Your ultimate guide to hotels in London

A whole world of childlike wonder, just off Oxford Street

Once a legendary BBC music studio, now a hotel – here’s what we thought

A refreshingly boutique option in London’s financial district

Sleep in an oak drawer above the loudest corner of London for less than the price of a round in Soho

A glossy boutique hotel looking out over Fulham FC – because, why not?

A design masterclass in prime east-central London

The only hotel in the world where you can hang out in a Harry Potter set and enjoy a genuine neo-Gothic masterpiece without even having to leave the station.

Whimsical design and seamless, high-end service characterise this classy Theatre District hotel

London’s buzziest hotel opening of 2026 is grand but surprisingly intimate – and the spa is second-to-none

This boutique hotel in Shoreditch is sandwiched between an elegant gastropub and one of the city’s greatest rooftops

Planning a stay in one of the best hotels in the hip and trendy Shoreditch? With Brick Lane market, Boxpark, and regular street-art tours, east London’s Shoreditch is almost as busy during the day as it is by night, when some of the best late-night venues in London welcome hipsters and fashionistas until the early hours. Thankfully there are cheap hotel options along with the boutique stylings of Shoreditch House and the Boundary. Once booked, check out the Book Club, combining an all-day café and music venue, Bombay-style restaurant Dishoom, and great restaurants including Hawksmoor and Mark Hix’s Tramshed. Without further ado, here's our pick of the best hotels in Shoreditch. Updated January 2025: Think you've seen all there is to see of Shoteditch, think again and drop your bags at Maldron Hotel or check into Hart Shoreditch for an incredibly cosy, low-key stay. Looking for more options? 🛏Check out London’s best Airbnbs🍻Visit our official Shoreditch area guide💂‍♂️Looking for London's best hotels? Here you go Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Hackney's best hotels give you access to a brilliant range of things to do. For musos, there’s cool music venue Oslo, the happening Moth Club (where Lady Gaga played a secret set earlier this year), and Dalston’s groundbreaking Café Oto. Foodies can’t get enough of excellent global restaurants, while shoppers swoon (and wallets scream) at Broadway Market (for food and independent retailers), the Fashion Hub (for high-end labels), and the burgeoning artists’ enclave at Hackney Wick (for off-beat original art). London Fields is a little oasis of green, blessed with an open-air Olympic-sized pool, while popular Victoria Park regularly hosts some of London’s coolest festivals, including Field Day and Lovebox. The borough’s hotels are as eclectic as its cultural life, and our top choices should provide a great base from which to enjoy it all. Here are the best hotels in Hackey.  Looking for more options? Check out London’s best Airbnbs

The best hotels near King's Cross have three big things going for them: location, location, location. London’s gateway to Kent, the North and Europe – thanks to St Pancras International station and the Eurostar terminal – this area also has the best-connected tube station in London – all of which explains the proliferation of very good hotels in King’s Cross. Before you zip off away from the station, check out Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard, to the north, where you can play Snake in the fountains, brunch noisily at Caravan and sunbathe on the astroturfed steps down to Regent’s Canal. To the south is Bloomsbury, while Islington is just a hop, skip and a jump east. Check out below for our pick of the best hotels near King's Cross. Looking for more options? 💂‍♀️Stay in one of London's coolest hotels🛏Check out London’s best Airbnbs🇬🇧Here are the best things to do in London Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.  

You might think of Paddington as a transport hub, and you wouldn’t be wrong. It’s a great place to stop before catching the Heathrow Express or hopping on a train to the west of England. But it’s also brilliantly placed for exploring central London. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are just a short stroll away, while Notting Hill’s colourful streets, Portobello Road Market and Edgware Road’s excellent Middle Eastern restaurants are all within easy reach. Whatever brings you here, these are our favourite hotels in Paddington.  ➡️ Full list of the best hotels in London for 2026 How we curate our hotel lists Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.  📍 Ultimate guide to London’s best hotels, Airbnbs and more

