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Where To Stay In London: Hotels, Restaurants And Bars

Published . By Kiera Chapman.

London is a city where every street tells a story, every neighbourhood has its own vibe, and every corner offers something new to discover. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, finding the perfect place to stay can set the tone for your entire trip.

From luxurious five-star hotels with views of iconic landmarks to quirky boutique stays tucked away in the city's most vibrant area, laced with cool restaurants and bars, this city offers a little something for everyone. Ready to dive into the heart of this bustling metropolis? Check out our guide to the best places to stay in London.

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Our Guide To Where To Stay In London

1. Where To Stay In Soho 

  • Best for: adventure seekers who like shopping during the day and drinking 'til late.

Staying in Soho is like immersing yourself in the pulse of London. This eclectic neighbourhood is a blend of old and new, where history and contemporary culture collide. By the 20th century, Soho had gained a reputation as a hub for the creative industries - film, music, and fashion thrived here, giving the area its rebellious edge, and it was also the hub of LGBTQ+ bars, with a thriving drag community.

Today, it still has that cool, irreverent vibe, with lively pubs, late-night spots, and the famous Berwick Street Market where you can find everything from street eats to quirky vinyl.

Restaurants In Soho

  • temper - an open-fire steak restaurant.
  • Mountain - Matt Worswick's Michelin-starred spot.
  • Bar Crispin - one of two outposts, focusing on seasonal small plates.
  • KILN - perfect for authentic Thai dishes to share.
  • The Devonshire - brilliant Guinness and pub food.

Bars In Soho

Hotels In Soho

  • Treehouse Hotel London - 95 rooms across six floors, with a treehouse-inspired ambience.
  • Karma Sanctum Soho - rock 'n' roll spirit with bougie tones. 
  • The Londoner - a luxury hotel with a spa in the West End.
  • Broadwick Soho - blending Jazz Age opulence with Italian influences.
  • Chateau Denmark - one for the hedonistic with a rock edge.

Carnaby and a room at Chateau Denmark.

Wondering where to stay in Central London? We've got you covered. 

2. Where To Stay In Shoreditch 

  • Best for: vintage shops, vinyl, and trendy restaurants 

If you're trying to rack your brains around where to stay in London on a budget, you'll be thrilled to discover that Shoreditch is full of budget-friendly hotels, restaurants and bars. It's had its fair share of attention over the years, coming in a close second to its neighbour Dalston as the hub of all things 'edgy and cool' (by London definition, this includes drip coffee, plants and chunky rings). 

Once an industrial area, it has transformed into a buzzing hub for artists, designers, tech innovators, and food lovers. The streets are filled with an array of street art, pop-up galleries, quirky cafes, and independent shops, making it a hotspot for those looking to experience the city’s cutting-edge culture; historical warehouses and Victorian buildings now house modern boutiques, experimental eateries, and vibrant nightlife spots.

Restaurants In Shoreditch

  • Dishoom - their house dhal reigns supreme. 
  • Brat - a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its Basque-inspired, wood-fired cooking techniques.
  • Padella - affordable, good-quality pasta.
  • Gloria - one of the Big Mamma Group's eclectic Italian restaurants.
  • BAO Noodle Shop - fluffy Taiwanese buns and noodles.

Bars In Shoreditch

Hotels In Shoreditch

Graffiti and tubes from Shoreditch.

You'll find graffiti-laced streets and plenty of pop-ups around this area. 

3. Where To Stay In Covent Garden 

  • Best for: theatre lovers, markets for unique gifts and high-end shops

Figuring out where to stay in Covent Garden? This spot has an array of places that put you right in the heart of London’s theatre, shopping, and dining scene. Historically, Covent Garden was once home to a thriving fruit and vegetable market, dating back to the 17th century, before transforming into the cultural hotspot it is today.

This iconic area is packed with charm, from its cobbled streets and historic market halls to its vibrant piazza, where street performers entertain crowds daily. Whether you’re in the mood for high-end shopping at designer boutiques, a bite at one of the many world-class restaurants, or catching a West End show, this area has it all within walking distance.

