Planning a stay in central London means choosing from hundreds of hotels, each promising the best location and value. To cut through the noise, this guide draws on two distinct sources: the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards reader survey and a London blogger’s curated list of top central properties. The result is a practical, fact‑based ranking of neighbourhoods and hotels that answer real traveller questions about safety, budget, and proximity to the city’s iconic sights. Travel + Leisure named Shangri‑La The Shard, London the city’s best hotel in its 2025 edition, a starting point for understanding what defines “best” in central London.

Last checked: 2026-07-22

Best area for first-time visitors: Covent Garden / Westminster · Cheapest area for budget travelers: Kings Cross / Paddington · Luxury hotel cluster: Mayfair / Knightsbridge · Family-friendly area: South Bank / Kensington

Snapshot: verified highlights from central London hotel rankings

1 Top‑ranked London hotel (2025)

• Shangri‑La The Shard, London placed No. 1 in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards.

2 Reader score of 97.07

• The hotel earned a reader score of 97.07, the highest among London properties.

3 Location inside Western Europe’s tallest building

• The Shard is described as the tallest building in Western Europe, giving Shangri‑La guests skyline views over central London.

4 Survey methodology

• Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are based on annual reader surveys rating rooms, location, service, and value.

Quick facts about central London hotel areas

Category	Detail
Best area for first‑time visitors	Covent Garden / Westminster – per the travel blog Candace Abroad, these districts offer walkable access to major attractions like the South Bank and the West End.
Cheapest area for budget travelers	Kings Cross / Paddington – often cited in traveller forums for competitive room rates, though not independently verified in this guide.
Luxury hotel cluster	Mayfair / Knightsbridge – home to several high‑end properties; Mayfair is also noted by Travel + Leisure as one of the safest areas in central London.
Family‑friendly area	South Bank / Kensington – recommended by Candace Abroad for its cultural sites, riverside walks, and family‑oriented hotel options.

Which is the best area to stay in central London?

The answer depends on your priorities: proximity to attractions, safety, or budget. According to the London travel blog Candace Abroad, the core tourism districts of Covent Garden, the South Bank, Soho, and the West End are ideal for first‑time visitors because they put you within walking distance of theatres, museums, and the Thames. Candace Abroad explicitly frames its 2025 guide around central London hotels that let tourists “stay close to major attractions.”

For safety, Travel + Leisure mentions Mayfair, Belgravia, and Kensington as the safest parts of central London, areas with visible police presence and low crime rates. “Central London is generally safe,” the publication notes, and tourist‑heavy areas like Westminster have added security.

“The best hotel near London’s tourist attractions is the citizenM Bankside.”

What is the best part of London to stay in as a tourist?

Westminster and Covent Garden are consistently rated as the top tourist areas. They sit at the centre of London’s theatre district and are minutes from the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the National Gallery. Candace Abroad notes that the South Bank also offers riverside walks and cultural venues such as the Tate Modern, making it a strong alternative.

Travel + Leisure’s 2025 reader survey did not rank neighbourhoods, but its top hotel – Shangri‑La The Shard – sits at the southern edge of the traditional central zone, a location that trades immediate walkability for panoramic city views.

What is the safest part of London to stay in?

Mayfair, Belgravia, and Kensington appear in multiple travel guides as the safest areas in central London. These residential‑feeling neighbourhoods have low crime rates and are popular with luxury travellers. “Tourist‑heavy areas have visible police presence,” a point echoed in many traveller forums. For those prioritising safety, these districts offer peace of mind while still being a short tube ride from attractions.

The bottom line: Covent Garden and Westminster win for first‑time tourists, while Mayfair and Belgravia lead on safety.

What are the best hotels in central London?

Two different lenses produce two different answers. Travel + Leisure’s 2025 reader survey puts Shangri‑La The Shard, London at the top with a score of 97.07, praising its rooms, location, and service. The hotel occupies the upper floors of The Shard, giving guests a vantage point over the entire city. Candace Abroad’s 2025 blogger list, on the other hand, names citizenM London Bankside as the best hotel near tourist attractions, highlighting its modern design, tech‑friendly rooms, and walkability to the South Bank and Covent Garden.

The travel blogger stresses “walkability and short transit times to sightseeing hubs” – a different evaluation approach from Travel + Leisure’s reader‑score methodology.

What are the top 5 hotels in London?

While Travel + Leisure’s 2025 list ranks only the No. 1 spot, its methodology places Shangri‑La The Shard ahead of other highly rated properties. Candace Abroad’s guide lists 10 hotels; the top five in that guide include citizenM London Bankside, followed by properties in Covent Garden, South Bank, and Soho. Common denominators across both sources are location, design, and service consistency.

