London Hotel Map: Where to Stay for Sightseeing, First-Timers, & Families

Updated: December 11, 2025 • By Santorini Dave

My Favorite London Hotels

• 5-Star: Connaught • Savoy
• 4-Star: Marylebone • Ham Yard
• 3-Star: Motel One
• Boutique: Batty Langley’s
• Cheap: Z Soho
• For Families: Park Plaza
• For Couples: Soho
• Heathrow: Sofitel
• Gatwick: Sofitel
• Victoria Station: DoubleTree
• Paddington: Hilton
• Kings Cross: St. Pancras Renaissance

London Maps – My Tips

My wife and I in Covent Garden, London.

• 1. Download Offline Google Maps Before You Arrive
  This is the single most important thing you can do before your trip. London is massive, and while data is widely available, having a reliable backup on the Tube (where signals often drop) is essential. An offline map works with your phone’s GPS even when you have no cell service, perfect for navigating the Underground or the maze-like streets of Soho.

  Here’s the simple process:
  • Search for “London” in the Google Maps app.
  • Tap the info panel for “London” at the bottom of the screen, then tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right and select “Download offline map.”
  • Adjust the map frame to include the key zones. I recommend zooming out to include Heathrow Airport (West), the O2 Arena (East), and everything in between.
  • Tap “Download.”

  But don’t just download the map; turn it into your personalized travel guide. Before you leave home, while you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, open the Google Maps app and “star” (save) all your key locations. This should include:
  • Your hotel.
  • The top museums (British Museum, Natural History, V&A, Tate Modern, National Gallery).
  • Key landmarks (Tower of London, London Eye, Big Ben).
  • Your arrival station (e.g., Paddington for Heathrow Express or St. Pancras for Eurostar).

• 2. Learn the “Big Three” Landmarks to Orient Yourself
  London is sprawling, but if you know the location of these three anchors, you can always find your bearings. Trafalgar Square is the official center of London, and it marks the gateway to the West End. Piccadilly Circus is the buzzing neon hub connecting the shopping of Regent Street with the theaters of Shaftesbury Avenue. The River Thames is your ultimate compass; it winds through the city, but generally separates the historic North (Westminster, The City) from the cultural South Bank.
• 3. Understand the “West End” for Walkability
  While London is huge, the main tourist zone – often called the “West End” – is surprisingly walkable. Picture a rectangle: Oxford Street to the North (Shopping), The Strand/Thames to the South (Sights), Regent Street to the West (Mayfair), and Kingsway to the East (Covent Garden). Inside this box, you’ll find Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square, and Theaterland.
• 4. Master the 3 Key “Entry” Stations
  London’s key stations are often where you enter the city from the airport. Mastering these will save you stress on travel days. Paddington Station is the gateway to the West (Heathrow Express & Elizabeth Line). Victoria Station is the gateway to the South (Gatwick Express). King’s Cross St. Pancras is the gateway to the North and Europe (Eurostar). Know which one you’ll be using, and check if your hotel is on a direct Tube line to that specific hub.

Best Hotels: 1. St. Pancras Renaissance • 2. Kimpton Fitzroy • 3. Montague on the Gardens • 4. Radisson Blu Edwardian • 5. The Mandrake • 6. Chiltern Firehouse • 7. Marylebone Hotel • 8. The Langham • 9. The Cumberland • 10. Claridge’s • 11.The Connaught • 12. The Dorchester • 13. Four Seasons at Park Lane • 14. Athenaeum Hotel & Residences • 15. Ham Yard Hotel • 16. Soho Hotel • 17. Hazlitt’s • 18. W London • 19. Fielding Hotel • 20. ME by Melia • 21. The Savoy • 22. Citadines Trafalgar Square • 23. Milestone Kensington • 24. Melia Kensington • 25. Cheval Knightsbridge • 26. Egerton House • 27. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park • 28. The Berkeley • 29. The Goring • 30. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate • 31. Conrad St. James • 32. The Ritz London • 33. Marriott County Hall • 34. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge • 35. Park Plaza County Hall

Best New Hotel: The Mayfair Townhouse

Best Affordable Hotels: 36. Central Hotel • 37. Generator London • 38. Holiday Inn Bloomsbury • 39. Z Hotel Gloucester Place • 40. Z Hotel Soho • 41. Strand Palace Hotel • 42. Premier Inn County Hall • 43. DoubleTree • 44. Park City Grand Plaza Kensington • 45. Best Western Victoria Palace • 46. Luna and Simone Hotel

My 20 Tips for Staying in London

1. Covent Garden for Theater & Shopping
Why Stay: Nestled in the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden offers world-class theaters, boutique shopping, and a lively piazza with street performers.
Hotel Vibe: Boutique and upscale options. The Savoy, Henrietta, or Fielding hotels – place you steps from the Royal Opera House and high-end dining.