Restaurants In Covent Garden 

  • Balthazar - wallet-friendly French cuisine and pre-theatre menus.
  • Ave Mario - quirky Italian restaurant with boob mugs. 
  • Bancone - Bib Gourmand spot for silky pasta.
  • Ikoyi - two Michelin-starred eatery fusing British ingredients with West African spices from chef and founder Jeremy Chan.
  • J Sheeky Oyster Bar - scrumptious, fresh seafood.

Bars In Covent Garden 

  • Oriole - live music bar with set menus and a timeless feel.
  • Stereo - Combining elements of New York and London nightlife with Parisian flair, this bar is complete with an L-Acoustics sound system. 
  • Kitty Hawk Rooftop Bar & Restaurant - sky-high views and bottomless brunches.
  • The Alchemist St Martins Lane - theatrical concoctions and cocktail-making classes. 
  • Below Stone Nest - cool, underground venue from the Boxer Brothers (of dove and Brunswick House fame).

Hotels In Covent Garden 

  • The Bloomsbury - a Grade II-listed neo-Georgian building, with The Coral Room and Dalloway Terrace.
  • NoMad - occupies the historic former Bow Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station, blending rich history with luxurious accommodations.
  • St Martins Lane Hotel - modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and interactive light installations.
  • The Savoy - a historic and famous five-star hotel overlooking the Thames.
  • Henrietta Experimental - 40 rooms and interiors featuring terracotta tones, botanical prints, and custom-made furniture inspired by 1970s designs.

Oriole cocktail and Covent Garden market.

Mooch around the markets before making a pit stop at a swish cocktail bar. 

4. Where To Stay In King's Cross

  • Best for: boutique shops, canal walks and easy access to the Eurostar

With its excellent transport links, including the Eurostar and the Tube, King's Cross is perfect for exploring the city and even venturing outside London. The area has transformed in recent years, offering a blend of modern culture and historic charm. 

You can visit the iconic St. Pancras International for shopping and dining, explore Granary Square with its water fountains and riverside atmosphere, and check out Coal Drops Yard, a stylish shopping and dining hub. For book lovers, The British Library is just a stone's throw away, and if you're a Harry Potter fan, Platform 9Âľ is nearby at King's Cross Station. 

Restaurants In King's Cross

  • German Gymnasium - schnitzels and steins of bier in a Grade-listed building.
  • Camino - delicious tapas with airy interiors. 
  • Decimo - Mexican sharing plates from Michelin-starred executive chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias.
  • Happy Face - budget-friendly pizzas, conveniently located near the cinema - pre-movie slice, anyone?
  • Caravan - brunch heaven; everything from smoked salmon on sourdough to pancakes. 
  • Lina Stores - pasta made to share, followed by moreish pistachio ice cream. 

Bars In King's Cross

  • Spiritland - a sound system-focused bar dedicated to audiophiles. 
  • The Lighterman - a pub serving European plates and boasting a wrap-around terrace. 
  • SUPERMAX - subterranean bar with plush furnishing.
  • Campfire - craft beer gem that's closed throughout the winter.
  • Porte Noire - laid-back wine bar owned by Idris Elba.

Hotels In King's Cross

  • The Standard - home to an iconic red lift and late-night library.
  • Great Northern Hotel - constructed in 1854 by Lewis Cubitt, the architect behind King’s Cross station.
  • St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel - a five-star beauty with gothic architecture. 
  • The Gyle - boutique beauty housed in three original 19th-century townhouses.
  • Crown Plaza London King's Cross - great proximity to the station as well as access to its fitness centre. 

Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross.

Explore a range of shops in these former Victorian warehouses, used for storing and distributing coal.

5. Where To Stay In Notting Hill 

  • Best for: Portobello Market strolls and designer vintage shops

Notting Hill is a charming West London area known for its colourful houses and eclectic boutiques. With attractions like the famous Portobello Road Market, where you can shop for antiques, fashion, and street food, as well as the lively Notting Hill Carnival in August, the area is filled with excitement and character.

In addition to its lively atmosphere, Notting Hill offers a mix of trendy restaurants, cosy cafes, and stylish bars, perfect for foodies and night owls. Whether you're strolling through picturesque streets looking for a second-hand camera or some antique jewellery, exploring hidden gems, or grabbing a burger at Electric Diner, Notting Hill is a must-visit for anyone seeking a quintessentially London experience.

