One of the biggest questions which crops up in the London With Kids Facebook group that I help to run is where to stay in London with kids?
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It’s not surprising: when you’re planning a family holiday in London, it can feel overwhelming because there are just so many options – on the plus side, it means you can find something for every budget, every family, and in the perfect location.
On the downside, with choices galore, where do you start? Well… here. I’ve picked out some of the best places to stay in London with kids in areas with some of the city’s main family attractions, plus ideas if you’re visiting London on a budget and if you want to splurge with a stay to remember.
How to choose a family hotel in London
The perfect London family hotel for you depends on a few key points – the size of your family, and age of your children, the places you’re planning to visit in London and the budget you’re working to.
So to start with, it’s worth considering the following points:
How much are you happy to travel each day?
London is a big city: with younger kids, a more central location is usually best to avoid a long journey on the tube, especially when everyone’s tired at the end of the day.
It does have a higher price tag but also means you can nip back to the hotel during the day if you need to, for a bit of downtime.
Once kids are older, you can be much more flexible – from my own childhood, taking the tube was always part of the fun as we came into the centre from my grandparents’ house near the end of the Jubilee line.
How much space do you need?
For bigger families, you might need separate or interconnecting rooms (or a suite), which immediately limits your choice or pushes the price up.
For tips on the best family hotels in London sleeping 5, check out my top picks
And for families with younger kids, trying to squash into a standard hotel room isn’t much fun – most parents have had enough experience of sitting quietly in a hotel bathroom willing their baby/toddler to sleep in the darkened bedroom not to want to do it again.
Self-catering accommodation can be a good answer, and there are apartments and aparthotels to choose from (scroll down for ideas) as well as options like AirBNB – many of those will tend to be outside the city centre though.
Where are you planning to visit during your stay?
If you’re focused on London’s museums, the best hotels in London with kids for you will be around South Kensington, while if you’re planning to check out the family attractions around Westminster and the West End, then Covent Garden or the South Bank/Waterloo are good.
This way, you won’t have to face a long journey across the city every morning. If budget is the biggest factor, it’s worth doublechecking that you’re near a tube station (you can get around on bus, train and foot, but it’s more limiting). Try checking a few sample journeys on the Citymapper app or the Tfl journey planner.
While I love Greenwich and Kew Gardens, for example, it’s far easier to make a single journey out to visit them, than to be based there and to try to cross London every day (unless you’re only planning to explore that particular area).
What’s your budget?
You can find the main chains of budget hotels in London: Premier Inn and Travelodge both have family rooms but some of the other budget London hotels will require you to book more than one room.
Or you can also check sites like booking.com and filter by price, although do factor in any additional travel costs (and time) if you’re in a less central location.
Where to stay around Covent Garden with kids
The Resident, Covent Garden
The Resident (formally the Nadler) is not only one of the top hotels in Covent Garden but also one of the best hotels in central London with kids.
The boutique hotel has family rooms including a mini kitchen with a microwave and fridge, which is always useful when travelling with kids. The hotel will even pre-stock your mini kitchen with any groceries you need before you arrive so you won’t be worried about tracking down a supermarket.
Resident hotels also offer guests deals including discounts off London family-friendly attractions, which has previously included money off Merlin attractions such as the London Eye, The London Dungeon, the London Sea Life aquarium and more.
Check the best rates for The Resident on booking.com
Fielding Hotel, Covent Garden
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in London with kids which allows you to have a little extra space and privacy, the Fielding Hotel is a great value choice.
Right in the heart of Covent Garden, the 4-star hotel has both spacious Queen rooms which can sleep up to four people with a sofa bed and double bed, as well as several private apartments.
These have a fully-equipped kitchen, a separate living space and bedrooms which can sleep six to eight people, making them a great option for larger families.
Check the best rates for Fielding Hotel on booking.com
Other hotels in Covent Garden with kids
St Martins Lane London
This stylish 5-star hotel comes with a bigger price tag but has Superior Double Double rooms which are ideal for families, with two double beds. Check the latest rates at St Martins Lane here
Where to stay near the London Eye/Westminster with kids
Park Plaza County Hall London
If you don’t know where to start when you’re looking for places to stay in London with kids, you can never go wrong with Park Plaza.
The hotel chain has several central London hotels which offer their Family Experience package. My top pick is the Park Plaza County Hall on South Bank, which is just a short walk from many of the biggest London family attractions including the London Eye and Houses of Parliament.
Park Plaza’s Family Package includes children’s goodie bags, free breakfast for everyone, plus free lunch and dinner for kids under 11 when dining with parents, and a discount on the overall rate, including interconnecting rooms or rooms with sofa beds.
Keep an eye out for family deals as well, such as 2-for-1 offers on Merlin attractions and occasional seasonal activities for kids.
Nox Hotel, Waterloo
Located in Waterloo, just a short walk from London’s South Bank and its many attractions, Nox Hotel is a lovely family-friendly aparthotel.
