London offers an extraordinary number of sights, attractions and treats for children of all ages. But where’s the best place to stay to discover it all?
Where you choose to stay in London with kids depends on a number of factors: budget, age of children and what you want to do. There are definitely some London neighbourhoods that work better for families than others. This guide aims to cut through the noise and help you find the best London family hotels.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy for more details.
How to pick the best family hotel in London
Table of Contents
The above map details the neighbourhoods listed below:
Choosing where to stay in London with kids depends on several factors: location, cost and availability / time of year.
Location:
If you’re visiting with toddlers, for example, it’s worth staying in a central location near the main sights and parks so you don’t have to travel much. Teenagers on the other hand, will love neighbourhoods such as Camden and Shoreditch, that are just a little bit cooler.
Budget:
Budget also comes into play; there are some amazing family hotels in London but they don’t come cheap. If you want to make your ££ go further then look at hotels chains such as Travelodge and Premier Inn, which are often good value and still come with perks such as free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.
You may want to consider renting an AirBnB or a serviced apartment. Having home comforts such as a fully-equipped kitchen and a washing machine can make travelling with kids that bit easier. If you have never rented through AirBnB before, I can offer you a £40 Airbnb referral credit (this means you get £40 off your first booking).
Availability:
Remember that if you are visiting during busy seasons, for example Christmas or October half-term then prices will be higher and you will need to book well in advance.
Don’t miss our selection of the best London hotels with swimming pools.
One of the great things about London, however, is that every neighbourhood has its own personality. You’re bound to find a postcode to suit you. This guide has been broken down by neighbourhood with recommended hotels as well as the main sights and transport links.
The best London family hotels
In a big rush? Here are my three most popular properties in the running for the best family hotel London has to offer.
The Zetter: Fun, eco-friendly boutique hotel with characterful rooms in Clerkenwell.
Z Hotel: Great value hotel in the heart of Covent Garden. The Z Family Room sleep 4 in a set of double bunk beds.
Rubens at the Palace: Rooms fit for Kings, Queens and their little entourage very close to Buckingham Palace.
Premier Inn Bank: Great value budget hotel in central London with sizeable room. Under 16s stay free.
If you want more ideas on visiting London for families take a look at my London guide. Please do join our London with Kids Facebook group.
Kensington & South Kensington
The elegant neighbourhoods of Kensington and South Kensington has some of the best hotels for families.
Located in Central London, you are within walking distance of some of the city’s best kid friendly attractions, including the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. You can even enjoy a sleepover at both these museums.
You also have Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens on your doorstep, which is ideal if you’re visiting London with a toddler, as well as some of the finest serviced apartments that London has to offer.
There’s some great shopping, good restaurants and it’s easy to visit other parts of London. Plus, these London neighbourhoods are just very pretty filled with elegant mews streets and Georgian buildings.
Family Hotels in Kensington:
The Milestone Hotel: Historic hotel located opposite Kensington Gardens and Palace.
Cheval Gloucester Park: Serviced apartments with kitchens located within an easy walk to Gloucester Park tube station.
Royal Garden Hotel: Family-friendly hotel overlooking Hyde Park.
The Queens Gate Hotel: Elegant hotel in a great location with excellent family accommodation options. Choose from a Deluxe Triple (with three twin beds) or a Deluxe Family with a king-size bed and two twin beds.
The Resident Kensington: Friendly boutique hotel with rooms sleeping up to four people. They also have fun bunk rooms, perfect if travelling with older kids who can have their own room.
The Kensington: Beautiful townhouse in a convenient location for the Natural History and Science Museums and the V&A. It has several interconnecting rooms, a teepee in the Studio suites and a dedicated family concierge.
The Ampersand: Characterful boutique hotel in a good location near all the main sights. Also home to an excellent afternoon tea.
Budget Family Hotels in Kensington
Premier Inn Kensington (Olympia): Good value hotel with family rooms featuring include a double or kingsize bed, plus a sofa bed and pull-out bed depending on the number of guests staying in the room. They also provide travel cots at no extra cost. No on-site parking.
