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Best Hotels in London I’ve Stayed In – From Luxury to Budget Options

Published on August 2, 2025 | By Elene Riordan | Last updated on October 10, 2025

London has always been part of my life. As a child, I often visited my grandparents in Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill. Now, years later, the city has returned to my world in full force as I visit my daughter while she studies in central London.

Since I don’t have family in the city anymore, I try different hotels depending on where my daughter is living. This has given me the chance to explore a variety of London hotels across different neighborhoods — from luxury riverside stays to charming boutique hideaways and convenient budget options.

In this guide, I’ll share my personal experiences and tips to help you find the best hotels in London, whatever your budget.

Traveling by Eurostar? Sign up for Club Eurostar, their loyalty program, and collect points every time you travel. You can even transfer points to other members.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury London hotel with river views, a cozy boutique townhouse, or a budget-friendly option near King’s Cross, there’s something for every style and budget.

From my personal stays, I’d recommend:

London offers an endless variety of hotels, and these are just a few that I’ve personally experienced and can recommend.

Sea containers London (average around 350 euros/night)

The Guardsman hotel (between 270 and 600 euros/night)

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel (between 300 and 600 euros/night)

Lime tree hotel (between 180 and 260 euros/night)

Hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross hotel (between 90 and 200 euros/night)

My Recommended Hotels in London

Here are the London hotels I’ve stayed in, with their price ranges and highlights:

Sea containers London

Located on the South Bank near Tate Modern, the Sea Containers London is a stylish hotel overlooking the Thames. Some rooms have courtyard terraces, while higher floors offer beautiful views over the Thames.

The hotel also has a rooftop bar, a cinema, and a lively ground-floor restaurant. To get the best deal, check for weekday offers.

You should also register on GHA discovery program to get points and you will soon receive benefit some great deals, such as exclusive rates, upgrade or late check out.


The Guardsman hotel

The Guardsman hotel is a stylish boutique hotel in Westminster, just a short walk from Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station. It feels more like a private members’ club, with cozy rooms and thoughtful details like padded eye masks. The beds are so comfortable and the room is so cozy, you will have the best night’s sleep ever.

This hotel is also part of a program called I Prefer.


St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel

For those who love history and grandeur, the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a true London landmark. Attached to St Pancras International Station, it’s both convenient and breathtaking.

The architecture is stunning, the service excellent, and the spa is perfect for relaxing after a busy day exploring London. If you want a luxury stay with a sense of history, this hotel is hard to beat.


Lime Tree Hotel

The Lime Tree Hotel in Belgravia is a charming townhouse boutique property offering excellent value for money. Rooms are thoughtfully designed, service is warm and personal, and the atmosphere is homely.

The only downside is the lack of a lift — some rooms are on the 4th floor — but that’s part of its townhouse character.


Hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross hotel

If you’re searching for a budget hotel in London near King’s Cross, the Hub by Premier Inn is a smart and practical choice.

The rooms are small but cleverly designed, with tech-friendly features and everything you need for a short stay. Many rooms don’t have windows, but mood-lit lighting creates a cozy feel. I stayed here for one night before catching an early train, and it was ideal.

There are over 20 Hub by Premier Inn spread out in London.

Hotel loyalty programs are worth joining. For example, Sea Containers belongs to the GHA Discovery program, while The Guardsman is part of I Prefer. These memberships often include perks like room upgrades, late checkout, or exclusive rates.

Written by Elene Riordan

Welcome to Travelling Cooks! I’m Elene, a 50-ish-year-old British-Belgian woman living in Brussels, surrounded by my beautiful friends and family. This blog is a celebration of my three great passions—travel, restaurants, and cooking. Enjoy!

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