Hotels in central London cheap

For budget travellers, Candace Abroad recommends properties like The Z Hotel City and Premier Inn London for their competitive rates and central locations. Neither source provides exact pricing, but both note that “central London cheap hotels” often cluster around Kings Cross and Paddington.

Comparison of notable central London hotels

Hotel Name	Area	Price Range	Key Features	Best For
Zedwell Hotel Piccadilly Circus	Piccadilly Circus / Soho	Check current rates	Sound‑proofed rooms, central location near theatres	Tourists wanting immediate West End access
Royal National Hotel	Bloomsbury	Check current rates	Large capacity, near British Museum	Budget travellers, student groups
Strand Palace	Covent Garden / Strand	Check current rates	Historic property, close to theatres and river	Culture seekers, theatre‑goers
The Z Hotel City	City of London	Check current rates	Compact design, smart technology	Budget business travellers
Premier Inn London	Multiple central locations	Check current rates	Consistent quality, free Wi‑Fi, family rooms	Families, cost‑conscious visitors
Prices vary by season; always check the official hotel website or Booking.com for current rates.

What is the safest part of London to stay in?

Travel + Leisure and travel guides consistently list Mayfair, Belgravia, and Kensington as the safest districts in central London. These areas have low street‑crime rates and a visible police presence. “Central London is generally safe,” the publication states, and tourist‑heavy zones like Westminster add extra security during peak seasons.

The implication: safety should not be a deterrent for central London hotels. Even budget areas like Kings Cross have improved significantly in recent years, though Mayfair remains the gold standard for secure stays.

Is central London a good place to stay?

Yes, if you value walkability and proximity to landmarks. Every major attraction – the London Eye, Big Ben, the British Museum, the West End theatres – is within a 30‑minute walk or a short tube ride from central hotels. Candace Abroad calls central London “incredibly walkable,” and Travel + Leisure’s top‑ranked hotel sits right in the middle of it.

What is the best location to stay in London for tourists?

Westminster and Covent Garden again top the list. They offer the densest concentration of sights and transport links. For a quieter but still central option, the South Bank provides cultural venues and riverside walking paths.

What is the best location to stay in London for tourists?

This question overlaps with the earlier area discussion, but the consensus from both Travel + Leisure and Candace Abroad is clear: tourists should prioritise walkable districts that minimise transit time. Covent Garden, Westminster, and the South Bank repeatedly emerge as the most recommended areas.

For a different perspective, Shangri‑La The Shard sits just south of central London, offering skyline views that compensate for a slightly longer walk to the West End. “The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe,” Travel + Leisure writes, linking the hotel’s high review score to its unique location.

“The Best London Hotel of 2025 Is Inside the Tallest Building in Western Europe.”

The takeaway: for pure convenience, stay in Covent Garden or Westminster. For a memorable experience with a view, consider Shangri‑La The Shard or similar high‑rise properties.

Where should I stay in central London?

If you’re a first‑time visitor, Candace Abroad’s guide recommends citizenM London Bankside for its design and location. For luxury, Shangri‑La The Shard is the current reader‑score champion. Families may prefer the South Bank or Kensington for spacious rooms and nearby parks.

Where to stay in the centre of London?

The centre of London – broadly Covent Garden, Soho, and the West End – offers the highest density of restaurants, theatres, and shops. Hotels here command a premium, but the convenience is unmatched. Budget travellers should consider the edge of centre: Kings Cross or Paddington, where rates drop without sacrificing transport links.

Best for segments: matching hotels to traveller types

• Families: South Bank and Kensington offer spacious rooms and kid‑friendly attractions. Premier Inn London (multiple central locations) is frequently recommended for its consistency and family‑size rooms.
• Budget travellers: Kings Cross and Paddington provide the cheapest rates. The Z Hotel City and Royal National Hotel are among the most affordable central options.
• Luxury seekers: Mayfair and Knightsbridge host the highest concentration of five‑star hotels. Shangri‑La The Shard leads the editorial rankings with a 97.07 reader score.
• Tourists near Oxford Street: Hotels around Marble Arch and Bond Street tube stations give you direct access to shopping. Zedwell Hotel Piccadilly Circus is a short walk away.

Pricing overview: what to expect

Central London hotel prices vary widely by season. For a mid‑range stay, budget for a standard double room in Covent Garden or South Bank. Family suites in Kensington often cost less than comparable rooms in Mayfair.