Where to Stay in London: Popular Neighborhoods & Top Hotels

Planning a trip to London, but feeling overwhelmed by the enormous number of neighborhoods and hotels to choose from? You’re not alone. Luckily, helping you explore new cities is what we love to do. So, for some inspiration deciding where to stay in London, check out this guide to the popular areas, and top hotels.

People sitting at a 5-star hotel drinking afternoon tea in London. — From luxury to budget hotels, London has great options for every pocket. Photo credit: Christian Lendl

Unless you have lived in London, understanding it’s complex web of neighborhoods can seem an insurmountable task. Here is a breakdown of key zones or places to look into. They are organised in no particular order, each with its own feel and vibe, appealing to different types of visitors. So, without further ado…

Table of Contents

Covent Garden

One of the most common answers to those asking where to stay in London is the lovely and lively Covent Garden.

At the heart is a vibrant market with artist stalls, street performers, cafés, restaurants, and shops. Covent Garden is a must-visit on every London tourist’s list. For those who love to be in the center of it all, you can easily walk to West End theaters, Leicester Square film premieres, and Chinatown eateries.

People hanging out outside of the Covent Garden market in London. — Covent Garden is a great area if you want to stay somewhere central. Photo credit: Tânia Mousinho

Covent Garden Hotels

The Savoy: Join a long list of rich, famous, and celebrity guests who have stayed at the luxurious Savoy in London. You can also maximize fairy tale romance staying here. This is where Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) and William Thacker (Hugh Grant) declared their love in the renowned British rom com, Notting Hill.

Wilde Aparthotels: Planning to stay longer? Have a look at what the fabulous Wilde Aparthotels boutique chain have to offer. Here you can combine apartment amenities, such as fully equipped kitchens and laundry rooms, with four-star hotel luxuries. You also receive escalating discount pricing the longer you stay.

St. Martin’s Lane Hotel: For the mood-enhancing effects of the right light, St. Martin’s offers floor-to-ceiling windows and LED color-changing light coves. Suites offer open-plan living, rainfall showers, and an overall vibe-check described as everything from “eccentric” to “sensuous” to “modern haberdashery.”

Traveler’s tip: As you decide on where to stay in London, make sure to think about what you’ll be eating in London as well! From where to find the best fish and Chips in London to exploring London’s oldest pubs, we’ve got you covered.

Mayfair

Looking to stay in London’s lap of luxury? Mayfair is the place.

Home to the ultrawealthy and glamorous, Mayfair provides some of the most high-end shopping, dining, and accommodation in the world. In addition to all the glitz, its central location offers easy access via black cab, tube or on foot to all London’s major attractions. Here are just a few of its world-famous hotels:

People walking around the busy neighborhood Wayfair in London. — Get in touch with your luxurious side and stay in Mayfair. Photo credit: Igor Savelev

Mayfair Hotels

The Ritz: Who hasn’t heard of the Ritz? Its reputation precedes it. The Ritz is London’s crown jewel at the intersection of St. James’s, Mayfair, and Piccadilly. Referenced in songs, movies, and books, the Ritz has become synonymous with “the best.” You can dine-in at the world-class, Michelin-starred Ritz restaurant, or feel like a royal at their world-famous Afternoon Tea.

Claridge’s: Claridge’s has been impressing guests and refining its reputation for understated elegance since the 1850s. Combining art deco with original period features. It even boasts an English Heritage-listed ballroom and impressive Wine Cellar, featuring over 1000 varieties of wine and champagne.

The Connaught: When nothing but 24-hour butler service will do the trick. Every room (even the smallest) has a separate dressing room/bar area, enhancing the 5-star luxury impact. And if a stellar hotel bar is on your wish list, The Connaught won Best Hotel Bar in Tatler Travel Guide 2024. We’ll drink to that!

SOHO

If the main question for you isn´t where to stay in London, but where to party, then Soho is the area for you.

By the 19th century, aristocrats had mostly moved west to Mayfair. And Soho became a thriving red-light district with music halls and theaters. Today, the clubs pump all night and the shops and restaurants bustle all day. There’s never a dull moment in Soho.

A large illuminated "SOHO" sign hangs above a lively London street, surrounded by colorful buildings and city atmosphere. — Bright lights, bold vibes—welcome to Soho!

Soho Hotels

The Soho Hotel: If you want to be in the center of all the fun, but still get a great night’s sleep, the Soho Hotel is an excellent 5-star option. Hidden away on a quiet mews, but steps from the surrounding hustle and bustle, the Soho offers the perfect intersection of location, amenities, and vibes.