2. Soho for Nightlife & Culture
Why Stay: Soho’s edgy yet chic atmosphere brims with late-night bars, music venues, and LGBTQ+ hotspots. A stone’s throw from Oxford Street for daytime shopping.
Hotel Vibe: Stylish, modern hotels such as Soho Hotel or Ham Yard mix contemporary flair with historic charm.

3. Mayfair for Luxury & Prestige
Why Stay: Home to designer boutiques on Bond Street, art galleries, and upscale restaurants. Perfect if you crave refinement near Hyde Park.
Hotel Vibe: Five-star stalwarts like Claridge’s or The Connaught offer lavish suites, afternoon teas, and impeccable service, making for an opulent London base.

4. Marylebone for Village Charm
Why Stay: This neighborhood’s leafy streets, independent shops, and epicurean delights (like the famous cheese rooms at La Fromagerie) give a genteel, local feel.
Hotel Vibe: Smaller boutique hotels – The Marylebone Hotel or The Zetter Townhouse – reflect the area’s relaxed elegance.

5. Notting Hill for Colorful Streets & Markets
Why Stay: Famous for pastel townhouses, Portobello Road Market, and a bohemian-turned-chic vibe. A relaxed spot just north of Kensington Gardens.
Hotel Vibe: Quaint B&Bs and boutique stays abound, like The Portobello Hotel, known for its eclectic décor and romantic atmosphere.

6. South Kensington for Museums & Family Trips
Why Stay: Close to the Natural History, Victoria & Albert, and Science Museums, plus a short stroll to Hyde Park – ideal for families and culture buffs.
Hotel Vibe: Upscale options like The Kensington or The Ampersand provide Victorian townhouses turned modern retreats.

7. Knightsbridge for Designer Shopping
Why Stay: For easy access to Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Sloane Street’s luxe boutiques. Perfect if shopping is top of your London agenda.
Hotel Vibe: High-end hotels such as Bulgari Hotel or Mandarin Oriental exude a polished international flair.

8. The City (Square Mile) for Business & History
Why Stay: Financial district by day, historic labyrinth by night. Proximity to St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the Millennium Bridge.
Hotel Vibe: Weekends can be quieter here, making hotels like The Ned or Andaz London Liverpool Street more affordable on Saturdays and Sundays.

9. Shoreditch for Trendsetters
Why Stay: Creative vibes, street art, and cutting-edge nightlife define this East London locale. Great for discovering indie shops and hip brunch spots.
Hotel Vibe: Stylish modern stays – The Hoxton Shoreditch or citizenM – draw a young crowd with fun open lobbies, lounge spaces, and cool design.

10. Camden for Music & Markets
Why Stay: Long known for its alternative music scene, Camden’s famed market, live venues, and canalside bars make it a go-to for a grungy-cool experience.
Hotel Vibe: Limited in high-end options, so consider boutique guesthouses or new trendy hotels along the Regent’s Canal corridor.

11. Bloomsbury for Literary Heritage
Why Stay: Once home to the Bloomsbury Group, this area’s garden squares, British Museum, and academic aura (near UCL) appeal to history and art lovers.
Hotel Vibe: Period townhouses, like The Montague on the Gardens or Kimpton Fitzroy, exude traditional charm.

12. Westminster for Iconic Sights
Why Stay: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace on your doorstep. Ideal for first-time London visitors prioritizing must-see attractions.
Hotel Vibe: Expect larger properties like the Conrad London St. James or St. Ermin’s with classic décor, close to major landmarks.