The best hotels in Marylebone give access to interesting shops and restaurants – some of them still independent one-offs – but they're also a gateway to relatively quiet streets and green spaces, despite being so central. Regent’s Park and the Wallace Collection are close at hand, and Oxford Street is just minutes away. Nuno Mendes at the Chiltern Firehouse remains a popular choice, but equally tempting upscale options include Fischers and the Orrery. The area is well served by chic cafés, too – try La Fromagerie (which doubles as a deli) or Nordic Bakery (for cinnamon buns). Book into one of the best hotels in Marylebone and see what all the fuss is about. Looking for more options? 🛏Check out London’s best Airbnbs Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The neighbourhood of Mayfair's lavish reputation extends to its hotels so that means that the best hotels in this area really are the crème de la crème. Fear not, wherever you decide on, you'll be a stone's throw away from some of London’s best restaurants and most high-end stores. Venture inside some of Mayfair’s hotels and you’ll find celebrated restaurants Gordon Ramsay’s Maze or Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester – not to mention the exquisite hotel facilities. Given those facts, it would be easy to never leave, but being closely bordered by Piccadilly, Soho and Regent Street, there’s plenty to see outside the confines of your hotel. Check out the best spots to stay in Mayfair below.  Looking for more options? 🛏Check out London’s best Airbnbs🍷Indulge some more with London's best wine-tasting tours Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

With its mix of picturesque countryside, historical buildings and cosmopolitan shops and restaurants, Hampstead is a breath of fresh air for even the most jaded Londoner. Its pièce de résistance is Hampstead Heath, an enticing 791-acre patchwork of woodland, playing fields, swimming ponds and meadows between Hampstead Village and Highgate, while good eating options include the Brew House in Kenwood House, French restaurant La Cocotte and the Holly Bush gastropub. With so much natural beauty on its doorstep, it’s rather a shame that the neighbourhood’s accommodation options are a little limited; but we've found the best hotels in Hampstead if you’re keen for the jaunt to be more than just a day trip. Looking for more options?💂Never run out of ideas for things to do in London🛏Check out London’s best Airbnbs🏨Take a look at the best luxury hotels in London Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.  

If you're in town to shop or sample the delights of London's theatreland, there's only one place to base yourself: Covent Garden. The main piazza can heave with tourists at time, and the area's luxury hotels can be pricey, but research well and even those on a budget can book one of Covent Garden's best hotels. RECOMMENDED: Covent Garden area guide

This central London neighbourhood is a biggy. The location of Charles Fowler’s neo-classical Covent Garden Market and the Royal Opera House, it is one of London’s most iconic tourist destinations, and is home to a wealth of excellent restaurants, bars and independent boutiques. As these things don’t come cheap, you’d do well to save a few pennies on the hotel. Thankfully, finding accommodation for less than £100 a night is easier than you'd think, both in the area and within ten minutes’ walk of it. Want proof? Here are our top ten favourite cheap hotels in Covent Garden. RECOMMENDED: London’s best Airbnbs Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The best hotels in south London reflect the independent spirit of the city’s south side. The eminently strollable stretch of the Thames between Westminster and Tower bridges is a walk of fame filled with stellar attractions, from the London Eye via the Southbank Centre to the Tate Modern, Borough Market and The Shard, with easy access to the heart of town just north a bit. Further out, there are fewer major sights and tube stations, but plenty of Overground trains and a slice of real local London action. Stay in a Victorian-terrace B&B or gastropub and enjoy indie arts hubs, huge verdant parks, multicultural living and a friendly residential feel. Get your own piece of the south London pie at one of our favourite hotels across the river. From artsy abodes to lavish spaces with their own grounds for tea, these are the ways to live it up South London style.   This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. Looking for more options? Check out London’s best Airbnbs.

The perfect weekend break could be waiting for you in Bray, writes Marcus Webb

Serenity and smiley service meet in an Oxfordshire haunt for foodies and wayfarers alike

Cocktails, city views and plenty of Scandi chic in Oxford’s city centre

A cosy country pub with stylish rooms near Knaresborough, with great food and warm hospitality.

An idyllic lake-front hotel and members club, prioritising wellness, crafts and country pleasures.

What makes a good gastropub great? Your bedroom being directly above you, writes Leonie Cooper

This chic cabin stay with a hot tub, horses and its own cinema makes for the ultimate girl’s weekend

These charming holiday lodges are perfect for kid-friendly fun – and a much-needed break from busy city life

Josiah Wedgwood’s stately home Etruria Hall is now attached to this spacious, characterful DoubleTree

This sleek statement outpost of the global hotel brand is comfortable, well-designed and ideally located for exploring the Potteries

If any city in the world were oversaturated with hotels, it’d be Paris.