Premier Inn (Earls Court): Good value hotel with family rooms featuring a double or kingsize bed, plus a sofa bed and pull-out bed. No on-site parking available.
Trebovir Hotel: Three-star hotel within walking distance of Earls Court offering family rooms that sleep four. Rates include breakfast.
Doubletree by Hilton London Kensington: Located in Shepherds Bush near the underground and train for reaching Harry Potter studios, this hotel has interconnecting rooms for families and pretty views over the public garden.
Travel to Kensington:
Kensington and South Kensington are located in Zone 1. The nearest London Underground stations are High Street Kensington, South Kensington, Gloucester Road and Earl’s Court.
St. James’s
Tucked away in the heart of Central London is the exclusive area of St. James’s. It’s just a stone’s throw from both Piccadilly Circus and a short walk to Buckingham Palace but is quiet and peaceful, filled with characterful lanes and leafy squares.
The neighbourhood is home to several theatres, art dealers, the Royal Academy of Arts and upmarket – and truly British – shops such as Fortnum & Mason.
Family Hotels in St. James’s:
St. Ermin’s Hotel: Excellent luxury family-friendly hotel with Family Rooms that can sleep five. Their two-bedroom suites come with two double beds on one room and a sofa bed in the second room. Plus, there are gifts for kids and they do an excellent afternoon tea.
Conrad London St James: Luxury hotel with a Family Connecting Room offering two rooms (one with a king-sized bed and the other with two twin beds), two bathrooms and special children amenities such as London-themed bed linen.
Hotel Café Royal: One of the best family hotels in London, the Hotel Café Royal has the Royal Nanny Seal of Approval owing to its partnership with Louenna Hood, trusted Norland Nanny to numerous royal families. Expect family-friendly rooms, custom children’s menus, specially crafted trunks, a children’s playroom, indoor swimming pool and more.
Budget Family Hotels in St. James’s:
hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey: If you’re visiting London with teens who want their own room then this is a good budget option. Rooms are compact but comfortable and central.
Travel to St. James’s
St. James’s Park Underground Station is in Zone 1 on the District and Circle Lines.
Earl’s Court
Earl’s Court is a residential area positioned between the neighbourhoods of Chelsea and Kensington. It used to be known for its exhibition and events centre. Many of the buildings are grand period houses and there are lots of leafy garden squares.
There aren’t any big sights to see here but you are well placed for visiting some of London’s star attractions nearby. Plus you can find marginally cheaper hotels and rental accommodation here than in some of the fancier nearby neighbourhoods.
Family Hotels in Earl’s Court:
The Resident Victoria: Friendly hotel with rooms sleeping 4 people located very near to Earl’s Court underground station.
Templeton Place by Supercity Aparthotels: One-bedroom and studio suites with fully fitted kitchens that can sleep up to 3 people. Perfect if you’re travelling with a baby or toddler.
Budget Family Hotels in Earl’s Court:
Ibis London Earl’s Court: Budget hotel with rooms sleeping 3 and 4 people. Car park available (chargeable).
Travel to Earl’s Court:
Earl’s Court Station is located in Zone 1 and is on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines. You can also access Earl’s Court via West Brompton on the District line.
Marylebone
Located near Regent’s Park, easily one of my favourite London parks, is upmarket Marylebone. This residential neighbourhood is sandwiched between Baker Street and Oxford Street. It’s filled with red brick mansion blocks, shops, restaurants and some of the best London family hotels.
It’s very central and can feel quite busy at times. On the plus side, however, you have Marylebone High Street, one of London’s best shopping streets. It’s the perfect location for visiting sights including the London Zoo and the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
Family Hotels in Marylebone:
The Landmark: Five-Star hotel with family rooms that can sleep four people.
Holmes Hotel London: Friendly hotel located minutes from Baker Street underground station. Has a number of suites that can sleep up to four people.
The Marylebone: Lovely hotel with a huge number of treats for kids including gifts on arrival, milk and cookies at bedtime, children’s toiletries, board games, a DVD player and kids’ DVDs and tepees in the Studio Suites.
