
I used to run a travel agency that customized trips to London, and I travel to the English capital several times a year.
I’ve stayed in hotels in all areas of central London, so I know what you get in the different areas.
In this guide, I’ll look at the best areas of London to stay in as a tourist, provide links to book the hotels I recommend and tell you what to expect in each area.

Let’s start with the guide: Where to stay in London?
Best areas in London
If you’re in a hurry or just want a quick overview, here it is:
- 👉 Paddington & Bayswater – the best area for a cheap stay ⭐️
- 👉Soho & Covent Garden – the best areas in Central London
- 👉Camden Town – best area for a rock’n’roll atmosphere
- 👉Bloomsbury – Best central area with affordable hotels
- 👉Shoreditch – best area for nightlife
- 👉City of London – best area between west and east
- 👉Bankside – best area if you want to try something new
- 👉Mayfair – best area for luxury hotels
Watch this video where he show 4 of the areas below:
1. Paddington & Bayswater – the best area for an affordable stay
I always recommend travelers coming to London for the first time to look for a good hotel near Hyde Park.
The area, which can be called both Paddington and Bayswater, is a great introduction to London – and there are plenty of cheap hotels.
So if you are traveling to London with children and are looking for a cheap hotel, this is an excellent place.
Here you can find the best hotels in Paddington. 👈

Paddington and Bayswater have for many decades been among the most popular parts of London for tourists looking to experience the best the city has to offer.
We are located in west London, but very close to the central part. You’re just a few minutes’ walk from Marble Arch, where Oxford Street begins with all its stores and everything that goes with it.

As Paddington and Bayswater are popular tourist areas, you’ll find everything you need here, from cafés to restaurants and cozy pubs.

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

From Lancaster Gate and Queensway stations, the Central Line takes you quickly to the rest of London, while the District and Circle Lines depart from Bayswater and Paddington stations.
If you land at Heathrow Airport, you can reach Paddington station in 15 minutes on the express train – the fastest of all London airports.

If I have to mention one downside to the Paddington and Bayswater areas, it is that they are perhaps not the most authentic areas.
So if you want to stay in an area of London where you’ll meet ordinary Londoners, you can book a different hotel – there are many more areas in this guide.
However, for tourists traveling to London for the first time and for families with children, this is an ideal place to look for a hotel.
Best places to stay in Paddington & Bayswater
So I would like to introduce you to some of the hotels in the area that I have stayed in 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.
Be aware, however, that many hotels can be relatively run-down, so just read the latest reviews if you find a good deal – or choose one of these hotels that I recommend.
Best Luxury Hotel: 👉 Royal Lancaster London.

The Royal Lancaster London is a classic, luxurious hotel in London’s Bayswater district, offering unrivaled views of Hyde Park.
Its central location right next to Lancaster Gate Station and just a short walk from Paddington Station makes it ideal for you if you want to explore the city and have plenty to do on foot – or with a short ride on the Central Line.

The hotel offers a relaxed, modern ambience with bright, sophisticated rooms that combine modern and classic details.
It really is a delightful hotel and the location is just perfect – especially for first time travelers to London.
Best middle class hotel: 👉 Best Western Mornington Hotel Hyde Park

The Best Western Mornington Hotel is an excellent place to stay, just a short walk from Hyde Park and Paddington Station.
The rooms are a beautiful blend of classic English charm and modern amenities.
Guests praise the helpful staff and the appetizing breakfast.
The Library Bar with its cozy atmosphere and selection of fine wines is the perfect end to a day in the city.
Best budget hotel: 👉 Point A Hotel Paddington

The Point A Hotel Paddington offers good value for money without compromising on quality. The hotel is popular for its excellent location close to Paddington station and lively Little Venice.
The rooms are compact, but cleverly furnished and designed with great attention to detail.
I’ve stayed in several Point A hotels in the UK and find them fine if you know what you’re getting: it’s a budget hotel with few comforts, but everything is nice, relatively modern and clean.
An alternative, reasonably priced accommodation in Paddington could be the Athena Hotel.
2. Soho & Covent Garden in West End – the best areas in Central London
Immerse yourself in the heart of London in Soho and Covent Garden. This is the best place to stay in Central London.
If you live in this part of the city, you can spend your entire city trip in London without public transport.
In other words, these may be the best areas for most tourists, but they also come at a higher price.
Therefore, be prepared to pay more for hotels in the West End than in some of the other areas I mention here in this guide to accommodation in London.
Soho and Covent Garden are not cheap!

