Hotels in London

Best time to visit London

Being one of the most visited cities in the world, London is packed with tourists all year round. The city is extra-crowded in summer due to school breaks so you can expect long lines at the popular attractions. Hotel rates are also relatively higher during this time of the year. The shoulder months from March – April and September – November are good times to visit. The weather is mild, the crowds are slightly thinner, and hotel rates fall into a reasonable range. The festive season around Christmas and New Year also sees a surge in tourists and hotel prices. It can rain anytime in London, so make sure to pack an umbrella whenever you visit.

Getting around London

The entire city of London is well-connected with an extensive and efficient public transport system and the tube (London underground) is the city’s lifeline. Fares start at £4.90 GBP. You also have the London buses and black taxis. To cover shorter distances either walk or opt for the bike-share system called Santander Cycles. You pay £2.00 GBP for 24 hours, for unlimited rides not exceeding 30 minutes on any individual ride.

Best places to stay in London

Home to the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and The Beatles, London is an icon of history and royalty. But that’s definitely not all. London is also a great spot for art, architecture, culture, food, fashion and sports. A beautiful union of traditional and modern London continues to be one of the most visited cities in the world. Almost every London neighbourhood has its own distinct character and is home to at least one globally recognized landmark.

South Bank

Along the Thames River, the South Bank neighbourhood is home to several London attractions. Along the pedestrians-only river bank there is a festive and casual atmosphere, and you will see some excellent views of iconic London landmarks. Check out the Mad Hatter Hotel set on top of a Victorian pub on Stamford Street. Or you can book a stay at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall, a stately stone building with rooms overlooking the Thames river.

West End

A constantly buzzing central neighbourhood the West End is full of theatres, shops, and clubs. In the heart of the West End, stay at the warm and welcoming Flemings Mayfair hotel, or try The London EDITION hotel just off Oxford Street. For sophisticated and luxury accommodation favoured by members of UK’s royal family, stay at The Dukes London hotel just off St. James’s Street. High on Brit traditions the Dukes offers Afternoon Tea in a stylish setting complete with freshly baked scones and a choice of pastries and sandwiches.

Kensington & Hyde Park

This neighbourhood exudes regal elegance. The string of bakeries and cheese shops, along with museums and parks makes for a very diverse itinerary when visiting or staying in this area. Check out the serviced apartments at Cheval Harrington Court, or consider staying at the boutique hotel The Montcalm London Marble Arch. At the prime location in Park Lane, you will find the Art Deco-styled 45 Park Lane hotel offering luxurious rooms with modern amenities.

City of London

Also known as ‘The City’, this neighborhood is the financial hub of London. The world’s biggest corporations have offices in fancy high-rises in this neighbourhood. This is an extremely lively and busy place during the week and is relatively quiet on the weekends. Enjoy the elegant serviced apartments at SACO the Cannon or stay at the Threadneedles, a boutique-styled hotel near Bank tube station.

Greenwich

Home to the Prime Meridian Line, Greenwich is the global time-keeper to which the world sets its time. The neighbourhood has verdant parks, maritime history, and antiques markets. The area has a rustic charm because of its Victorian and Georgian architecture. Or check out the Homestead Inn – Thomas Henkelmann, an upscale boutique hotel with 2.7 acres of lush manicured greens at Field Point Road.

Cheap hotels in London

For a quirky budget stay, check out the Generator Hostel in Bloomsbury. It has some funky repurposed furniture and street art all over the place. You could also look at the Clink78 hostel with Japanese-style pod beds located at King’s Cross Road. Another place to enjoy a budget stay is the family-run Garden Court Hotel on a pretty Victorian street close to Notting Hill and Hyde Park. Hotel chains like Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn, and Best Western also offer cheap rates at many of their properties in London.

In the vast and vivacious city of London a first visit may be typically used to tick off the bucket-list of all its world-renowned monuments and landmarks. Apart from the popular attractions, the city has so much to offer that you may need to make more than one trip to focus on London’s other cultural aspects. Some other interesting attractions in London are the culinary scene, fashion, sports, music, arts, and theatre.