London is huge, and tourist sights are spread all over. Choosing a place to stay can be overwhelming when you’re trying to find the best area to stay in London your first time. This guide narrows down where you want to stay to be close to everything.
I’m an American living in England. I’ve always lived just outside London, and have spent plenty of day trips, long weekends, and extended trips with visitors exploring the city. I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect place to stay in London.
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London: Know Before You Go
✈️ Closest airport: London has six major airports, but most visitors travel through either London Heathrow (LHR) or London Gatwick (LGW)
Currency: Great British Pound (£) is used throughout the UK.
Time zone: The entire UK is in one time zone, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From late March to late October, the whole country moves an hour forward to British Summer Time (BST). This usually means 5 hours ahead of New York, or 8 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
Plugging in electronics: Electric sockets in the UK are unlike those in Europe or the US. If you are visiting from outside the UK, you will likely need this universal travel adaptor.
Using your smartphone: If you want to use your phone data while visiting, the easiest and cheapest solution is to purchase an e-sim for your trip.
Hotels: I use and recommend Booking.com to easily find available places to stay and reliable reviews.
Car rentals: If you only visit London, then you should not bother renting a car. It will be expensive and more trouble than it is worth. If you’re headed beyond London, Americans can rent a car in the UK with a valid US driver’s license from any state.
Train booking: All major UK cities, and many other destinations in between, can be reached by train. Check train routes, ticket prices, and get your tickets directly through Trainline.
How Important is Where You Stay in London?
In such a large city, it is easy to waste time on endless Tube rides rather than seeing the things you came here to see.
Unless you’re a superfan of public transportation, staying near the action is vital to having a great first-time visit to London. Plus, less time spent commuting means more time to wander and uncover London’s hidden gems.
Map Guide to Central London
So, you want to stay close to the things you want to see, and that seems to mean Central London. But where is Central London? Let’s map it out.
The purple area outlines the best area to stay in for your first trip to London. Other neighborhoods discussed below are highlighted as well. You can also see popular tourist sights, the location of every hotel I recommend, and major transportation links.
Best London Neighborhoods for First Time Visitors
Central is great, but what should you expect from the different areas in London? Every neighborhood has its own unique feel, and you may find yourself more drawn to the personality of some neighborhoods over others.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is the most central area of Central London. This is also the heart of the West End theatre district and a very bustling area. You can easily walk to many tourist sights from here and really feel immersed in the city.
If you are flying into Heathrow, note that the Elizabeth line (super bright and clean new underground train route) will bring you to Tottenham Court Road Station. That station is located just north of Covent Garden. This can make your airport transfers a straightforward Tube ride and short walk.
If you aren’t a city person, then Covent Garden can feel overwhelming. It can be quiet in the mornings, but picks up quickly into a solid city buzz.
Best Place to Stay in Covent Garden
The Radisson Blu Hotel Mercer Street is right in the heart of Seven Dials, just around the corner from Neals Yard (pictured above).
Mayfair
If you play the British version of Monopoly, the most expensive spot on the board is Mayfair. I share that to set the scene a bit for what to expect in this neighborhood. Not all of the hotels here are over the top, but you can expect a generally posh area with many ridiculously expensive cars parked along the roads.
Mayfair is a quieter area than Covent Garden. It is dotted with flowering window gardens and private parks, as well as several embassies. It’s a very pretty area that is still well connected, so easy to use as a base for exploring.
Best Place to Stay in Mayfair
The May Fair may not have the most unique name, but it does provide a luxurious place to stay that is still reasonably priced for this posh area.
South Bank
This is my hidden gem location in London for first time visitors. As you can see from the map, the River Thames runs through London. Most of Central London lies north of the river, along with many of the popular tourist sights.
The area just south of the river tends to be a bit less expensive, but often has gorgeous views across the river to major sights.
From here you have a choice of several bridges to walk across, giving you the chance to start and end your days with my favorite London city views. The London Eye is located here as well, and Tube service crosses below the river.
South Bank isn’t going to give you the polish of Mayfair, but it is a central area with the potential for great views and river strolls. Avoid traveling far from the river to stick to the nicer tourist areas.
Best Place to Stay in South Bank
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is just across the river from Parliament and has several rooms offering once in a lifetime views. In spite of that, their rates are routinely lower than other central London hotels.
Westminster
If your first visit to London is a whirlwind fast stop, then Westminster could be a great option. Two of the very biggest tourist draws – Buckingham Palace and Big Ben – are both located here.
Best Place to Stay in Westminster
The DoubleTree by Hilton is located just outside London Victoria train station. The hotel is surprisingly quiet for its location and is convenient for getting around London or taking a day trip to visit a castle.
Good Places to Stay in London – Slightly Less Central
Marylebone
This is probably my favorite area of London, and one I’ve stayed in several times. The high street is loaded with lovely shops, including the surprisingly gorgeous Daunt Books.
