London › Buckingham Palace Hotels
Updated: April 19, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
• Best Hotels close to Buckingham Palace: Rubens at the Palace (6 minute walk to Buckingham Palace) • Goring (9 minute walk) • Resident Victoria (6 minute walk)
Why Stay Near Buckingham Palace: The Heart of Royal London
Staying near Buckingham Palace puts you at the center of ceremonial London. This is a grand and stately neighborhood, but I also find it surprisingly green thanks to the surrounding royal parks. It is an ideal base for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a quintessentially British experience.
I think it’s good to know that staying near the Palace involves choosing between three distinct areas. To the south is Victoria, a busy transport hub with a wide variety of lodging. To the east is St. James’s, an exclusive enclave with quiet streets and luxury properties. To the southeast is Westminster, the seat of the UK government, and Victoria Station is to the southwest.
If you are still deciding which part of the city is right for you, I recommend looking at my guide on the best neighborhoods to stay in London.
Best Things to Do Near Buckingham Palace
• Explore Buckingham Palace: The main event. See the famous balcony, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (check schedules in advance), and tour the magnificent State Rooms (open to the public in the summer). Don’t miss the art in the Queen’s Gallery and the historic carriages in the Royal Mews.
• Walk Through the Royal Parks: You are surrounded by London’s most beautiful parks. Stroll through St. James’s Park (my favorite in London) for perfect views of the palace, or relax in the wide-open lawns of Green Park.
• Visit Westminster Abbey & Big Ben: A beautiful 15-minute walk through St. James’s Park takes you to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.
• Go Underground at the Churchill War Rooms: This one of my favorite London museums and a must-see for history buffs. It preserves the secret underground headquarters where Churchill and his government directed World War II.
• Indulge in Afternoon Tea: This neighborhood is home to some of London’s most famous and traditional afternoon tea services, offered at grand hotels like The Goring and The Rubens.
The 5-star Goring is famous for its afternoon tea.
Best Hotels Near Buckingham Palace
The hotels here range from legendary 5-star palaces to smart, practical choices, with the best value found on the Victoria side.
The Rubens at the Palace and the Hotel 41 (sharing the same building).
Luxury Hotels (Victoria Side)
• The Goring: A legendary 5-star hotel and the only one with a Royal Warrant from the Queen. It’s famous for its impeccable personal service and a magnificent private garden. (9-minute walk)
• Rubens at the Palace: A classic 5-star hotel offering opulent decor and an unbeatable location directly opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. (6-minute walk)
• Hotel 41: An incredibly exclusive and intimate luxury hotel with a private, club-like feel and exceptional service, located right next to The Rubens.
Luxury Hotels (St. James’s Side)
• Dukes London: A supremely classic and discreet hotel tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, famous for its legendary martini bar. (Closed for renovation until summer 2026.)
• The Stafford London: Another hidden gem in St. James’s, known for its historic carriage house suites and the fantastic American Bar.
Mid-Range & Value Hotels (Primarily in Victoria)
• The Resident Victoria: A fantastic hotel offering stylish, compact rooms that all include a small kitchenette. One of the best value-for-money choices in central London. (6-minute walk)
• The Clermont: A grand and historic hotel physically connected to Victoria Station, making it incredibly convenient for arrivals and departures.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Victoria: A large, modern, and reliable hotel just across the street from the station, offering comfortable rooms and dependable service.
Getting Around
- Walking is my preferred way to navigate this area. I find it to be one of the most walkable parts of London. You can enjoy a scenic stroll through St. James’s Park to reach Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament in about 15 minutes. Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and the shops of Mayfair are equally accessible via a short walk through Green Park.
- Victoria Station is the major transport hub for this neighborhood. It serves as a massive interchange for the Victoria, District, and Circle Tube lines. It is also a primary National Rail terminal and the home of the Gatwick Express, making it the most convenient hub if you are traveling to or from Gatwick Airport.
- Green Park Station is located just north of the Palace. I recommend using this station for the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines. It offers the fastest route to the West End theaters or the luxury shopping in Knightsbridge.
- St. James’s Park and Hyde Park Corner stations are also within easy reach. These provide additional access to the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines. Between these four stations, you have direct connections to almost every major sightseeing district in the city without needing to transfer.
About Santorini Dave