Best Areas to Stay in London: Top 5 With Hotel Suggestions
For first-timers to the city, London can feel like a maze, intertwining different neighbourhoods, each complete with their own charm, style and architectural design. When deciding on the best areas to stay in London it can spark confusion, with many incredible neighbourhoods and hotels to choose between. Luckily, London’s hospitality scene rises to the occasion.
No city does luxury hotels quite like London. A place where five-star luxury hotels are home to award-winning spas and Michelin-star restaurants come as standard. Discover the best areas to stay in London below paired with the team at Suite Stay Club’s recommendations of hotels to stay in the city centre of London and beyond. Plus, if you're wondering what to do during your time in London, you can read our 2-day itinerary.
The City of London
You’ll love The City of London if you…
Appreciate history, classic British Architecture and luxurious rooftop bars.
With unmatched architecture, The City of London is one of the best areas to stay in the capital. The City of London places you at the heart of the capital, with historic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Royal Exchange (we recommend popping into Fortnum & Mason for a glass of Champagne or two if you’re here) and the Tower of London just a short stroll away.
Families will appreciate the ease of exploring riverside walks and the history, making it one of the best areas to stay in London with family. For those with a taste for indulgence, the City boasts an impressive selection of 5-star hotels in London to choose from.
And when the sun sets, the magic truly begins—think rooftop cocktails with skyline views, candlelit dinners in historic halls, and the quiet luxury of retreating to some of the finest 5-star hotels in London UK.
Hotels in The City of London
South Place Hotel
South Place Hotel offers a luxurious escape in the heart of The City of London with a refined blend of contemporary design and a vibrant atmosphere. With 80 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each space reflects the energetic atmosphere of the surrounding Moorgate area.
You can indulge at the Michelin-starred Angler restaurant or unwind at one of the hotel’s three bars, including the enchanting Secret Garden and the sophisticated 3SP. Designed by Conran + Partners, the interiors feature inspired details and playful touches, creating a place to relax after a long day in the city.
The nearest Tube station: The city of London is well served via tube stations, including Bank, Barbican and Liverpool Street Underground Stations.
Covent Garden
You’ll love Covent Garden if you…
…appreciate theatre, vibrant markets, and charming cobbled streets.
Covent Garden is where London’s theatreland glamour meets the hum of the street life. Covent Garden is without a doubt one of the best areas to stay in London, it’s a haven for culture seekers, with the Royal Opera House, lively piazzas, and boutique-lined streets just steps away. Stop by Neal’s Yard for a kaleidoscope of colours (and maybe a slice of cake), or browse Seven Dials for one-off finds.
Families will love the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, while the foodies among you can indulge in everything from Michelin-starred dining to cosy bistros. With a range of 5-star hotels in London offering luxurious comforts, Covent Garden promises a stay that’s as vibrant as its surroundings…
Hotels in Covent Garden
L'oscar London
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, just a whisper away from London’s West End sits L'oscar London, where original biblical Doulton terracotta panels still line the walls.
The hotel has been beautifully restored and reimagined into a lavish retreat that whispers decadence at every corner. The hotel’s sumptuous interiors, designed by Jacques Garcia, evoke a sense of theatrical grandeur - think rich velvet fabrics, dazzling chandeliers and intricate gold leaf detailing.
The nearest Tube station: The nearest tube station is Covent Garden Underground Station.
Mayfair & Marylebone
You’ll love Mayfair & Marylebone if you…
…appreciate high-end boutiques, timeless elegance, and cosy village vibes.
Known as two of the best areas of London, Mayfair and Marylebone are perfect for those who appreciate life’s finer things.
In Mayfair, explore Bond Street’s high-end boutiques, home to luxury brands and independent shops, or unwind with a stroll through Hyde Park’s lush greenery. If you’re looking for a spot of tea, indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at one of Mayfair’s iconic grand hotels, trust, us, there are plenty of them, all as lavish as the last.
Marylebone, by contrast, brings a cosy, village-like feel to the city, with its cobblestone streets, independent bookshops, and cosy cafes. Literature lovers can step into the fictional world of Sherlock Holmes at 221B Baker Street, while foodies will revel in the gourmet delights of Marylebone High Street. With a curated collection of some of the finest 5-star hotels in London UK, these neighbourhoods promise a stay steeped in luxury and quintessentially British charm.