Nox’s super sleek family studios have a double bed plus two singles for children, as well as a fully equipped kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and toaster.
The hotel is also just a few minutes from Waterloo station which is handy if you’re planning any day trips away from the capital, including to Hampton Court Palace.
Check the best rates for Nox Hotel Waterloo on booking.com
Other hotels near Westminster with kids
The Grand at Trafalgar Square
It would be hard to be more central than this hotel, and with one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes, it’s a good option to consider with kids. Check the latest rates at The Grand At Trafalgar Square here
Marlin Waterloo
Just 650 yards from the London Eye, this hotel has family rooms including a kitchenette. Check the latest rates at Marlin Waterloo here
Where to stay near Kensington (and Notting Hill) with kids
The Ampersand, Kensington
Set in a large Victorian building, The Ampersand is a stylish boutique hotel just minutes away from South Kensington tube station and close to the area’s many child-friendly museums.
As well as gorgeous decor in the spacious rooms – many of which have their own kitchenette, and some with amazing views over the rooftops – The Ampersand has some fun themed afternoon teas as well, such as the Science Afternoon Tea with dinosaur biscuits and rocket cheese straws for younger kids, plus a colourful games room with a ping pong table.
Check the best rates for The Ampersand on booking.com
Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington
The Royal Garden Hotel is a 5-star hotel on the end of Kensington High Street, with fantastic views over Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. It’s also just a couple of minutes walk away from Kensington Palace, so you’ll practically be neighbours with British royalty.
And it’s incredibly family-friendly too: children are welcomed with backpacks full of goodies, while the hotel has plenty of other toys and games – including wigwam tents – for your room.
They also have micro-scooters which kids can borrow to whizz around the neighbouring park, and a ‘food and flix’ package that includes unlimited movies and food delivered to your room. If that doesn’t keep the kids entertained I don’t know what will!
Check the best rates for the Royal Garden Hotel on booking.com
Other hotels near Kensington with kids
The Queen’s Gate hotel
Very close to both the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, there are family rooms sleeping four (with the option to have a cot as well). Check the latest rates at the Queen’s Gate hotel here
Budget places to stay in London with kids
YHA Youth Hostel, Earl’s Court
When thinking about where to stay in London with kids on a budget, you might automatically write off the affluent borough of Kensington and Chelsea. However, there are actually a number of budget hotels and hostels in Earls Court, which are close to the museums and you’re still in zone 1 on the tube.
The YHA Youth Hostel in Earls Court is a great budget option for families. Don’t let the fact it’s a youth hostel put you off. The YHA has many private en-suite family rooms which sleep between three and six people.
To keep the costs of your trip down, there’s also a laundry room, self-catering kitchen and communal areas where you can meet other families. There’s also a large garden for kids to enjoy during the summer months.
There are a string of other YHA properties in London too, including YHA Central, not far from Regent’s Park and Oxford Street, which also has private rooms for families.
Premier Inn London Southwark (Borough High St)
Premier Inn London Southwark is another great budget hotel in London with kids, offering spacious family rooms that feature a double bed plus a sofa bed and pull-out bed.
The hotel is in a great location on Borough High Street, just a few minutes away from the foodie paradise of Borough Market. It’s also close to London Bridge tube station for easily travelling around the rest of the capital, as well as trains to south London and the Horniman Museum.
Premier Inn also provides travel cots for babies at no extra cost and kids eat breakfast for free when dining with parents.
There are also several other Premier Inn properties in the area, including Southwark and County Hall, plus other properties near Victoria, Farringdon and Aldgate, among others
Blow the budget family hotels in London
The Goring, Belgravia
Another of the most luxurious family hotels in London is The Goring, with a five-star experience for families and its ‘V.I. (little) P’ guests – the family accommodation includes something for all ages, which easily makes it one of the best hotels in London with kids.
Parents travelling with babies get a Goring basket of essentials, while kids are greeted with a Goring cuddly ‘Baaa-bara Sheep’ and a fun ‘For Kids’ Eyes Only’ activity pack.
The Goring’s Dressing Up Box is filled with fun British themed costumes for 3-9-year olds to enjoy, while a Bedtime Story Library is available to help get the little ones to sleep. Young guests are even invited to join the chef in the kitchen to decorate cakes and cookies while parents relax in the nearby bar. With so many fun activities, the tricky bit will be getting everyone out to actually explore London…
Check the latest rates for The Goring on booking.com
The Landmark, Marylebone
The Landmark is one of London’s great historic rail hotels, right next to Marylebone station, best known for its iconic Winter Garden restaurant in the large glass-roofed and palm tree covered atrium. But what many people don’t realise is just how family-friendly this luxurious 5-star London hotel is.