Depending on where you stay in Marylebone, it’s a short walk to find nature in either Regent’s Park or Hyde Park. If you want to pretend you can afford to live in Central London, this is a great place to do that.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any central tube stops in Marylebone. You will have to trade more walking and a slightly longer commute to tourist sights for the charm of this neighborhood.
Best Place to Stay in Marylebone
Gunmakers offers modern rooms over a traditional London pub. Get the full London like a local experience here.
City of London
What could be more central in London than the City of London? Kind of a lot, it turns out. This is the oldest part of London, but looks the part of a modern city. There are some great bits to this neighborhood, and history pops up everywhere.
My only caution for staying in the City of London is that many shops and restaurants aren’t always open when you’d expect. This is the financial hub of London, and runs on commuter time. Don’t be shocked when that coffee shop is closed weekends, or the streets start looking bare at night.
Best Place to Stay in City of London
Club Quarters Hotel London City caters to business travelers, but is also just over the road from Leadenhall Market and in the heart of the oldest part of London. Some rooms include a kitchenette to save costs on dining.
Paddington
If you fly into Heathrow, the quickest route into London is the Heathrow Express to Paddington.
Staying here is a good bet if you want to limit your luggage hauling as much as possible. You’ll only need to navigate the streets between Paddington and your hotel.
Paddington is also a major station with connections to several Tube lines. The beautiful new Elizabeth line also stops here, so you could hop on and be near Covent Garden at Tottenham Road Station in under 10 minutes.
Best Place to Stay Near Paddington
The Grand Hotel Bellevue London is a short walk from Paddington station, making it easy to drop your bags and get exploring quickly! Breakfast is included in the room rate so you can start each day energized.
South Kensington
If you’re coming to London with museums high on your wishlist, South Kensington will put you right on the doorstep of Museum Row.
This area includes the famous Natural History Museum and the V&A. You’re also near Hyde Park if you fancy a stroll along the Serpentine waterway.
Best Place to Stay in Kensington
Try the glamorous Rembrandt for stylish rooms and a gorgeous hotel bar just across the street from the V&A Museum.
How Much Does it Cost to Stay in London?
Most mid-range hotels in Central London will cost £250+ per night. It’s not hard to find hotels running higher than £500 per night.
London is an expensive city. However, it is possible to find budget options, even in Central London.
I strongly recommend against booking cheaper lodging further out to save money on your trip. You will pay for it in higher transportation costs and less time to devote to sight seeing.
The 5 Top Hotels in London for First Time Visitors
These hotel recommendations are based on a combination of my own experiences, hotel location, accommodation quality, and guest reviews.
1. The Bloomsbury Hotel
The Bloomsbury is an ideal base for first-time visitors that are flying in and out of Heathrow. Take the Elizabeth line from Heathrow to Tottenham Court Road and find the hotel just around the corner.
The hotel features vintage charm that feels like you just stepped into a movie – don’t miss the gorgeous bar! Guests regularly praise the hard working staff who go above and beyond to make your stay memorable. Each room comes stocked with luxury bedding and fluffy robes.
2. The May Fair
While this hotel is located in posh Mayfair, and only a block away from The Ritz London, the May Fair offers luxury without completely breaking the bank.
You’re only a short walk to Green Park station, making Tube access quick and easy.
Expect comfy beds with plush pillows to sink into after a long day of sightseeing. Hotel staff know the area well and can help you find the best restaurants nearby. An on-site spa takes away any lingering stress from the day.
Some room rates include breakfast, and there are family room options as well as luxury suites.
3. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Fancy waking up to a view of Big Ben? You can make that memory at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge! This hotel is a true gem offering so many room sizes to accommodate travel groups of all sizes. Individual rooms go up to two bedroom suites.
The hotel also has everything you can think of in terms of amenities. This includes multiple restaurants, an indoor pool, seasonal events, and a spa with 24-hour gym.
In spite of how much this hotel offers, it is routinely one of the less expensive options on this list.
4. Radisson Blu Hotel Mercer Street
I’ve stayed in Radisson Blu properties in several cities, and have always had a good experience with them. The Mercer Street location is in the heart of Seven Dials, a wonderful bit of Covent Garden home to unique shops and delicious restaurants.
The hotel has a restaurant on site, but I’d skip that in favor of exploring the Seven Dials streets. In fact, two of my favorite spots to eat are located very close to this hotel: Home Slice Pizza in Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials Market.
5. The Londoner
It does not get more central than this. The Londoner is located right on Leicester Square. While Leicester Square itself can be over the top touristy, this is because it is within walking distance from many of the best London sights.
Inside the hotel is a respite from the city bustle. The hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms that go up to a two-bedroom penthouse. A dip in the indoor pool or visit to the relaxing spa will help you unwind after your London sightseeing.
Best London Apart-hotel for Families and Groups
Finding space for a group in London is hard. It’s an expensive city and lodging that can accommodate more than a small family isn’t available in high quantities.