Soho is located south of Oxford Street and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas of London, where the small, cozy streets are always full of life.

In Soho you will find Carnaby Street, Liberty London and the Berwick Street Food Market.
Here you will find the best hotels in Soho. 👈
I rarely stay in Soho when I travel to London (because of the price – I wish I always stayed in Soho).
But I always visit the area in London and like to pop into 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 those who want to live close to everything in central London.
Here I recommend enjoying the area around Seven Dials, visiting the cozy Neal’s Yard and perhaps having a beer at The Lamb & Flag or The Harp.
Here you will find the best hotels in Covent Garden.

In other words: If I had to name an area in London where everyone would like to book a hotel, it would probably be Soho and Covent Garden.
You can easily walk to all famous musical theaters, so it’s the best area to stay in London when it comes to theater.
It is also close to attractions such as Chinatown, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and the main sights of London.
Best places to stay in Soho & Covent Garden
There’s no doubt that you get more for your money further out from the absolute center of London, but there’s something nice about living right in the heart of the city.
Here are a few good hotels where you can stay as centrally as possible.
Best luxury hotel: 👉 Chateau Denmark

Chateau Denmark is a fusion of history and modern style in London’s famous music and theater district. Each room is unique, with vintage and rock ‘n’ roll inspired furnishing details, paying homage to the rich history of the area.
Past guests love the relaxed atmosphere, and the bar, where signature cocktails are served, is a local hotspot.
Another luxurious option in the area is the 👉 The Londoner, which has a beautiful 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 offers a sophisticated balance between cosmopolitan glamor and homely comfort.
Former guests praise the five-star service, the panoramic view from the roof terrace and the award-winning gastronomic offering.
Best middle class hotel: 👉 AMANO Covent Garden (with roof terrace bar).

The Amano Covent Garden is an elegant choice for anyone looking to stay in central London.
The minimalist design of the hotel is both stylish and inviting. The rooms are spacious and bright, with large windows and exquisite textiles.
Best budget hotel: 👉 Mimi’s Hotel Soho

Mimi’s Hotel Soho is an irresistible blend of comfort and coolness in vibrant Soho. The elegant, compact rooms are perfectly furnished with great attention to detail.
Note that the cheapest rooms are really small – people choose this hotel primarily because of its extremely good location in the heart of Soho.
An alternative cheap hotel in Soho is the 👉 Zedwell Piccadilly Circus.

When designing the hotel, particular emphasis was placed on the quality of sleep: soundproofed rooms, comfortable beds and blackout curtains.
So despite the central location, you can be sure you’ll sleep well – and then wake up right in the heart of London, within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions.
3. Camden Town – the best area for a rock’n’roll atmosphere
Camden Town is one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods in all of London and a place where I have spent many days.
In the 90s, Camden Town was known as one of the trendiest places in the UK, and it was not uncommon 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, and you can feel this as soon as you get out of Camden Town Tube Station and turn right towards Camden Market.
Here you will find the best hotels in Camden Town. 👈
On the way up to the market, you will pass lavish stores, street stores and souvenir stores that offer everything your heart desires if you like rock ‘n’ roll or a slightly alternative style of clothing.

I love British music and British style so I can spend many hours walking around Camden and especially when I was in my early 20s I felt so cool buying new clothes and sitting down at The Good Mixer, The Hawley Arms or The Dublin Castle having a beer and trying to look like a local 😀 .
Camden Town is a great area for anyone who doesn’t need to live in central London and may be traveling with a teenager who likes an alternative style.
If you live in Camden Town, I recommend going to Primrose Hill, from where you have a fantastic view of London.

From Camden Town tube station, it’s just 8 minutes on the Northern Line to Tottenham Court Road, where Oxford Street begins, and you can make your way to Soho or Covent Garden.
So although Camden is a little further away from the absolute center of London, it is still a central district of the metropolis.
Camden Town is also a great place to enjoy the nightlife in London.
Best places to stay in Camden Town
Camden is one of the boroughs in this guide where there aren’t that many hotels. In other words, there’s not a hotel on every street corner, but here are a few recommendations from my many trips to London.
Best luxury hotel: There isn’t one in Camden Town, but the closest one I recommend is the 👉 St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, just off King’s Cross St. Pancras, about 15 minutes’ walk from Camden Town.

The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is an iconic masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is probably one of the most magnificent hotels in London, and that’s saying something!
This hotel exudes elegance and historical charm while offering modern luxury.