13. South Bank & Waterloo for Riverside Access
Why Stay: Walk along the Thames Path to the London Eye, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Convenient transportation links at Waterloo Station.
Hotel Vibe: Modern high-rises, including Park Plaza Westminster Bridge and Park Plaza County Hall, offering panoramic river views and easy access to central London.

14. King’s Cross & St. Pancras for Eurostar
Why Stay: Dynamic neighborhood redeveloped around the station. Fantastic for catching early trains to Europe or exploring Granary Square’s trendy eateries.
Hotel Vibe: Stylish transformations of industrial buildings, such as The Standard or Great Northern Hotel – perfect for architecture buffs.

15. Chelsea for Upscale Village Feel
Why Stay: Boutique boutiques (especially along King’s Road), quiet residential streets, and the annual Chelsea Flower Show.
Hotel Vibe: Smaller luxury accommodations like the boutique Chelsea Townhouse radiate classic English refinement.

16. Fitzrovia for Dining & Design
Why Stay: Tucked between Soho and Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia boasts high-end restaurants, creative agencies, and Charlotte Street’s buzzing café culture.
Hotel Vibe: The Charlotte Street Hotel showcases a stylish, art-infused décor – a gem for design-savvy travelers.

17. Victoria for Transport Convenience
Why Stay: Quick connections to Gatwick Airport via train, plus Buckingham Palace and the West End are in easy reach.
Hotel Vibe: Mix of budget-friendly chains (Comfort Inn Victoria, citizenM Victoria Station) and upscale properties like The Goring, known for its regal flair.

18. Bayswater & Paddington for Hyde Park Access
Why Stay: Convenient for morning jogs in Hyde Park, plus direct Heathrow Express connections from Paddington Station.
Hotel Vibe: Varied range – from budget-friendly row-houses to modern hotels like the Hilton London Paddington.

19. Greenwich for Maritime Charm
Why Stay: UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Observatory, and riverside views of London’s skyline. More relaxed than central areas.
Hotel Vibe: Boutique options like the boutique Admiral Hardy, pubs-with-rooms, or chains near the O2 arena for concerts.

20. Canary Wharf for Business & Skyline
Why Stay: London’s second major financial district with skyscraper views, plus the Docklands’ new restaurants and bars.
Hotel Vibe: Contemporary high-rise hotels (e.g., Novotel, Hilton) with slick design, often with weekend deals when the business crowd departs.

Best Places to Stay in London

My wife and I having afternoon tea in London.

• Best Luxury Hotels in London
  The Connaught • The Goring • Rosewood London • The Savoy • Shangri-La The Shard • Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
• Best Boutique Hotels in London
  The Mandrake • The Soho • Montague on the Gardens • Batty Langley’s • Ham Yard • Vintry and Mercer
• Best Midrange Hotels in London
  citizenM Tower of London • Motel One • Park Plaza County Hall • Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
• Best London Hotels for Families
  Taj 51 Buckingham Gate (luxury) • The Athenaeum (luxury) • Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (midrange) • DoubleTree (budget)
• Best Cheap Hotels in London
  London Visitors Hotel • The Z Soho • hub King’s Cross • hub Westminster Abbey
• Best Hostels in London
  Wombat’s City Hostel • YHA Oxford Street

Our room at the Ham Yard Hotel in London.

TripAdvisor Hotels (Best Value)

*Note: The top-rated hotels on TripAdvisor are selected by an algorithm based on location, price, cleanliness, service, and amenities. This produces good-value, safe, and reliable hotels but often not the most interesting or unique places to stay in London.

TripAdvisor Hotels on Map: 1. Resident Covent Garden • 2. Tower Hotel • 3. Resident Victoria • 4. Montcalm Royal • 5. Park Grand Kensington • 6. Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge • 7. St. James Court • 8. Resident Soho • 9. Vintry & Mercer • 10. Pan Pacific • 11. Park Plaza Riverbank • 12. Leonardo Royal St Paul’s • 13. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge • 14. Caesar Hotel • 15. H10 Waterloo • 16. Clermont Charing Cross • 17. Phoenix Hotel • 18. London Bridge Hotel • 19. Zedwell Piccadilly • 20. easyHotel Shoreditch • 21. DoubleTree Tower of London • 22. Stamford Bridge Hotel • 23. Copthorne Tara • 24. Waldorf Hilton