I’ve rented flats through AirBnB before, with very mixed results. I don’t recommend that for your first visit to London because it’s very hard to find something central that isn’t either outrageously priced or giving scam vibes.
With that in mind, here is an option I can recommend that blends space with an excellent location.
Citadines Trafalgar Square
This apart-hotel offers studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom flats just down the road from Trafalgar Square. The largest apartments sleep up to six. You’ll also have a kitchenette and small dining table in your flat if you’d prefer to have snacks or breakfast in.
Best London Hotels for a Special Occasion
If your first trip to London is to celebrate something special, these luxury and unique options will give you something to remember.
The Rookery
Dark wood furnishings, including some four poster beds, will make you feel like you stepped into your own private London townhome. Guests call The Rookery extremely romantic, with some describing it as a castle stay in the city.
The Rook’s Nest is their signature suite, and includes a big canopy bed, fully stocked bookshelves, and a lofted seating area beside a circular window.
Located near Farringdon station, this hotel is an easy transfer from Heathrow on the Elizabeth line.
This is a smaller boutique hotel, so book early if you have your heart set on staying here.
One Aldwych
This luxury hotel is in the heart of Covent Garden, only a five minute walk from Covent Garden Tube station. Rooms at One Aldwych are plush and soothing – it’s a good place to relax even when the city outside is noisy.
Amenities here are top notch – the indoor pool even plays underwater music. It’s also easy to spoil yourself in the spa and high-end restaurants. Their afternoon tea service tends to be at the top of lists for best spots to try in London.
The Savoy
This hotel has been one of the fanciest in London since 1889. It has seen celebrities and politicians over the years, and even boasts the only drive-on-the-right road in London at its entrance.
The Savoy lobbies and rooms are all done up in either Edwardian or Art Deco style. You’ll also find several excellent restaurants on site and even a West End theatre.
Best London Hotels for Budget or Solo Travel
If you really need to keep your costs down you can still make it work in London. Turn to this recommendation when you are just looking for a simple place to rest each night.
Z Hotel Covent Garden
The Z Hotel Covent Garden is a great alternative to hostels for budget-minded travelers. You can find rooms here quite cheap for London – especially if you don’t mind a room without a window.
This hotel keeps you in the middle of everything at a no frills cost. Guests love the simple clean rooms, and you can also get a window room here for a bit more per night.
FAQs About Where to Stay in London as a First Time Visitor
Which zone should I stay in when I visit London?
When you start planning your trip to London, you’re going to hear a lot about London zones. Public transportation in London is price blocked in zones, with Zone 1 representing the middle of London and circling farther as the zone numbers increase. Check out this TFL zone map for a visual of the London zones.
Most London tourist sights are in Zone 1, with a handful in Zone 2. For this reason, first time visitors to London should stay in Zone 1 to limit the time you spend traveling to sightsee each day.
Where is Downtown London?
London does not have a downtown, which can be very confusing for first-time visitors. Historic sights and museums are scattered around – check out the map above for a visual.
Covent Garden is the most central London neighborhood for first-time visitors that want to be in the middle of the action.
Are hotel beds smaller in London?
Yes, Americans may be surprised to learn that beds here are typically smaller than what you find in the U.S. Most hotels offer either a full or queen-sized bed.
To add to the confusion, hotels may advertise a “King room” that actually holds a queen-sized bed. This is because the sizing system for mattresses is different here. What you’d call a queen bed in the U.S. is called a king bed here.
Luxury hotels are most likely to have American-style king beds, and Booking.com does a good job of identifying the actual bed size in the room descriptions.
Where are the cheapest places to stay in Central London?
Unfortunately, there are no cheap places in Central London. Check out the recommendation above for budget and solo travel options that keep costs low while staying in the middle of things.
Consider South Bank (near the river), Marylebone, and City of London neighborhoods to occasionally find a deal.
Where should I avoid staying in London?
London is a generally safe (use common sense as you would in any large city) and welcoming city, but there are some places I’d avoid to make sure your first visit is the best it can be:
- Near the airports. You may find a cheaper rate, but the airports are far from the city center and you’ll quickly reduce your savings with daily transport fees.
- Outside Zone 1. For your first visit, stay near the things you want to see most. For instance, Greenwich is lovely, but you’ll again have a longer and sometimes crowded commute to reach Central London.
- Lodging without reviews. There are unfortunately scams out there and lodging that doesn’t match its advertising. Don’t chance booking somewhere that hasn’t already received good reviews. And if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
How can I find the best prices on London hotels?
I use Booking.com to compare prices on all London hotels. You can use their flexible dates rate finder to find the cheapest dates that work with your schedule. This can be a big help when you want to spend some time in London and also explore other places outside the city.
Use the rate finder to pick the best rates in London and plan your time outside the city for the more expensive dates.
What else do I need to know to plan a London itinerary?
Check out this guide to London travel planning for more details on what to see and how to put together the perfect trip! For a broader itinerary on your first UK visit, consider splitting your time between London and Edinburgh.