Need a place to stay in London? We’re here to make it easy for you. Every year, a wealth of new hotels open in the capital – a testament to the fact that London remains one of the most desirable places to visit in the world. That can, however, make it rather tricky to decide which hotel to choose. But worry not: we have slept our way across the city and hand-picked our favourites, to bring you this ultimate list of London hotels, from Mayfair to Shoreditch, and from budget to blowout (butler included).  Newcomers to our list include the all-new July in Victoria, apartment-hotels which opened in July 2025, and eco-hotel 1 Hotel Mayfair, as well as a few old classics we’ve re-reviewed just for good measure (hint: The Dorchester is just about as great as we remembered). We’ve got a brand-new number one too, but we won’t give that one away just yet. For everything from genuine good value stays to all-out, Zone 1 luxury, you’ll find something on this list for every kind of trip. Superb bars, great architecture, world-class hospitality and the opportunity to have a home-from-home in the best city in the world await you – here are the best hotels in London.  🏘️ Looking for even more options? Check out our list of the best Airbnbs in London Which area is best to stay in London? It’s not just the range of hotels that’s so impressive – you’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a neighbourhood to stay in London. The city is made up of a sprawling network of dynamic neighbourhoods, all with their own unique character and hotels to match. Whether you want to be right slap bang in the middle of the West End so you're within walking distance of the major museums, restaurants and royal parks or somewhere with more of a chilled local scene, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to the best places to stay in London to help you pick.  How we curate our hotel lists Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool of trusted hotel experts, every hotel on this list has been individually reviewed and selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in London

Amsterdam is one of the world’s best cities, no doubt about it. 

Don’t settle for just any place to stay. Barcelona is home to whole load of hotels that offer far, far more than just a bed for the night. We’re talking about historic buildings, icons of design, showcases of contemporary architecture and lots more. On our list below, you’ll find our top recommendations for hotels in Barcelona – selected for everything they bring to the table: unbeatable views, indulgent spas, brilliant culture and outstanding food. What is the best area to stay in Barcelona? Barcelona is a pretty big place, so naturally, different areas are good for different things. But our pals over at Time Out Barcelona are big, big fans of Gràcia – especially for your first time in the city. It’s packed full of sights, beautiful buildings and one of the best hotels in the city, Casa Fuster, which you’ll find on our list below. The Raval and Eixample are well worth considering too – you can find our full guide to where to stay right here.  📍 Discover our ultimate guide to hotels in Barcelona Who makes the cut? Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our brilliant team over at Time Out Barcelona, every hotel on this list has been individually selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great, and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🏘️ More of an Airbnb person? Here are our favourite Airbnbs in the city

Mykonos might be nicknamed the ‘Greek Ibiza’ (and don’t get us wrong, it’s nightlife scene is second-to-none), but it’s got far more on offer than the chance to stay up dancing until 4am. The ‘other’ side of Mykonos is chilled-out, classy, jaw-droppingly beautiful and packed full of luxury and five-star hotels. There’s a little something for everyone on this island, the only hard part is knowing where to look. So we’ve done the hard work for you: here are our top picks for hotels in Mykonos, for the party-goers, the relaxers and everyone in between.  Mykonos’s best hotels at a glance 🥂 Best luxury stay: Kalesma 🪩 Best for partying: Kove 🧘 Best for a quiet beach holiday: Anemelia 🛍️ Best mid-sized boutique: Nissaki Boutique Hotel 💸 Best budget: Petasos Beach Resort & Spa Which part of Mykonos is best to stay in? Every town in Mykonos offers something a little different – whether it’s access to clubs and parties, or having beautiful, chilled-out beaches on your doorstep. For the closest you’ll get to an all-rounder, Chora is the way to go – it’s the epicentre of it all, and has the whitewashed allies, little boutique shops and vibey beach bars you’re dreaming of. For a breakdown on all the island’s best towns and neighbourhoods, check out our full guide to where to stay in Mykonos.  How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🏨 Ultimate guide to hotels in Europe