Best Budget Family Hotels in Marylebone:
Marylebone Inn Hotel: Family rooms sleeping up to 4 people, some with kitchenettes, in a great location.
Travelodge London Central Marylebone: Family rooms sleeping up to 4 people and kids under 15 eat free. Make sure to book well in advance!
YHA London Central: If visiting London with teens then this is a great budget option. Private rooms with bunk beds sleeping 2 with an ensuite bathrooms are available.
Travel to Marylebone:
The Marylebone underground station is on the Bakerloo line, located in zone 1. You can also access Marylebone from Baker Street, which is on a number of lines. Marylebone also has a train station.
Mayfair
If you’re looking for an upmarket address then Mayfair is one of the best neighbourhoods in London. It’s a beautiful area, home to embassies, upmarket shops, art galleries and fancy hotels.
In fact, Mayfair is home to some of the best London family hotels.
Although not packed with sights and attractions, the neighbourhood is perfectly positioned for exploring everything that London has to offer. It’s also home to some great luxury hotels that are good for families.
Family Hotels in Mayfair:
Brown’s Hotel: Mayfair institution located near Green Park tube station with an impressive literary heritage and spacious rooms. The hotel has a family program; children receive a welcome gift, child-size bathrobes and slippers and a Rocco Forte passport.
St. James Hotel & Club: Boutique hotel housed within an old diplomat’s club. Has interconnecting rooms and a dedicated children’s concierge.
Dukes Hotel: Charming hotel dating from 1908. Their Family Escape offer comes with five hours’ complimentary childcare and in-room goodies.
Athenaeum Hotel & Residences: Contemporary hotel located opposite Green Park offering interconnecting rooms and Residences with kitchenettes and bunk beds. They also have a dedicated Children’s Concierge, their own toy story, and nannies and babysitters on hand.
Hard Rock Hotel London: Very fun themed hotel from the Hard Rock chain with Family Rooms sleeping up to 4 people.
Travel to Mayfair:
Bond Street is the closest underground station, on the Jubilee line.
Bloomsbury
Flying under the tourist radar is Bloomsbury, one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in London. Located in Zone 1, this quiet, leafy neighbourhood is home to universities, museums, bookstores, cafés and plenty of parks and gardens.
Bloomsbury is also home to Bloomsbury Publishing, the company responsible for introducing Harry Potter to the world.
It’s a lovely neighbourhood and well placed for visiting some of London’s best sights.
Family Hotels in Bloomsbury:
The Bloomsbury: Lovely hotel rooms in a central location. They offer gifts for kids, a complimentary meal for young children under five, milk and biscuits at bed time and adjoining rooms and suites. Plus there’s a teepee for kids to sleep in.
Travel to Bloomsbury:
Bloomsbury is located in Zone 1. The nearest London Underground stations are Russell Square, Goodge Street and Warren Street Station.
Camden
Camden Town, otherwise known as Camden, is located in the north-west of London. It’s a bit busier, a bit grittier and a bit noisier than some of the other London neighbourhoods listed here. But it’s also a lot of fun.
This is a great area to choose if you are travelling to London with teenagers.
Camden is famous for its live music scene; the Dublin Castle helped launch the careers of Blur and Amy Winehouse.
It’s also well known for its market, held at Camden Stables, where hundreds of small businesses sell their wares. Also worth visiting is KERB Camden Market, home to 35 different food stalls.
Family Hotels in Camden:
The Holiday Inn Camden Lock offers family rooms with a kids stay and eat free programme. Kids under 18 stay free when sharing a family room and children under 12 also eat free from the kids’ menu (when accompanied by at least one full paying adult).
Travel to Camden:
Camden Town is located in zone 2, on the northern line. On Sundays, the station is exit only between 1pm and 5pm.
Primrose Hill
Next door to Camden is Primrose Hill, an achingly cool residential area where lots of celebrities live. It’s also incredibly pretty with its very own hill offering spectacular views across London.
This community is a great option for a family holiday in London; you are still close to the city centre but away from the crowds. It’s also a good choice if you want to be near Camden.
