Where to Stay in London: Our Honest Hotel Reviews
London has no shortage of hotels, from historic icons to trendy boutique stays. But when it comes to balancing comfort, location, and value, not every property delivers. We’ve tested several options firsthand.
Here are our top three picks ranked by star level, plus a few other hotels we tried that didn’t make the cut.
Our Top Three Picks
1. St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
⭐ 5-Star Excellence in an Iconic Setting
Overview: Staying at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel feels like stepping into history. The Gothic Revival architecture is breathtaking, and the interiors blend historic grandeur with modern luxury. Amenities include an indoor spa and pool, fine dining options, and direct access to King’s Cross and St Pancras stations.
Location: As central as it gets. You’re steps from Eurostar trains to Paris and Brussels, and well-connected by tube to all of London.
Price: Expect to pay £350 - £2000 per night, depending on room type and season. Splurging for a Chamber Suite grants you access to the exclusive Chambers Club with complimentary food and drinks throughout the day. But the upper end is obviously excessive and you’ll get an absolutely lovely stay at the “lower” end of the rooms.
Our Review: This is hands-down one of our favorite hotels in London. The service is polished, the history is inspiring, and the convenience can’t be overstated. If you want the full London luxury experience, this is it.
2. Inhabit, Queen’s Gardens
⭐ 4-Star Style and Convenience
Overview: A modern boutique hotel tucked into a leafy corner of Paddington, Inhabit, Queen’s Gardens offers a calming, design-forward stay. Amenities include a plant-filled lobby, Scandi-style guest rooms, a wellness-focused restaurant, and thoughtful extras like a tea and coffee station on every floor.
Location: A short walk to Paddington Station and Hyde Park. Ideal if you’re flying in or out of Heathrow, thanks to the Heathrow Express.
Price: Typically £200 - £600 per night. Great value for the quality of the rooms and amenities.
Our Review: This is our go-to for a stylish, nice-but-not-excessive stay. The rooms feel clean and contemporary without being sterile, and the staff is warm. It’s a quiet refuge in the middle of a busy part of town, which makes it a win in our book. Plus, their bathroom products smell absolutely divine and are among our favorites at any hotel. We loved it so much we found it here on Amazon. (Affiliate Link)
3. Four Points Flex by Sheraton (London Euston)
⭐ 3-Star Budget with a Great Location
Overview: If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills stay with Marriott Bonvoy perks, the Four Points Flex by Sheraton is a solid choice. The rooms are clean and modern, with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and a small fitness center. One nice touch was the ability to connect your phone to the TV to watch your favorite streaming services.
Location: Near Euston and King’s Cross stations, putting you close to museums, restaurants, and great tube connections.
Price: Rooms hover around £150 - £250 per night, making it one of the more affordable options for central London.
Our Review: You won’t get luxury here, but you will get comfort and convenience. For the price, it’s hard to beat, especially if you’re planning to spend most of your time out exploring.
Other Hotels That Didn’t Make the Cut
The Great Northern Hotel
Great location next to King’s Cross and nicely styled rooms, but it doesn’t quite live up to its 5-star claims. Service was fine, but compared to the nearby St Pancras Renaissance, it simply can’t compete.
Kimpton Fitzroy London
This hotel stands out for its quirky flair and fun extras, like being able to rent Anthropologie accessories during your stay. Unfortunately, the service was disappointing. When it takes an hour for hot drinks from room service to arrive (and then arrive lukewarm) it’s not 5-star quality.
Park International Hotel
Allegedly a 4-star property, but our experience says otherwise. Most of the amenities were closed “for reservations,” cleaning seemed neglected, and our bathroom had a horrendous smell from the moment we checked in that never went away. The location in Kensington is good, but that’s about all this hotel has going for it. We recommend staying far away.
Final Thoughts
London has incredible hotel options, but not all of them live up to their star ratings.
If you want luxury steeped in history, choose St Pancras
If you want style and value, Inhabit, Queen’s Gardens is a gem
And if you’re sticking to a budget, Four Points Flex by Sheraton gets the job done without sacrificing location
Ultimately, the right hotel comes down to your individual needs. But we hope this is helpful in pointing you in the right direction.
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