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Where to Stay in Soho London

London › Soho Hotels
Updated: April 19, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

My wife and I in a Soho bar.

My wife and I in a Soho bar.

Best Hotels in Soho: SohoHam Yard Hotel • Hazlitt’s • Z Hotel SohoThe Resident SohoZedwell Piccadilly CircusMimi’s Hotel Soho • SoHostel

Why Stay in Soho: The Energetic Heart of London

Soho is the loud, creative, and always exciting epicenter of the West End. I think it one of the best neighborhoods to stay in London for those who want to be in the absolute center of the action. It is a vibrant grid of streets packed with world-class restaurants, legendary pubs, and historic music venues.

  • The Vibe: I recommend this area for foodies, nightlife lovers, and theater-goers who thrive on constant energy. The atmosphere is fascinating, but it is rarely quiet.
  • The Location: Staying here puts you within walking distance of almost every major attraction in Central London. If you prefer a slightly more polished feel, stay in Covent Garden, which is just a short walk to the east.
  • The Entertainment: From world-class mixology bars to the city’s top theaters, Soho is a 24/7 district. I find that while it can be crowded, it provides an authentic urban experience you won’t find elsewhere.

Best Things to Do in Soho

  • See a West End Show: Soho is the heart of London’s Theatreland. Shaftesbury Avenue is the most famous theater street in the city, but you will find many other venues on the surrounding side streets. I recommend booking tickets well in advance for major musicals. For last-minute deals, visit the TKTS booth in nearby Leicester Square.
  • Go Shopping: The neighborhood offers a mix of global brands and unique boutiques. Carnaby Street is iconic for its fashion history, while Liberty London is one of the most beautiful department stores in the world, housed in a striking mock-Tudor building. For major flagship stores, you are only steps away from Regent Street and Oxford Street.
  • Explore the Food Scene: This is one of my favorite areas for dining in London. Dean Street and Frith Street are packed with high-quality restaurants ranging from casual cafes to Michelin-starred spots. I also recommend Berwick Street Market for excellent street food and Chinatown for authentic East Asian cuisine just across Shaftesbury Avenue.
  • Experience the Nightlife: Soho is legendary for its bars and clubs. I suggest visiting Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club for world-class performances, though you should book weeks ahead. The French House is a historic pub known for its bohemian atmosphere and for traditionally serving beer in half-pints. Old Compton Street is the vibrant center of the local LGBTQ+ community.
  • Relax in Soho Square: When the crowds on Oxford Street become too much, I head to this green square. It is a historic park that provides a needed break from the urban energy. It is a perfect spot for people-watching or having a coffee while admiring the central mock-Tudor gardener’s hut.

Best Hotels in Soho

Soho’s hotels reflect its character: they are stylish, often boutique, and put you right in the middle of the action.

My room at a Soho hotel.

Our room at the Ham Yard Hotel in Soho.

Luxury Boutique Hotels
Soho: A superb luxury boutique hotel from the Firmdale group, known for its bold, colorful design, huge rooms, and fantastic bar. An oasis of calm in the middle of the buzz.

Ham Yard Hotel: Another Firmdale masterpiece. A unique “urban village” with a beautiful courtyard, rooftop terrace, restaurant, and even its own bowling alley. One of London’s best hotels.

Hazlitt’s: A special and historic hotel that feels like stepping back in time. Housed in four 18th-century townhouses, it’s filled with antiques, four-poster beds, and incredible character.

Affordable hotel in Soho.

The Z Hotel Soho in the middle of the action.


Mid-Range & Smart Value

• Z Hotel Soho: A very popular and smart budget choice. It offers clean, modern, and compact windowless rooms that are perfect for a short stay focused on exploring.

Mimi’s Hotel Soho: A fantastic “compact luxury” hotel. The rooms are small but beautifully designed and the location is absolutely unbeatable for the price.

The Resident Soho: An excellent aparthotel offering stylish rooms that all include a small kitchenette. A great value choice for families or longer stays.

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus: Located right on the edge of Soho, this hotel offers unique, minimalist, windowless “cocoons” designed for sleep, providing a quiet escape from the noise.

Best Hostel
• SoHostel: A large, modern, and lively hostel with a great social atmosphere and an incredible location right in the heart of Soho, offering fantastic value for budget travelers.

Getting Around Soho

  • Walking: This is the best way to explore the neighborhood. Soho is a dense maze of narrow streets and historic alleys that are mostly pedestrian-friendly. I find that I can walk to Mayfair, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly Circus in less than 10 minutes. Areas like Carnaby Street are entirely closed to cars, making it easy to explore the shops and cafes without traffic.
  • The Tube (Underground): Soho does not have a station directly in its center, but it is bordered by four of the most important transport hubs in London. You are never more than a 5 minute walk from a station entrance no matter where you are in the neighborhood.
  • Tottenham Court Road: Located at the northeast corner of Soho. It serves the Central and Northern lines. It is also a major stop for the Elizabeth Line, which provides the fastest direct link to Heathrow Airport and Reading to the west, or the Canary Wharf business district to the east.
  • Oxford Circus: Located at the northwest corner. This is a massive interchange for the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines. It is the best station if you are heading toward Victoria Station or north toward Marylebone.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Located at the southwest corner. This station serves the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines. I recommend using this stop if you are coming from the South Kensington museums or the West End theater district.
  • Leicester Square: Located at the southeast corner. This station serves the Northern and Piccadilly lines. It is the most convenient stop for the cinemas and major theaters located on the edge of Soho.

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Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

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