Guests emphasize the breathtaking architecture, the spacious indoor pool with spa and the exquisite cuisine in the hotel’s restaurants.
Best middle class hotel: 👉 Holiday Inn London Camden Lock (View of Camden Market)

With its stunning views of the canal and Camden Lock Market, the hotel is an ideal base for sightseeing in one of London’s most exciting areas.
I’ve stayed here myself and I really think it’s a great hotel.
The Hurdwick is an elegant boutique hotel in Camden Town.
Best budget hotel: 👉 The Hurdwick

Its minimalist design with a palette of calm, earthy colors contributes to a relaxed atmosphere.
Guests praise the friendly staff, the elegant bar and the ideal location close to music venues and trendy stores.
4. Bloomsbury – Best central location with affordable hotels
On a city break, most of us are looking for the ideal place: We want to stay centrally in a good hotel that is not too expensive.

This is the somewhat overlooked district of Bloomsbury in central London. The area lies between King’s Cross and Covent Garden, so we are definitely in the center of London.
In this area there are very luxurious hotels that few ordinary tourists can afford (more about the best luxury hotels in London later in this guide), but also some mid-range and budget hotels.
Find the best hotels in Bloomsbury here. 👈
It’s a charming area where you’ll find ordinary streets with ordinary houses where real people live their lives.
That’s why we also find some excellent restaurants, cafés and pubs here, which don’t just live off tourists and therefore have a slightly different atmosphere than around Leicester Square and the like in the city center.

Extending Bloomsbury a little to the north, I can recommend Casa Tua Kings Cross for breakfast and a good coffee, while for a few pints you should pop into Friend at Hand and The Lamb.
Bloomsbury is an underrated part of London that can be recommended to all travelers. The Russell Square tube station is the “center” of the neighborhood, but there are many tube lines and buses throughout the area.
You can also walk from Bloomsbury to the British Museum, one of the best free places to visit in London.
Best places to stay in Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is a good area for most travelers and an area in central London where you can live cheaply. If you want to – because the opposite is undoubtedly also possible.
Let me introduce you to a few good hotels in Bloomsbury.
Best luxury hotel: 👉 Kimpton Fitzroy London

The Kimpton Fitzroy is an architectural beauty in London’s historic Bloomsbury district.
The hotel is housed in a magnificent Victorian building and combines great history with modern luxury.
The 👉 NYX Hotel London Holborn is another good option (with swimming pool).

NYX Hotel London Holborn is a modern gem in the heart of London. With its trendy, artwork-filled interior and colorful bar, the hotel offers guests a unique experience.
The location is ideal for visiting both old and modern London – and there is a lovely indoor swimming pool.
Best middle class hotel: 👉 Mercure London Bloomsbury

The Mercure London Bloomsbury is an elegant blend of modern design and historic charm, located in the charming district of Bloomsbury.
The rooms are furnished with great attention to detail and combine comfort with modern amenities.
Guests praise the hotel’s fantastic location near Covent Garden and the British Museum, the excellent service and the relaxed atmosphere in the hotel’s bar and lounge area.
Best Budget Hotel: The 👉 Royal National Hotel.

The Royal National Hotel is a very large, reasonably priced hotel in Bloomsbury.
There is not much more to say other than this hotel is very popular if you are looking for a cheap hotel in central London.
It’s not very luxurious, but it’s a perfect hotel if you’re traveling with a group of friends, for example, and need basic accommodation.
Bloomsbury is also within walking distance of many bus stops to Harry Potter World in London. So it’s an ideal place to stay if you want to visit the famous Harry Potter Museum.
5. Shoreditch – Best area for nightlife 🍹
This guide to London’s best areas and districts is sure to have something for young travelers who come to London to experience the world-famous nightlife.
I’m mainly interested in a few pints in a quiet pub, but I know a lot of people want to go out in London.
And there is no better area for this than Shoreditch in East London. Shoreditch is cool and trendy, that’s undeniable.
Here you’ll find the best hotels in Shoreditch. 👈
Here you will find the trendiest travelers from all over the world who absolutely have to take photos for Instagram in front of the most extraordinary street art.

In Shoreditch, you should stop by Brick Lane, London’s hipster high street, which offers a wonderful mix of Indian restaurants, vintage stores and record stores.

