
• Croydon
• Tower Hamlets
• Newham
• Peckham

And then there are Brixton and Hackney, which have traditionally been dangerous areas to avoid but are now also trendy areas with many good restaurants and things to do.

I hope you could use this guide on the best areas of London and that you are now ready to book your hotel for your trip to the English capital.

If you’re still unsure about where to stay in London, then please comment below and I’ll do my best to help.

You can also check out my video where I show 4 of the best areas in London:

Frequently asked questions: