Where to stay in London? Tips & hotel recommendations

Are you planning a trip to the English capital and wondering where to stay in London? Captain Ulysses has listed his tips and recommendations to help you find the perfect pied-à-terre in the capital!

Contents:
👉 In which district to stay when visiting London?
👉 Recommendations for hostels in London
👉 Recommendations for affordable hotels in London
👉 Recommendations for 3 star hotels in London
👉 Recommendations for 4 star hotels in London
👉 London’s iconic hotels
👉 How much are hotels in London?
👉 When is it cheapest to travel to London?
👉 On which site to book your hotel in London?

In which district to stay when visiting London?

The most popular areas for travelers in London are:

The Mayfair district: it is one of the most chic districts of London. Located near Hyde Park and Oxford Street, it is known for its elegant streets, luxury stores and lively atmosphere, not to mention its many bars and restaurants.
👉 Check out a selection of the best hotels in Mayfair

Covent Garden: in the West End, Covent Garden has conquered the hearts of travelers in London thanks to its countless stores, as well as its bars and restaurants full of life. You’ll also find here many of the capital’s famous theaters, as well as the Royal Opera House and Trafalgar Square.
👉 Check out a selection of the best hotels in Covent Garden

Camden : located near Regent’s Park, in the north of the capital, Camden is the heart of alternative culture in London. You’ll find the mythical Camden Lock Market. It is also a district well known for its lively nightlife, with traditional pubs, crazy concerts and alternative nightclubs.
👉 Check out a selection of the best hotels in Camden

Soho: Located in downtown London, the district of Soho – with its countless bars, stores and restaurants – is a must for all visitors coming to London. This is where you’ll find the most famous shopping streets of the capital (Carnaby Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street) but also the Liberty department store, as well as jazz clubs and theaters by the dozen!
👉 Check out a selection of the best hotels in Soho

South Kensington: located near Hyde Park in southwest London, this is a quiet, residential area with many stores, restaurants and cafes, as well as tourist attractions worth visiting, such as the Museum of Natural History and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
👉 Check out a selection of the best hotels in South Kensington

Notting Hill : in the north-west of London, near Kensington Gardens, Notting Hill (well known to lovers of romantic comedies!) concentrates charming stores but also restaurants and lively cafés. Portobello Road Market is also located in Notting Hill.
👉 Check out a selection of the best hotels in Notting Hill

The less touristy districts of London:

If you prefer to stay in a less touristic (and therefore less expensive) area of the English capital, then Captain Ulysses recommends :

Shoreditch: located in the north-east of London, near Liverpool Street station, it is a trendy area, famous for its vintage stores, trendy designers and its alternative and eclectic gastronomic scene. This is also where Brick Lane is located.
👉 Check out a selection of the best hotels in Shoreditch

Hackney: in the north-east of London, Hackney is a bit out of the way, but it is a quiet area with many parks, gardens and green spaces. The area also counts many local restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy authentic London cuisine.
👉 Check out a selection of the best hotels in Hackney

Bloomsbury: located in the center of London, between the British Museum and King’s Cross Station, Bloomsbury is a quiet area with many bookstores and lively little cafés. Its beautiful Georgian houses are worth a look!
👉 Check out a selection of the best hotels in Bloomsbury

Recommendations for hostels in London

Located in the Southwark district, near the Tower of London and London Bridge, St. Christopher’s Inn London Bridge has made a name for itself thanks to its central location, friendly atmosphere and comfortable rooms.
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Located near King’s Cross, Generator London Hostel is famous among travelers for its warm atmosphere, friendly staff and modern facilities.
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In the Whitechapel district, not far from the Tower of London, The Walrus hostel has been collecting great reviews thanks to its central location, comfortable rooms and pleasant atmosphere.
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2-star hotel recommendations in London

