Hotels in London

Hotels in London: prices, timing and areas

When to book a stay in London for less

London is cheapest in winter. January is usually the bottom of the market, about 20 percent below the yearly average, as the city empties of tourists just after the holidays. September and high summer are the priciest, when tourist traffic and concerts at Wembley push rates up by a quarter against the rest of the year. The arrival day matters too: Thursday is the cheapest, Monday the most expensive. Unlike many cities, London has a fluid last-minute market, so about a month ahead is enough for a regular trip, and the lowest rates can appear right before the date.

What a stay costs by property type

London has one of the widest price ranges in Europe, so a private room and five stars in the centre are worlds apart. The cheapest sleep is in one-star places and private rooms near the stations; you pay the most for five stars in zone 1. Below are indicative nightly rates.

Indicative rates for a double room, outside the September peak. In London the same hotel can cost twice as much in zone 1 as in zone 4, so check the real price for your dates in the search above.

Where a stay is cheaper and where it costs more

The most popular area among guests is Soho in the heart of the West End, with theatres, restaurants and nightlife on the doorstep. Westminster and the City of London put you near the landmarks and the business district, while Covent Garden and the streets around Piccadilly hold the highest rates. It is cheaper further out: Woolwich in the east has the lowest prices, about 45 percent below the city average, along with Ealing, Lewisham and Wandsworth. With zones 1 to 6 and an Oyster card, the Tube ride from a cheaper district into the centre takes a quarter of an hour, so a base further out is still convenient.

Which stay in London suits whom

• First time in London. Soho or Westminster in zone 1 is the easiest base. From here it is a walk to Big Ben, the London Eye and the main theatres.
• For families. Family rooms in mid-range hotels in the quieter districts of zone 2. Close to museums such as the Natural History Museum, and most charge no entry fee.
• For couples. Soho and Covent Garden, where the evenings have the most theatres, restaurants and bars. A short walk from there along the Thames to Tower Bridge.
• Business travel. Hotels in the City of London and Westminster are close to the offices and conference centres. The Tube reaches most addresses without a change.
• With breakfast. Many hotels in the West End include a buffet in the rate, which helps you set off early for sightseeing. Handy with a tight day plan.
• Near the airport. London has five airports, from Heathrow to Gatwick and Stansted. Hotels around them suit an early flight, and the fast train runs into the centre.

Example hotels in London with prices

From a private room by the station to five stars in Whitehall, a few London names with a from price. Just a starting point, as rates can climb noticeably in September and on weekends with big concerts.

From prices for a double room. In London the same hotel can differ a lot between a Thursday and a Monday, so check your exact dates in the search.