The Landmark offers a ‘Family Fun’ package which includes a spacious family room with two double beds, plenty of child-friendly amenities, and breakfast in the Winter Garden. On arrival, kids also receive freshly-baked cookies and a Landmark teddy bear each, as well as a tent and headlamps for them to enjoy some fun indoor camping in the room.
The hotel is just a short distance from plenty of child-friendly London attractions including Madame Tussauds, Regents Park and London Zoo as well.
Check the latest rates for The Landmark on booking.com
Other once-in-a-lifetime hotels in London for families
Rubens at the Palace, Westminster
This hotel near Buckingham Palace has more than just family suites, with kids’ experiences and afternoon tea, milk and cookies at bedtime and babysitting service. It’s good for teens too, with games consoles and mocktails. Check the latest rates at Rubens at the Palace here
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, Westminster
As well as fabulous family suites, expect special experiences themed around everything from the Jungle Book to Alice in Wonderland. Check the latest rates at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites here
The Athenaeum, Mayfair
There’s a children’s concierge to make a family stay extra special with a questionnaire sent in advance to make sure all their favourite things are waiting for them, plus bunk beds in the rooms. Check the latest rates at The Athenaeum here
St Ermins Hotel
Another great option if you’re looking to stay near Westminster, it’s one to splurge on, with family treats like kids’ afternoon tea and bedtime stories, family rooms plus the chance to meet the hotel’s famous bees. Check the latest rates at St Ermins hotel here
Self-catering apartments in London with kids
Citadines Trafalgar Square
If you’re looking for space and the flexibility of self-catering, Citadines has modern apartments which are ideal for families, with several locations in the city, including Citadines Trafalgar Square, right in the heart of London’s West-End.
The cosy one and two-bedroom apartments sleep up to 6 people and all feature a living and dining area and a kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities.
Complimentary weekly housekeeping is included for longer stays so you can sit back and enjoy your trip without having to clean up after the kids.
Check the latest rates for Citadines Trafalgar Square on booking.com
SACO Holborn, near Covent Garden
The SACO group is another alternative with apartments in locations around the city – and if you’re visiting London with kids, SACO Holborn is ideal.
Not far from Covent Garden and only a short walk from the British Museum, there are several variations of two-bedroom apartments, including one with sofa bed that sleeps up to six if you’re looking for something for larger families – the sofa bed needs to be requested.
There’s also a living/dining area with fully-equipped kitchen, plus a bath with overhead shower in the bathroom. Rates start from as little as £124 if you’re booking in advance.
For more ideas of great apartments and family hotels in London sleeping five, check out my top picks
Other self-catering apartments for families in London
If you’re looking for a place to stay in London with kids that’s walkable to plenty of top attractions but away from the crowds of the main tourist areas, Lexham Gardens by Cheval Maison near Gloucester Road tube and the South Kensington museums is a great choice for some luxury with two-bedroom apartments sleeping up to five.
Hotels for larger families in London
Most family hotel rooms in London are designed for a family of four, perhaps with a travel cot for a baby as well at a maximum which narrows down the options for bigger families.
Once your kids are older, cramming them onto a sofa bed isn’t necessarily realistic either (quite apart from everyone wanting a bit of privacy and space during your stay).
Booking two interconnecting rooms is always an option, although not necessarily a cheap one, but you can also find London hotel rooms sleeping five or more.
Hilton Metropole, Edgware Road
If you’re looking for somewhere central and spacious that won’t break the bank, it’s hard to beat the Hilton Metropole.
Located not far from Edgware Road underground stations, and walking distance to Marble Arch, the hotel’s biggest rooms will sleep five. The two queen bed superior room with sofa bed sleeps two adults and up to three children.
There are options available including breakfast, while if you plan ahead, the Advance Purchase booking rates are often under £300.
Zedwell Piccadilly
The Cocoon rooms at Zedwell Piccadilly don’t just sleep five, there’s room for six and even eight, which is a real rarity in London – let alone central London.
But it’s definitely a bit of a Marmite option: you’ll either love this set up with its location a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus or won’t be able to stand the thought of a room with no windows or natural light.
There are noise-reducing walls though if you’re worried about being right among the noise and bustle, especially if you’re visiting London with younger kids, although realistically this is likely to work best as a place to sleep if you’re visiting with tweens and teens (just be aware there’s limited privacy).
The emphasis is on minimalist style too. The beds themselves are comfy and you get three double beds in the Cocoon 6 (four in the Cocoon 8), set up in a bunk bed style arrangement, all with Egyptian cotton sheets.
And you’ll find swanky Malin & Goetz toiletries in the bathroom, along with the walk-in rain shower (separated by a glass door), plus lots of plugs by the beds but no extras like a TV or tea/coffee-making facilities, or even a table/chairs.
Prices are around £350, including free cancellation (but no breakfast).
For more hotels in London sleeping five, check out my top picks
*last updated 2024*
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Images: National Gallery/London Eye copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy of Depositphotos
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