Located across from Hyde Park and a 3-minute walk from the subway, Bed & Breakfast 72QT has won over travelers passing through the English capital thanks to its excellent location, clean and comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
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Located in the district of Paddington, on a quiet, tree-lined street, the Prime Inn occupies a beautiful townhouse. The rooms are very well maintained, the staff friendly … In short, excellent value for money!
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Located not far from Kensington Gardens (hence its name!), the Kensington Gardens Hotel is housed in a beautiful Victorian mansion. The rooms are small but very clean and comfortable.
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3 star hotel recommendations in London

Nestled in a beautiful historic house in the Hammersmith district, the Prince of Wales is a little removed from the center of London, but is easily accessible by public transport (Raven’s Court and Hammersmith subway stations). The rooms are very comfortable and welcoming, and the staff is very hospitable.
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Located in the heart of London, between Notting Hill and Kensington Gardens, the Hayden Pub & Rooms offers comfortable rooms with a very British decor. The staff is very welcoming. In short, a very good address!
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Nestled in the district of Kensington and Chelsea in central London,the Point A Kensington Olympia hotel relies on its modern and warm decoration (be careful, the rooms are small but well arranged) as well as its friendly and welcoming staff to successfully charm visitors.
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4 star hotel recommendations in London

Just a few minutes from Covent Garden and Charing Cross Station, The Resident Covent Garden offers simple and tastefully decorated rooms in a beautiful historic building. The staff is welcoming and friendly.
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In the heart of South Kensington, just a two-minute walk from a subway station, Le Cheval Harrington Court at South Kensington has garnered excellent customer reviews thanks to its sleek, elegant rooms, unparalleled location and quality of service.
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Decorated in a modern and revisited British style, The Other House Residents Club – South Kensington is a chic and refined establishment nestled in the district of South Kensington, a stone’s throw from Hyde Park. The staff is very lovely.
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London’s iconic hotels

Built in 1889, the Savoy Hotel is undoubtedly one of the most famous hotels in London. With its luxurious rooms, renowned gourmet restaurant (the Savoy Grill) and exceptional level of service, the hotel is a must in the capital.
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Located near Green Park in downtown London, the Ritz Hotel opened in 1906. It owes its reputation to its high quality service, its beautifully decorated rooms and its gourmet restaurant, the Ritz Restaurant.
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Located on Bond Street in downtown London, Claridge’s Hotel is also an institution which has been open since 1856. It includes a Michelin-starred restaurant, Fera at Claridge’s.
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Close to Buckingham Palace, The Goring Hotel is one of the most iconic addresses in the English capital. Opened in 1910, the hotel is distinguished by its high quality service, its elegant rooms and its renowned gourmet restaurant, The Dining Room. The hotel also has a peaceful garden where guests can relax away from the hustle and bustle.
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Just steps away from Hyde Park, The Dorchester Hotel has been in operation for over 90 years! It is famous or its impeccable service, its luxurious rooms and its renowned gourmet restaurant directed by none other than Alain Ducasse.
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Located near Regent’s Park in downtown London, The Langham Hotel has been charming travelers for nearly a century and a half with its exceptional service, elegant and timeless interior and of course its Michelin-starred restaurant, Roux at The Landau.
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How much are hotels in London?

It is difficult to estimate precisely the price of hotels in London as rates can vary depending on the season, the location and the quality of the hotel. Here are some estimates based on the price range:

• Youth hostel: The average price of a youth hostel room in London is about £30 per night for a bed in a dorm.
• Cheap hotels: the average price of a cheap hotel room in London is around £80 per night.
• Mid-range hotels: the average price of a mid-range hotel room in London is approximately £80-150 per night.
• Luxury hotels: the average price of a luxury hotel room in London is at least £200-300 per night.

When is it cheapest to travel to London?

If you want to save money on your hotel, you should definitely visit London during the low season, mainly in January, February and November. You’ll be able to find better deals on hotels, especially if you book in advance and if you are flexible about your travel dates.

Where to book a hotel in London?

To book your hotel in London, Captain Ulysses highly recommends either Booking or Hotels.com. You will find a very large selection of accommodation: there is something for every price and taste. Don’t forget to look at the customer reviews to avoid bad deals!

👉 Skip the lines: book your tickets and visits in advance!

Photo by Hugo Sousa on Unsplash