The Ham Yard Hotel: Stay at the Ham Yard and revel in the magic of their spectacular roof terrace. London skyline view? Check. Veggie patch growing produce you’ll have for dinner later? Check. And don’t forget the bees. Fully functioning beehives call this garden home and are tended to by the Ham Yard’s dedicated beekeeper. No wonder the Ham Yard gets so much buzz.

The London EDITION: Just on the edge of Soho, in an area called Fitzrovia, sits the immaculate 5-star London EDITION by Marriott. Stay here for nautical-themed rooms and private rooftop terraces with views of the famous London Eye. You can walk to everything that Central London’s Soho, Mayfair, Covent Garden, and West End have to offer.

A woman walking by a colorful wall with graffiti and fliers in SoHo. — SoHo is the go-to neighborhood if you want to have fun in London and you’ll see why. Photo credit: Mark Hayward

Westminster

For those looking for a more royal and regal experience, then Westminster is where you want to be.

Stay here for quick access to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street and Big Ben. Fun fact: Big Ben is actually the nickname for the bell inside the tower, not the tower itself (which is Elizabeth Tower) – so now you know!

A crowd of people waits outside Westminster Abbey in London, admiring its ornate Gothic architecture and tall spires on a sunny day. — The oldest temple in London, Westminster Abbey has been the location for the coronation of over 40 monarchs.

Westminster Hotels

St. Ermin’s Hotel: Steps from Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park, the four-star St. Ermin’s hotel is a luxurious pet-friendly gem by Marriott. Combine interests in church, state, and royalty within a ten minute walk of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk.

Conrad London St. James: If you are bringing the family, check out Conrad London St. James’s family experience. Treat the kids to fairy tale-themed bedrooms, complete with pre-built forts, and make bedtime a bit more enticing for the little ones – and maybe adults too. There is also the option for themed turndowns, personalized storybooks, and a children’s library.

hub by Premier Inn Westminster Abbey: For travellers who are a bit more budget-conscious, hub by Premier Inn fits the bill. Rooms are compact, but still sleek, modern, and offering all the three-star amenities and central location you need to enjoy the British capital.

A red telephone booth with people walking by near Big Ben. — Westminster neighborhood is a great option if you want to be close to all the main attractions. Photo credit: Stefan K

FAQ: Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in London

How much should I expect to pay for a hotel in London?

London hotel prices vary wildly depending on the neighbourhood and the season. As a rough guide:

Budget hotels / hostels: £40–£90 per night
Mid-range hotels: £120–£220 per night
High-end and luxury hotels: £350+ per night (and several in Mayfair easily go over £1,000 on peak weekends)

Prices spike during summer, major events, and around the winter holidays, so booking early can save a small fortune.

What’s the best way to get around London from my hotel?

The Tube, buses, and Elizabeth Line will take you almost everywhere. The easiest option is an Oyster Card or a contactless debit/credit card, both of which charge you capped daily rates. Typical daily caps:

Zones 1-2 (central London): around £8–£9 per day
Zones 1-6: around £15 per day
If you’re staying for several days, a 7-day Travelcard can be good value, especially if you’re based outside the central zones.

A bright red and blue London Underground sign marks an entrance on a brick building under a clear blue sky in central London. — Keep an eye out for the London Underground signs. Photo credit:

Is it better to stay in Zone 1 or look farther out to save money?

Zone 1 puts you within walking distance of major sights, but it’s pricey. Zones 2 and 3 often have much cheaper hotels. Many neighbourhoods like Camden, Hammersmith, Greenwich, or Shepherd’s Bush offer quick transport links into the centre. Staying slightly outside Zone 1 can cut accommodation costs by 20-40%, without sacrificing convenience.

Are London hotels small compared to other cities?

Yes, especially in the older, historic buildings. Standard rooms in central London can be surprisingly compact, even in upscale hotels. If space matters, look for newer builds, aparthotels, or properties in neighbourhoods just outside the centre where rooms tend to be larger for the price.

A Beefeater in traditional uniform leads attentive tourists outside the Tower of London as evening light casts shadows on ancient stone walls. — A Beefeater in traditional uniform leads attentive tourists outside the Tower of London.

Once you’ve decided on accommodations, why not sign up for one of our London walking tours? From a Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels and cruise down the Thames River to a fabulous Food Tour through Borough Market, our local guides will show you the best that this vibrant city has to offer.