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands – just pipping Fuerteventura to the post – and is firmly established as a magnet for tourists, especially the Brits. Most travellers gravitate to the south, with a favourite being Playa de las Américas, the top draw for night owls and home to some mammoth resorts. But the northern part of the island has gained steam as an alternative destination with more rustic offerings. A concerted government effort to maintain high tourism standards has resulted in an array of hotel offerings running the gamut, from the party hearty to the placid. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly, grown-up luxury or an all-inclusive resort, here are our picks of the best hotels in Tenerife.  🏝️ Where to stay in Tenerife🗻 The best things to do in Tenerife🌅 The best Canary Islands to visit How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🇪🇸 Ultimate guide to Spain

Ireland is the land of misty mountains, emerald fields and ancient castles. Few places can beat this enigmatic island for history, culture and all-round charm, from the green landscapes of County Kerry right the way through to the pulsing heart of Dublin city. You’ll find something for every kind of trip here – old and new, fast and slow – and we’ve got the perfect hotel for each one. From budget stays to storybook castles, here are the best hotels in Ireland right now.  Ireland’s best hotels at a glance 🏞️ Best views: Parknasilla Resort & Spa, County Kerry 💸 Most affordable: Room 2, Belfast 🏙️ Best for a city break: The Leinster, Dublin 🚂 Most unique: Glenlo Abbey, Galway 🏰 Most fairytale-like: Ashford Castle, County Mayo 📍 RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Dublin How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🏨 Ultimate guide to hotels in Europe

Sicily is bursting with amazing things to do. And much like the region itself, the hotel scene is a diverse hub of different styles, locations, and price points. There are city gems, grand hotels, hotels with their own private beaches and humble, family-run B&Bs – in other words, there’s something for everyone here. Once you’ve decided where you want to go in Sicily, the hardest thing you’ll have to do is choose which of these beautiful spots to sleep in. We know, it’s a hard life. But if you’re ready to get booking, read on for our list of the best hotels in Sicily, from Catania and Palermo to Taormina and Syracuse.  What is the best part of Sicily to stay? That totally depends on what kind of trip you’re after. The beauty of Sicily is that each of its islands and cities are totally unique, so you could go again and again and never get bored. For a city break full of culture, food and nightlife, Palermo is your best bet. For a beach break, head to Taormina, home to the stunning beaches in Isola Bella, Mazzarò and more. Seeking adventure? Head to the Etna region, where you’ll find spots for hiking, wild swimming, trekking and more – get up close and personal with Mount Etna herself. Can’t choose? If you rent a car, you can drive through a number of Sicily’s top islands (Noto, Ragusa and Cefalù), and end in Catania.  🏖️ RECOMMENDED: The best beaches in Sicily How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🇮🇹 Time Out’s ultimate guide to Italy

The French Riviera is Europe’s capital of cool. Also the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on this cobbled coast, Nice has long been a draw for the trendiest travellers going, especially those with enough cash to splash. The result? This city is awash with fantastic hotels. Awash, we tell you.  As you might expect, many of these are luxury hotels, found in grand Belle Époque era residences and townhouses rich in period detail. But that doesn’t mean you can’t come to Nice on a budget – on our list we’ve got a number of budget options too, from arty chains to fully equipped apartments. Whatever your taste (and whatever your spending habits), there’s a hotel for you on this list. Here are the best hotels in Nice right now.   🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in Nice How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We may not have reviewed every hotel featured below, but any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🏨 Discover our ultimate guide to hotels in France

​​Boutique hotels have been popping up around Malta’s historic capital of Valletta in recent years, returning dilapidated palazzos to their Baroque glory. If you’re looking for independent, design-led spots to rest your head, there’s a wealth of places to choose from. That does mean that sometimes trips err on the more expensive side, but you can also discover Asti Malta for mid-range stays and Gozo if you’re confined to a budget. For old-school grandeur, check out Mdina, the former capital which is now referred to as the ‘silent city’ for its nighttime calm. Conversely, the waterfront town of St Julian’s is unrestrained with its flashy local entertainment. Get a deeper look at the best hotels in Malta with our ultimate guide to them all here. 🛏️ RECOMMENDED: Where to stay in Malta Who makes the cut? Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 📍 The best things to do in Malta