Best hotels in London – enjoy the city filled with iconic landmarks

Location and offerings

In London there is a wide selection of hotels in all categories. Many business travelers come here and therefore there are plenty of good business hotel with excellent meeting facilities. Some want to stay as centrally as possible, while others prefer quieter areas on the outskirts of the city, near the various conference and exhibition centers so we list the best of both.

For families with children it is about the same. Many people prefer the city center, close to all the city's attractions. But many also choose to stay a little outside the city, where the pace is quieter and there is less noise.

Couples seek out almost exclusively the center, with close proximity to entertainment, theaters and fine restaurants. The center offers many cozy hotels with romantic rooms and suites. Many hotels also offer special services, like romance packages and in-room breakfast.

London has a huge range of budget hotels but you have to be careful, because many have very lower standard. Our selection gives you a shortcut to the best and most affordable options. Some are very good, centrally located while others are in quieter areas, just outside the city center.

London is a city of contrasts and there is also an impressive range of luxury hotels. The finest are very central and several have magnificent views of the Thames and Hyde Park. Most finer hotel offers many amenities and almost always the traditional afternoon tea.

Attractions and sights

In London there is much to discover. In addition to the classic attractions such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben there are renowned museums such as Madame Tussauds, the British Museum and the National Gallery. Other popular places to visit are Hyde Park, the London Eye and the London Zoo. Many visitors also come for various types of events, sports, fairs or concerts.

Restaurants, shopping and nightlife

London is an international city and has a huge variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and other entertainment establishments. There are many award winning restaurants and several places we mention are run by famous chefs. Meanwhile, there are plenty of simpler restaurants. In the popular areas of Soho and Camden the nightlife is vibrant with many trendy bars and restaurants. Many visitors believe that the West End offers the city's best nightlife.

In London there are many excellent shopping facilities. Many visitors consider it self-evident to visit the famous department store Harrod's, but there is much more to experience. Oxford Street, for example; boasts many of the city's most fashionable stores. There are also several good markets, as Camden Market and Portobello Road Market.

London has a rich cultural life, you can enjoy theater, music, sports and various performances. For art lovers there are many galleries and museums to discover. In London there are also a number of major venues, such as the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley and Emirates Stadium.

Trade shows and events

London is a busy city with ongoing meetings, events and activities. For the most part, it is no problem to find a hotel, but during major sporting events, concerts, international fairs or royal events, the available accommodations can become scarce. Therefore it is a good idea to book your hotel well in advance of the trip if you are coming during the time of such an event.

Travel to and in the city

Most tourists arrive by air, mainly to Heathrow, which is London's major international airport. There are five altogether, adjacent to the city is London City Airport. Some miles away are the Gatwick, Luton, Southend and Stansted airports. Note that during some holidays such as Christmas the public transit system is closed and the only available form of transit is taxi's who receive double compensation during the holiday.

Many people also travel by train and in London are different train companies and several central stations. There is also an extensive subway system and a network of local buses. For those traveling by car it is wise to already before the trip make sure that there are parking facilities at the hotel.

London is abuzz with taxis and the most conspicuous are the characteristic black cars in the older style. If the yellow taxi sign up to the lights, the car is idle and it is free to accept passengers. In London, it is customary to tip the driver after completion of travel, and most tend to round up to the nearest pound.

Weather and climate

London has a typical coastal climate with only small temperature differences between the seasons. In the summer time the average temperature is about 20 degrees and in winter it is about 2-8 degrees above zero. It is unusual to have snowfall in London, but it can happen! So be prepared.

Price structure

London is a relatively expensive city to live in, but there are many options in all price ranges. As in all large cities, it may be wise to avoid the major tourist areas.

City pass

For the travelers visiting London can the The London Pass be a great way to save money. This card includes free admission to over 60 attractions and sights.

In addition you can purchase the "Oyster Travelcard" and travel freely on public transport. Note that this is not free travel for one price, you purchase an amount towards your fare and each time you get on the subway or a bus the fare is debited from the card. You can top it off at many corner markets near bus stops and the subway entrances.