London Guide: Where to Stay

Where To Stay in (Central) London

So many choices!

It can be overwhelming to choose a spot to stay in a city as massive and diverse as London. As in any great city, there are many sides to it. Luckily, the multiple personalities of London can be experienced through its many neighborhoods. One great way to discover the city on a deeper level is to explore a single area in more depth. Choose a certain part of the city to base yourself in during your trip, and with a little wandering plus healthy curiosity…voila!

In truth I have spent most of my time in London staying with friends. Still, these are the best places I have stayed at across many of my visits, (and what I can vouch for that’s not a couch!) Coincidentally, they are all located in favorite parts of the city.

Here are my recommended places to stay, organized by neighborhood and described at different price points:


Chelsea: Cheval Residences Phoenix House at Sloane Square

A comfortable, luxurious spot in one of my absolute favorite parts of London. It feels like part-hotel, part-flat complete with a full kitchen but with hotel level service and personal touches. Best suited to the business traveler who wants a touch of home.

Shoreditch: The Hoxton

This hotel is trendy East London at its best. At the heart of the artsy action, it’s got a bustling lobby and individually designed rooms (don’t you just love it when every room at a hotel is not the same!)

Mayfair: The Athenaeum
If you’re after a more luxury hotel experience, it’s tough to beat the Mayfair location of this gem. I felt both spoiled and comfortable at the same time here, which is hard to accomplish as a hotel. Many of the rooms also have views of adjacent Green Park.

Notting Hill: The Distillery

If you like your stay with a side of gin, you can’t beat the experience at this newly opened hotspot at an ideal Notting Hill location. There are only three rooms, so you’ll want to book well in advance. But if you snag one of them, you’ll be mere steps away from one of the most exciting parts of London (including their gin bar.)

Covent Garden: The Strand Palace

At the recommendation of a friend, I stayed at this very central hotel which turned out to be one of the better budget options. If you’re looking for a hotel and not a hostel in the center of London, it’s hard to beat this place.

Notes:

• My favorite hostel in the world is in London. It’s Palmer’s Lodge (Swiss Cottage) and though my true backpacking days are mostly through, I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.
• Cheval Residences has locations all across the city.
• In full disclosure, I had booked several nights with a flat rental company called FG Properties and left after one night. I had a negative experience and would not recommend them.
• I’ve got my eye on the Zetter Townhouse or the Stafford London (recently renovated) for my next visit.
• Another side note: I was invited to dine at The Athenaeum and The Hoxton’s restaurants and really, really enjoyed both meals. I’m not one to enjoy hotel food, but both were exceptional!

More London Guides:

What To See // Where To Eat