Best areas to stay in London
1. Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is a relatively quiet central district with a wide range of accommodation, and it has grown in popularity following Eurostar's move to St Pancras International station. It suits first-time visitors who want to be central and within easy reach of the main sights, as well as budget travellers, since many budget options are located on Argyle Square just off the Euston Road. Cartwright Gardens features a dozen small B&Bs in historic houses.
One practical point to keep in mind: the area gets a little seedy towards and beyond King's Cross railway station.
2. Paddington and Bayswater
Paddington and Bayswater sit in north-west central London and have undergone a lot of change, largely resulting from the Heathrow Express train coming into Paddington station. This makes it a convenient base for arrivals from Heathrow and for travellers who want good transport connections. Good hotels can be found in the immediate area of the station and in quieter spots a short walk away, as well as in the traditional mid-range accommodation area further south in Bayswater.
3. Earl's Court and West Kensington
Earl's Court and West Kensington, in west central London, offer budget and modest accommodation as well as good 4-star hotels, so they suit travellers watching their spending who still want a choice of standards. Be careful with the cheapest accommodation in this area, though, as it will likely be very seedy indeed.
4. Westminster
Westminster is central and well connected, with lots of small B&Bs around the back of Victoria railway station in the Pimlico area. It suits visitors who want to be close to the heart of the city and within walking distance of major landmarks.
5. The City and Canary Wharf
The City and Canary Wharf can be very expensive during the week, as they rely heavily on the captive business market, but prices often drop dramatically over the weekend when business travel dries up. Booking there can be a good way of getting into a higher standard of accommodation than you could otherwise afford. However, much of the City becomes a ghost town over the weekend, and you will find that few bars and restaurants are open away from the main tourist attractions.
6. The West End
The heart of the West End is the most expensive place to stay, and most hotels there are either four- or five-star and command a hefty price premium. It suits visitors who prioritise being in the middle of the action and are prepared to pay for it.
7. Transport hub locations such as Stratford, Greenwich, Ealing Broadway, Wimbledon and East Croydon
There are many hotels close to transport hub stations such as these, and the extra cost of getting around is probably not significant compared to the savings made by staying further out near an Underground or railway station. Staying further out will be cheaper, but when travelling in, allow 1–2 minutes per Tube stop near the centre, around 2–3 minutes per stop further out, and 5–10 minutes per line change. This can easily total up to a one-hour journey if there is a walk at each end.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Hostels are the most cost-effective option and also offer breakfast and kitchens for self-catering. In the summer season, many colleges and universities in Central London open up their student halls of residence as hotels during vacations, usually at much lower rates than proper hotels, though you should expect very basic facilities such as communal bathrooms and no catering facilities. Capsule-style crash spaces are just arriving, but they are only in central locations.
- Mid-range: Historic bed and breakfasts, mainstream chain hotels and apartments make up the middle of the market, with good value options in central districts such as Bloomsbury, Earl's Court and West Kensington, Paddington and Bayswater, and Westminster. Apartment-hotels can offer good value for those travelling in a group, often better quality than many hotels but at a cheaper individual rate per person. Serviced apartments, a hybrid between hotels and apartments including cleaning and desk services, are an option for stays longer than two weeks.
- Splurge: London has some of the most exclusive luxury hotels in the world, and the heart of the West End is the most expensive place to stay, with most hotels there being four- or five-star. The City and Canary Wharf can also be very expensive during the week, though weekend prices often drop dramatically.
Best area for a first visit
Bloomsbury is the best area for a first visit. It is a relatively quiet central district with a wide range of accommodation, which means you can choose a standard that suits your budget while staying close to the sights. Its popularity has grown following Eurostar's move to St Pancras International station, and it has good transport connections, though you should note that it gets a little seedy towards and beyond King's Cross railway station.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay inside Zone 1 of the Underground?
In general, most people tend to stay within Zone 1, but do your research carefully, as sometimes being an extra five minutes away from a station can make the difference in cost and quality of local food and drinking options. You can always catch a bus anyway, which is by far the best way to see the city and get about generally. If you stay outside Zone 1, TfL's travel time map shows which locations have good public transport.
When are prices highest in London?
Prices invariably become inflated close to major sporting tournaments such as the London Marathon, Wimbledon or major England football and rugby fixtures, or other important events taking place in the city, so it pays to plan your trip around such occasions or book your accommodation well in advance. The average cost of hotel accommodation in London is higher than in any other major British city.
Is it cheaper to stay in the City or Canary Wharf at the weekend?
Yes. The City and Canary Wharf can be very expensive during the week because they rely heavily on the captive business market, but prices often drop dramatically over the weekend when business travel dries up. Booking there can be a good way of getting into a higher standard of accommodation than you could otherwise afford, though much of the City becomes a ghost town over the weekend.
Should I book a budget chain hotel to save money?
Be exceptionally careful regarding the big budget hotel chains, as prices for their London hotels, in contrast to elsewhere, can often meet or exceed those of other, better quality hotels, so it cannot just be assumed that you will get a good deal from them. Always check the likes of Expedia and LateRooms as well as the hotel's own website, since there are often deals to be had which can reduce the costs significantly.
Compare live prices with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.