No music fan can go to Shoreditch without popping into the huge Rough Trade Records store in a side street off Brick Lane by the Truman Brewery.
I like Shoreditch, and the mix of new and old really thrives in this neighborhood, so it’s a great place to book your stay in London.
I recommend a walk north to Columbia Road, Hackney City Farm and Broadway Market in Hackney.
It’s cool and trendy here, mixed with the best of the East End.
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 good will 😀 .
Best places to stay in Shoreditch
Shoreditch and the East End of London around Liverpool Street Station have changed a lot 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.
As a result, many hotels were hastily built, and today you can choose from many different accommodation options in different price ranges in Shoreditch.
Best luxury hotel: 👉 Mondrian London Shoreditch

The Mondrian London Shoreditch is a real design hotel in the heart of London’s trendy Shoreditch district.
The hotel is known for its playful, creative atmosphere and its spacious, artistically designed rooms.
If you are looking for a luxury hotel in Shoreditch, the Mondrian is a good choice.
Best middle class hotel: 👉 Shoreditch Inn

The Shoreditch Inn is a modern, affordable hotel offering comfort and value for money in the heart of the vibrant Shoreditch district. The rooms are compact but well equipped and clean.
Best budget hotel: 👉 Point A Hotel London Shoreditch

The Point A Hotel London Shoreditch is an affordable accommodation for travelers 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 bet when it comes to cheap accommodation without a lot of comfort.
6. Bankside – the best area if you want to try something new (my new favorite!)
And then to an area that lies south of the Thames. It has a few different names: Bankside, The South Bank and Southwark.
Most of what a tourist wants 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 want to try out a new part of town.

I felt the same way when I booked a hotel in Bankside for the first time.
I wanted to find out the pros and cons of staying in this neighborhood, which I had passed many times on my way to the fantastic Borough Market.
Here you will find the best hotels in the region. 👈

More specifically, Bankside and the entire area around London Bridge offer many experiences within a short distance.
Here you will find Shakespeare’s Dome, Tate Modern, Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market and on a sunny day in London, a walk along the Thames past HMS Belfast to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London is also very nice.

If you go in the other direction, you can walk along the Thames to the London Eye, which is also recommended. This is a good area if you enjoy walking on your London vacation.
There are some excellent new hotels in the area and several tube lines. So if you want to stay in an area that’s a little off the beaten track, consider booking in the Bankside area around Borough Market to the west of London Bridge.
This is the right place to stay in London if you want to experience something different from the classic tourist areas.
The area is also known as Southwark.
Best places to stay in Bankside
Southwark and Bankside have blossomed in recent years, so the hotels in this area are also very new and modern.
Best luxury hotel: 👉 Sea Containers London

The Sea Containers London is an extremely stylish hotel right on the Thames.
The hotel therefore offers a unique view of the river, stylish rooms and an innovative restaurant.
Of course, many rooms have a view 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 is excellent and the location is perfect.
Best middle class hotel: 👉 citizenM London Bankside

citizenM London Bankside is a boutique hotel for the modern traveler.
citizenM Hotels are known for their smart, compact rooms that offer high-tech and comfort.
An alternative could be the Native Bankside (a brilliant aparthotel) – I stayed here a few years ago and think it’s a very good place.
Best budget hotel: 👉 ibis London Blackfriars

Ibis hotels, like Point A, as I’ve mentioned several times before, are known for being neat, clean and never particularly expensive.
The hotel in Bankside is no exception and with its location just a few minutes’ walk from the Thames, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a budget hotel.
Bankside is easily accessible by train from Gatwick and Luton airports.
7. Mayfair – best area for luxury hotels
There also has to be a recommendation for you who want to travel to London and experience world-class luxury. Here we must mention Mayfair, one of the most expensive areas in Europe – and perhaps the world.
We are back on the north side of the Thames, in the center of London, with Soho on the right, Oxford Street to the north, Hyde Park to the west and Buckingham Palace to the south.
Here you will find the best hotels in Mayfair. 👈

In other words, we are in the heart of London, where the most expensive houses in the English capital can be found. This is not an area that I would recommend to ordinary tourists, because the hotels in Mayfair exude upper class and are quite expensive.
But if you’re used to luxury and want to experience the absolute best of London, then there’s no doubt about it: you need to book into one of the many luxury hotels in Mayfair.
Best places to stay in Mayfair
This is where it gets tricky. As some of the absolute best hotels in London are in Mayfair, I have to admit that I haven’t 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, exuding elegance and old-fashioned glamor. It is renowned for its exquisite service, lavish décor and legendary afternoon tea.
If you want to stay in one of the most famous hotels in London, you should book the Ritz.
Another fantastic luxury hotel in Mayfair is 👉 The Dorchester.

