Our Ultimate Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in London
A London getaway is always exciting – take it from someone who has lived here for a decade – but first, you must decide the best area to stay in London for you. Do you want to be in the centre of the capital, close to the action and the best things to do in London, or a little further out in a more peaceful location? Is it important to be close to public transport options, major train stations such as King's Cross, or iconic cultural landmarks like the Natural History Museum? Or perhaps you'd rather stay in one of the best neighbourhoods in London to get under the skin of life like a local? Thankfully, whatever version of London you're interested in experiencing – foodie London, arty London, cultural London or iconic London – there'll be world-class hotels to book as your base. But we get it – as one of Europe's biggest and busiest cities, it can be overwhelming when you need to decide where to stay. Below we've listed our favourite areas of London for every type of traveller.
Covent Garden
In London's West End, Covent Garden's central square was once a fruit and vegetable market. These days, it's home to shops and restaurants that draw in tourists every day of the week – but that's not the only draw here. This is the heart of theatreland, making it an ideal choice for those hoping to catch a show while in town, as well as where you'll find the Royal Opera House. Once a bit of a culinary wasteland, the food scene here is thriving these days – we especially like The Barbary, with its Mediterranean sharing plates concept, and Toklas, a bakery-meets-restaurant.
Why we like it:
There's arguably no better location in London when it comes to getting around on foot
Cultural icons such as the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden Market are right outside your hotel
You're close to London's best theatres
There's a buzz in this pretty neighbourhood every day of the week
Where to stay
NoMad London – New York swagger meets punchy period drama
Henrietta Experimental – a cute boutique hotel
The Savoy – one of the most iconic places to stay in London
Getting around
The best tube stations are Covent Garden and Leicester Square.
Best for: shoppers
Mayfair
Many come to London just to shop – if that's you, Mayfair is your best bet for a base. In this affluent neighbourhood right in the centre of London, you're within walking distance of Bond Street, where you'll find all the big-name designers, as well as close to Regent Street and Oxford Street for a more casual shopping experience. Mayfair is home to some of London's best hotels, and, in recent years, restaurants too – book tables at Michelin-starred HUMO, Japanese spot KOYN or the arty Mount St. Restaurant to sample the best of it.
Why we like it:
Some of London's iconic places to stay are in this neighbourhood
Pretty architecture and well-groomed gardens abound
You're right in the centre of central London, so getting around is a breeze
Mayfair's restaurant scene is on a roll
You're within walking distance of some of our favourite London areas such as Soho
Where to stay
Claridge's – one of London's most legendary luxe hotels
1 Hotel Mayfair – an eco-focussed modern stay
The Twenty Two – Edwardian manor house turned 31-room hotel
Getting around
The best tube stations in Mayfair are Green Park and Bond Street.
Best for: foodies
Shoreditch
If you had to ask us which neighbourhood in London had the best food and drink scene, it'd be a tough decision between Soho, in central London, and Shoreditch, out east. In this neighbourhood, you'll find some of London's very best restaurants, such as Brat, The Clove Club and Lyle's. We'd choose Shoreditch as a base not only because of its thriving restaurant scene but also because of the excellent hotel options and the cool, artsy vibe that the neighbourhood has managed to retain despite years of gentrification.
Why we like it:
Being based in East London opens up some of London's best neighbourhoods such as Hackney Wick, Dalston and more
You'll find some of London's best restaurants and bars here
While no longer an edgy part of the capital, Shoreditch has a younger, cooler atmosphere – with street art, great bars and galleries – than many other top areas to stay in London
Where to stay
One Hundred Shoreditch – with its cool rooftop bar and underground cocktail den
The Hoxton – a cosy, chic stay for creatives
Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch – a sleek hotel from the Japanese powerhouse group
Getting around
The best tube stations in Mayfair are Green Park and Bond Street.
Best for: families
Hyde Park
If you're visiting with the whole family – whether you've got little kids or teenagers to entertain – access to London's (many) parks is vital. Hyde Park, one of London's royal parks, is right in the centre of London in Zone 1, set between well-heeled Knightsbridge and Green Park. Here, you're close to some of London's most iconic sites, like Buckingham Palace, as well as within touching distance of neighbourhoods such as Mayfair, Belgravia and Kensington. Plus, of course, you have the park itself to run riot in.
Why we like it:
Access to acres of green space, playgrounds and more within Hyde Park
Close to central London for sight-seeing
Great for families staying during events such as Winter Wonderland
Where to stay
The Peninsula, London – a glassy, glossy new opening from the Hong Kong-based brand
The Emory – London’s first all-suite hotel
The Berkeley – a classic grand dame
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park – a hotel with historic charm that's undergone a modern makeover
Getting around
The closest tube station to Hyde Park is Hyde Park Corner, on the Piccadilly line.
This guide originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.