Family Hotels in Primrose Hill:
London Marriott Hotel Regents Park: Perfectly positioned hotel with Family Rooms.
Travel to Primrose Hill:
The nearest underground station is Chalk Farm, which is in zone 2 on the Northern Line. From here it is a 5-10 minute walk to Primrose Hill.
Hampstead
Another lovely north London neighbourhood that works well for families is Hampstead.
Despite being located in Zone 2, a visit to Hampstead feels like a trip to the countryside. Filled with historical buildings and characterful streets, the neighbourhood is best known for Hampstead Heath.
Measuring 320 hectares, this mosaic of woodland, meadows, playing fields and ponds is simply stunning. My favourite thing to do here is going swimming in the Hampstead Ponds.
There isn’t a huge choice of family hotels in Hampstead but there are some good AirBnB options.
Family Hotels in Hampstead:
Mirabilis Apartments, Wells Court: Family-friendly apartments with kitchens. The two-bedroom apartments can sleep up to 6 people.
Travel to Hampstead:
Hampstead underground station is located on the northern line in zone 2.
Notting Hill
The 1999 movie Notting Hill put this colourful London neighbourhood on the map. More recently, it was featured in the movie Paddington.
Lively Notting Hill is popular for its pastel coloured houses, its weekly antiques market and the annual Notting Hill Carnival. There’s good shopping (don’t miss Westbourne Grove) and some excellent restaurants. It’s a great place to stay for the whole family.
Family Hotels in Notting Hill:
The Laslett: Charming boutique hotel that offers inter-connecting rooms and a dedicated kids’ menu in the restaurant.
The Portobello Hotel: The perfect place to pretend you are Julie Roberts for a day, this hotel sits in the heart of Notting Hill and is filled with character. There are a handful of rooms suitable for families.
Travel to Notting Hill:
Notting Hill Gate underground station is in zone 1 on the central line. You can also reach Notting Hill via Ladbroke Grove.
Holland Park
Not far from Notting Hill is Holland Park, an upscale neighbourhood centred around a park with the same name. It’s very residential here with pretty mews houses in a rainbow of pastel colours and leafy gardens.
Despite the lack of star attractions it does boast some of London’s hidden gems and is a lovely place to stay in London. Holland Park is very near to some of the city’s best museums including the Natural History Museum and the V&A.
Family Hotels in Holland Park:
There are not many family hotels in Holland Park itself but the Hilton London Olympia is nearby. This hotel has family rooms and interconnecting rooms and children under 12 eat free.
Travel to Holland Park:
Holland Park is on the central line, between Notting Hill and Shepherds Bush.
Little Venice
One of my favourite neighbourhoods in London is Little Venice. It’s located directly north of Paddington and is well loved for its picturesque canals.
Narrowboats glide gently between Little Venice and Camden Lock; hire your own boat and join them.
Little Venice is another good neighbourhood choice if you want to be near Camden but not in the heart of it.
Family Hotels in Little Venice:
Europa House Apartments: Choose from one- to four-bedroom apartments in the heart of Little Venice. Very stylish and with access communal gardens.
Travel to Little Venice:
Paddington, on the Bakerloo Llne, is just 10 minutes away from Little Venice. Other underground stations near to Little Venice are Warwick Avenue and Maida Vale, also on the Bakerloo line. Edgware Road on the Circle and District lines and Royal Oak, on the Circle and Hammersmith and City lines are also close by.
Victoria
Despite being located in the heart of the city, Victoria is one of those London neighbourhoods that doesn’t seem to have its own personality. But what it might lack in character, it more than makes up for in convenience.
Victoria is the main gateway for visitors flying into Gatwick airport. It’s home to Victoria station, London’s second busiest train station after Waterloo, as well as Victoria coach station. The area also hides some very good family hotels.
Best Family Hotels in Victoria:
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences: Gorgeous central London hotel with colourful history. All rooms are suites and come with modern kitchens. Their complimentary kids’ program includes free goodie bags with activity packs, child amenities in the rooms and hot chocolate with marshmallows at bedtime.