The Dorchester is an icon of the luxury hotel industry and is 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 incomparable elegance.
Best middle class hotel: 👉 The Mayfair Townhouse

The Mayfair Townhouse is a somewhat hidden gem in the fashionable Mayfair district. The hotel combines traditional English charm with modern amenities.
A good choice for a luxury hotel in Mayfair that is not quite in the same price range as The Ritz and The Dorchester.
Best budget hotel (hard to find in this area): 👉 Washington Mayfair Hotel

The Washington Mayfair Hotel is a classic institution with traditional elegance in London’s most exclusive neighborhood.
A good choice for you if you want to stay in Mayfair but are looking for a hotel that is a little more budget-friendly – although hard to find in this exclusive area.
More of my favorite accommodations in Central London

If you haven’t yet found a suitable hotel for your trip to London, here are a few more suggestions that are located in the perfect areas for most tourists.
The Park Plaza County Hall London is a family-friendly hotel located within walking distance of the London Eye and Big Ben, putting you close to the most famous sights.
The neighboring hotelPark Plaza Westminster Bridge London is also very good, but generally a little more expensive – purely because the hotel has an indoor swimming pool, so you should choose this hotel if you want to take a dip.
The Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid is located in Westminster near Victoria Station, which you can reach by train from Gatwick Airport. Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are also within walking distance from here.
The hotel is located in a quiet street – don’t forget to visit The Jugged Hare pub around the corner, which serves delicious pies.
In South Kensington, near Harrods, there are also many good hotels and a good area for many tourists. Here I can recommend the hotel The Rembrandt if you want to be luxurious, and the Ashburn Hotel if you want to save some money on accommodation.
Areas to avoid in London
I feel safe walking around London, but we have to be aware that it’s a big city and crime happens.
Therefore, I will briefly discuss the areas in London that you should avoid and where you should definitely not book a hotel.
But first I’d like to tell you about an area you shouldn’t go to – not because it’s dangerous, but because it will be a nuisance.
The area around the Excel Center at Victoria Dock in East London. There are many hotels there, and if you search for a good deal on well-known hotel booking sites, you will often find it there.
But that’s because it’s far away from the sights and experiences you want to see in London! So the cheap hotel room comes at the price of having to spend a lot of time on transportation to central London.
Also, there are some traditionally dangerous areas in London that few people would go to, but I’ll list them anyway:
- Tottenham
- Finsbury Park
- Harlesden
- Croydon
- Tower Hamlets
- Newham
- Peckham
And then there’s Brixton and Hackney, which were traditionally considered dangerous areas to avoid, but are now trendy areas with lots of good restaurants and things to do.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best areas of London and that you’re now ready to book your hotel for your trip to the English capital.
If you are still unsure where to stay in London then please comment below and I will do my best to help.
Websites that I use to book my trips
- 👉 Agoda is my favourite site for booking hotels and unique stays.
- 👉 GetYourGuide is my top pick for booking tours and activities worldwide.
Frequently asked questions:
Where is the best place to stay in London if you are coming to London for the first time?
The best areas for first-time visitors to London are Soho and Covent Garden in the West End. These areas are centrally located and within easy walking distance of popular attractions such as Chinatown, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.
What is the best area in London for a cheap stay?
Paddington & Bayswater is the best area for a budget stay in London. It offers a range of affordable hotels and is conveniently located close to Heathrow Airport.
What is the best area in London for nightlife?
Shoreditch is the best area in London for nightlife, with a vibrant nightlife scene and a variety of bars, pubs and clubs.
What is the best area in London for luxury hotels?
Mayfair is the best area in London for luxury hotels, offering a range of high-end accommodation and a prestigious address.
Which areas should I avoid in London?
Areas to avoid in London include Piccadilly Gardens in the city center, which is notorious for drug abuse and can feel unsafe at night, as well as Moss Side, Cheetham Hill and Rusholme, which have historically had higher crime rates but have seen significant improvements over the years.
What is the best area in London for families?
Kensington is the best area in London for families. It offers a range of family-friendly accommodation and easy access to popular attractions such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
What is the best shopping area in London?
Oxford Street is the best shopping area in London with a large selection of high street and designer stores.
What is the best area in London for sightseeing?
The best area in London for sightseeing is the West End, which is home to many of the city’s most famous attractions, such as the British Museum, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.
What is the best area in London for foodies?
Borough Market is the best area in London for foodies and offers a wide selection of local and international food stalls.
What’s the best area in London for a rock’n’roll atmosphere?
Camden Town is London’s best neighborhood when it comes to rock’n’roll, with a rich musical history and a vibrant live music scene.
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