Restaurants In Notting Hill 

  • GOLD - a seasonal menu of modern European cuisine, crafted by renowned chef Tom Sellers.
  • The Pelican - led by chef Ben Murphy, this spot serves contemporary British dishes and is loved by celebrities. 
  • Ria's - Detroit-style pizzas paired with a natural wine list, tucked away on All Saints Road. 
  • Dorian - a contemporary take on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, crafted by renowned chef Lee Skeet.
  • Los Mochis - Japanese and Mexican cuisine coming together to create inventive sushi rolls, tacos, and more.

Bars In Notting Hill 

  • Franklin's Wine Bar - a cosy and welcoming spot with rustic charm and knowledgable staff.
  • Viajante87 - minimal interiors and a great tequila list; opt for a margarita and choose your own colour of chilli.
  • The Little Yellow Door - chilled-out living room vibes with a great happy hour. 
  • Trailer Happiness - tikki-inspired cocktail bar with retro decor and an enviable rum collection.
  • Naked & Famous Bar - an intimate, trendy setting serving creative cocktails, hidden underneath Greek restaurant zÄ“phyr.

Hotels In Notting Hill

  • The Princess Royal - four individually designed boutique bedrooms, each named after a princess and equipped with luxurious Lefroy Brooks bathrooms.
  • The Lost Poet - this one's for the dreamers and the Instagram.
  • The Portobello Hotel - British through and through, with rumours of Kate Moss and Johnny Depp having a Champagne-filled bath there. 
  • The Laslett - cosy and cute - the perfect pick for enjoying West London.
  • Ruby Zoe Hotel & Bar - a Carribean-inspired hotel that's perfect for when Carnival comes around.

Sushi from Los Mochis and Portobello Hotel in Notting Hill.

There are an array of scrumptious sushi restaurants in Notting Hill.

6. Where To Stay In Hyde Park

  • Best for: sightseeing and bougie afternoon teas

A couple of nights' sleep near Hyde Park is ideal for those who want to enjoy London's natural beauty while being close to the city's top attractions. The area is incredibly central, offering a peaceful retreat with expansive green spaces for relaxation, jogging, or outdoor activities. 

You can explore Hyde Park itself, one of London’s largest and most famous parks, with highlights like the Serpentine Lake for boating, the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, and plenty of paths for walking or cycling. Kensington Gardens is adjacent, home to the Kensington Palace and its beautiful gardens. Nearby, you can visit the world-renowned Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, and Royal Albert Hall. 

Restaurants Near Hyde Park 

  • HIDE - Michelin-starred spot by chef Ollie Dabbous with the best breakfast in the city. 
  • The Grazing Goat - gastro fare from the Cubitt House group, with six bedrooms for overnight stays.
  • Harry's Dolce Vita - Italian food in a Venetian-inspired setting reminiscent of 1950s and 1960s Italy. 
  • Friends Of Ours at Serpentine - delightful brunch spot with another location in Hoxton.
  • Dinner by Heston Blumenthal - a two-Michelin-starred restaurant where renowned chef Heston Blumenthal draws inspiration from historic British gastronomy.

Bars Near Hyde Park 

  • The New York Bar - located within The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, it brings a slice of NYC to London.
  • Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration - Victorian-themed den with quirky tipples.
  • The Library Bar - nestled within The Lanesborough Hotel, it features cognacs dating back to the 1770s. 
  • Vesper Bar - intimate drinks at The Dorchester Hotel.
  • Mandarin Bar - The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel's bar features a marble bar and luxe interiors. 

Hotels In Hyde Park 

  • The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences - a luxurious five-star establishment with classic British charm.
  • The Peninsula - 90 guest rooms and suites, world-class dining venues, and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views.
  • The Emory - overlooking Hyde Park, it's London's first all-suite hotel, offering 61 individually designed suites by renowned designers such as AndrĂ© Fu and Pierre Yves Rochon.
  • The Berkeley - brings traditional elegance and is renowned for its Michelin-starred dining.
  • Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park - a famous five-star hotel known for its exceptional service and indulgent spa.

The river in Hyde Park.

Start your morning with a walk by the river. 

Want to book an overnight stay on a budget? Check out our guide to affordable hotels in London.

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