Rubens at the Palace: Located on Buckingham Palace Road, this hotel comes with monarch-themed bedrooms. Children under 12 stay free when sharing a triple room with their parents. The Palace Lounge hosts a children’s afternoon tea.
Luna Simone Hotel: Triple and Quad rooms available in a Victorian town house not far from the underground station.
Best Budget Family Hotels in Victoria
Comfort Inn Victoria: Housed within a renovated Georgian house this hotel offers no-frills modern rooms.
Travel to Victoria
Victoria is located in zone 1 and is on the Victoria line.
Borough
Borough is a fantastic neighbourhood and definitely one of my favourites. It’s home to Borough Market, the oldest food market in London with a history dating back around 1,000 years.
It’s a lively, bustling area on the river with lots of sights and attractions nearby. If you’re looking to stay somewhere central in London, then Borough is a great option.
Family Hotels in Borough:
Premier Inn London County Hall: One of the most popular branches of Premier Inn for families. Comfortable, clean rooms in a great location.
Travel to Borough:
The nearest underground stations to Borough are London Bridge, Borough and Southward tube stations.
Waterloo
Waterloo Station is the busiest in London but it’s also a great riverside neighbourhood in London.
It’s filled with theatres, museums, galleries and lots of very good restaurants. It’s also very well-connected for public transport, so exploring the rest of London is very easy.
Family Hotels in Waterloo:
Park Plaza County Hall: A modern hotel located on the South Bank alongside the River Thames, perfectly positioned for London sightseeing. It offers family guest rooms and even an indoor swimming pool.
Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection: Located one road behind the River Thames this is one of the best family friendly hotels in London. Its central location, excellent family amenities (inter-connecting rooms, easels for kids, wine hour for parents), tasty restaurant and general arty vibe can’t be beat.
Travel to Waterloo:
Waterloo tube station is located within the train station, the busiest in London. Waterloo is connected via the Bakerloo line, the Jubilee line, the Northern line and the Waterloo and City line.
Shoreditch
If you’re visiting London with teens then consider staying in Shoreditch. This is undoubtedly one of the coolest neighbourhoods in London. It’s filled with interesting markets, independent stores and fun bars and restaurants.
There’s lots of street art to explore – don’t miss Redchurch Street and Shoreditch Triangle. There’s also some excellent shopping here; try Atika, one of the biggest vintage shops in Europe and Labour and Wait). You should also visit the markets at Brick Lane and Columbia Road.
Family Hotels in Shoreditch:
The Courthouse Hotel: One of the best family-friendly hotels in the neighbourhood. This building used to be the Old Street Magistrates Court and police station; infamous London gangsters the Kray twins were once held here. Today, there’s a cinema, bowling alley, a swimming pool and family suites.
Yotel London Shoreditch: A more budget-friendly option with family rooms sleeping two adults and two children under 12. The rooms aren’t large but they are good value.
Travel to Shoreditch:
There are various underground stations near to Shoreditch. Old Street Station is on the Northern line; Liverpool Street Station is on the Central line (as well as several others) and Aldgate East is on the District and Hammersmith & City Lines. There’s also Shoreditch High Street, which is an overground station.
Clerkenwell
The lively neighbourhood of Clerkenwell is another London zone to consider if you’re visiting with older children or teenagers. Sandwiched between Farringdon, Barbican, Old Street, Angel, and Kings Cross it is brilliantly positioned for exploring London.
Filled with historic buildings, food markets, under-the-radar museums and galleries and plenty of delicious restaurants. It doesn’t have any of the big London sights on its doorstep but it does have brilliant transport links.
Family Hotels in Clerkenwell:
The Zetter: A fun boutique hotel with characterful rooms. The Deluxe Studio enjoys a terrace with views over the city. Children under the age of 12 stay for free in the same room. There are also children’s amenities available and interconnecting rooms. There’s a kids’ menu at breakfast and dinner.
Travel to Clerkenwell:
Clerkenwell can be reached by the following underground stations; Farringdon, Barbican, Old Street, Angel, and Kings Cross.