With some of the most sought-after 5-star hotels in London UK, these neighbourhoods are ideal for those who expect nothing but the best from their stay in the city.
Hotels in Mayfair & Marylebone
The BoTree
The BoTree, a boutique hotel on Marylebone Lane, London, epitomises conscious elegance. It has a vibrant mix of modern sophistication and sustainable principles.
The hotel sits at the intersection of Marylebone, Mayfair and Soho, seamlessly combining the unique charms of these iconic London neighbourhoods. The BoTree has 199 rooms, including 30 luxurious suites, where guests can take in the skyline views of Big Ben, the London Eye and Tower Bridge from the comfort of their room.
The Marylebone - coming soon
Experience a slice of decadence in The Marylebone; a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Marylebone village, one of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods. This stylish hotel sits just a short walk from the bustle of Oxford Street and the iconic stores of Bond Street, Mayfair and Harley Street.
The Marylebone is one of London’s most decadent hotels complete with one of the best hotel suites in London with sweeping views of the city, a Third Space Gym and an 18-meter swimming pool, plus, a classic yet refined eatery serving delicious dishes all day long.
The nearest tube station: The nearest tube station is Bond Street Underground Station.
Kensington & Chelsea
You’ll love Kensington & Chelsea if you…
…appreciate cultural, designer shopping and green spaces
Located in the West of London, Kensington and Chelsea epitomise refined elegance, making them two of the best areas to stay in London for those who love a touch of grandeur. In Kensington, immerse yourself in culture at the Victoria and Albert Museum or stroll through Kensington Gardens, where a visit to the picturesque Kensington Palace is a must. The neighbourhood’s tree-lined streets and stately townhouses exude sophistication, while its chic cafes and boutique shopping along Kensington High Street add a contemporary flair.
Chelsea, on the other hand, offers a more bohemian charm. Wander along the iconic King’s Road, dotted with independent shops, galleries, and stylish eateries, or enjoy a quiet moment in the Chelsea Physic Garden. With a selection of luxurious 5-star hotels in London UK, Kensington and Chelsea promise a stay that’s both indulgent and effortlessly stylish.
Hotels in Kensington & Chelsea
The Kensington - coming soon
Brimming with sumptuous cosy rooms and extravagant suites, The Kensington offers a luxurious place to rest your head whilst exploring the bustling capital, just a step away from the hotel's front door. Set in one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in London, The Kensington offers a sophisticated spot to unwind, packed full of well-appointed, lavish amenities.
Spend your days exploring the neighbourhood then return to the hotel's on-site restaurant with a design rooted in deep heritage with an uncluttered modern feel, offering a sophisticated spot to enjoy an indulgent meal before heading the The K Bar for an expertly crafted cocktail.
The nearest tube station: Many tube stations serve Kensington & Chelsea, some include Sloane Square, South Kensington, Gloucester Road and Kensington (Olympia).
Soho & The West End
You’ll love Soho & The West End if you…
…appreciate world-class nightlife, renowned theatre, and eclectic dining spots.
Soho and The West End, are completely different to any other areas in London. Offering a vibrant and energetic contrast. Soho is the beating heart of London’s nightlife, with its buzzing bars, eclectic restaurants, and legendary jazz clubs.
During the day, Soho’s narrow streets brim with quirky shops, independent coffee spots, and a creative energy that’s hard to resist. The West End, synonymous with theatre, ensures you’re never far from the best productions and the glitz of Leicester Square. Whether it’s a Michelin-starred dinner pre-show or a nightcap in one of Soho’s speakeasies, these neighbourhoods are perfect for those who want to stay in the thick of the action. With an abundance of stylish hotels in the city centre of London, Soho and The West End you’ll be spoilt for choice…
Hotels in Soho & The West End
L'oscar London
Just moments from Soho and just a whisper away from London’s West End sits L'oscar London, where original biblical Doulton terracotta panels still line the walls.
The hotel has been beautifully restored and reimagined into a lavish retreat that whispers decadence at every corner. The hotel’s sumptuous interiors, designed by Jacques Garcia, evoke a sense of theatrical grandeur - think rich velvet fabrics, dazzling chandeliers and intricate gold leaf detailing.
The nearest Tube station: The nearest tube stations are Charing Cross and Leicester Square.