Knightsbridge
Jessie J. might think it’s not all about the money but when it comes to Knightsbridge, one of the richest neighbourhoods in London, it really is all about the ba-bling.
This central neighbourhood is one of the most expensive in London, home to multi-million pound houses and the iconic department store Harrods.
Family Hotels in Knightsbridge:
Knightsbridge Hotel: This luxury hotel is part of the Firmdale Group and has a number of rooms that can accommodate families. There are also lots of children’s amenities including welcome gifts, London activities book, board games and children’s menus. Babysitting is also available.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park: This stunning hotel welcomes families offering adjoining rooms, babysitting and treats for kids including umbrellas, storybooks, mini bathrobes and more.
Travel to Knightsbridge:
Knightsbridge is located in zone 1 on the Piccadilly line.
Covent Garden and the West End
If you’re looking to be in the thick of things then consider staying in Covent Garden and the West End. Located right smack bang in the heart of the city, this is one of London’s liveliest neighbourhoods.
Here you’ll find some of the city’s most famous attractions plus great shopping streets and world famous theatres.
Family Hotels in Covent Garden and the West End:
Haymarket Hotel: Part of the Firmdale Group, the Haymarket Hotel is as central as they come. Beautifully designed and with a swimming pool in the basement, the hotel offers a two-bedroom suite for families. The Luxury Junior Suites interconnect.
Citadines Holborn – Covent Garden: One bedroom apartments are available that sleep 4 people.
One Aldwych: Beautiful luxury hotel with fantastic hotel rooms (and an extra bed or cot provided upon request in other rooms). They have a gorgeous swimming pool and do a fantastic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea.
The Z Hotel Covent Garden: If you’re looking for a central address then this is an excellent choice. The rooms aren’t large but they offer fantastic value in a great location. The Z Family rooms sleep 4 in a set of double bunk beds.
Travel to the West End:
The West End is right in the heart of London with plenty of transport options to choose from. Leicester Square (the Northern Line) and Piccadilly Circus (the Piccadilly Line) are two of your best options.
Chelsea
The affluent neighbourhood of Chelsea is one of the best locations to stay in London for a touch of glamour. Located in south-west London, the area is home to beautiful Victorian houses, large garden squares and fancy cars. There are also endless shopping and dining opportunities.
It’s here that you’ll find the King’s Road, one of London’s most famous streets. The road once belonged to the King but it’s best known for being home to the punks and New Romantics in the 1970s.
There are a smattering of sights within Chelsea itself, such as the Saatchi gallery and Battersea Park. But really if you choose to stay here it’s because it’s a lovely neighbourhood rather than jam packed with star attractions.
Family Hotels in Chelsea:
Draycott Hotel: A low key hotel with 35 rooms all named after actors and writers. There are family suites that come with toy boxes and cots. Complimentary drinks are served daily: tea from 4pm, Champagne from 6pm and hot chocolate from 9pm.
Travel to Chelsea:
Chelsea does not have its own Underground station. The best tube station is Sloane Square, on the District and Circle lines.
What a fabulous resource for people considering a visit to London with their families.
Thank you so much!
What a helpful feature! London can be overwhelming for visitors – I’ve lived here for 20 years, and even I get confused by some areas. So it’s really useful to have it all laid out like this.
I know what you mean, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of neighbourhoods in London! Thank you so much 🙂
What a great list – will definitely use this the next time I want to stay in London!
Thanks!
This is an AMAZING guide Katja! I grew up in NW London but moved away before I had my girls and I’ve not taken them to London yet. I’m desperate to but have been overwhelmed with trying to figure out where to stay. We like self catering places so I love that you’ve included places that have kitchenettes and places that cater for larger families. Bookmarking this so that when we do head down there I can pick the best place for us to stay. Thank you!
Thank you so much! I hope you bring your girls to London soon, we’re really loving exploring the city with kids. There’s so much to do!
Wow! This is such a great resource! We love to travel to London but I have to admit, we don’t have a clue! This is really helpful in planning!